48 32 1900 http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d9482c871e32261950d8e33c14c47873.pdf 4fdf6720c31e21f9459e745477316684 PDF Text Text www.seafarers.org Volume 65, Number 3 March 2003 Seafarers Crew Up New Cable Ship SIU members are sailing aboard the modern cable ship Tyco Dependable, christened Jan. 21 in Honolulu. Built last year, the vessel is operated by Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. Page 3. Photo courtesy of U.S. Maritime Administration SIU Members Answer the Call As Vessel Activations Continue At ports throughout the nation, Seafarers are crewing up Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels and other military support ships that have been activated for Operation Enduring Freedom. Above right, the Cape Taylor sails past the Cape Texas early last month in Corpus Christi, Texas. Both ships are crewed by Seafarers. At left, AB Manny Wabe helps take on stores aboard the Cape Wrath in Baltimore. Pages 4, 10, 11, 20. TRANSCOM Leader Tours Paul Hall Center The head of the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) recently toured the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. U.S. Gen. John W. Handy—pictured here examining a training record book with the school’s admissions director, Priscilla Senatore—visited the school Jan. 28. He checked out all aspects of the facility. Page 3. Government Services Division Gets Newly Commissioned Ship Members of the SIU’s Government Services Division are sailing aboard a former U.S. Navy ship that is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fleet. NOAA commissioned the Oscar E. Sette Jan. 23 during ceremonies in Honolulu Harbor. Page 3. Notice About MMDs Page 3 Port Security Update Page 5 �President’s Report Union Members & Enduring Freedom Pick up any newspaper or watch the news on TV, and you’re pretty much guaranteed to see at least one story covering the national and international debates over what to do about Iraq. In fact, going back to last year, it probably would be impossible to figure out how much copy and air time have been devoted to the Iraqi threat. Naturally with a topic this big and important, the arguments have been urgent and mostly wellexpressed. Government officials, labor organizaMichael Sacco tions, editorial writers, general citizens and others have made persuasive and often elaborate points. But when it comes to clarity and common sense, it’s tough to top the letter I read last month from a lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corps that appeared in a church bulletin. He’s stationed with our troops in the desert overseas, preparing for the possible war against Iraq. In part, the letter reads, “All of us pray that God will grant our leaders the wisdom and skill to find a solution to this crisis. But we also pray that if we must fight, God will give us strength and safety as we deliver victory to our nation.” You better believe I say “Amen” to that. By the way, if you’re wondering about the morale of our armed forces, the lieutenant colonel also wrote, “A few months in the desert has a way of cleansing the mind and inspiring acceptance. It worked for Moses.” I think the letter reflects the fact that any sane person doesn’t want war if it’s truly avoidable. But history has taught us that there are times when America really doesn’t have a choice. Today, the fact is that we are at war against terrorism. And that war almost certainly will extend to Iraq. We’re in it—and union members are playing a vital role in the operation. Our brothers and sisters throughout the AFL-CIO unions are going about their jobs with efficiency, dedication and patriotism. Thousands have geared up for service in the Middle East as reservists and members of the National Guard. I’m especially proud of the jobs being performed by the unions of the Maritime Trades Department, of which I am the president. We see their commitment and essential productivity throughout the country and overseas. We see it on the docks, where Longshoremen are working with the Coast Guard and other officials to ensure safety in our nation’s ports. We see it on our American-flag ships, where Seafarers and other union mariners are transporting troops and vital cargo to strategic locations in the Middle East. We see it in our shipyards, where Electricians, Painters, Steelworkers, Boilermakers and others built many of the military support ships and Navy vessels and Coast Guard cutters that all play a key role in the war on terrorism. We see it along the railroads and on the highways and in the skies, where Machinists and truck drivers and pilots and flight attendants and other union members are tackling unprecedented challenges. And of course, we saw it from the very first moments of September 11, when all of this started. Our brothers and sisters from the Fire Fighters, the Operating Engineers, the Laborers, the Iron Workers, AFSCME, other emergency responders, and many, many other unions answered the call that day and every day since then. As AFL-CIO President John Sweeney recently noted, “The American labor movement has supported the President in the fight against terrorism and we are supporting the President in the fight to free Iraq. The American labor movement has stood with every President in time of war and we will stand with our President today if war comes.” Brothers and sisters, there’s no debate about that. Volume 65, Number 3 March 2003 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998 and at additional offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2003 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Alaska, SIU, School Team Up To Train Displaced Workers The SIU, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, and the administration of Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski are partnering to recruit and train dislocated workers from Alaska for careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine. The project was announced Feb. 3 by Alaska Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development Greg O’Claray. In partnership with the SIU, the school and the Ketchikanbased nonprofit recruiting and referral agency, SEA Link Inc., the state’s labor department will train and place qualified dislocated Alaskans previously employed in the fishing industry into family-wage jobs as merchant mariners aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels engaged in the Alaska, domestic and international deep sea shipping industry, O’Claray noted. The plan is to send approximately 20 qualified applicants each month from Alaska to the Paul Hall Center, based in Piney Point, Md. The school offers a comprehensive array of vocational curriculums, from entry-level to officer training. Academic support is available as well—students may enroll in a GED or college-degree program, among other choices. The Paul Hall Center, which opened in 1967, offers dozens of U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses. The school is located in Piney Point, Md. “We’re sending the first qualified Alaskans to Piney Point this month,” O’Claray said. “It is expected that approximately 240 Alaskans will be trained as merchant mariners by the end of next year.” Training funds are granted to SEA Link Inc. for this initiative through federal Workforce Investment Act money, accounted for and administered through Alaska’s Department of Labor. Anchorage-based SIU Repre- sentative Harold Holten stated, “Our union and industry are committed to reaching out to Alaskans, particularly since our overall experience in recruiting here is overwhelmingly positive. Our first initiative to recruit Alaska youth is a model success and continues to exceed expectations after five years and nearly 100 participants. We expect the same results through this displaced worker initiative.” MSC Implements Vaccination Program Unions Agree: Mariners Deserve Same Protection as Military In support of our nation’s war on terrorism, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) earlier this year began implementing the Department of Defense (DOD) smallpox vaccination program and resumed anthrax vaccinations for U.S. mariners aboard vessels that will sail into known threat and risk areas. Officials from the SIU and other maritime unions in late December met with representatives of MSC and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) to discuss protections for merchant mariners. Subsequently, when DOD ordered the inoculations for mariners who sign on aboard certain ships involved in the war, the SIU distributed detailed information about the program to its port officials for dissemination, in turn, to the membership. A communication from MSC noted, “The DOD program, tailored to meet the needs of the military, is designed to ensure that America’s armed forces, and civilians who have critical mission functions, are protected from the biological threat of smallpox and anthrax. Therefore, like our men and women in uniform, DOD recognizes that it is critically important to protect U.S. Merchant Mariners, both MSC CIVMARs and contract mariners, who may be deployed on sealift ships essential to the accomplishment of its missions. Vaccinating before an attack is the best way to ensure that our troops and mariners can continue their missions if a smallpox or anthrax outbreak occurs.” Later, the SIU and three other maritime unions (American Maritime Officers; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; and Masters, Mates & Pilots) issued a statement which read in part, “Collectively, we share the opinion that it is crucial that our members have access to, and are afforded the same protections, which are required and extended to members of our active duty military forces when called upon to serve their country.… We fully support our country’s military operations and we are very serious about our crucial role as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense.” At least as far back as July 2000, the SIU had pointed out that the anthrax immunizations were very likely to be reinstituted at some point. The union delivered that message in written correspondence to all officials and port employees, and the topic periodically has been discussed since then at monthly membership meetings. Seafarers seeking more information about the inoculations should contact their port agent. General guidance and information on the program and medical eligibility for receiving the vaccines is available on line at the following site: www.vaccines.army.mil www.anthrax.mil 5 Charged in FOC Drug-Smuggling Case Three Jamaican nationals recently were arrested in Florida in connection with a drug-smuggling operation involving runaway-flag cruise ships, also known as flag-of-convenience (FOC) vessels. Two other individuals charged in the case are still at large. According to newspaper and television reports, more than 60 pounds of cocaine—with a street value of $6 million—have been smuggled into the United States aboard runaway-flag cruise ships involved in this illegal dealing. Much of the contraband reportedly was taped to the bodies of crew members, some of whom allegedly were employed by Carnival Cruise Lines. A Drug Enforcement Administration official told reporters that the most recent arrests were part of a two-year investigation that also has caught at least nine other people. Special Agent Joe Kilmer told the Associated Press that the drugs had been carried from Jamaica to Key West, Miami and Port Everglades, Fla. aboard different cruise lines. The three men who were arrested Jan. 25 are Jamaican citizens living in south Florida. March 2003 �SIU Welcomes New Cable Ship On their way to the Dependable’s christening Jan. 21 in Honolulu are (from left) Chief Cook Franz Schnell, Bosun Victorgil Mariano and Chief Steward Emmanuel Laureta. Recertified Steward Emmanuel Laureta is pictured aboard the new cable ship. SIU-contracted Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. recently christened the Tyco Dependable in Honolulu, signaling new job opportunities for Seafarers. The 459-foot vessel was built last year by Keppel Hitachi Zosen of Singapore. Transoceanic’s parent company, Tyco, christened the ship Jan. 21. “We welcome the opportunity to provide the unlicensed crew for the Dependable, a truly stateof-the-art cable ship,” remarked SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. “These jobs will help maintain a pool of well-trained, loyal U.S. mariners who are an important part of America’s national and economic security.” The Dependable, which has a service speed of 13.9 knots, is based in Honolulu near her sister ship, the SIU-crewed Long Lines. The newer vessel is replete with the most modern equipment. It features a Rolls-Royce diesel electric generating set, forward and aft bow thrusters, azthmuthing stern thrusters and a Kongsberg Simrad dynamic positioning system. Additionally, the Dependable’s cable laying and repair equipment includes stern linear and drum engines; dynamometers; traction winches; after deck cranes; buoy handling davits and much more. The ship’s navigation aids include Furuno GPS and ECDIS systems, along with a magnetic compass, gyrocompass, track pilot, echo sounders, speed log and X- and S-band radar. Gen. Handy Tours School The head of the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) recently toured the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. U.S. Air Force Gen. John W. Handy visited the school Jan. 28. He checked out all aspects of the facility, including the manpower office, the fire fighting school, the simulator and the small arms range. In fact, his tour went beyond a mere visual inspection, as Gen. Handy got a true feel for the school by performing some handson training both on the simulator and at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. “The Paul Hall Center is a first-class, comprehensive facility,” Gen. Handy stated. “The school is fully equipped to meet the training needs of mariners who crew our military contracted vessels. It is critical for our nation to sustain a viable U.S.-flag shipping and mariner capability, and the school clearly is essen- The tour included an extensive stop at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, part of the Paul Hall Center. Instructor Brad Wheeler (using computer) demonstrates some of the GMDSS course content for Gen. Handy. tial to that cause.” TRANSCOM is responsible for all of the U.S. military’s sealift assets. Gen. Handy is a strong advocate of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Late last year, he urged Congress to reauthorize the U.S. Maritime Security Program. The Tyco Dependable, pictured in Honolulu, features state-of-the-art equipment. Gov’t Services Division Crews Former Navy Ship Members of the SIU’s Government Services Division are sailing aboard a former U.S. Navy ship that is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fleet. NOAA commissioned the Oscar E. Sette Jan. 23 during ceremonies in Honolulu Harbor. Among the dignitaries present for the event were U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, and Jennifer Sabas, chief of staff for U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). The Sette will help assess and protect the region’s fisheries and living marine resources for NOAA, which is part of the Commerce Department. The ship normally will operate throughout the central and western Pacific, conducting fisheries assessment surveys, physical and chemical oceanography, marine mammal projects and coral reef research. According to NOAA, the vessel is equipped with three small outboard driven boats; wet and dry, hydrochemistry and computer labs; an acoustic Doppler current profiler; and two deep-ocean winches, two J-frames, one Aframe, a net reel, and deep-sea trawl winches. “Not only are we greatly Oscar E. Sette Specifications Length: 224 ft. Breadth: 43 ft. Draft: 15 ft. Displacement: 2301 tons Speed: 10.5 knots Built: 1988, Halter Marine, Inc. expanding our observation and research potential, but we’re continuing in the gradual trend of revitalizing the NOAA fleet,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “With each new or refurbished addition to the NOAA fleet, we become more efficient at supporting the NOAA mission. The Sette has a longer range, enhanced stability and better boat-handling capabilities than the ship it’s replacing.” The Oscar E. Sette is named after the first director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Honolulu Laboratory, now part of NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service. He served there from 1949 to 1955. Chief Bosun Kenneth Motoyama attends the ceremony. Gen. Handy (center) visits the new small arms range at the Paul Hall Center. He is joined by Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan (left) and Safety Director Jim Hanson. Important Notice About MMDs In what the U.S. Coast Guard described as “changes to improve security and accountability in the U.S. Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) system,” the agency in early February altered its procedures for issuing and renewing MMDs. The Coast Guard is issuing a new “tamper resistant” MMD, utilizing the following priorities: 1. Mariners renewing or upgrading their MMD in support of a national emergency or military activation. 2. Other active mariners. 3. Mariners applying for an original MMD. All applicants will be vetted (background check), as per orders of the Justice Department. During a meeting last month at the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center, the SIU voiced concern about how the new policy may impact the current activations in support of the war on terrorism. While sympathetic regarding the need for heightened security, the union particularly encouraged the agency to find an effective way to avoid anticipated delays in issuing new documents. One option discussed to resolve this issue was assigning temporary documents to first-time applicants. In early February, the Coast Guard had assigned 15 “investigation agents” to the vetting process, with plans to add 28 more agents in the immediate future. The Coast Guard regional examination centers (RECs) remain open, but there likely will be delays in renewing and updating documents. Unofficially, the agency has indicated no user fees will be charged to current MMD holders who apply for renewal by Sept. 1 of this year. Again, that position remained unconfirmed as this issue of the LOG went to press in mid-February. The SIU will provide updates as they become available, both in the LOG and on the union’s web site (www.seafarers.org). Meanwhile, Seafarers are urged to keep in touch with their port agents concerning the status of their MMDs. March 2003 The Oscar Sette (above and at left) typically will operate throughout the central and western Pacific. Seafarers LOG 3 �Manpower Department, SIU Port Officials Show Dedication in Answering Activations Life for the 10 people who staff the manpower department at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently has been anything but monotonous. Over the last several months, the Piney Point, Md.-based team of specialists has worked virtually around the clock seven days per week in response to the recent wave of vessel activations by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Agents, patrolmen and staff members at the various SIU ports around the nation likewise have been working extended hours due to the activations. “Our job is to monitor the shipping and registration of all vessels under contract to the Seafarers International Union,” said Bart Rogers, manpower director. “We ensure that all SIUcontracted vessels are crewed in a timely and efficient fashion.” He added that the manpower office also monitors the number of people who are registered on the beach and maintains crew lists as well as “skill tables” on mariners so that individuals with specific endorsements easily can be matched to particular requests The manpower office at the Paul Hall Center, a busy place to begin with, has been especially active in 2003. from various SIU-contracted companies. “Since the activations commenced, we’ve been working an average 16 to 17 hours every day, seven days per week to keep pace with the demand for manpower,” Rogers continued. “Our people at the hiring halls have been on the same type of schedule because they are the ones who actually have been filling the jobs. The long hours worked at both levels ensure that we are able to stay on top of all manpower requests and that the open jobs do not get out of hand.” In January, the manpower office processed about 2,000 jobs—a sharp increase from the normal number. As of press time for the Seafarers LOG, Rogers and his staff (Bonnie Johnson, Carol Johnson, Leo Bonser, Sal Aquia, Pat Vandergrift, Sylvia Texeira, Janice Geisz, Ginger Bagwell and Giselle Viohl) this year had crewed well over 100 vessels— 50-plus in response to the activations, the rest as part of normal operations. “I’m proud of the job that the staff and the people at the various ports are doing,” Rogers shared. “But the real credit goes to the mariners who—in keeping with NOTICE from the U.S. Maritime Administration Reemployment Rights of U.S. Merchant Seamen Purpose: to encourage merchant mariner service onboard sealift ships in support of maritime mobilization needs of the United States while eliminating or minimizing the disadvantages to civilian careers and employment which can result from such service; to minimize the disruption to the lives of merchant seamen performing service for the United States as well as to their employers, their fellow employees, and their communities, by providing for the prompt reemployment of such persons upon their completion of such service; and to prohibit discrimination against persons because of their service in the U.S. merchant marine. Reemployment Benefit: U.S. merchant seamen who voluntarily leave their existing employment for employment on a vessel supporting the sealift needs of the United States during a war, armed conflict, national emergency or maritime mobilization need are entitled to receive reemployment rights similar to military reservists. This benefit does not apply to commercially employed mariners or civil service mariners who are employed and serving on U.S.-flag vessels, but is intended to protect those qualified mariners who are no longer sailing but who volunteer to temporarily leave permanent employment in shoreside positions to serve on sealift vessels in a national crisis. Reemployment Rights Criteria: The Maritime Administration under authority delegated by the Secretary of Transportation certifies that the merchant seaman was employed in the activation or operation of a vessel — 4 Seafarers LOG ■ That is in the National Defense Reserve Fleet (NDRF) including the Ready Reserve Force (RRF), when in use or being activated for use at the request of Secretary of Defense; or ■ That is requisitioned by the Secretary of Transportation during any national emergency declared by proclamation of the President; or ■ That is owned, chartered or controlled by the U.S. for a war, armed conflict, national emergency or maritime mobilization need (including testing for readiness performance); and ■ During the period of that employment, the merchant seaman possesses a valid license, certificate of registry or merchant mariner’s document issued by the US Coast Guard. Maritime Administration Certification: If a U.S. seaman meets the above criteria, the individual may submit an application for certification of reemployment rights within 45 days after completion of service. The individual must submit relevant documentation to: Maritime Administration Office of Sealift Support MAR 630, Room 7304 400 7th Street, SW Washington, DC 20590 Documentation must include certificate(s) of discharge or letter certifying service from the Master of the sealift vessels or authorized representatives of government contracted ship managers, copies of relevant U.S. Coast Guard license and/or Merchant Mariner’s Document (MMD) and a letter of request for certification. MARAD will issue or deny certification not later than 20 days after receipt of request from the merchant seaman. Notifications to Employer: Prior to volunteer service, the individual must give advance written or verbal notice of above applicable employment as a merchant seaman to the person’s employer. After service, the mariner must submit an application to their previous employer for reemployment not later than 14 days after completion of service that is less than 181 days, or not later than 90 days after completion of service greater than 181 days. Enforcement: MARAD shall provide administrative assistance to merchant seamen volunteers who are certified for reemployment per the above instructions and have been refused reemployment. The seaman must provide a complaint in writing to the MARAD address above describing the allegations of failure, refusal, or imminent failure or refusal of an employer to grant reemployment rights. MARAD will communicate with the individual and the employer to attempt to resolve the complaint without litigation. If attempts to resolve the complaint are unsuccessful MARAD may seek advice of the Department of Labor. If the complainant requests, MARAD will refer to the Attorney General a complaint relating to a private or State employer, or to the Merit Systems Protection Board for litigation, a complaint relating to a Federal executive agency employer. If there are questions you may contact Captain Rod McFadden at the Maritime Administration on 202-366-2647 or E-mail: rod.mcfadden@marad.dot.gov. the Seafarers’ proud tradition of service—are stepping up without hesitation to answer their country’s call to duty.” Added Gene Albert, director of labor relations for SIU-contracted Marine Transport Lines, “Since January 17, MTL has activated 12 vessels—soon to be 14. The crew at manpower has done a wonderful job during this time. I really appreciate the commitment and dedication they have shown during our country’s calling of Operation Enduring Freedom.” Manpower Director Bart Rogers credits Seafarers, his staff and the SIU’s port officials for helping meet the challenges of the recent activations. TOTE’s Northern Lights Transports Military Gear Answering a request from the head of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) is lending the assistance of the Northern Lights to transport military hardware to Southwest Asia. The ship departed Tacoma, Wash. Feb. 9 and was scheduled to arrive in San Diego to be loaded with military cargo a few days later. An Alaska corporation founded in 1975, TOTE maintains three rollon/roll-off (RO/RO) cargo trailer ships for the Puget Sound-Anchorage trade. Typically the Northern Lights and her sister ships, the Westward Venture and Great Land, are engaged in transporting vehicles, trailers, construction equipment and other merchandise from the port of Tacoma to the port of Anchorage, Alaska. As part of the Jones Act fleet involved in the U.S. coastal trade, TOTE’s vessels are required to be U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, and U.S.crewed. According to Robert Magee, TOTE’s president and CEO, “We are proud to provide one of our vessels to aid the United States. Plus, the importance of the Jones Act is underscored by the U.S. military requesting our firm to provide a vessel to support our national interests.” The Northern Lights is one of three Ponce-class vessels owned by TOTE. The vessel will be under military charter to MSC. The vessel is a self-sustaining trailer ship built in 1974. It is 791 feet long, 105 feet wide and has a deadweight tonnage of 17,900 tons. The ship can carry 12,000 metric tons of material, equivalent to over 400 over-the-road trailers. The special design of the vessel enables most any vehicle to be driven aboard, making it an exceptional vessel for charter to the military. It can sail at a top speed of 24 knots. According to Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), an unfailing advocate of the U.S. Merchant Marine, “As a strong supporter of the Military Sealift Program, I am pleased that the Northern Lights, a TOTE Alaskan cargo vessel, will assist our men and women in the armed services. I commend TOTE’s involvement in this program.” U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Wash.), also a consistent advocate of the U.S. Merchant Marine, said, “Operation Enduring Freedom stands to benefit from the logistical expertise of an experienced domestic commercial vessel operator like TOTE. Our military can be certain the private-citizen crew and officers aboard the Northern Lights will get this critical hardware to our troops when and where it is needed.” SIU Ship Survives Severe Storm The crew of the SIU-contracted Maersk Carolina recently experienced firsthand the mayhem which can be caused by a raging storm at sea. Thanks to their superb training and ability to cope in the face of adversity, each escaped the encounter without serious injury and lived to sail another day. During the early morning hours of Jan. 26, while on a course for Halifax, Nova Scotia from the Mediterranean, the Maersk Carolina—a large containership—encountered a violent storm off the coast of Newfoundland. Published reports say the storm brought gale-force winds, gusting to 55 miles per hour, and 20-foot seas to a wide swath of the North Atlantic. Laden with goods ranging from citrus fruit to cotton, the 70,000ton vessel completely was at the mercy of the sea while the storm unleashed its fury. Many of the ship’s containers were crushed, and damage was registered to its superstructure, but the Carolina managed to reach port at Pier 36 in Halifax shortly after 9:30 a.m., Jan. 27. “She must have been hit by one hell of a wave. That’s the good old North Atlantic,” Allan Race, general manager of the Halifax office of Maersk Canada, told reporters. The same storm reportedly forced the high-seas rescue of 16 crew members from a Finnish-registered freighter after its engines failed in heavy seas off Newfoundland Jan 23. After arriving in Halifax the Carolina began undergoing minor repairs, according to Steve Carmel of Maersk Line Limited, the vessel’s Norfolk, Va-based operator. The ship departed Feb. 5 for its next port. SIU members aboard the vessel at the time of the incident were: Bosun Brian Fountain, ABs Dionisio Batiz, Donald Bowe, Reuben Brown, Thomas Kilbride, Jose Ortiz and Abdul Gharama, QEE Donald Williams, QERMs Alexander Koroteyev and Valerii Lazarov, GVA Ali Akmar, Chief Cook Victor Acevedo, SB John Reid, and SA Mario Clotter. The Maersk Carolina joined the company’s U.S. fleet in November. March 2003 �U.S. Continues Port Security Activity SIU Participates in Coast Guard Meetings, Hosts Separate Labor-Management Forum Concern about potential terrorist attacks on the high seas and at the country’s busy trading ports continues to spark a wave of security-related activity in the shipping industry. At the forefront of the bustle is the U.S. Coast Guard as it moves to implement the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002; the International Maritime Organization’s recently adopted Amendments to the 1974 Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS); a new International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code); and a series of resolutions which are designed to give weight to the amendments. The Coast Guard set Feb. 28 as the deadline for public comments on the security upgrades that will affect the shipping, commercial cruise and oil industries, among others. Interim final regulations will be published in June, followed by the final regulation in November. After the regulations SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (left) moderated a labor-management forum last month at the union’s headquarters. Participants discussed new Coast Guard and IMO rules pertaining to shipboard and port security. are finalized, the vessel owners and operators will have six months to prepare and submit vessel security plans to the Coast Guard for approval. Getting a jump on the timeline, the SIU on Feb. 7 in Camp Springs, Md. hosted a meeting of officials representing maritime labor and management. Moder- ated by SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel—who also serves as vice chairman of the Seafarers’ Section of the International Transport Workers’ Federation— the conference had a two-fold purpose: to discuss specific areas of concern on how the new rules would impact labor and the shipping industry, and to draft a joint New MarAd Study Highlights Merchant Marine’s Readiness The majority of the nation’s merchant mariners are ready, willing and able to answer the call to duty when and where their country needs them, according to results of a recently released U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd)-mandated survey. Conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), the 2001 Mariner Survey examined the employment tendencies of merchant mariners as they related to readiness. Specifically, the study collected data on mariners regarding their willingness to perform sea duty during times of national emergency, their past and present employment patterns, and their knowledge about their reemployment rights. Additionally, the research sought to measure the impact of MarAd’s maritime education and training programs on mariners and their progress in meeting the 1995 amendments to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for mariners (STCW-95). Using a sample of 10,000 merchant mariners from a population of approximately 104,000 qualified to serve on large ocean-going vessels, the survey found that the majority of mariners: Were serving in an afloat job during calendar year 2000, Have served in a deep-sea position on a U.S.-flag vessel, and Would be willing to take an afloat position in the event of a national defense emergency. The majority (73 percent) of those who would be willing to take an afloat position during an emergency indicated they would be willing to serve a minimum of 90 days. About half of all mariners reported that reemployment rights could make them more likely to be able to serve for longer stretches in a national emergency. At the time of the survey, 45 percent of unlimited license holders and 29 percent of other mariners reported that they held an STCW-95 certificate. (The survey took place roughly a year before the final STCW deadline.) Of those who did not hold the certification, 40 percent of unlimited license holders and 30 percent of other mariners reported that they planned to meet the STCW-95 requirements. One hundred and forty-six mariners were deceased or otherwise unreachable during the survey, leaving an eligible sample of 9,854. Of the eligible sample group, 4,046 completed surveys for an overall response rate of 41 percent. Of the 5,808 that did not respond, however, 1,499 surveys were returned as undeliverable despite crosschecking with all available address sources. A four-page, 15-item questionnaire developed by BTS and MarAd was used to collect information during the survey. Workers Urge Congress To Bolster Manufacturing More than 3,000 workers from across the country assembled in Washington, D.C. Feb. 3-4 to pressure Congress to take immediate steps addressing an eroding U.S. manufacturing industry. The workers joined representatives from 12 AFL-CIO industrial unions for the first legislative conference of the new Industrial Union Council (IUC). Workers from America’s heartland, angry over Washington’s neglect of the manufacturing base and the corresponding disappearance of good jobs and benefits, went to Capitol Hill to press for reforms in health care, labor law and trade and tax laws to strengthen the industry and create good manufacturing jobs NOTICE: New Clinic in Tacoma As of Feb. 11, 2003, SIU (and former NMU) members are able to utilize the services of a new local clinic in the Tacoma, Wash. area. All medical records and other documentation from Healthforce (formerly Virginia-Mason) in Seattle have been transferred to the new facility, which was selected in an effort to improve service and convenient access for the membership. The new clinic: Franciscan Occupational Health Port Clinic 1930 Port of Tacoma Road Tacoma, WA 98421 (253) 272-6677 March 2003 labor-management statement to the Coast Guard that outlined these concerns. Among specific issues discussed during the gathering were: Feasibility of applying the international regime to vessels in domestic trades, Designing industry-wide generic vessel security plans based on vessel type, Designation of a vessel security officer, Additional responsibilities and training for vessel security officers and other shipboard personnel, Impact of regulations on manning and fatigue, Cost of implementing security requirements, Funding grant needs, Shore leave for vessel crews as well as access for union officials, company officers and welfare groups, and Interface between port, facility and vessel security plans. Following an open forum discussion of the foregoing issues, a working group was formed to draft the language that would be used to convey the positions of labor and the industry to the Coast Guard. That vehicle—a joint labormanagement statement—will be sent to the appropriate authorities by Feb. 28 for inclusion in the Coast Guard docket. Elsewhere, and as earlier reported in the Seafarers LOG, the Coast Guard, as part of its implementation effort, scheduled a series of seven public meetings in various cities. These meetings, the last of which was held Feb. 11 in New York, were designed to discuss requirements for security assessments, plans, and specific security measures for ports, vessels and facilities. SIU officials along with and rank-and-file members participated in these meetings and voiced many of the same concerns raised during the former maritime labor-management meeting. In another development, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta on Jan. 14 announced $148 million in new transportation security grants. Secretary Mineta said the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) made the $148 million available. The new grants will include $105 million in Port Security Grants, $15 million in Continued on page 6 AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and benefits for thousands of workers. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka, U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (DN.D.) and U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) addressed the 3,000 delegates. “The country cannot afford to lose a major industry that drives our economic growth,” said Sweeney. “Failed economic policies have led to high unemployment in our manufacturing base and the loss of good paying jobs and health benefits for America’s working men and women.” According to the federation, manufacturing in the U.S. is losing production capacity and good jobs at an alarming rate. Manufacturing employment fell to 16.5 million in December 2002—its lowest level in 41 years—and health care costs are growing by 10 percent a year. Manufacturers are shifting the burden of health care and retiree benefits to their employees, forcing many workers to drop coverage because of skyrocketing costs. The crisis has also negatively affected the growth and stability of local economies. “When manufacturers shut down, unemployment rises, demand for public services grows and local tax bases are eroded,” said Trumka. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka The IUC is composed of the following unions: United Auto Workers; United Steelworkers of America; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; International Brotherhood of Teamsters; Communication Workers of America/IUE; Graphic Communications International Union; United Mine Workers of America; PACE International Union; Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees; Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; and the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. Seafarers LOG 5 �The bow of the tanker Gemini was iced over when it docked in Detroit in mid-December. Not much is moving on the Great Lakes these days, unless you count the Coast Guard icebreakers that are trying to ensure delivery of some cargo—including necessary fuel oil. Even the St. Clair River, which usually flows freely in front of the SIU’s Algonac, Mich. hiring hall, is jammed up. All the SIU-crewed boats have been laid up for the winter, giving Lakes Seafarers time to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education at Piney Point, Md. and be ready for a new shipping season when the area thaws out. One positive note is that the ice forming on the Lakes has slowed down the evaporation process. Evaporation can mean a decline in lake levels of one to two inches a week during fall and winter—which, in turn, has an econmic impact because freighters have to carry lighter loads. Lake levels fell to their lowest water levels in 35 years in 2001. They improved somewhat last year, but are still below normal. Unloading in Detroit, Mich. recently is OLS Transport’s tug James A. Hannah and tanker barge 5101. Meeting with Algonac Port Agent Don Thornton (right) aboard the Gemini are (from left) AB Richard Blackman, AB Louis Uleski, AB Daniel Breyer, Steward/Cook Gary Crocker and AB Christopher Edyvean. Working on the deck of the Gemini is AB Wilson Simmons. Also meeting with Port Agent Don Thornton (left) on the Gemini are Pumpman Ronald Barbo and AB Wilson Simmons. Meeting with union officials in the galley of the tug James A. Hannah are ABT Charles Hamilton (left) and ABT James Morgan. SIU Active in Port Security Planning Continued from page 5 Intercity Bus Security Grants, and $28 million for Operation Safe Commerce’s pilot program for port security. “The Bush Administration is committed to further securing our nation’s highways, mass transit systems, railways, waterways and pipelines, each of which is critical to ensuring the freedom of mobility and economic growth,” said Secretary Mineta. “These grant programs will help the Transportation Security Administration identify critical infrastructure, provide transit personnel security training, harden our seaports, enhance vehicle tracking and driver protection and increase security throughout the supply chain.” The Port Security Grants program includes grants for security assessments and strategies for mitigating vulnerabilities and for enhancing cargo and passenger security and access control. Additional funds will be announced for port incident training to enhance prevention and response preparedness for countering terrorist incidents. More than $92 million in Port Security Grants has been distributed to 51 U.S. ports since June 2002. Elsewhere, the U.S. De- Among the participants at last month’s meeting in Camp Springs, Md. were (clockwise from top left) SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez; Masters, Mates & Pilots President Capt. Tim Brown; and Paul Hall Center Director of Training Bill Eglinton. partment of Homeland Security (DHS) officially was established Jan 24. President George W. Bush spoke at the swearing in ceremony, as Tom Ridge became the Secretary of the new department. The president also issued an Executive Order in connection with the establishment of the department. The new department’s first priority is to protect the nation against further terrorist attacks. Component agencies will analyze threats and intelligence, guard U.S. Coast Guard patrol boats help ensure port security. 6 Seafarers LOG our borders and airports, protect our critical infrastructure, and coordinate the response of our nation for future emergencies. Union Industries Show Heads to Pittsburgh The 2003 AFL-CIO Union Industries Show—the largest Made In The USA exhibition of union workers’ skills and services, featuring thousands of dollars worth of union-made, America-made products—is scheduled for May 2-5 at the soon-to-be-completed David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. The SIU and its affiliate union the United Industrial Workers (UIW) once again will participate in the event, which is sponsored by the AFL-CIO Union Label & Services Trades Department. Typically, the show draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. According to planners, the show will be one of the first major events conducted at the new center, which is scheduled to open in March. The facility reportedly will offer 335,000 square feet of display space and 49 meeting rooms. Various UIW-made products will be among the goods and services showcased during the 66th edition of the annual outing. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education also will participate. UIW companies that took part in last year’s show— and expected back this year to display their products under the SIU banner—are: A&E Hangers from Ringtown, Pa.; Church & Dwight of London Ohio; Franklin International and Worthington Foods, both of Columbus, Ohio; and Sealy Mattress from Williamsport, Md. Californiabased companies that participated were Juanita’s Foods from Wilmington; Cott Beverages USA of San Bernardino; the Queen Mary out of Long Beach; and Chicken of the Sea from Terminal Island. The convention center complex is located adjacent to the city’s Allegheny Riverfront Park and is part of Pittsburgh’s downtown retail and entertainment district. The center is also near the new Pittsburgh baseball and football stadiums in the North Shore downtown district. Notice Unlicensed Apprentice Program For individuals interested in attending the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, please note that there has been some misinformation, particularly via messages on the world wide web about the school’s apprentice program. To qualify for the program applicants must be at least 18 years of age (or 17 years of age with parental consent). This requirement is necessary to comply with Coast Guard regulations. There is no upper age limit for individuals wishing to participate in the program. The program provides training for entry-level positions, and includes practical work on a vessel. The program is physically rigorous. Teamwork is stressed and apprentices live in open-berthing dormitories and take meals together. Applicants must be able to meet certain physical requirements, specified by United States Coast Guard regulations and maritime industry standards. If you are interested in attending the school, please call (301) 994-0010, ext. 5342, or visit www. seafarers.org. March 2003 �MARINERS MEMORIALIZED – As previously reported, two Seafarers are confirmed to be among those permanently remembered at the South Boston World War II Memorial in South Boston, Mass. Bosun Stanley Peshen and FOWT Arthur Joseph Lyon were among the names of 19 U.S. merchant mariners from South Boston who paid the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. Including the Seafarers and other civilian mariners, the $300,000 memorial—dedicated last fall—bears the names of 215 South Boston men who died during the war. SAFETY FIRST – AB George Alexander (left) recently received an award for “outstanding service in contribution to vessel safety” aboard the SIU-contracted Green Point, operated by Central Gulf Lines. Presenting the award is Capt. John Belcourt. Around the World . . . CIVMARS MEET – Aboard the tanker USNS Rappahannock, members of the union’s Government Services Division discussed many key issues during their meeting Jan. 19 while the vessel was under way. Seafarers talked about the benefits available to them through Union Plus (formerly Union Privilege); anthrax and smallpox inoculations; wage parity; grievance handling and processing, and more. Pictured on the Rappahannock are (front row, from left) AB Tracy Hough, AB Romeo Balansay, OS Eric Concepcion, Bosun Mate Walter Ramsey, (second row) AB and Ship’s Chairman William Bushey, Wiper Harold Schaum, Bosun Mate Willie Benjamin, AB Wilbert Rodrigo, (back row) AB Dan Kilgore, Reefer Engineer John Stoot, SU Jorge Lopez, and Supply Officer Dave Spilholtz. ABOARD THE INNOVATOR – SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (right) and Asst. VP Nick Celona (left) are pictured aboard the Innovator (USSM) with QEE Chris Earhart (second from left) and Recertified Bosun Stephen Kastel. . . . With the SIU WELCOME ASHORE – Engineer Dave Walblom, a Seafarer since the late 1970s, recently celebrated his new status as a retiree. A number of fellow SIU members joined in the festivities Dec. 4 in Long Beach, Calif. At left, Walblom (right) is pictured with Engine Utility George Cox. Below, he is joined by the whole crew, including Rick Cavalier, Herman Moningka, George Cox, Deso Hrboka, Hugh Wain, John Zarroli, Dragi Odak, Chard Macaulay, Larry Belcher, Mike Stravers, Willy Rose, Mike Privette, John Dimeglio, Wayne Berry, John Rakyta, Jim Martin, John Cox, John Tipich, Ed Brooks, Jimmy McNutt and Larry Jamieson. March 2003 SAFETY TRAINING – Aboard the Seafarers-crewed Dyn Marine ships USNS Bowditch and USNS Sumner, Joe Curtis, an instructor at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., provided damage-control training Jan. 15-16 in Ulsan, Korea. Some of the crew members are pictured in these two photos. Seafarers LOG 7 �Holidays at Sea and Ashore N N Aboard the CSX Enterprise The entertainment didn’t stop with the karaoke singing. It was then that Dayman Douglas Buchanan (left) and Recertified Bosun Roger Reinke shared their musical talents on the guitar. Captain Kenneth Fisher sets the holiday mood by taking the mike and leading the group in a medley of Christmas carols. Recertified Chief Steward Franchesca Rose and Chief Cook/Recertified Steward Mark Cabasag presented some of their culinary creations to the officers and crew aboard the CSX Enterprise during the Christmas holiday. The items included turkey, prime rib, ham, lobster tails, London broil, shrimp kabobs, teriyaki wings, baked fish, Alaskan crab legs, appetizers, salads and desserts—worthy of a 5-star restaurant. The steward department members wished everyone a happy holiday and expressed thanks for the education and training they received at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Following the bountiful feast, it was karaoke night, with various crew members participating as the microphone was passed around. From the left (on the left side of the photo) are Eng. Cadet Christopher Gugliotta, Bosun Roger Reinke and MEBA Engineer Henry Holzberg. On the right side are DEU Napolean Nazareno, AB Rufino Giray (with the mike), EU Curtis Barnett and Chief Steward Franchesca Rose. Aboard the Liberty Sea James M. White of Houston, Texas joined the SIU in 1990 and worked his way up the hawsepipe, becoming a member of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association in 1995. He sent the LOG this photo taken aboard the Liberty Sea during the Thanksgiving holidays. He writes, “It was the best Thanksgiving holiday I have ever experienced on any ship I have sailed. Chief Steward Earl Gray and Chief Cook Audrey Brown put on a feast that made the crew feel like we were second to none. I am proud to have been part of this crew and proud to have been associated with the SIU.” The three crew members are pictured at left. At the Jacksonville Hall The Jacksonville, Fla. SIU hall was the venue for a Christmas party last December. Sharing in the festivities are (from left) AB Dwayne Gordon, Bosun Robert Grubbs and OMU Daryl Thomas. 8 Seafarers LOG Three beautifully decorated cakes capped off a wonderful holiday meal. From the left are ACU Michelle Taylor, Port Agent Anthony McQuay (in his Christmas-red suit), Chief Steward Waymond Watson and Chief Cook Simone Solomon. When AB Larry Vouga came to the union hall to handle some paperwork, he didn’t know about the party. Usually aboard a ship during the holidays, Vouga got a true taste of Christmas at the hall. Flanking Port Agent Anthony McQuay are Retired Seafarers Ellis Young and Freddie Goethe. March 2003 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 15, 2003 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 4 0 11 23 28 12 13 20 15 4 0 4 13 0 22 23 194 3 1 3 13 11 19 5 11 15 12 6 1 2 4 0 16 13 135 1 0 1 0 16 6 2 3 10 2 0 3 0 3 3 17 10 77 1 5 1 10 21 28 12 18 10 17 6 1 6 15 2 29 26 208 0 2 0 2 6 17 8 2 6 2 0 1 4 7 0 8 4 69 0 1 0 4 3 15 3 10 9 12 0 3 1 6 0 8 3 78 1 0 1 0 2 4 0 4 6 2 0 2 1 2 1 6 2 34 0 6 0 4 19 21 5 4 8 5 2 1 4 8 2 11 3 103 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 3 1 3 6 9 27 6 17 10 14 6 4 10 7 3 18 14 158 0 5 0 1 2 16 3 9 9 12 3 5 3 5 2 13 7 95 0 0 0 6 6 13 2 3 8 4 1 0 2 9 1 18 8 81 1 3 1 18 51 59 19 30 46 22 2 1 12 29 0 54 39 387 1 4 6 14 12 25 7 17 24 20 5 9 5 6 3 22 19 199 1 1 1 2 36 15 8 10 33 2 0 2 0 2 7 19 20 159 1 0 0 2 4 6 0 4 3 4 2 0 1 1 1 10 0 39 0 2 0 0 3 5 0 1 3 2 0 2 2 4 0 5 0 29 0 5 0 6 17 40 11 9 11 7 2 3 5 13 1 16 19 165 0 2 0 9 14 23 4 12 9 13 1 7 2 7 1 12 11 127 2 1 2 2 11 7 1 1 23 3 0 3 1 4 2 9 8 80 1 1 0 4 4 3 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 8 0 6 3 36 0 2 1 17 26 27 11 18 24 9 2 1 3 40 2 38 36 257 1 1 0 8 1 7 3 4 7 10 0 6 2 4 0 4 6 64 0 0 1 4 3 6 0 1 6 4 0 1 2 2 1 2 5 38 Baltimore ................Thursday: April 10, May 8 Boston.....................Friday: April 11, May 9 Duluth .....................Wednesday: April 16, May 14 Guam ......................Thursday, April 24, May 22 Honolulu .................Friday: April 18, May 16 Houston ..................Monday: April 14, May 12 Jacksonville ............Thursday: April 10, May 8 Mobile ....................Wednesday: April 16, May 14 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: April 22, May 20 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: April 15, May 13 New York................Tuesday: April 8, May 6 Norfolk ...................Thursday: April 10, May 8 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: April 9, May 7 Port Everglades.......Thursday: April 17, May 15 San Francisco .........Thursday: April 17, May 15 San Juan..................Thursday: April 10, May 8 St. Louis .................Friday: April 18, May 16 Tacoma ...................Friday: April 25, May 23 Wilmington ...............Monday: April 21, May 19 ................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personal STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 2 1 8 8 12 5 4 13 7 1 1 3 14 2 13 15 109 1 3 0 1 1 10 4 1 4 6 0 3 1 3 1 2 3 44 2 0 1 1 2 7 0 1 3 5 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 26 0 1 0 5 6 13 5 4 8 8 2 2 1 11 0 11 12 89 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 4 1 1 2 2 6 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 19 3 2 1 8 10 9 5 4 28 5 1 6 2 7 0 16 2 109 3 6 2 12 7 20 2 4 17 7 3 16 3 4 1 18 16 141 0 0 0 4 1 4 0 4 3 0 0 0 4 2 0 5 0 27 3 3 1 8 8 13 3 3 18 8 0 11 2 9 0 15 3 108 1 6 0 4 9 23 4 7 9 19 3 21 4 5 0 17 9 141 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 10 5 2 2 2 12 0 0 0 3 6 0 7 7 57 1 3 1 22 21 22 10 12 44 6 1 11 6 18 0 31 9 218 3 4 4 21 30 25 2 13 53 5 1 12 4 9 1 28 22 237 Totals All Departments 391 366 278 427 399 287 146 866 608 514 Port 1 2 0 0 4 8 6 1 1 7 0 1 1 3 1 0 2 38 2 0 0 1 1 5 1 1 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 20 JOSEPH L. WRIGHT Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Joseph L. Wright is asked to contact his younger brother, Peter Wright. Peter’s e-mail address is peter4221@worldnet.att.net; or telephone (318) 742-7646. LUTHER ALMOND ROBERTS Please contact Betty Jean Hall at (703) 815-5765 regarding a high school class reunion. Correction ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2003 Piney Point .............Monday: April 7, May 5 Algonac ..................Friday: April 11, May 9 3 1 1 1 13 10 2 5 4 8 1 2 2 3 2 20 9 87 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs April & May 2003 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters On the front page of the January issue of the LOG, Seafarers Laurie Victorino (third from left) was misidentified. She is one of the SIU members from the cruise ships ms Patriot and the Independence who, in the days following the attacks of September 11, unanimously voted to join with the ships’ officers and donate all their crew funds—totaling $50,000 —to the New York State Fraternal Order of Police Foundation and the New York Firefighters 9/11 Disaster Relief Fund. A check was presented in December to Police officials at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Pictured at the school are (from left) Charles Caputo, New York national trustee of the Grand Lodge FOP; SIU President Michael Sacco, Victorino and Grand Lodge FOP President Steve Young. Seafarers LOG 9 �Ships Activate for Opera Sixteen hours before their scheduled sailing time, Seafarers aboard the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessel Cape Wrath in Baltimore ignored sub-zero wind chills and wore unmistakable looks of determination. As they diligently completed a series of assignments in all three shipboard departments, SIU members were at once resolute and upbeat. Their vessel, activated by the U.S. Maritime Administration to support the war against terrorism, would depart in the pre-dawn hours of Jan. 28. “Things are going really well,” stated AB Bob Joyce, who sailed during the Persian Gulf War. “It can be a bit challenging, but everybody’s cooperating. I’d say it’s a little more organized this time, compared to Desert Storm, although that’s not to say we weren’t well-organized back then.” Similar scenes played out on other Seafarers-crewed ships at ports around the country, as the activations continued for Operation Enduring Freedom. By early February, more than 50 SIU-crewed vessels had been assigned to the effort. Most of those ships are part of the RRF fleet; more than a dozen others from the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) had been in reduced operating status. Still others — fully loaded prepositioning ships — had joined the mission earlier in the year. U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert described the RRF as “a great asset because it provides efficient sealift, tailored to meet the requirements of the military. The program also supports vital marine industries and labor unions ... that are critical to support our nation in times of war.” Aboard the Cape Wrath, Second Cook Richard Jefferson described the mood as “very positive. This is a good crew and it’s going real well.” SA Ricky Goodman agreed. “You can’t say enough about the great attitude around here.” Joyce, who sailed on three different U.S.-flag vessels during the Persian Gulf War, said he didn’t hesitate when the call came to support the war on terrorism. “I volunteered because I’m patriotic and I try to be a good American and a good SIU member,” he stated. “I think the same is true of a lot of other people aboard this ship and on our other ships.” The Cape Victory loads materiel in Texas. Chief Cook Emilia Woodin and Recertified Steward McKinley Jones review a list before taking on stores aboard the Cape Wrath. AB Bob Joyce eagerly answers the call of Enduring Freedom. Second Cook Richard Jefferson says the mood is positive aboard the Cape Wrath. QMED Kenji Hoffman (right) ignores the bitter cold and helps prepare the Cape Wrath for its mission. Bosun Billy Dowzicky takes a short breather before returning to work on the Cape Wrath. G ta W DEU Dawn Williams carries stores to the galley on the Cape Wrath. 10 Seafarers LOG QMED Bob Oppel (left) and 3rd Asst. Engineer Mike Novak, an SIU hawsepiper, check the auxiliary diesel generators on the Cape Wrath. SIU Representative Rowland “Snake” Williams (left) greets SA Ricky Goodman aboard the Cape Wrath. March 2003 �ation Enduring Freedom In Baltimore, the Cape Wrath prepares to sail. The SIU-crewed Cape Race is part of the RRF. Throughout U.S. history, the nation’s mariners have answered the call, as reflected by the World War II-era poster at right. GVA Rodolfo de la Cruz helps ake on stores aboard the Cape Wrath. AB Al Barnett (left) and AB Manny Wabe are pictured on the Cape Wrath in Baltimore. March 2003 Seafarers LOG 11 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report JANUARY2003 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 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 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 12 Seafarers LOG Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 9 3 5 8 4 4 3 36 3 1 2 3 0 1 2 12 0 8 3 2 0 0 2 15 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 2 0 0 0 7 1 13 11 16 0 10 4 55 5 7 5 14 7 23 25 86 9 5 3 5 0 32 11 65 0 30 19 19 0 0 5 73 3 11 2 9 0 3 1 29 4 0 7 21 2 32 18 84 0 4 2 8 0 6 3 23 1 25 8 13 0 0 6 53 2 2 1 4 0 8 1 18 3 6 3 15 3 29 5 64 3 1 1 4 0 22 3 34 0 13 4 9 0 6 2 34 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 4 4 1 5 3 4 2 23 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 5 2 2 0 0 1 10 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals 7 5 2 3 1 4 1 23 2 1 2 2 2 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 3 2 2 3 1 2 2 15 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 4 0 5 2 0 0 0 0 7 Port 4 4 1 3 2 2 1 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 6 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals 1 6 2 5 0 2 0 16 1 4 0 4 0 1 2 12 1 10 5 5 0 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 3 0 0 0 0 13 3 10 2 12 0 13 3 43 7 12 4 30 0 130 3 186 15 27 0 47 0 86 10 185 1 80 14 85 0 16 12 208 Totals All Departments 90 30 53 51 0 29 145 420 307 368 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the LOG by SIU member Don Rundblad of Tacoma, Wash. It was taken in April 1948 at the SIU hall, then located at 51 Beaver Street in New York. The mariners formed an organizing committee and were waiting for the arrival of the Fort Bridger, a T-2 tanker, which was due out of the shipyard at any time. In the photo, Rundblad is kneeling at far left. Now 72 years of age, he joined the union in 1947 and, except for two years serving his country in Korea, he continues to work as a Seafarer, currently as a member of the CSX shoregang in Tacoma. If anyone has a vintage unionrelated photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. March 2003 �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 inland captains, one inland pilot and three recertified stewards are among the 26 Seafarers announcing their retirements this month. Captains Bornie Hobbs and Robert L. O’Neal along with Pilot Willie M. Istre navigated the inland waterways at the helms of vessels for a combined time of nearly 60 years. Recertified Stewards Edward Haber, Ronald Malozi and Lois V. Ware-Glasper completed the highest level of training available to members who work in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. T DEEP SEA ALLAN CAMPBELL, 65, began his SIU career in 1974 in the port of New York. A U.S. Army veteran, Brother Campbell first sailed aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage. The New York native worked in the deck department in both the deep sea and inland divisions. Brother Campbell upgraded his skills often at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. His last voyage was on the Sea-Land Integrity. Brother Campbell makes his home in Sylva, N.C. RAMON COLLAZO, 62, was born in Puerto Rico. He started his SIU career in 1970 in the port of New York. Brother Collazo’s first ship was the Erna Elizabeth, an Albatross Tanker Co. vessel. The engine department member upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Brother Collazo last worked on Interocean Management Corp.’s El Morro. He resides in Ocala, Fla. ROBERT CZERNIECKI, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1991 in the port of New York. Brother Czerniecki initially went to sea on the Cape Ducato, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. Born in New York, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Czerniecki last worked on the Global Mariner. He is a resident of Matinecock, N.Y. ROBERT DEHLBOM, 65, hails from Idaho. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1967 in Seattle. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Brother Dehlbom first sailed on Columbia Steamship Co.’s Enid Victory. The engine department member enhanced his skills often at the March 2003 Seafarers training school. Brother Dehlbom last sailed on the 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, an American Overseas Marine vessel. Chewalah, Wash. is his home. EDWARD L. HABER, 52, donned the SIU colors in 1967 in the port of New York. Brother Haber sailed in the steward department and upgraded his skills frequently at the Paul Hall Center, completing the steward recertification course there in 1980. He now makes his home in Palm Bay, Fla. GEORGE HOLLAND, 61, commenced his career with the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of Philadelphia. A U.S. Navy veteran, Brother Holland hails from New Jersey. His first ship was the Robin Shrew, a Moore-McCormack Lines vessel. Brother Holland worked in both the deck and engine departments and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school. His last voyage was on the Sea-Land Navigator. Brother Holland lives in Lakewood, Wash. DONALD HOPKINS, 65, hails from Virgie, Ky. He started his SIU career in 1959 in the port of Baltimore. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Brother Hopkins initially sailed on the Bethflor, a Paco Tankers’ vessel. He worked in the engine department and last went to sea on the Pt. Vail. Brother Hopkins is a resident of Baltimore. ARTHUR L. MALLORY, 65, is a veteran of the U.S. Army. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Born in Florida, Brother Mallory first sailed on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Loma Victory. He worked in both the steward and deck departments and frequently enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Brother Mallory last went to sea on the HMI Defender. He makes his home in Jacksonville. RONALD MALOZI, 40, joined the SIU in 1983 in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the LNG Gemini. The German-born steward department member upgraded his skills often at the Seafarer’s training school in Piney Point, Md., completing steward recertification training in 1998. He last shipped on the Blue Ridge. Brother Malozi lives in Bel Air, Md. VAN XUAN PHAN, 63, joined the SIU in 1981 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. The Vietnam native worked in the engine department and enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He makes his home in Long Beach, Calif. JOSEPH QUINTELLA, 60, embarked on his SIU career in 1964. The Baltimoreborn mariner first went to sea on the Overseas Rose. A member of the engine department, Brother Quintella upgraded his skills frequently at the Seafarers training school. Buckley, Wash. is his home. ALFRED RAGAS, 57, hails from Louisiana. Brother Ragas launched his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in New Orleans. A member of the engine department, he enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Ragas resides in New Orleans. WILLIAM E. SMITH, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1975 in the port of Honolulu. The Oklahomaborn mariner is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. His first ship was the Manukai, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Brother Smith worked in the steward department and last went to sea on the Sea-Land Reliance. He lives in Honolulu. Brother Tobio last went to sea aboard U.S. Ship Management’s Sea-Land Motivator. He calls Jacksonville, Fla. home. LOIS V. WARE-GLASPER, 60, joined the SIU in 1970 in San Francisco. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Sister Ware-Glasper sailed in the steward department and completed steward recertification training at the Seafarers training school in 1985. She last shipped on the President Truman. Born in Alabama, Sister Ware-Glasper resides in Collinsville, Miss. INLAND ELADIO DELGADO, 65, hails from Puerto Rico. Boatman Delgado began his SIU career in 1985 in his native commonwealth. He worked in both the deck and steward departments. Boatman Delgado lives in Rio Blanco, P.R. BORNIE HOBBS, 61, joined the SIU in 1976 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The deck department member, who also is a veteran of the U.S. Coast guard, sailed as a captain and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1977. Born in Citronelle, Ala., Boatman Hobbs now calls Saraland, Ala. home. WILLIE M. ISTRE, 64, joined the SIU in 1993. A native of Arcadia, La., he shipped in the deck department as a pilot. Boatman Istre worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Higman Barge Lines. He makes his home in Morse, La. SAMUEL SOTOMAYOR, 64, began his career with the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of New York. His initial voyage was aboard the Fairland. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Sotomayor worked in the steward department. He upgraded his skills in 1984 and last went to sea on the Humacao, a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. Brother Sotomayor is a resident of Lackawaxen, Pa. CHARLES MULL, 66, was born in Ashville, N.C. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. A U.S. Navy veteran, Boatman Mull initially sailed on the Seatrain Savannah. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 2001. Boatman Mull calls Elkton, Fla. home. JOSE TOBIO, 69, was born in Spain. He joined the SIU in 1976 in the port of New York. Brother Tobio worked in the deep sea and inland divisions. The deck department member upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. in 1978. ROBERT L. O’NEAL, 63, began his SIU career in 1969 in New Orleans. Born in Currituck, N.C., the deck department member shipped as a captain. He last sailed on a vessel operated by Allied Towing. Boatman O’Neal resides in his native state in the city of Washington. JIMMY LEE PAYNE, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1971 in Houston. Born in Dallas, Boatman Payne is a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. The engine department member worked primarily aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing. He makes his home in San Leon, Texas. RALPH R. RACE, 57, started his career with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Philadelphia. He worked in the inland and deep sea divisions during his career. The deck department member was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Race last worked on the ms Patriot. Born in Pennsylvania, he now makes his home in Sea Isle City, N.J. ROBERT M. WOOTEN, 65, launched his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The U.S. Marine Corps veteran initially sailed aboard a Southern Carriers Corp. vessel. Boatman Wooten upgraded his skills in 1992, 1996 and 1997 at the Paul Hall Center. The Alabama-born mariner resides in his native state in the city of Higdon. GREAT LAKES PATRICK MYLER, 64, donned the SIU colors in 1992 in the port of Algonac, Mich. A U.S. Navy veteran, Brother Myler first sailed aboard the Steel T. Crapo, an Inland Lakes Management vessel. The Michigan-born mariner worked in the engine department and last sailed aboard American Steamship Co.’s H. Lee White. Brother Myler lives in Prescott Valley, Ariz. HARLEY THIES, 63, was born in Big Lake, Minn. He joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Frankfort, Mich. A member of the steward department, he worked in all three divisions during his career. Brother Thies last sailed on the H. Lee White, an American Steamship Co. vessel. He is a resident of Muskegon, Mich. Seafarers LOG 13 �Final Departures DEEP SEA TERRY ARMAS Brother Terry Armas, 48, passed away Dec. 8. He started his career with the SIU in 1975 in the port of Honolulu. Brother Armas first went to sea aboard the Overseas Natalie. The California-born mariner worked in the deck department as a bosun. His final voyage was on the USNS Dahl. Brother Armas lived in Westminster, Calif. JOHN BOKUS Pensioner John Bokus, 96, died Sept. 25. Born in Pennsylvania, he served in the U.S. Army and then joined the SIU in 1954 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Chiwawa, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. Brother Bokus shipped in the deck department and last went to sea on the Sea-Land Anchorage. He began receiving his pension in 1977 and was a resident of Massapequa, N.Y. ROBERT BROWN Pensioner Robert Brown, 73, passed away Nov. 29. Brother Brown began his career with the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of New York. Born in Stanton, Miss., he first worked on the Del Sud, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother Brown shipped in the steward department and last sailed on the Overseas Ohio. Brother Brown began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1991. He called Loranger, La. home. MAJOR COSTELLO Pensioner Major Costello, 88, passed away Sept. 30. Born in New York, Brother Costello was a charter member of the SIU, having joined the union in 1938 in the port of Miami. His initial trip to sea was aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, he last worked on the Sea-Land Exchange. Brother Costello began receiving payments for his retirement in 1979 and called Austin, Texas home. ESTEBAN CRUZ Pensioner Esteban Cruz, 91, died Nov. 3. Brother Cruz was a charter member of the SIU, having joined the union in 1939 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Bayamon, P.R., he first went to sea on the Robin Mowbray, a Sinclair Oil Corp. vessel. The steward department member last worked aboard the San Juan, operated by Puerto Rico Marine Management. Brother Cruz started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1978. He resided in his native commonwealth. JOSEPH CYR Pensioner Joseph Cyr, 82, passed away Nov. 28. Brother Cyr started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. The Maine-born mariner first went to sea on Sinclair Oil Corp’s Robin Wentley. A member of the engine department, Brother Cyr resided in Madawaska, Maine. He began receiving his pension in 1976. SAMUEL BUNCH Brother Samuel Bunch, 51, died Nov. 15. He joined the Seafarers in 1997 in New Orleans. Brother Bunch was a member of the deck department and shipped as a bosun. He last worked aboard the Capt. Steven L. Bennett, a Sealift, Inc. vessel. Brother Bunch resided in New Orleans. RICHARD CHIASSON Pensioner Richard Chiasson, 79, passed away Oct. 2. The Louisiana native commenced his SIU career in 1951, joining in New Orleans. Brother Chiasson was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served honorably from 1941 to 1947. His first ship was the Alcoa Pennant. A member of the deck department, he sailed as a bosun. Brother Chiasson last went to sea on the Overseas Natalie. He began receiving his pension in 1984 and lived in Gretna, La. ELMER CLARKE Pensioner Elmer Clarke, 81, died recently. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of New York. Born in Alabama, he initially sailed aboard the Yaka, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Clarke shipped in the deck department. He was a resident of Wilmer, Ala., and started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1986. 14 Seafarers LOG TRACY DAVIS Sister Tracy Davis, 37, died Dec. 18. She started her SIU career in 1987 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Born in Brainerd, Miss., she first sailed aboard American Hawaii Cruises’ Independence. The steward department member’s final voyage was on the Equality State, operated by Pacific Gulf Marine. Sister Davis made her home in Montgomery, Texas. SANKEY EDWARDS Pensioner Sankey Edwards, 94, passed away Aug. 10. Brother Edwards started his SIU career in 1945 in San Francisco and was a member of the deck department. The Maryland native started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1971. He was a resident of Winchester, Va. PETER LUP Pensioner Peter Lup, 69, died Nov. 10. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1974 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Michigan, he was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Brother Lup’s first ship was the Santa Magdalena, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. The steward department member started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1995. He called Burbank, Calif. home. NAGI MATRAHI Pensioner Nagi Matrahi, 67, passed away Oct. 27. Brother Matrahi started his SIU career in 1965 and first went to sea on Newport Tankers’ Achilles. Born in Arabia, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Matrahi last worked aboard the Nuevo San Juan, a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. He called Hamtramck, Mich. home and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1995. PEDRO MENA Pensioner Pedro Mena, 73, died Nov. 20. Brother Mena embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Baltimore. The U.S. Army veteran first sailed aboard Ore Navigation’s Oremar. Born in Puerto Rico, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Mena’s final trip to sea was on the SSG Edward A. Carter Jr. He began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1992 and made his home in Port Charlotte, Fla. THOMAS MIZER Pensioner Thomas Mizer, 83, passed away Nov. 17. He started his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards MC&S) in San Francisco. Brother Mizer worked in the steward department. He started receiving his pension in 1978 and lived in Los Angeles. FELIZARDO MOTUS Pensioner Felizardo Motus, 84, died Nov. 21. Brother Motus launched his SIU career in 1949 in the port of New York. His initial trip was aboard the Steel Admiral, an Isco Inc. vessel. Born in the Philippines, he worked in the steward department. His final voyage was on the LNG Aquarius. Brother Motus started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1986 and lived in North Arlington, N.J. BARD C. NOLAN Pensioner Bard C. Nolan, 76, passed away Oct. 27. Born in Illinois, he served in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps and began his career with the Seafarers in 1954 in San Francisco. His first ship was the Lafayette, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. The deck department member last went to sea on Manhattan Tankers’ Manhattan. A resident of Portland, Ore., Brother Nolan began receiving retirement stipends in 1992. RUDOLPH NURMI Pensioner Rudolph Nurmi, 65, died Nov. 9. Brother Nurmi began his SIU career in 1967 in the port of Houston after serving in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. The Louisiana-born mariner initially sailed aboard the Yellowstone, a Rio Grande Transport, Inc. vessel. Brother Nurmi worked in the engine department and last went to sea on Westchester Marine’s Adonis. He began receiving his pension in 1998 and made his home in Baytown, Texas. MALIP OSMAN Pensioner Malip Osman, 75, passed away Nov. 4. He started his SIU career in 1963 in the port of New York. Brother Osman first shipped on the Monticello, a Monticello Tanker Co. vessel. Born in Singapore, he worked in the deck department. Brother Osman last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Challenger. He lived in Puerto Rico and began receiving his pension in 1992. KENNETH ROBERTS Pensioner Kenneth Roberts, 80, died Nov. 20. Born in Maine, he launched his SIU career in 1978 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. A U.S. Navy veteran, he initially sailed on the Maryland, an Interocean Management Co. vessel. Brother Roberts worked in the deck department and last went to sea on the Sea-Land Endurance. He lived in Las Vegas and started receiving payments for his retirement in 1988. HARL ROGERS Pensioner Harl Rogers, 77, passed away Sept. 9. Brother Rogers joined the Seafarers in 1966 in San Francisco. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he initially sailed aboard the Santa Mercedes, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Born in Kansas, he worked in the steward department. His final voyage was aboard American President Lines’ President Cleveland. Brother Rogers was a resident of San Francisco and began receiving his pension in 1989. CHARLES ROSS Pensioner Charles Ross, 78, died Nov. 24. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1959 in Seattle. The Massachusetts-born mariner first shipped on the Santa Venetia, an Elam Shipping Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, Brother Ross last worked on Interocean Management’s Westward Venture. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1989 and made his home in Kenmore, Wash. JACK SCARBROUGH Pensioner Jack Scarbrough, 82, passed away Nov. 8. Brother Scarbrough began his SIU career in 1960 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His initial voyage was on the Alcoa Partner, an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Texas, he was a member of the deck department. Brother Scarbrough last went to sea on the Sea-Land Economy. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1986 and called Fairhope, Ala. home. HIROSHI SHIBA Pensioner Hiroshi Shiba, 77, died Nov. 11. He joined the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of Baltimore. His initial voyage was aboard the R. Semmes, operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. Born in California, Brother Shiba worked in the engine department. His final voyage was on the Overseas Alice. Brother Shiba started receiving his pension in 1987 and resided in San Leandro, Calif. INLAND ELWOOD AUSTIN Pensioner Elwood Austin, 83, died Oct. 26. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Austin shipped in the deck department and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Virginia Pilot Corp. A resident of Hatteras, N.C., Boatman Austin began receiving his pension in 1981. FLOYD DEISS Pensioner Floyd Deiss, 78, passed away Oct. 17. Boatman Deiss joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. The U.S. Navy veteran first sailed aboard a McAllister Towing of Baltimore vessel. A native of New York, Boatman Deiss shipped in the deck department. He last sailed on a Moran Towing of Maryland vessel. He lived in York, Penn. and began collecting retirement stipends in 1985. LAWRENCE DUGAS Pensioner Lawrence Dugas, 76, died Dec. 8. Boatman Dugas joined the Seafarers in 1974 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, he worked in the deck department. Boatman Dugas sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Dravo Basic Materials Co. The Marrero, La. native made his home in Gray, La. He began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1988. GENEVA MATTHEWS Pensioner Geneva Matthews, 71, passed away Dec. 14. Born in Atlanta, she started her SIU career in 1977 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A member of the steward department, the inland mariner worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Delta Queen Steamboat Co. The late Columbus, Ohio resident began Continued on page 16 March 2003 �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. COMMITMENT (USSM) , Nov. 24—Chairman Frank Lyle, Educational Director Panagiotis Kanavos, Deck Delegate Steven H. Ledermann, Steward Delegate Benjamin J. Advincula. Chairman spoke about enhanced security measures aboard ship and ashore in foreign ports. He read president’s report from Seafarers LOG regarding maritime security and commitment to stronger merchant marine, and thanked deck department for smooth ISM audit and inspections. Educational director said he was starting vacation and wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. Special thanks given to Steward Juan Gonzalez, Chief Cook Fausto Aranda and GSU Advincula for outstanding menus and great meals. Crew particularly enjoyed freshly baked rolls and desserts. Next port: Newark, N.J. GREEN POINT (Central Gulf Lines), Nov. 24—Chairman Donald E. Pelto, Secretary Victor J. Wolf, Educational Director Brian D. Fifer, Engine Delegate Augustus A. Cooper. Chairman stated captain was pleased with job done in shipyard. He informed former NMU members they are now able to go to SIU clinic in San Pedro, Calif. Treasurer announced $805 remaining in ship’s fund following purchase of videos (third season of the Sopranos). No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on break for watchstanders. Thanks given to steward department for very good job. ACHIEVER (USSM), Dec. 1— Chairman Robert B. Lindsay Jr., Secretary Hasan A. Rahman, Educational Director Joseph R. Cirafisi Jr., Deck Delegate Frederick E. Shannon, Engine Delegate Gregory T. Johns. Chairman announced payoff Jan. 13 in Houston. He noted good trip except for weather. Secretary stressed importance of attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. for career advancement. Educational director added that everyone should make sure basic safety training requirements are kept up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent Christmas dinner. Thanks also given to everyone involved in obtaining Christmas packages from church groups in Houston. Next ports: Houston; Savannah, Ga.; Norfolk, Va.; Rotterdam, Netherlands. ALLEGIANCE (Maritrans), Dec. 27—Chairman Samuel L. Porchea, Secretary Cynthia L. Caster, Educational Director Craig A. Perry, Deck Delegate Phillip A. Morris, Engine Delegate Craig A. Perry, Steward Delegate Cornell M. Andrews. Chairman announced payoff Jan. 31. Secretary spoke about Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and presented booklets on union’s health & benefits plan, pension plan and vacation plan, as well as forms for updating personal information (change of address, change of ben- March 2003 eficiary, etc.). He also reminded crew members to contribute to SPAD. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested from headquarters on new crew rotation. Request made concerning all-ports list. New microwave oven needed in crew mess hall. Steward department given voted of thanks for fine food and great Christmas spread. Next ports: San Pedro, Calif.; Anacortes, Wash.; Martinez, Calif. AMERICAN TERN (Osprey Ship Mgmt.), Dec. 31—Chairman Hernando M. Bansuelo, Secretary Breon A. Lucas, Deck Delegate Michael Cousin, Engine Delegate Dana Thomas. Chairman reported good voyage; crew works well together and no safety problems noted. Educational director advised members to take advantage of Paul Hall Center to upgrade skills and earning potential. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. DEVELOPER (USSM), Dec. 21—Chairman Joseph J. Caruso, Secretary Joseph C. Birke, Educational Director Dimarko L. Shoulders, Deck Delegate Domingo Gordian Jr., Steward Delegate Monell L. Liburd. Chairman thanked everyone for job well done. Secretary also expressed thanks to all for helping keep ship clean. Educational director urged Seafarers to attend courses at Piney Point to upgrade skills and earn better pay. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Kudos given to steward department for good meals and service. Next ports: Houston; Savannah, Ga.; Norfolk, Va.; Rotterdam, Netherlands. ENTERPRISE (CSX Lines), Dec. 29—Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary Franchesca D. Rose, Educational Director Allan D. Parker, Deck Delegate Robert G. Crooks, Engine Delegate Charles E. Johnson, Steward Delegate Mark V. Cabasag. Chairman announced arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Jan. 4, with payoff to take place after vessel docked and cleared customs and immigration. Secretary noted all correspondence received pertaining to selling of CSX has been posted on notice boards. He also informed crew of room inspections Jan. 3. Educational director reminded everyone to check monthly LOGs for schedule of upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center and to make sure all necessary shipping documents are up to date. Vote taken by treasurer to purchase of DVD player and 30 videos. Some beefs reported by deck and engine delegates to be sorted out at payoff. Letter sent to headquarters requesting that Honolulu hall notify ship when reliefs cannot be provided. Vote of thanks from licensed and unlicensed crew to steward department, especially to Chief Cook Cabasag for delicious Christmas dinner, to Chief Steward Rose for producing great salads and baked goods for the holiday spread, and to Messman Faisal Kassem for helping set up everything and cleaning up afterward. Special thanks given to Chief Steward Rose’s mother and family for providing gifts for everyone on board the Enterprise “and for making us feel like one family.” Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. EXPEDITION (CSX Lines), Dec. 15—Chairman Norberto Prats, Secretary Edgardo M. Vazquez, Educational Director Shawn L. Clark. Chairman stated everything running well. Payoff to take place in Oakland, Calif. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent Thanksgiving dinner. EXPLORER (USSM), Chairman Skip Yager, Secretary Tommy E. Belvin, Educational Director Jimmie M. Robles, Steward Delegate Jimmy L. Williams. Chairman reported smooth trip. He reminded crew members to get necessary form to claim extra day vacation and to get visa for trip to China. Treasurer stated $650 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for great holiday meals. INNOVATOR (USSM), Dec. 22— Chairman Stephen R. Kastel, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Christopher L. Earhart, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 26 in Los Angeles. He noted new DVD player is on board ship; disks can be purchased for $3 in China. Secretary thanked bosun, ABs and engine department for job well done. Educational director talked about opportunities available to Seafarers at Paul Hall Center and advised them to take all required courses before shipping out. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Question raised as to whether union can help crew members get visa for China. Without visa, crew is restricted to ship. Clarification requested on high and low penalty rates. ITB PHILADELPHIA (USS Transport), Dec. 28—Chairman Paul S. Wills, Secretary Danny A. Brown, Educational Director Carlos L. Sanchez, Steward Delegate Mohamad S. Mosa. Chairman urged crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point as often as they can. Secretary stressed importance of contributing to SPAD for job security. Educational director spoke about new job opportunities coming in January. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to order and install room fans and provide more non-skid material for deck and barge. Recommendation made to have slop chest aboard vessel and to continue to improve pension plan. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime Corp.), Dec. 1—Chairman Dave S. Coleman, Secretary Earl N. Gray Sr., Engine Delegate John D. Lewis, Steward Delegate Audrey Brown. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 8 in Houston. He asked that everyone clean rooms for incoming crew members. Secretary talked about supporting SPAD and of taking advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center for job security. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted in engine department. Three refrigerators received and installed. Request made for soft drink dispenser, toaster and washing machine. Discussion held on safety aboard ship and about certain gear that needs to be updated. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good Thanksgiving Day meal—both preparation and presentation. MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Lines), Dec. 16—Chairman Lovell McElroy, Deck Delegate Earl Jones, Engine Delegate Eugene T. Bedard, Steward Delegate Susano Cortez. Chairman urged everyone to make sure all shipping documents are up to date. He noted possibility of war with Iraq puts merchant marine on front lines once again. Secretary advised steward assistants to put in required time at sea and upgrade at Piney Point to become stewards. USNS ABLE (Maersk Lines), Dec. 29—Chairman Mark T. Trepp, Secretary Douglas S. Flynn, Educational Director William F. Farmer, Deck Delegate William Jacobs, Steward Delegate Andrew C. Self. Chairman told crew of praise given to ship by Navy on last mission and thanked all departments for working well together. Steward thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean and of doing good job in separating plastic items from regular trash. He asked that those getting off ship put dirty linen in bags. Educational director remind- Around the Port of Norfolk Chief Steward Lionell Packnett USNS Mendonca Chief Cook Milton Sivells USNS Mendonca Chief Cook Marie Mitchell USNS Gordon SA Tiffany Nettles USNS Mendonca Educational director also spoke about upgrading opportunities for all Seafarers at the school’s training facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Question raised as to riding gang members using crew mess. Following Dec. 17 payoff in Houston, ship heading to Lake Charles, La. ed crew members to check shipping documents (z-cards, passports, STCW, small arms training, etc.) for expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for festive Christmas decorations and delicious holiday meals. “They outdid themselves.” OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Management), Dec. 14 —Chairman Thomas R. Temple, Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John E. Trent, Engine Delegate William P. Stone. Chairman and educational director urged crew (1) to read LOG each month to find out what union is doing for membership and (2) to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for bigger toaster in crew mess room and information about pension plan. Clarification requested on satellite hook-up. Steward department thanked for job well done. Next port: Tampa, Fla. USNS BELLATRIX (Amsea), Dec. 10—Chairman Erik W. Leibold, Secretary Harry Galdeira Jr., Educational Director Troy Ancar, Deck Delegate Samuel E. Spears Jr. Chairman thanked everyone for great job. He announced payoff Dec. 19 in New Orleans. Secretary informed crew of bags for dirty linen on each deck. He noted that change of voyage was reason for lack of stores. Educational director advised members to keep up with basic safety training and upgrade skills at school’s training facility in Piney Point. Some beefs reported in deck and steward departments to be taken up with boarding patrolman at payoff. Request made for new refrigerator as well as washers, dryers, TVs and DVD players. SGT. MATEJ KOCAK (Waterman Steamship), Dec. 15—Chairman Bernard G. Hutcherson, Secretary Felipe P. Orlanda, Educational Director Daniel P. Gibbons, Deck Delegate Steve C. Ahrens, Steward Delegate Carlos A. Rosales. Chairman reported on arrival in port and urged crew members to take care getting on and off launch due to heavy swells. He thanked everyone for working well together. Secretary thanked deck and engine department members for helping keep mess hall and crew lounge areas clean. Educational director talked about importance of upgrading skills and Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. USNS CHESAPEAKE (IUM), Dec. 29—Chairman Ferdinand Gongora, Secretary Michael F. Hammock, Educational Director Earl M. Macom. Secretary asked for help in keeping mess halls and lounge areas clean. Educational director urged everyone to take advantage of upgrading courses offered at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun thanked steward department for great Christmas dinner held aboard ship in Diego Garcia, and for job well done. Seafarers LOG 15 �Know Your Rights Letter 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.) Liberty Ship Brown Seeks Steward Department Members The Liberty Ship John W. Brown has been restored to fully operational condition by an all volunteer crew. It is home ported in Baltimore and each year makes four “Living History Cruises” of six hours duration on the Chesapeake Bay or from other East Coast ports. We have lots of captains working as deckhands, and we have chief engineers working as oilers, but in the steward department we are constantly short of experienced volunteers. We need a port steward, a chief steward and two cooks. If any of the retired members are slightly interested, please ask for a 64-page booklet, “S.S. John W. Brown TODAY,” and you will learn all about our operation. We have plans to go to Norfolk, New London and either Maine or New York. Our address is Project Liberty Ship, P.O. Box 25846, Highlandtown Station, Baltimore, MD 21224-0546. The telephone number at the staff office is (410) 6611550, and the e-mail is: john.w.brown@usa.net. Our website is www.liberty-ship.com. Kalevi A. Olkio Baltimore, MD Final Departures Continued from page 14 receiving stipends for her retirement in 1995. THADDEUS KENDRYNA Pensioner Thaddeus Kendryna, 91, died Oct. 10. He started his career with the SIU in 1957, joining in the port of Baltimore. Boatman Kendryna worked in the inland as well as deep sea divisions. Born in Maryland, he initially worked aboard an Intercontinental Bulk Corp. vessel. A member of the deck department, Boatman Kendryna last shipped on a Moran Towing of Maryland vessel. He started receiving his retirement pay in 1975 and lived in Baltimore. GEORGE MCDANIEL Pensioner George McDaniel, 92, passed away Sept. 15. Boatman McDaniel began his career with the Seafarers in 1963 in St. Louis. A member of the engine department, Boatman McDaniel made his home in Cincinnati and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1991. Silvestre Vargas Roger Lau Josefina Santiago Charles Pheasant Jean Davis Robert Jones Luther Thomas Simon Wilson Henry Zenor Frank Gonsalves Joseph Mathlin Alvaro Ferreira Ernector Claussell Blaine Rembert Leslie Babineaux Leroy Carthon Harold Boulingy Amos Council Charley Chatman Hermino Resto Frank McGuiness Han Juan Claude Walcott Rufus Chase John Markow Adam Sheppard 16 Age 76 83 89 79 87 75 82 73 77 78 83 84 76 78 67 81 88 88 75 93 78 88 88 71 88 76 Seafarers LOG ATLANTIC FISHERMEN MANUEL MACHADO LARRY WHITE Boatman Larry White, 51, died Nov. 24. He joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman White initially worked for the SIU aboard a Steuart Transportation Co. vessel. Born in Virginia, he shipped in the engine department. Boatman White last sailed on a Moran Towing of Virginia vessel. Dillsburg, Penn., was his home. GREAT LAKES Pensioner Manuel Machado, 91, died Oct. 13. Brother Machado started his career with the Atlantic Fishermen’s Union, an affiliate of the SIU, before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. Brother Machado fished off the shores of Gloucester and Boston, Mass. during his career. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1974. Brother Machado lived in Gloucester. RAILROAD MARINE TOIVO HOFFREN Pensioner Toivo Hoffren, 88, died Oct. 27. Brother Hoffren joined the Seafarers in 1959 in Buffalo, N.Y. Born in Wisconsin, he shipped in the engine department. Brother Hoffren worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Associates, including the C.L. Austin. He began receiving his pen- A number of NMU brothers and sisters passed away recently. Their names, ages, dates of death and the years they began receiving their pensions follow: Name sion in 1979 and made his home in Maple, Wis. DOD Jan. 23 Jan. 6 Jan. 23 Jan. 19 Jan. 11 Jan. 17 Jan. 27 Jan. 23 Jan. 28 Aug. 7, ’02 Nov. 27, ’02 Oct. 3, ’02 July 31, ’02 Dec. 18, ’02 June 25, ’02 Nov. 9,’02 Dec. 17, ’02 Nov. 1, ’02 Dec. 15, ’02 Dec. 6, ’02 Aug. 8, ’02 Jan. 15 Jan. 13 Jan. 17 Jan. 21 Jan. 17 EDP 1992 1985 1969 1967 1967 1993 1975 1984 1972 2001 1964 1972 1986 1977 1988 1970 1978 1968 1979 1969 1968 1971 1978 1996 1978 1971 Edward Jones John Goedig Rafael Ginorio Rolan Franklin Virgil Robertson Herbert Porter Miguel Seda Michael Paric Helen Bleich Kenneth Mathias Curtis Vanover Wilfred Angelety Victor Lodge Joseph Lashley Timothy Zucchi Gilberto Negron Genaro Hernandez Robert Forrest Earl Wise Willie Fryer Manuel Pulido Otto Larsen Mohamed Al Kusari Joseph Gaborski James Fuson Dallas Cox Henry Glover Malley Partain Johnny Brashear Eugene Oliver Gloria Knight MICHAEL LIPARI Pensioner Michael Lipari, 78, passed away Dec. 8. He joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of New York. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Brother Lipari first worked for the SIU aboard a Pennsylvania Railroad (Port of Norfolk) vessel. The Jersey City, N.J. native worked in the deck department and began receiving retirement stipends in 1982. Brother Lipari last worked on a Penn Central Transportation Co. vessel. He lived in Lakewood, N.J. 84 79 82 79 72 68 87 78 99 78 80 78 82 83 89 85 80 79 74 76 87 83 63 79 77 80 78 72 91 60 70 Jan. 19, ’02 Jan. 4 Jan. 16 Jan. 13 Jan. 16 Jan. 14 Dec. 25, ’02 Jan. 14 Dec. 14, ’02 Jan. 7 Jan. 9 Jan. 5 Jan. 11 Jan. 1 Jan. 2 Jan. 8 Jan. 8 Jan. 7 Jan. 4 Jan. 8 Nov. 14, ’02 Jan. 6 Oct. 1, ’02 Jan. 2 Dec. 30, ’02 Dec. 25, ’02 Dec. 22, ’02 Dec. 9, ’02 Dec. 25, ’02 Jan. 21 Jan. 23 1969 1966 1967 1970 1980, 1989 1977 1987 1970 1970 1968 1973 1969 1993 1968 1969 1966 1987 1992 1995 1968 1978 1994 1973 1990 1967 1986 1983 1977 N/A N/A FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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 May 5, 2003 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2002 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/NMU 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. March 2003 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for the next several months of this year. 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. Recertification Bosun October 6 November 3 Engine Upgrading Courses Arrival Date Date of Completion Oiler March 10 May 5 April 18 June 13 Welding March 5 March 31 April 28 March 21 April 18 May 16 Engine Utility (EU) March 17 April 11 Course Deck Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Able Seaman March 3 March 28 April 14 May 9 May 26 June 20 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* March 3 March 7 (ARPA) April 7 April 11 (*must have radar unlimited) May 5 May 9 March 10 March 14 (BRM) — Inland April 14 April 18 Celestial Navigation May 12 May 30 GMDSS (Simulator) March 10 March 21 April 14 April 25 Lifeboatman/Water Survival March 31 April 11 Radar March 24 April 4 April 21 May 2 March 31 April 11 Bridge Resource Management Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) Safety Specialty Courses Arrival Date Date of Completion Basic Fire Fighting/STCW March 31 April 21 May 12 April 4 April 25 May 16 Fast Rescue Boat March 17 April 21 May 26 March 21 April 25 May 30 Government Vessels March 10 March 28 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* March 17 March 28 Course (*must have basic fire fighting) 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. Steward Upgrading Courses New courses are added each month to the course schedule. Remember: Upgrading your skills is the key to your job security as well as the future of the maritime industry. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning Feb. 17. � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ March 2003 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 3/03 Seafarers LOG 17 �Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 633 — Unlicensed apprentices who graduated from class 633 are (in alphabetical order) Gabriel Albino, Jeffrey Amestoy, Garland Bell Jr., Jahn Boman, Reginald Colbert, Terrance Colbert, Kenric Henry, Douglas Jardine, Melvin Kennedy Jr., Anthony Newsome, Jamie Parker, Antonio Perez, Joseph Romine, Christopher Samuel, Anthony Sanchez-Villarrubia, Jared Christopher, Brian Sperry, James Trotter and Sam Vanderbrug. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 634 — Graduating from the unlicensed apprentice water survival class 634 are (in alphabetical order) Manuel Davis, Brian Deans, James Jasman Jr., Eric Kranenberg, Abraham Krula, Jared Latta, Brandy Parmer, Carus Peet, Donavan Peterson, Travis Pratt, Selina Sobers, Ryan Shafer, Rachel Trevino, Darwin Wallace and Dana Wilks. Able Seaman — With their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon (far left), upgrading Seafarers who completed the able seaman class Feb. 14 are (from left, front row) Victor Sahagon Jr., Robert McFeeley Jr., Tina Owens, (second row) Andrezej Bronkowski, Elisha Johnson, Matthew Kloxin, Phillip Widmer and Darnell Wallace. STOS — Receiving certificates for completion of the STOS course Jan. 17 are (from left) Jorge Soler, Eric Kjellberg, Nathaniel Miller, Karron Richardson, Nathan Rippey and Dave Martin (instructor). Not pictured are Emmanuel Essien and Sacarias Suazo. Government Vessels — Graduating from the Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Earning their lifeboatman/water survival endorsement Jan. 17 are (from left) Keith Livermon, Michael Wiley, Paul Wills, Conrado Martinez and Charles Johnson. government vessels course Jan 31 are (from left, front row) Jorel Lewis, Leon Curtis, Shawn Allen, (second row) Morgan Piper, Matt Gibson, Zerek Selby and Charles Johnson. Their instructor, Greg Thompson, is in the back. Stewards from NOAA Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Completing the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course Jan 17 are (in alphabetical order) Shawn Allen, Steven Benavides, Leon Curtis, Matt Gibson, Alan Grenier, Lonnie Jordan, Eileen Lammers, Jorel Lewis, Degrick McLendon, Aaron Morton, Morgan Piper, Zerek Selby, John Shea, Jonathan Stratton, Demond Williams, Ralph Williams and Nadia Wright. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. 18 Seafarers LOG completed a number of courses at the school, including steward department courses, safety classes at the fire fighting school as well as computer lab work. With instructor Rick Prucha (left, standing) are (in alphabetical order) Karen Bailey, Aceton Burke, Sonya Chappell, Richard Hargis, Angelito Llena, Clementine Lutali, Susan Parker, Nestor Poblete, Floyd Pouneds, James Scott, Mark Van Buskirk, Russell Van Dyke and Todd Van Dyke. March 2003 �Paul Hall Center Classes Radar — These upgrading Seafarers successfully completed the radar course Jan. 24. They are (in alphabetical order) Joseph Butasek, Anthony Lowman, Michael McErlean, Nebojsa Milosevic, Jawaid Pardesi and John Toomey III. Their instructor, Stacy Harris, is at far left. Radar — Three students from NY Waterway who completed the radar course Jan. 10 are (from left) Carl Wagner, Raymond Perez and Draig Heiges. ARPA — Under the instruction of Mike Smith (far left) are Seafarers who completed the ARPA course Jan. 31. They are (in alphabetical order) Joseph Butasek, Anthony Lowman, Nebojsa Milosevic, Nicholas Serritella, Luis Sosa, John Toomey III and Virgil Walls. Welding — Graduating from the welding course Jan. 24 are (in no particular order) Keithley Andrew, Michael Brown, Christopher Eason, Lawoo Shete, John Osburn and Teodoro Valentin. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is in the back row. Engine Utility — Graduates of a Dec. 20 engine utility class are (kneeling, from left) Raul Duarosan, Matthew Nunez, (second row) Jade Belt, Joe Porter, Rasheem Moye, David Seymore, Karim Elgallad, Christian Hernandez, Ronald Ramos, and their instructor, Ron Oyer. Any student who has reg- Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) — Feb. 7 was graduation day for students in the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course. They are (in alphabetical order) Warren Asp, Gaudioso Bacala, George Bennett, Michael Brown, Kevin Cass, Gerald Cassie, Thomas Conry, Irvin rutchlow, Hiram Davies, Earl Ebbert, Charlene Edwards, Edwin Fuller, Anibal Gutierrez, Jeremiah Harrington, Steven Haver, Derrick Lott, Jerome Tyler, Ray Waiters and Kadatema Yague. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. istered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Basic Safety Training Classes New York Waterway boatmen, from the left: John Kim, Eddie Martinez, Michael Perez, William Mulcare, Teddy Caley, Carlos Flores, Joe Lorocco, Mohamed Goudn, Onofrio Altizio, Brad Johnsen, Tom Sunga, Joe Bardi and Rob Krick. March 2003 Mark Tilly, Richard Dozier, Mark Gaskill, Isaac Miller, Daniel Veintidos, Carl Payne, Wieslaw Cwalina, Christopher Earhart, Michael Earhart, Eric Kjellberg, Roy Harris, William Young, Curtis Richardson, Clifford Miles, Sivasa Laupati, Robert Jenkins, Nelson Rodriguez, Reilly Perez, Vince Lombardi, Michael Leon, Honorio Hector Rabanes, Jose Asuncion, Mike Wiley and Jamie Watson. Seafarers LOG 19 �Volume 65 Number 3 March 2003 Attention Seafarers: Boost Your Industry. Contribute to SPAD. SIU-Crewed Fast Sealift Ships Activated USNS Pollux Is Latest to Mobilize for Enduring Freedom The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) has many different types of civiliancrewed vessels in its fleet—LMSRs, tankers, hospital ships, fleet ocean tugs and ammunition carriers, to name a few. Fast sealift ships also are part of the mix, and at least three of those SIU-crewed vessels have been activated to support Operation Enduring Freedom. Last month, the USNS Pollux loaded materiel in San Diego. Earlier this year, the USNS Regulus and USNS Denebola loaded military cargo in Wilmington, N.C. Other Seafarers-crewed ships in the fast sealift fleet are the USNS Algol, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Altair, USNS Capella and USNS Antares. The vessels usually are kept in reduced operating status but can fully activate and be under way to load ports within 96 hours, notes MSC. The fast sealift ships are used for the rapid deployment of U.S. military equipment to contingency sites around the world. Activations are nothing new for the fast sealift vessels, which were added to MSC’s inventory in the early 1980s as part of a major sealift enhancement program. (The ships were purchased from private industry as commercial containerships and modified to add rollon/roll-off ramps, lift capability and decks for helicopters and vehicles.) During the Persian Gulf War, for example, the fast sealift fleet—ably crewed by volunteer U.S. Merchant Mariners—transported more than 14 percent of the U.S. military cargo designated for Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. At various times throughout the rest of the 1990s and into the current decade, the ships were utilized for other key missions. MSC notes that in February 1999, the Antares transported U.S. Army cargo in support of the NATO peacekeeping mission Operation Joint Guard to the Balkan port of Rijeka, Croatia. A year earlier, the Algol carried disaster relief supplies and equipment to Puerto Rico and other nearby islands following the aftermath of Hurricane Georges. In 1994, the Antares was activated to transport equipment and supplies to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where Haitian and Cuban refugees were provided safe haven by U.S. forces. In 1992, six of the ships were activated for the U.S. relief effort in Somalia. According to MSC, “Fast sealift ships are routinely activated to participate in military operations and exercises or to transport supplies for humanitarian missions. The size of the ships— 946 feet long with a beam of 106 feet with large open bay interiors and roll-on/roll-off ramps—make them particularly well suited for the transport of tanks, helicopter and other military vehicles and supplies.” Seafarers crewed up the USNS Pollux (right), USNS Denebola (top) and USNS Regulus for Operation Enduring Freedom. AB Mark Godbold USNS Pollux Left: The Pollux loads military gear last month in San Diego. Left: Huge lines are prominent on the deck of the Pollux. Right: The Pollux’s steward department includes SB Dennis Redding, ACU Farid Zaharan and SA Armando Evangelista. Chief Electrician Melvin Kerns USNS Pollux � 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 2003 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ALASKA, SIU, SCHOOL TEAM UP TO TRAIN DISPLACED WORKERS MSC IMPLEMENTS VACCINATION PROGRAM 5 CHARGED IN FOC DRUG-SMUGGLING CASE SIU WELCOMES NEW CABLE SHIP GOV’T SERVICES DIVISION CREWS FORMER NAVY SHIP GEN. HANDY TOURS SCHOOL MANPOWER DEPARTMENT, SIU PORT OFFICIALS SHOW DEDICATION IN ANSWERING ACTIVATIONS TOTE’S NORTHERN LIGHTS TRANSPORTS MILITARY GEAR SIU SHIP SURVIVES SEVERE STORM U.S. CONTINUES PORT SECURITY ACTIVITY SIU PARTICIPATES IN COAST GUARD MEETINGS, HOSTS SEPARATE LABOR-MANAGEMENT FORUM NEW MARAD STUDY HIGHLIGHTS MERCHANT MARINE’S READINESS WORKERS URGE CONGRESS TO BOLSTER MANUFACTURING GREAT LAKES ARE ICED OVER UNION INDUSTRIES SHOW HEADS TO PITTSBURGH SHIPS ACTIVATE FOR OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM SIU-CREWED FAST SEALIFT SHIPS ACTIVATED USNS POLLUX IS LATEST TO MOBILIZE FOR ENDURING FREEDOM Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 03/01/2003 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. 65, No. 3 2003 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/67253b5c00063c909464187365085ad2.pdf d608563346b453ee9babe0da18af93e7 PDF Text Text Volume 65, Number 4 www.seafarers.org April 2003 Supporting Our Troops Photo courtesy Port of Tacoma More than 2,000 SIU members are crewing military support ships as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. At right, the SIUcrewed Cape Intrepid—one of more than 100 Seafarerscrewed vessels involved in the campaign—loads military trucks in Tacoma, Wash. As the war continued, General John W. Handy (inset), head of the U.S. Transportation Command, praised Seafarers and SIU President Mike Sacco in an inspiring letter. Page 3. Gen. John W. Handy More New Jobs for Seafarers The SIU recently gained new shipboard job opportunities with the addition of the cable ship Tyco Decisive (above), plus a newly contracted Keystone tanker. Seafarers also were aboard the new TOTE containership Midnight Sun last month when the vessel successfully completed sea trials. Also, SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. announced the keel laying Page 4 for the first in a series of new builds. Page 2. ITF Assists Crew New Privacy Rules Page 2 MTD Charts Course For Continued Revitalization During meetings of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department’s executive board, MTD officials and representatives from Congress, the administration and the U.S. fleet discussed ways to continue revitalizing the industry. Here, MTD (and SIU) President Mike Sacco (left) welcomes U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) to the meetings in Bal Harbour, Fla. Pages 3, 8, 9. �President’s Report 6XSSRUWLQJ�2 2XU�7 7URRSV (YHQ�EHIRUH�WKH�ZDU�LQ�,UDT�RIILFLDOO\�EHJDQ��6,8�PHPEHUV DQVZHUHG�RXU�QDWLRQ©V�FDOO� 7KURXJK�WKH�DFWLYDWLRQ�RI�GR]HQV�RI�5HDG\ 5HVHUYH�)RUFH�YHVVHOV�DQG�WKH�PRELOL]DWLRQ�RI 0LOLWDU\�6HDOLIW�&RPPDQG�VKLSV�LQ�WKH�ZHHNV�DQG PRQWKV�OHDGLQJ�XS�WR�WKH�ZDU��6HDIDUHUV�UHDGLO\ FOLPEHG�WKH�JDQJZD\V��7KH\�PHW�WKHLU�DFWLYDWLRQ GHDGOLQHV�ZLWKRXW�IDLO��'HVSLWH�WKH�SRWHQWLDO�GDQ� JHUV��6HDIDUHUV�HVVHQWLDOO\�VDLG��¦%ULQJ�LW�RQ�§ )RU�XV��WKLV�LV�QRWKLQJ�QHZ��7KURXJKRXW�RXU���� \HDU�KLVWRU\��6HDIDUHUV�DOZD\V�KDYH�GHOLYHUHG�WKH 0LFKDHO�6DFFR JRRGV�IRU�RXU�WURRSV��)URP�:RUOG�:DU�,,�ULJKW WKURXJK�WR�WRGD\��WKH�6,8�SURXGO\�KDV�SURYLGHG YLWDO�VHDOLIW�VXSSRUW¥LQ�WKH�IRUP�RI�OR\DO��ZHOO�WUDLQHG��UHOLDEOH�VKLS� ERDUG�PDQSRZHU��:H�GR�WKH�MRE��ZKHUHYHU�DQG�ZKHQHYHU�QHHGHG� :RUGV�FDQQRW�GR�MXVWLFH�WR�WKH�SULGH�,�IHHO�LQ�NQRZLQJ�WKDW�RXU PHPEHUV�RQFH�DJDLQ�DUH�GHPRQVWUDWLQJ�WKHLU�URFN�VROLG�FRPPLWPHQW WR�SURWHFWLQJ�RXU�IUHHGRP�DQG��LQ�WKLV�FDVH��WR�VXSSRUWLQJ�WKH�OLEHUD� WLRQ�RI�,UDTL�FLYLOLDQV��,©P�QRW�WKH�OHDVW�ELW�VXUSULVHG��DQG�,�WKDQN�HDFK DQG�HYHU\�6,8�EURWKHU�DQG�VLVWHU�IRU�WKHLU�GHGLFDWLRQ� ,�DOVR�ZDQW�WR�H[WHQG�P\�GHHSHVW��PRVW�VLQFHUH�WKDQNV��VXSSRUW DQG�DGPLUDWLRQ�IRU�WKH�8�6��DQG�DOOLHG�WURRSV�ZKR�DUH�ILJKWLQJ�WKH ZDU��&UHGLEOH�SROOV�FRQVLVWHQWO\�VKRZ�WKDW�PRVW�$PHULFDQV�VXSSRUW WKH�PLVVLRQ�WR�GLVDUP�6DGGDP�+XVVHLQ�DQG�IUHH�LQQRFHQW�,UDTLV�IURP WKH�FOXWFKHV�RI�WKLV�WHUULEOH�GLFWDWRU��7R�RXU�WURRSV��PDNH�QR�PLVWDNH� <RXU�FRXQWU\�VWDQGV�EHKLQG�\RX�DQG�SUD\V�IRU�\RXU�VXFFHVV� ,Q�WKH�PLGVW�RI�WKLV�FRQIOLFW��,�UHFHLYHG�D�ZRQGHUIXO�OHWWHU�IURP *HQHUDO�-RKQ�+DQG\��WKH�KHDG�RI�WKH�8�6��7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ�&RPPDQG� WKDQNLQJ�6HDIDUHUV�IRU�WKHLU�FRQWULEXWLRQ�WR�WKH�ZDU�HIIRUW��7KH�IXOO OHWWHU�LV�UHSULQWHG�RQ�WKH�QH[W�SDJH��DQG�,�XUJH�\RX�WR�UHDG�LW� *HQHUDO�+DQG\©V�SUDLVH�RI�6HDIDUHUV�LV�QRW�WR�EH�WDNHQ�OLJKWO\��,©YH EHHQ�DURXQG�ORQJ�HQRXJK�WR�NQRZ�WKDW�KLJK�UDQNLQJ�PLOLWDU\�RIILFLDOV DUHQ©W�LQ�WKH�KDELW�RI�WRVVLQJ�RXW�DUWLILFLDO�FRPSOLPHQWV�WR�XQLRQV�RU FLYLOLDQ�PDULQHUV��<RX�FDQ�EHW�WKDW�KH�PHDQV�HYHU\�ZRUG�RI�SUDLVH�IRU WKH�6,8��+LV�OHWWHU�HDVLO\�UDQNV�DPRQJ�WKH�PRVW�JUDWLI\LQJ�DQG�KXP� EOLQJ�PHVVDJHV�,©YH�HYHU�UHFHLYHG��,W©V�VRPHWKLQJ�HYHU\�6HDIDUHU VKRXOG�EH�SURXG�RI� ,W©V�ZRUWK�QRWLQJ�WKDW�HYHQ�DV�ZH�KDYH�GHYRWHG�ORWV�RI�UHVRXUFHV�WR 2SHUDWLRQ�,UDTL�)UHHGRP��WKH�6,8�LQ�QR�ZD\�LV�QHJOHFWLQJ�RXU�FRP� PLWPHQWV�WR�WKH�FRPPHUFLDO�VHFWRU�RI�WKH�8�6��0HUFKDQW�0DULQH� 7KRXVDQGV�RI�RWKHU�6HDIDUHUV�DUH�KDQGOLQJ�WKH�LPSRUWDQW�MRE�RI�NHHS� LQJ�8�6��IODJ�FRPPHUFLDO�YHVVHOV�RSHUDWLQJ�KHUH�DQG�DEURDG��:H©YH EHHQ�SUHSDULQJ�IRU�WKLV�VLWXDWLRQ�IRU�D�ORQJ�WLPH��WKURXJK�VWHSSHG�XS UHFUXLWLQJ�DQG�WUDLQLQJ��:H©UH�UHDG\�IRU�ZKDWHYHU�OLHV�DKHDG� $ORQJ�WKRVH�VDPH�OLQHV��ZH�KDYHQ©W�UHVWHG�LQ�RXU�RQJRLQJ�HIIRUWV WR�VHFXUH�QHZ�VKLSERDUG�MRE�RSSRUWXQLWLHV�IRU�6,8�PHPEHUV��7KH UHVXOWV�VSHDN�IRU�WKHPVHOYHV��,Q�WKH�ODVW�PRQWK�DORQH��ZH©YH�FUHZHG XS�D�EUDQG�QHZ�FDEOH�VKLS�IRU�7\FR��KHOSHG�VHH�D�QHZ�727(�FRQWDLQ� HUVKLS�WKURXJK�VXFFHVVIXO�VHD�WULDOV��DQG�ZHOFRPHG�QHZ�WRQQDJH�LQ WKH�.H\VWRQH�IOHHW��$OVR�LQ�WKH�QHZV�LV�D�NHHO�OD\LQJ�IRU�D�QHZ�$ODVND 7DQNHU�&RPSDQ\�YHVVHO�WKDW�ZLOO�EH�FUHZHG�E\�6HDIDUHUV� :LWKRXW�D�GRXEW��KRZHYHU��LW©V�VDIH�WR�VD\�WKDW�D�ELJ�SDUW�RI�WKH FROOHFWLYH�FRQVFLRXVQHVV�RI�WKH�6,8�LV�IRFXVHG�RQ�RXU�PLVVLRQ�LQ�,UDT� *HQHUDO�+DQG\�DQG�WKH�UHVW�RI�WKH�PLOLWDU\�DOUHDG\�KDYH�VHHQ�WKH 6,8©V�FRPPLWPHQW�WR�VXSSRUW�RXU�WURRSV��7KDW�FRPPLWPHQW�ZLOO�QRW ZDYHU¥HYHU� 0D\�*RG�FRQWLQXH�WR�EOHVV�RXU�6HDIDUHUV��RXU�WURRSV�DQG�RXU 8QLWHG�6WDWHV�RI�$PHULFD� Volume 65, Number 4 April 2003 The SIU on line: www.seafarers.org 7KH� 6HDIDUHUV� /2* �,661� ����������� LV� SXEOLVKHG� PRQWKO\� E\�WKH�6HDIDUHUV�,QWHUQDWLRQDO�8QLRQ��$WODQWLF��*XOI��/DNHV DQG� ,QODQG� :DWHUV� 'LVWULFW�108�� $)/�&,2�� ����� $XWK :D\�� &DPS� 6SULQJV�� 0'� � ������� 7HOHSKRQH� ������ ���� ������ 3HULRGLFDOV� SRVWDJH� SDLG� DW� 6RXWKHUQ� 0DU\ODQG ������������32670$67(5��6HQG�DGGUHVV�FKDQJHV�WR�WKH 6HDIDUHUV� /2*�� ����� $XWK� :D\�� &DPS� 6SULQJV�� 0'� ������ &RPPXQLFDWLRQV� 'LUHFWRU�� -RUGDQ� %LVFDUGR�� 0DQDJLQJ (GLWRU�3URGXFWLRQ�� 'HERUDK� $�� +LUWHV�� $VVRFLDWH� (GLWRU�� -LP� *XWKULH�� $UW�� %LOO� %URZHU�� $GPLQLVWUDWLYH� 6XSSRUW� -HDQQH�7H[WRU� &RS\ULJKW�‹������6HDIDUHUV�,QWHUQDWLRQDO�8QLRQ��$*/,:' $OO�5LJKWV�5HVHUYHG� NOTICE: NEW POLICY REGARDING VACATION APPLICATIONS Effective immediately, original payroll vouchers must be submitted to verify employment—along with any Coast Guard discharges— for all vacation applications. These original documents will be returned to the applicant along with the vacation check. Failure to submit original pay vouchers could delay the processing of vacation benefits. 2 Seafarers LOG SIU Gains More Jobs 0DUFK� ZDV� D� ELJ� PRQWK� LQ WHUPV� RI� QHZ� VKLSERDUG� MRE RSSRUWXQLWLHV�IRU�6HDIDUHUV� 6,8� PHPEHUV� EHJDQ� FUHZLQJ XS� D� EUDQG� QHZ� FDEOH� VKLS� �WKH 7\FR� 'HFLVLYH��� DQG� WKH\� DOVR KHOSHG� VXFFHVVIXOO\� JXLGH� WKH QHZ�7RWHP�2FHDQ�7UDLOHU�([SUHVV �727(�� FRQWDLQHUVKLS� 0LGQLJKW 6XQ�WKURXJK�VHD�WULDOV� $OVR�� WKH� XQLRQ� DQQRXQFHG WKDW� 6,8�FRQWUDFWHG� .H\VWRQH� LV DGGLQJ� QHZ� WRQQDJH� LQ� WKH� IRUP RI�WKH�WDQNHU�'HODZDUH�7UDGHU� )LQDOO\��6,8�FRQWUDFWHG�$ODVND 7DQNHU� &R�� DQQRXQFHG� WKH� NHHO OD\LQJ� IRU� WKH� $ODVNDQ� )URQWLHU� WKH� ILUVW� RI� IRXU� GRXEOH�KXOO� RLO WDQNHUV�EHLQJ�EXLOW�DW�WKH�1DWLRQDO 6WHHO�DQG�6KLSEXLOGLQJ�&RPSDQ\ \DUG� LQ� 6DQ� 'LHJR�� 7KH� QHZ WDQNHU� ZLOO� IHDWXUH� WZLQ�VKDIW GLHVHO�HOHFWULF�SURSXOVLRQ� ¦7KHVH� GHYHORSPHQWV� GHPRQ� VWUDWH�WKH�6,8©V�RQJRLQJ�FRPPLW� PHQW�WR�VHFXUH�QHZ��JRRG�MREV�IRU WKH�PHPEHUVKLS�§�VWDWHG�6,8�9LFH 3UHVLGHQW�&RQWUDFWV�$XJLH�7HOOH]� ¦7KH� UHOLDELOLW\� DQG� RXWVWDQGLQJ SHUIRUPDQFH� RI� 6HDIDUHUV� DERDUG DOO� W\SHV� RI� YHVVHOV� JRHV� D� ORQJ ZD\�WRZDUG�DFKLHYLQJ�WKDW�JRDO�§ 7KH� 7\FR� 'HFLVLYH LV� D� VLVWHU VKLS� WR� WKH� 6,8�FUHZHG� 7\FR 'HSHQGDEOH�� ZKLFK� ZDV� FKULV� WHQHG�HDUO\�WKLV�\HDU�LQ�+RQROXOX� 7KH� 'HFLVLYH�� VFKHGXOHG� WR� HQWHU VHUYLFH� WKLV� PRQWK�� LV� ���� IHHW ORQJ� DQG� ��� IHHW� ZLGH�� ,W� KDV� D UHJLVWHUHG� JURVV� WRQQDJH� RI �������DQG�D�VHUYLFH�VSHHG�RI��� NQRWV� 7KH�0LGQLJKW�6XQ LV�H[SHFWHG WR�HQWHU�WKH�$ODVND�WUDGH�RQ�$SULO ��� The SIU-crewed 0LGQLJKW�6XQ undergoes sea trials off the coast of Southern California. 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Known as “award fees,” the payments were approved after the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) rated the work done by mariners aboard Maersk and Patriot/ASM ships as superior. The companies already have begun mailing bonus checks to eligible mariners who sailed aboard the following USNS vessels in 2002: Bob Hope, Watson, Soderman, Sisler, Dahl, Watkins, Red Cloud, Pomeroy, Charlton, Yano, Shughart, Seay, Mendonca, Gordon, Gilliland, Fisher and Pililaau. For the Maersk ships, crew members must have completed a full 120-day assignment in order to qualify for the award fee. LMSR stands for large, medium-speed, rollon/roll-off vessel. April 2003 �SIU Delivers for U.S. Troops 0RUH�WKDQ�������6HDIDUHUV�&UHZ�8S�6KLSV�IRU�¨,UDTL�)UHHGRP© 8SKROGLQJ� WKH� WUDGLWLRQ� RI WKHLU� XQLRQ� DV� ZHOO� DV� WKDW� RI� WKH HQWLUH�8�6��0HUFKDQW�0DULQH��6,8 PHPEHUV� DUH� SURYLGLQJ� NH\� VXS� SRUW�IRU�DOOLHG�WURRSV�LQYROYHG�LQ 2SHUDWLRQ�,UDTL�)UHHGRP� %\� ODWH� 0DUFK�� PRUH� WKDQ ������ 6HDIDUHUV� ZHUH� VDLOLQJ DERDUG� PLOLWDU\� VXSSRUW� VKLSV LQYROYHG�LQ�WKH�ZDU��7KDW�LQFOXGHV ��� VKLSV� IURP� WKH� 8�6�� 5HDG\ 5HVHUYH�)RUFH��55)��DQG����YHV� VHOV�WKDW�FRPSRVH�SDUW�RI�WKH�8�6� 0LOLWDU\�6HDOLIW�&RPPDQG��06&� IOHHW�� SOXV� DW� OHDVW� ��� VKLSV� IURP WKH� *RYHUQPHQW� 6HUYLFHV� 'LYL� VLRQ� $V� WKH� DFWLYDWLRQV� DQG� PREL� OL]DWLRQV� SURFHHGHG�� 6,8� 3UHVL� GHQW� 0LNH� 6DFFR� VHQW� D� OHWWHU� WR 3UHVLGHQW� %XVK� UHDIILUPLQJ� WKH XQLRQ©V� VXSSRUW� IRU� WKH� SUHVLGHQW DQG�IRU�WKH�RSHUDWLRQ��¦<RX�KDYH PDGH� LW� FOHDU� WKDW� WKLV� PLVVLRQ ZLOO� EHQHILW� QRW� RQO\� WKH RSSUHVVHG� FLWL]HQV� RI� ,UDT�� EXW DOVR�WKH�HQWLUH�IUHH�ZRUOG��<RX�FDQ FRXQW�RQ�WKH�6,8�HYHU\�VWHS�RI�WKH ZD\�§�6DFFR�ZURWH� %\� PLG�0DUFK�� VHYHUDO� VWHSV KDG� EHHQ� WDNHQ� WR� KHOS� HQVXUH ERWK� WKH� VDIHW\� RI� WKH� FLYLOLDQ� FUHZHG� VKLSV� DV� ZHOO� DV� WKHLU FDSDFLW\� WR� VXSSRUW� DOOLHG� IRUFHV� $ ODUJH� QXPEHU� RI� ¦)RUFH 3URWHFWLRQ� 7HDPV§� ZHUH� EHLQJ PRELOL]HG� DQG� VHQW� LQ� WKHDWHU� WR SURYLGH� VKLSERDUG� VHFXULW\� ZKLOH YHVVHOV� HQWHU�� XQORDG�� DQG� GHSDUW WKH� ¦KRW§� SRUWV�� $FFRUGLQJ� WR NQRZOHGJHDEOH�VRXUFHV��WKH�WHDPV ZLOO�GLVHPEDUN�RQFH�WKH�YHVVHO�LV RXW�RI�SRUW�DQG�UHDG\�WR�KHDG�RXW WR�VHD��7KH�WHDPV�DUH�EHLQJ�FUHDW� HG� IURP� 1DWLRQDO� *XDUG� IRUFHV LQFOXGLQJ�RYHU�����IURP�3XHUWR 5LFR� ZKR� KDYH� ODZ� HQIRUFH� PHQW� H[SHULHQFH�� 7KHVH� WHDPV ZLOO� ERDUG� DQG� ULGH� DOO� PHU� FKDQW�VKLSV�HQWHULQJ�WKH�DUHD� $GGLWLRQDOO\�� SURWHFWLYH JHDU� LQFOXGLQJ� FKHPLFDO�� ELR� ORJLFDO� DQG� UDGLRORJLFDO GHIHQVH� HTXLSPHQW� DQG� PHG� LFDO� NLWV� KDYH� EHHQ� VHQW� DQG ZLOO� EH� GHSOR\HG� LQ� IRUZDUG DUHDV� WR� EH� SODFHG� RQ� ERDUG YHVVHOV� HQWHULQJ� WKH� UHJLRQ� 7KH� JHDU� ZLOO� EH� ORDGHG� RQ WKH� YHVVHOV� LQ� WUDQVLW� RU� LQ GHVLJQDWHG�SRUWV� )LQDOO\�� VPDOO� SR[� DQG DQWKUD[� YDFFLQHV� DUH� EHLQJ VHQW�WR�IRUZDUG�DUHDV�WR�FRQ� WLQXH� WKH� LQRFXODWLRQ� SUR� JUDP� LQLWLDWHG� E\� WKH 'HIHQVH�'HSDUWPHQW� 8�6�� 7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ 6HFUHWDU\�1RUPDQ�0LQHWD� FRPPHQWLQJ�RQ�WKH�FXUUHQW PLVVLRQ�� QRWHG� WKDW� VXFK RSHUDWLRQV� DUH� QRWKLQJ QHZ� IRU� WKH� PHUFKDQW PDULQH�� ¦7KH� PDULWLPH FRPPXQLW\� KDV� VHUYHG $PHULFD� ZLWK� JUHDW� GLV� WLQFWLRQ� GXULQJ� HYHU\ PDMRU� FULVLV� LQ� RXU QDWLRQ©V� KLVWRU\�� DQG� WKH PDULQHUV� ZKR� FUHZ� WKH VKLSV� DUH� WKH� FRUQHU� VWRQH� RI� WKLV� HIIRUW�§ VDLG� 0LQHWD�� ¦)URP� WKH� 5HYROX� WLRQDU\� :DU�� WKURXJK� ERWK� :RUOG :DUV� DQG� XS� WR� WRGD\�� RXU PDULQHUV�KDYH�ZLOOLQJO\�GHIHQGHG DQG�VHUYHG�WKLV�QDWLRQ�ZLWK�HQWKX� VLDVP�DQG�YDORU�§ Gen. John W. Handy, the head of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRA1SCOM), offers high praise to Seafarers and to SIU President Mike Sacco in this letter from mid-March. Including Government Services Division vessels, more than 2,000 Seafarers are sailing in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. At the same time, the union also is meeting all of its requirements in the commercial sector. On Brink of War, Merchant Marine’s Defense Role is Obvious, Appreciated 07'�%RDUG�$GGUHVVHV�.H\�0DULWLPH��/DERU ,VVXHV Photo courtesy U.S. Military Sealift Command Helicopters and other materiel are loaded onto the SIU-crewed 8616 %RE� +RSH, one of more than 100 Seafarers-crewed ships involved in the war. Seafarer Mark Canada, pictured aboard the RRF vessel 8616�:ULJKW during a recent activation, is among the 2,000-plus SIU members sailing in support of allied forces. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, May 26, 2003 for the observance of Memorial Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. 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Bill Directs Bonus For WWII Mariners $ SDLU� RI� ELOOV� VRRQ� PD\� EH FRQVLGHUHG� E\� WKH� 3HQQV\OYDQLD OHJLVODWXUH� ZKLFK�� LI� SDVVHG� ZRXOG�EHQHILW�FHUWDLQ�YHWHUDQV�LQ WKDW� VWDWH�� LQFOXGLQJ� PHUFKDQW PDULQHUV� 6WDWH� 5HSV�� -RVHSK� 3HWUDUFD DQG�-RKQ�0DKHU�DUH�DPRQJ�WKRVH VSRQVRULQJ�WKH�ELSDUWLVDQ�OHJLVOD� WLRQ� WKDW� ZRXOG� DVVLVW� VRPH� RI 3HQQV\OYDQLD©V� IRUPHU� VHUYLFH PHPEHUV�� 7KH\� DUH� DPRQJ� WKH FR�VSRQVRUV� RI� +RXVH� %LOO� ��� ZKLFK� ZRXOG� SURYLGH� PHUFKDQW PDULQHUV� ZKR� VHUYHG� RQ� DFWLYH GXW\�GXULQJ�:RUOG�:DU�,,�ZLWK�D ����� ERQXV� LQ� UHFRJQLWLRQ� IRU WKHLU�VHUYLFH� ¦$PHULFD©V� PHUFKDQW� PDULQ� HUV��ZKLOH�ODUJHO\�UHVSRQVLEOH�IRU RXU� FRXQWU\©V� VXFFHVV� LQ� :RUOG :DU�,,��DUH�RIWHQ�IRUJRWWHQ�ZKHQ ZH� WDON� DERXW� ZDU� YHWHUDQV�§ 3HWUDUFD�VDLG��¦7KHVH�EUDYH�LQGL� YLGXDOV� GLG� QRW� UHFHLYH� YHWHUDQ VWDWXV�XQWLO�������VRPH�HYHQ�KDG WR�ZDLW����\HDUV�EH\RQG�WKDW�§ %HFDXVH�RI�WKH�DEVHQFH�RI�YHW� HUDQ� VWDWXV�� WKH� HOHFWHG� RIILFLDO VDLG�� PHUFKDQW� PDULQHUV� GLG� QRW UHFHLYH� WKH� ILQDQFLDO� ERQXV� DQG RWKHU� EHQHILWV� JLYHQ� WR� PHQ� DQG Notice USSM Ships – Chinese Visas Effective immediately, Seafarers must possess a Chinese visa in order to sign on aboard any USSM vessel that calls on China. This change has been implemented to help ensure that, in the event of an injury or other medical emergency, prompt treatment can be rendered, along with repatriation if appropriate. The company is providing letters to the crew concerning how to obtain the visa. USSM also is reimbursing crew members for the cost of the visa, if applicable. According to USSM, a one-year, multiple-entry visa (C-Visa) is available at no fee to merchant mariners. To obtain a C-Visa, the following are required: visa application; passport-type photo; passport; confirmation letter. USSM will provide the confirmation letter. April 2003 ZRPHQ�LQ�RWKHU�EUDQFKHV�RI�VHU� YLFH�GXULQJ�WKH�ZDU��0RUH�WKDQ�� PLOOLRQ� :RUOG� :DU� ,,� YHWHUDQV FXUUHQWO\� OLYH� LQ� WKH� 8QLWHG 6WDWHV� ¦2XW�RI�DOO�RI�WKH�EUDQFKHV�RI DUPHG�VHUYLFH�GXULQJ�:RUOG�:DU ,,�� WKH� 8�6�� 0HUFKDQW� 0DULQH VXIIHUHG�WKH�ODUJHVW�SHUFHQWDJH�RI ZDU�UHODWHG� GHDWKV�§� 3HWUDUFD VDLG�� ¦2QH� RXW� RI� HYHU\� ��� ZKR VHUYHG�GLHG�IRU�WKHLU�FRXQWU\��7KH OHDVW� ZH� FDQ� GR� IRU� WKRVH� ZKR VXUYLYHG� LV� WR� FRPSHQVDWH� WKHP IRU�WKHLU�VHUYLFH�WR�3HQQV\OYDQLD DQG�$PHULFD�§ 7KH�PHUFKDQW�PDULQH�ELOO�ZDV DOVR�LQWURGXFHG�GXULQJ�WKH������ ���OHJLVODWLYH�VHVVLRQ�DQG�SDVVHG WKH� +RXVH� XQDQLPRXVO\�� 7KH 6HQDWH��KRZHYHU��QHYHU�YRWHG�RQ LW� 0HPEHUV� RI� 3HQQV\OYDQLD FKDSWHUV� RI� WKH� $PHULFDQ� 0HU� FKDQW� 0DULQH� 9HWHUDQV� DUH� HQ� FRXUDJLQJ� RWKHU� PHPEHUV� DQG FLWL]HQV� WKURXJKRXW� WKH� VWDWH� WR FRQWDFW�WKHLU�UHSUHVHQWDWLYHV�DQG DVN� WKHP� WR� VXSSRUW� +RXVH� %LOO ��� 3HWUDUFD�VDLG�KH�DOVR�ZLOO�FR� VSRQVRU� DQRWKHU� ELOO� IURP� WKH SDVW� VHVVLRQ� WKDW� ZLOO� VRRQ� EH UHLQWURGXFHG�� 7KLV� OHJLVODWLRQ� ZKLFK� GRHV� QRW� \HW� KDYH� D� ELOO QXPEHU�� ZRXOG� KHOS� GLVDEOHG 3HQQV\OYDQLD� YHWHUDQV� WR� DIIRUG WKHLU�SUHVFULSWLRQ�GUXJV� U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert (right), pictured with SIU President Mike Sacco during last month’s meeting of the Maritime Trades Department’s executive board, said that while the industry faces many key issues, supporting national defense and security requirements remains the Maritime Administration’s top priority. Notice U.S. Coast Guard Advisory Concerning Merchant Mariner Documents (February 28, 2003) The Coast Guard has implemented more thorough criminal record reviews for people seeking Merchant Mariner Documents (MMDs), and is now issuing the credentials on a more tamper-resistant and accountable card. The new security measures are part of the Coast Guard’s overall efforts to improve port, waterway, and maritime security. “The increased security concerns stemming from the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks have led us to scrutinize merchant mariner document applicants more closely, and change to a more secure type of card,” said Capt. Joe Brusseau, Director of Field Activities for the Coast Guard’s office of Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection. “We’ll be working closely with the maritime industry and individual mariners to implement these changes as smoothly as possible,” he said. The new MMDs—sometimes called “Z-cards,” or by their form number “CG-2838”—will be similar in appearance to the old cards but include several improvements for increased security including features to deter counterfeiting. Mariners with new applications or renewal requests already submitted will automatically be processed under the new system and will be notified if any additional information is needed. Mariners should know that while application procedures are essentially the same, mariners must now appear in person at a Coast Guard Regional Exam Center (REC) to prove their identity and provide fingerprints at some point in the process before receiving their new MMD. RECs, which issue MMDs, have been given guidance on prioritizing requests to ensure the fastest possible processing for mariners with a critical need for an MMD such as those directly involved in military loadouts and those actively engaged in sailing. The change to a more tamper-resistant card will provide both U.S. and foreign officials with greater confidence that the credentials are genuine, and ensure that any expired or fraudulent cards will be more easily spotted. Changes to the MMDs complement recent modernization and security changes made to Coast Guard issued merchant mariner licenses. Licenses are generally issued for ship’s officer positions such as master, mate, or chief engineer. MMDs are typically issued for crew positions such as qualified member of the engine department, able-bodied seaman or ordinary seaman. Both types of credentials are important for ensuring the safe and secure operation of U. S. merchant vessels. Over 123,000 people hold MMDs, but not all of them are actively working aboard ships. Note: As of February 4, Regional Exam Centers are prioritizing applications and requests for MMDs as follows: 1. Mariners who are, or are about to be, employed on a vessel directly involved with a military operation. A letter from the shipping company, labor union, ship management company, or government agency attesting to the ship’s military purpose and the mariner’s position is needed for this priority. 2. Mariners who are actively sailing. Evidence of current or scheduled employment on board a vessel, such as a letter or recent certificate of discharge is needed for this priority. 3. All other transactions based on date of receipt. For additional information on the new MMDs please contact the Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center at (202) 493-1006. 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by the April 14, 2003 deadline. The privacy rules issued under the law (HIPAA) give certain rights to participants regarding their personal health information. These rights were detailed in the mailing’s Privacy Notice to Participants. Also included in the mailing were a cover letter explaining the contents, a statement by the Board of Trustees regarding privacy, copies of optical and other amendments to the NMU Welfare Plan adopted in 2002, revised claims and appeals procedures for the NMU Welfare Plan, authorizations for phone inquiries, a blank beneficiary form to update our records (if necessary) and a new Pension Summary Plan Description (SPD). Internally, procedures have been established to insure compliance with the privacy regulations. William J. Dennis, administrator, and Miriam Bove, benefits director, have been assigned the responsibility for administering the new procedures and providing training to staff and plan representatives. These changes have been implemented as mandated by the U. S. Government and will not affect the processing of claims or other administrative functions. 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The check goes to the 1ew York Firefighters 9�11 Disaster Relief Fund. Crew members from the two cruise ships unanimously voted to donate all of their crew funds (totaling ��0,000) to the IAFF fund and the 1ew York State Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Foundation. The FOP check was presented late last year. Seafarers LOG 9 �LNG Crews Aid the Needy 6HDIDUHUV� DQG� RIILFHUV� DERDUG 3URQDY©V�/1*�YHVVHOV�KLVWRULFDO� O\�KDYH�SURYLGHG�FKDULWDEOH�DVVLV� WDQFH� WR� SRRU� DQG� QHHG\� SRSXOD� WLRQV�QHDU�SRUWV�RI�FDOO�ZKHUH�WKH\ DQFKRU�� 0HPEHUV� RI� WKH� 6,8� DQG $PHULFDQ� 0DULWLPH� 2IILFHUV �$02��DERDUG�WKUHH�/1*�YHVVHOV RQ� )HE�� ��� ZHUH� UHFRJQL]HG� IRU WKHLU� KXPDQLWDULDQ� HIIRUWV� DQG FRQWLQXHG� VXSSRUW� RI� WKH� ORFDO SHRSOH� ZKR� OLYH� QHDU� WKH� SRUW� RI %RQWDQJ� LQ� %RUQHR�� ,QGRQHVLD� $FFRUGLQJ� WR� &KLHI� 0DWH� -RKQ *RPDUG�� DQ� 6,8� KDZVHSLSHU DERDUG� WKH� /1*� 9LUJR�� 6,8� DQG $02� PHPEHUV� IURP� WKH� /1* &DSULFRUQ�� /1*� 7DXUXV DQG� KLV YHVVHO� FROOHFWHG� GRQDWLRQV� WRWDO� LQJ� ������� IRU� GLVSHUVDO� WR� WKH SHRSOH� RI� %RUQHR��7KH� IXQGV� DUH EHLQJ� GLVWULEXWHG� WR� DVVLVW� UXUDO VFKRROV��SXEOLF�KHDOWK�FHQWHUV�DQG WR� SURYLGH� IRRG� DQG� FORWKLQJ� IRU WKH�SRRU� *RPDUG�UHSUHVHQWHG�WKH�FUHZV IURP� WKH� WKUHH� YHVVHOV� DW� D� FHUH� PRQ\�ZKLFK�WRRN�SODFH�DW�D�ORFDO SXEOLF� KHDOWK� FHQWHU� ZKHUH� IRRG SDFNDJHV�ZRXOG�EH�GLVWULEXWHG��,W ZDV�IROORZHG�E\�D�YLVLW�WR�D�ORFDO VFKRRO� ZKHUH� SUHYLRXV� GRQDWLRQV KDG�EHHQ�VHQW� ¦:KHQ�,�DUULYHG��DW�WKH�KHDOWK FHQWHU��� LW� ZDV� DPD]LQJ� WR� VHH KXQGUHGV� RI� SHRSOH� JDWKHUHG� ž FOLQLF� GRFWRUV�� QXUVHV�� ORFDO� SHR� SOH��D�QHZV�VSRNHVSHUVRQ�DQG�ORWV RI� FKLOGUHQ�§� *RPDUG� VDLG�� ¦, FRXOGQ©W� KHOS� EXW� QRWLFH� WKDW PDQ\�RI�WKH�FKLOGUHQ�ZHUH�ZHDU� LQJ�2VDPD�ELQ�/DGHQ�7�VKLUWV�§ 6KRUWO\� DIWHU� KLV� DUULYDO�� KH WRXUHG� WKH� IDFLOLWLHV�� ¦,� KDG� WKH SOHDVXUH�RI�KDQGLQJ�RXW�DERXW���� IRRG� SDFNDJHV� WR� WKH� SRRU� DQG QHHG\�§� *RPDUG� VDLG�� ¦(DFK� EDJ Dority Stresses Organizing &RQWLQXHG�IURP�SDJH�� VWRUH�ZKHUH�KH�ZDV�ZRUNLQJ�DV�D FOHUN¥'RULW\� H[SODLQHG� WKDW :DO�0DUW�WRGD\�¦LV�VHWWLQJ�D�GLI� IHUHQW� NLQG� RI� VWDQGDUG�� <HDUV DJR��VRPH�RI�WKH�ELJJHVW�HPSOR\� HUV�XVHG�WR�EH�OHDGHUV��7KH\�ZHUH XVXDOO\� WKH� OHDGHUV� EHFDXVH� WKH\ ZHUH�RUJDQL]HG��<RX�ORRN�EDFN�DW *HQHUDO� 0RWRUV� ZKHQ� WKH\� ZHUH WKH�OHDGLQJ�FRPSDQ\�LQ�WKLV�FRXQ� WU\��7KH�SHRSOH�DW�*HQHUDO�0RWRUV PDNH� JRRG� PRQH\�� $QG� WKH\ PDNH�JRRG�PRQH\�EHFDXVH�RI�WKH 8QLWHG�$XWR�:RUNHUV��7KH\�VHW�D �IDLU�� VWDQGDUG�� DQG� RWKHU� SHRSOH PRYHG�WRZDUG�WKDW�VWDQGDUG�§ 1RZ�� :DO�0DUW©V� VL]H� DQG LQIOXHQFH� PDNHV� LW� DQ� HVVHQWLDO RUJDQL]LQJ� WDUJHW�� ¦7KH\©UH� VXFK D�WUHQG�VHWWHU�WKDW�WKHUH©V�QR�TXHV� WLRQ� WKH\©UH� JRLQJ� WR� GHILQH� WKH ZDJHV�LQ�WKH�UHWDLO�IRRG�LQGXVWU\�§ 'RULW\� VDLG�� ¦7KH\©UH� JRLQJ� WR GHILQH� WKH� KHDOWK� EHQHILWV� 7KH\©UH�JRLQJ�WR�GHILQH�WKH�SHQ� VLRQ� EHQHILWV�� 7KH\©UH� JRLQJ� WR GHILQH�WKH�ZKROH�VWDQGDUG�IRU�WKH IRRG�LQGXVWU\�DQG�WKDW©V�RXU�SURE� OHP�§ +H�DGGHG�WKDW�GHVSLWH�LWV�UHSX� WDWLRQ� DV� D� GLVFRXQW� RSHUDWLRQ� :DO�0DUW� KDV� EHHQ� TXLWH� SURI� LWDEOH� IRU� LWV� RZQHUV�� :KLOH� WKH DYHUDJH�:DO�0DUW� ZDJH� LV� ����� DQ� KRXU�� WKH� 8)&: SUHVLGHQW VWDWHG�� DQG� RQO\� D� WKLUG� RI� WKH HPSOR\HHV�KDYH�KHDOWK�LQVXUDQFH �IRU� ZKLFK� WKH\� SD\� DQ\ZKHUH IURP� ����� WR� ����� RXW� RI� WKHLU SD\FKHFN���ILYH�RI�WKH�ZRUOG©V��� ULFKHVW�SHRSOH�DUH�:DO�0DUW�KHLUV�� ¦:KDW� ZH� VHH� LQ� RXU� RZQ QHJRWLDWLRQV� LQ� WKH� IRRG� LQGXV� WU\�§� KH� FRQWLQXHG�� ¦LV� WKH HPSOR\HUV�FRPH�LQ�DQG�VD\�:DO� 0DUW�LV�VXFK�VWLII�FRPSHWLWLRQ�WKDW ZH�KDYH�WR�SXVK�RXU�ZDJHV�GRZQ� :H� KDYH� WR� KDYH� FXWV� LQ� RXU KHDOWK�DQG�ZHOIDUH��:H�FDQ©W�FRQ� WLQXH�WR�GR�WKLV�SHQVLRQ�WKLQJ��:H FDQ©W� FRQWLQXH� WR� SD\� SHRSOH RYHUWLPH�� :H� FDQ©W� FRQWLQXH� WR JLYH� WKHP� SUHPLXP� SD\� RQ 6XQGD\�� :H� FDQ©W� FRQWLQXH� WR KDYH� DQ\� UHVWULFWLRQV� LQ� WKH� FRQ� WUDFW�ZKHUH�SHRSOH�RQO\�GR�ZRUN LQ� WKHLU� SDUWLFXODU� GHSDUWPHQW� RU ZKDWHYHU�� :H� FDQ©W� KDYH� DQ\� RI WKRVH�WKLQJV��$QG�WKRVH�WKLQJV�DUH JRLQJ�WR�KDYH�D�VHYHUH�LPSDFW�RQ RXU� PHPEHUV�� %XW� :DO�0DUW� LV GRLQJ� VRPHWKLQJ� HOVH� EHFDXVH FRUSRUDWH� $PHULFD� IROORZV� WKH OHDG��:H©UH�JRLQJ�WR�KDYH�D�VLWXD� WLRQ� ZKHUH� RWKHU� HPSOR\HUV� DUH VD\LQJ�� +H\�� ZH� QHHG� WR� RSHUDWH WKH�VDPH�ZD\�:DO�0DUW�GRHV�§ 'RULW\� XUJHG� XQLRQ� PHPEHUV WR� VKRS� DW� XQLRQ� VWRUHV�� ¦%XW� LI WKH\� FDQ©W� VKRS� DW� D� XQLRQ� VWRUH DQG� WKH\� KDYH� WR� JR� LQWR� :DO� 0DUW�WKHQ�ZH�ZDQW�\RX�WR�JR�LQ�DV SURXG� XQLRQ� PHPEHUV� DQG� ZHDU� LQJ�\RXU�MDFNHWV�DQG�ZHDULQJ�\RXU KDWV� DQG� ZHDULQJ� \RXU� 7�VKLUWV WKDW� KDYH� VRPHWKLQJ� DERXW� WKH XQLRQ�� :H� ZDQW� XQLRQ� PHPEHUV WR�JR�LQ�DQG�WDON�WR�SHRSOH�DW�:DO� 0DUW�DERXW�WKHLU�XQLRQ¥ZKDW�WKH EHQHILWV�RI�WKHLU�XQLRQ�DUH�§ Days after UFCW President Doug Dority urged fellow trade unionists to support the organizing campaign at Wal-Mart, officials from the SIUaffiliated United Industrial Workers in Columbus, Ohio demonstrated at a store there. Pictured at the rally in Columbus are (from left) UFCW Local 10�9 President Becky Berroyer, UIW Asst. 9P Bob Love, UIW 9P Great Lakes Bill Ellis, and Local 10�9 Secretary-Treasurer Greg Behnke. 10 Seafarers LOG FRQWDLQHG� DERXW� �×� SRXQGV� RI ULFH�� �Ø� SRXQGV� RI� VXJDU�� WKUHH EDJV� RI� QRRGOHV�� RQH� TXDUW� RI FRRNLQJ�RLO�DQG�PHDW�IURP�VDFUL� ILFHG� OLYHVWRFN�� 7KH� SHRSOH� DOO ZHUH� YHU\� WKDQNIXO� DQG� WKH� FKLO� GUHQ� ZHUH� DOO� VPLOHV�� ,W� ZDV� D JUHDW� IHHOLQJ� WR� NQRZ� WKDW� ZH �FUHZ� PHPEHUV� IURP� WKH� /1* YHVVHOV�� ZHUH� KHOSLQJ� WKRVH� ZKR KDG�VR�YHU\�OLWWOH�§ $IWHU� WDONLQJ� ZLWK� GRFWRUV� QXUVHV�� VRPH� RI� WKH� ORFDOV� DW� WKH IDFLOLW\� DQG� SOD\LQJ� VRFFHU� ZLWK WKH� FKLOGUHQ�� *RPDUG� ZDV� RII� WR VHH� WKH� VFKRRO�� ORFDWHG� VRPH� �� PLOHV�IURP�WRZQ� )ROORZLQJ� DQ� HYHQWIXO� MRXU� QH\¥ZKLFK� DPRQJ� RWKHU� WKLQJV LQFOXGHG� JHWWLQJ� WKHLU� YHKLFOH VWXFN�LQ�WKH�PXG�RQ�D�GLUW�URDG¥ *RPDUG� DQG� KLV� JXLGH� DUULYHG� DW WKH� VFKRRO�� 7KH\� ZHUH� JUHHWHG ERWK�E\�WHDFKHUV�DQG�FKLOGUHQ��QR FODVVHV�ZHUH�LQ�VHVVLRQ�EHFDXVH�LW ZDV�D�KROLGD\�� ¦7KH\� VKRZHG� PH� WKH� GHVNV� ERRNV� DQG� VXSSOLHV� WKDW� FUHZ PHPEHUV� IURP� WKH� VKLSV� KDG KHOSHG�WR�SURYLGH�DQG�JDYH�PH�D WRXU� RI� WKH� VFKRRO� DQG� FODVV� URRPV�§� *RPDUG� VDLG�� ¦7KH VFKRRO�ZDV�QRW�PXFK�WR�ORRN�DW�LQ FRQWUDVW� WR� RXU� VFKRROV� EDFN KRPH�� EXW� LW� ZDV� D� VFKRRO QRQHWKHOHVV�� :KR� NQRZV� ZKDW ZLOO� EORVVRP� LQ� WKH� VWXGHQWV© \RXQJ�PLQGV�§ 7KH� IRUPHU� 6HDIDUHU� FRQFOXG� HG�� ¦$V� ,� OHIW� WKH� VFKRRO� DQG ZDYHG� JRRGE\H� WR� WKH� WHDFKHUV DQG�VPDOO�JURXS�RI�FKLOGUHQ��,�IHOW YHU\� SURXG� WR� KDYH� UHSUHVHQWHG WKH� /1*� VKLSV� DQG� WKHLU� FRP� ELQHG�DQG�FRQWLQXLQJ�KXPDQLWDUL� DQ� DLG�� ,W� ZDV� UHZDUGLQJ� WR� KDYH VHHQ� VRPH� RI� WKH� PDQ\� SHRSOH WKDW�ZHUH�KHOSHG�§ An Indonesian youth is all smiles as he receives a food bag from John Gomard. Chief Mate John Gomard, an SIU hawsepiper aboard the /1*�9LUJR� gives a food package to a needy elderly citizen in Borneo, Indonesia. Gomard helped local officials distribute the packages—each of which contained rice, sugar, noodles, cooking oil and meat—during a ceremony to honor L1G vessel crew members for their humanitarian deeds. Chief Mate John Gomard, center, kneeling, places leaves and sticks under the wheels of a stuck vehicle in hopes of resuming his journey. Gomard and his party were en route to a rural school near the port of Bontang, Indonesia for a visit and tour. Rural school classrooms near the city of Bontang, in Borneo, Indonesia are crowded and poorly furnished. 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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. 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HYHU\WKLQJ�UXQQLQJ�ZHOO��5HFRP� PHQGDWLRQ�PDGH�WR�KDYH�FRQWUDFWV GHSDUWPHQW�ORRN�LQWR�LQFUHDVLQJ SHQVLRQ�EHQHILWV�DQG�GHFUHDVLQJ VHD�WLPH�QHHGHG��$OVR�VXJJHVWHG KDYLQJ�XQLRQ�ZRUN�ZLWK�FRPSDQ\ WR�EULQJ�DERXW�DOORWPHQW�FKDQJH�RU LQVWLWXWH�GLUHFW�GHSRVLW�V\VWHP� Seafarers LOG 11 �Chief Steward Patrick D. Helton (center) and members of the Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Pfc Eugene A. Obregon relief team take a break as the vessel transits the Suez Canal on its way back from a download in Kuwait. From the left are Carlo Rosales, Jessie Burnett, Helton, Ahmed Elshabassy and Durlas Ruiz. Congratulations to Troy Laureta, the 14-year-old son of Recertified Steward Joseph Laureta. Troy was the first place winner in a recent high school musical competition in Hawaii. Accompanying himself with just a piano, Troy performed a song he wrote entitled, “Where Were You?” and blew the quiet audience into a fiery applause. In mid-May, he will enter a state competition. His proud father, Joseph, has been an SIU member for nearly 19 years. E ven while Seafarers answer the call for Operation Enduring Freedom and the looming war with Iraq, SIU members and representatives around the world also remain involved with other important activities. Upgrading, recruiting, community service, learning about foreign cultures, welcoming new family members and memorializing old ones—all of these actions are part of the routine in the SIU. Of course, and especially lately, nothing has taken precedence over providing skilled, dependable sealift for U.S. forces overseas. The massive activation which started early this year has involved all types of military support ships, and well-trained, loyal SIU members from coast to coast dutifully have answered Matthew D. Smith, who sails on the Great Lakes, has everything under control as he shows off his baby daughter, Elise Katharine, born Jan. 23. the call. Such service is nothing new. From its earliest days, the SIU has delivered the goods wherever and whenever needed—fulfilling its role as a key part of America’s fourth arm of defense. Never was this more evident than during World War II, when the U.S. Merchant Marine (including thousands of Seafarers), despite enduring a casualty rate second only to the Marine Corps, carried the troops and ammunition and other supplies that helped make victory possible. As Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower put it in May 1944, “When final victory is ours, there is no organization that will share its credit more deservedly than the Merchant Marine.” This photo of Bosun Raymond “Skip” Yager, taken Nov. 23, 2002 during a trip ashore from the Sea-Land Explorer, may well be his last. He passed away in early December aboard the ship, bound from Long Beach to Oakland, Calif. Pictured are (from left) AB Frank Cammuso, Electrician Jimmie Robles, Yager, AB Bill Horton, 3rd Engineer Thomas McKenzie and QMED Horst Baetzer. In many a shipboard discussion with Gregory M. Tylawsky, captain aboard the SeaLand Explorer, Yager had said he would like his final voyage to be out on San Francisco Bay—not a somber occasion, but a real salty Irish wake to celebrate his life. Those wishes were carried out Jan. 4, where, with a burial ceremony performed by Capt. “OB” O’Brien, his ashes were scattered in a cove near the Golden Gate Bridge. Seafarers continue to take advantage of the upgrading benefits available to them at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. These students are part of the CBRD (chemical, biological and radiological defense) class that graduated last November. From the left are Kris Piper, Stan Beck (instructor), Chris Sykes (in the suit), Velicia Williams and Charles Miller. 12 Seafarers LOG Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center in Seattle, Wash. recently held a “Maritime Career Day,” which brought more than 1,000 attendees to learn about different job options in the maritime profession (photo above). Trebion Dixon (seated at right), SIU patrolman in Tacoma, staffed a booth, explaining the role of the merchant marine. This was the fifth year that Odyssey Maritime Discovery Center has held its career day, which was given “two thumbs up” by the students, teachers and counselors in attendance. AB Michael McErlean (below right), was waiting to reclaim his job t W W QMED Michael Rueter, a strong union supporter w recently worked aboard the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, his Labor Council T- shirt at the SIU hall in Guam photo, he helps replace lights in the Red Cross h ters building, an old facility in need of much repa SA Therese Pinaula dr union hall in Guam to vacation. She just g Gopher State. April 2003 �Waiting for a job call at the San Francisco hall are (from left Wilson, Bosun Jeff Libbey, AB Ron Rizzuto and Bosun Daniel Ticer. Steward Donna Taylor works in the galley aboard the Cape Borda Management vessel. the SIU a Ready Crew members attend a union meeting aboard the which was recently in San Francisco. 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0'������������� 14 Seafarers LOG April 2003 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea )(%58$5< ���¥�0$5&+��������� 727$/ 5(*,67(5(' $OO�*URXSV &ODVV�$ &ODVV�%���&ODVV�& 727$/ 6+,33(' $OO�*URXSV &ODVV�$ &ODVV�%���&ODVV�& � � � 4 �� �� � � �� 1� � � � 14 1 �� 1� ��� 1 1 � � 1� 1� � 9 19 � � � � 1� 1 �� 1� ��� 3RUW Algonac %altimore Guam +onolulu +ouston -acksonville Mobile New Orleans New <ork Norfolk 3hiladelphia 3iney 3oint 3uerto 5ico San Francisco St. /ouis Tacoma Wilmington 7RWDOV 5(*,67(5('�21�%($&+ $OO�*URXSV &ODVV�$ &ODVV�%���&ODVV�& '(&.�'(3$570(17 � � � � 1� 19 1 � 14 � 1 � � 4 � 11 1� ��� � � � � 1� 1� � � 11 1� � 1� � � � 1� 1� ��� 3RUW Algonac %altimore Guam +onolulu +ouston -acksonville Mobile New Orleans New <ork Norfolk 3hiladelphia 3iney 3oint 3uerto 5ico San Francisco St. /ouis Tacoma Wilmington 7RWDOV 7ULS 5HOLHIV � � � � � 1� � 4 1� � � � � � � 14 � �� � 1 1 � � � � 4 � 11 1 � � 1 � 1� 4 �� 1 � 1 � � 9 � � 9 � 1 � 4 4 � 1� 14 �� � � � 1� 4� �� 1� �� 44 �� � � 1� �1 � �� �� ��� � � � 1� 19 �� � 1� �� �� 4 � � � � �� �9 ��� 1 � � � �1 1� 9 14 �� � 1 � � � � 1� �� ��� � 1 � � � � � � � 1 � � 1 � � � 1 ��� � 4 � � �� �� 1� 9 1� 1� 1 � � 1� 1 14 1� ��� � � � � 11 �� � 9 1� 11 � � 1 4 � 1� 1� ��� � � 1 1 1� 9 � � 11 � 1 � � � � 9 1� �� � � � � � 9 � � � 1 � � � � � � � �� � 4 1 14 �� �� 11 14 �4 11 � � � �9 � �� �� ��� � � � � � � � � � � 1 � 1 � � � � �� � � 1 � � � � � � � � � � 1 1 � 4 �� (1*,1(�'(3$570(17 � � � � 1� �� � � 11 1� � 1 � � 1 � � ��� � � 4 4 4 1� 1 � 1� � � 4 � � � 9 � �� 1 1 � � � � 4 1 � � � � 1 � 1 4 4 �� � � � � 1� 11 � 11 9 � 1 � � �4 � 1� 14 ��� � 1 � � � 4 � 4 � � 1 � 1 � � � � �� � � � 1 � � � 4 � 4 � � � 1 � 1 � �� � � 1 � 1� 1� � � 11 4 � 1 1 19 � 1� 11 ��� Algonac %altimore Guam +onolulu +ouston -acksonville Mobile New Orleans New <ork Norfolk 3hiladelphia 3iney 3oint 3uerto 5ico San Francisco St. /ouis Tacoma Wilmington 7RWDOV � � � � � 1 � � 4 1 � � 1 � � � � �� � 1 4 1� 1� 1� 4 � �� � 1 4 � 1� � 1� � ��� � � � � 1� 1� 1 � �� 1� � 1� � 9 � 1� 9 ��� � � � � � 1 � � � � � � � � � � 1 �� � 1 1 4 � 11 � � 1� � 1 1� � 4 � 9 4 �� � � � 4 9 1� 1 4 9 � � 1� 1 4 � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11 4 � � 1 9 1 � � � � � � � �� 1 4 4 �� �1 �� � 1� 4� 14 1 1� 4 �� � �� � ��� � � � �� �9 �4 � 1� �� � � �� � 9 1 �� 1� ��� 7RWDOV�$OO 'HSDUWPHQWV ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� ��� 3RUW Algonac %altimore Guam +onolulu +ouston -acksonville Mobile New Orleans New <ork Norfolk 3hiladelphia 3iney 3oint 3uerto 5ico San Francisco St. /ouis Tacoma Wilmington 7RWDOV � 1 � 4 4 1� � � � � � � � � 1 � � �� � � � � � 11 � � � � � � � � 1 1� 4 �� � � � 1 1 � 1 � 4 � � 4 1 � � � 1 �� 67(:$5'�'(3$570(17 3RUW � � � 4 � � 1 4 4 � � 4 1 � � � 4 �� � � � 1 � 1 1 � � 4 � � 1 1 � 1 1 �� (175< '(3$570(17 “Total 5egistered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. “5egistered on %each” means the total number of Seafarers registered at the port. April 2003 May & June 2003 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 3iney 3oint .............Monday� May �, -une � Algonac ..................Friday� May 9, -une � %altimore ................Thursday� May �, -une � %oston.....................Friday� May 9, -une � Duluth .....................Wednesday� May 14, -une 11 Guam ......................Thursday� May ��, -une 19 +onolulu .................Friday� May 1�, -une 1� +ouston ..................Monday� May 1�, -une 9 -acksonville ............Thursday� May �, -une � Mobile ....................Wednesday� May 14, -une 11 New %edford ..........Tuesday� May ��, -une 1� New Orleans ...........Tuesday� May 1�, -une 1� New <ork................Tuesday� May �, -une � Norfolk ...................Thursday� May �, -une � 3hiladelphia ............Wednesday� May �, -une 4 3ort Everglades.......Thursday� May 1�, -une 1� San Francisco .........Thursday� May 1�, -une 1� San -uan..................Thursday� May �, -une � St. /ouis .................Friday� May 1�, -une 1� Tacoma ...................Friday� May ��, -une �� Wilmington ...............Monday� May 19, -une 1� ................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. 3HUVRQDOV )5,(1'6�2) -$0(6�0��'22/(< -DPHV� 0�� 'RROH\�� UHWLUHG� EXVLQHVV� DJHQW� RI� WKH 6DLORUV© 8QLRQ�RI�WKH�3DFLILF�DQG�D�IRUPHU�ORFDO�RIILFLDO ZLWK� WKH� 0DULWLPH� 7UDGHV� 'HSDUWPHQW�� ZRXOG� OLNH� WR KHDU� IURP� ROG� IULHQGV� DQG� ¦DQ\RQH� DIILOLDWHG� ZLWK� WKH 07'�§�+H�PD\�EH�UHDFKHG�DW�����������������RU�ZULWH WR�KLP�DW� (GPRQGV�5HKDELOLWDWLRQ ��������WK $YH��:HVW (GPRQGV��:$ ����� )5,(1'6�2) -$&.�5��87= -DFN�5��8W]�ZRXOG�OLNH�WR�KHDU�IURP�IRUPHU�VKLSPDWHV IURP�\HDUV�RQ�%XOO��$OFRD�DQG�,VWKPLDQ�YHVVHOV��<RX�PD\ ZULWH�KLP�DW�3�2��%R[����6SULQJ�9DOOH\��,/ �������H�PDLO� DULDQJPDQ#PVQ�FRP��+LV�ZHE�VLWH�LV�ZZZ�DULDQJ�FRP� .1($/$1'�6721( $Q\RQH�NQRZLQJ�WKH�ZKHUHDERXWV�RI�.QHDODQG�6WRQH LV� DVNHG� WR� FRQWDFW� KLV� QLHFH�� 5DPRQD� %HQQHWW�� DW� ��� 0DF'RQRXJK�6WUHHW��%URRNO\Q��1<��������RU�WHOHSKRQH ��������������� 2/0('2�-26(�$/9$5(= $Q\RQH� NQRZLQJ� WKH� ZKHUHDERXWV� RI� 2OPHGR� -RVH $OYDUH]� LV� DVNHG� WR� FRQWDFW� KLV� VRQ�� 'U�� 7UDYLV� *HH� $OYDUH]�ZRUNHG�IRU�,PSHULDO�2LO�RQ�WKH�*UHDW�/DNHV�LQ�WKH ����V�DQG�©��V�DQG�ZDV�ODVW�NQRZQ�WR�EH�LQ�0LDPL��SRV� VLEO\�ZRUNLQJ�IRU�7H[DFR��'U��*HH�PD\�EH�FRQWDFWHG�DW� &HQWUH�RI�1DWLRQDO�5HVHDUFK�RQ�5HKDELOLWDWLRQ� DQG�'LVDELOLW\ 6FKRRO�RI�0HGLFLQH 8QLYHUVLW\�RI�4XHHQVODQG +HUVWRQ��4XHHQVODQG�������$XVWUDOLD H�PDLO��VLJPD[#XTFRQQHFW�QHW]TD %2681�0$5.�:$,1 26� 5DOSKLH�$OYDUH]� UHTXHVWV� WKDW� %RVXQ� 0DUN� :DLQ RI�:LOPLQJWRQ��&DOLI��FDOO�KLP�DW���������������� $/9,1�-$&.�&833 %URWKHU�-LPP\�6WHYHQV�ZRXOG�OLNH�%URWKHU�$OYLQ�-DFN &XSS� RU� DQ\RQH� HOVH� IURP� WKH� JDQJ� ZKR� ZRUNHG� LQ /DIROOHWWH�� 7HQQ�� WR� FRQWDFW� KLP� DW� ������ ��������� &RUUHVSRQGHQFH�PD\�EH�VHQW�WR�6WHYHQV�DW�5XUDO�5RXWH ���%R[������6DQGVWRQH��01������� Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report )(%58$5< ���� 0LFKDHO�6DFFR��3resident 727$/ 5(*,67(5(' $OO�*URXSV *URXS�,�����*URXS�,,�����*URXS�,,, -RKQ�)D\��E[ecutive 9ice 3resident 'DYLG�+HLQGHO��Secretary-Treasurer $XJXVWLQ�7HOOH]��9ice 3resident Contracts 7RP�2U]HFKRZVNL� 9ice 3resident /akes and Inland Waters 'HDQ�&RUJH\��9ice 3resident Gulf Coast 1LFKRODV�-� 0DUURQH��9ice 3resident West Coast -RVHSK�7��6RUHVL, 9ice 3resident Atlantic Coast .HUPHWW�0DQJUDP� 9ice 3resident Government Services 5HQp�/LRHDQMLH, 9ice 3resident at /arge &KDUOHV�6WHZDUW, 9ice 3resident at /arge +($'48$57(56 ���1 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD ���4� (��1) �99-���� $/*21$& ��� St. Clair 5iver Dr., Algonac, MI 4���1 (�1�) �94-49�� $/721 ��� Market St., Suite %, Alton, I/ ����� (�1�) 4��-�4�� $1&+25$*( ��1 Sesame St., �1C, Anchorage, A. 99��� (9��) ��1-49�� %$/7,025( ��1� Esse[ St., %altimore, MD �1��4 (41�) ���-49�� %26721 ��� Dorchester Ave., %oston, MA ��1�� (�1�) ��9-���� '8/87+ ��4 W. Superior St., Suite ���, Duluth, MN ����� (�1�) ���-411� *8$0 3.O. %o[ ��1��, %arrigada, Guam 9�9�1 1�� Sunny 3laza, Suite ��1-E Tun -esus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 9�911 (��1) �4�-1��� +212/8/8 ��� .alihi St., +onolulu, +I 9��19 (���) �4�-���� +286721 1��1 3ierce St., +ouston, T; ����� (�1�) ��9-�1�� -$&.6219,//E ��1� /iberty St., -acksonville, F/ ����� (9�4) ���-�9�� 02%,/( 1�4� Dauphin Island 3kwy, Mobile, A/ ����� (��1) 4��-�91� 1(: %(')25' 4� Union St., New %edford, MA ���4� (���) 99�-�4�4 1(: 25/($16 �911 /apalco %lvd., +arvey, /A ����� (��4) ���-��4� 1(: <25. ��� Fourth Ave., %rooklyn, N< 11��� (�1�) 499-���� Government Services Division� (�1�) ���-���� 125)2/. 11� Third St., Norfolk, 9A ���1� (���) ���-1�9� 3+,/$'(/3+,$ ���4 S. 4 St., 3hiladelphia, 3A 1914� (�1�) ���-��1� 3,1(< 32,17 3.O. %o[ ��, 3iney 3oint, MD ����4 (��1) 994-��1� 3257 (9(5*/$'(6 1��1 S. Andrews Ave., Ft. /auderdale, F/ ���1� (9�4) ���-�9�4 6$1�)5$1&,6&2 ��� Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 941�� (41�) �4�-���� Government Services Division� (41�) ��1-�4�� 6$1785&( 1��� Fernandez -uncos Ave., Stop 1� Santurce, 35 ��9�� (���) ��1-4��� 67��/28,6 4��1 Gravois Ave., St. /ouis, MO ��11� (�14) ���-���� 7$&20$ �411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 9�4�9 (���) ���-���4 :,/0,1*721 �1� N. %road Ave., Wilmington, CA 9��44 (�1�) �49-4��� 16 Seafarers LOG 3RUW %oston +ouston +arvey, /A New <ork Norfolk San 3edro Tacoma 7RWDOV � � 1 � � 9 � �� � 1 � � � � � � � � 1 � � � � � 1 � � � � � � �� 1 � 1 � � 1 � � � 1 � � � � � � 7RWDOV�$OO 'HSDUWPHQWV � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1� � � � 4 1 �� � � 4 � � �9 �� �� � � 4 � � �� 11 �� � �� 1� 19 � � � �� � � 1 � � � � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1 � � � � �� � 1 � 19 � �� 19 �� � � � � � �� 4 �� 1 19 � 1� � � � �� � � 1 1 � 1 � �� � � 4 1� � 4� � �� � 1 � 4 � �� � �� � � � 9 � �� � �� 67(:$5'�'(3$570(17 1 4 � 1 � � � �� � � � � � � 1 � � � 1 � � � � � 3RUW %oston +ouston +arvey, /A New <ork Norfolk San 3edro Tacoma 7RWDOV � � 1 9 � � � �� (1*,1(�'(3$570(17 3RUW %oston +ouston +arvey, /A New <ork Norfolk San 3edro Tacoma 7RWDOV 5(*,67(5('�21�%($&+ $OO�*URXSV *URXS�,���*URXS�,,���*URXS�,,, '(&.�'(3$570(17 3RUW %oston +ouston +arvey, /A New <ork Norfolk San 3edro Tacoma 7RWDOV 727$/ 6+,33(' $OO�*URXSV 7ULS *URXS�,��������*URXS�,,�������*URXS�,,,�����������������5HOLHIV 1 � � � 4 � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1 � � � � � (175< '(3$570(17 1 1 1 � � 1 � � � � � � � � 1 �� � 4 � � � 1 � �� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1 � 1 1 � � � � � � � 4 � 4 � �� � 1� 4 �� � 1�1 � ��� 1� �� � �� � �1 1� ��� � �� 1� �9 � �� 1� ��� �� �� �� �� � � �� ��� ��� ��� PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo is from the archives of the 6HDIDUHUV�/2*��It was taken in the port of Seattle during an election of delegates to the Piney Point, Md. Educational Conference, May 12-22, 19�1. Seated at the table are (from left) Dispatcher Ronald A. Eden, Port Agent Steve Troy and Patrolman Harvey Mesford. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the /2*�readership, please send it to the 6HDIDUHUV /2*, �201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20���. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. April 2003 �:HOFRPH�$VKRUH Each month, the Seafarers /OG 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 /akes. /isted 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 Mob well done and wish them happiness and good health in the days ahead. A recertified bosun and one recertified steward are among the 1� Seafarers who are announcing their retirements this month. %osun 1HOVRQ�6DOD mastered the highest level of training available to Seafarers who sail in the deck department in 19�4 when he completed the bosun recertification course at the 3aul +all Center for Maritime Training and Education in 3iney 3oint, Md.. Chief Cook 6\OYHVWHU 0DVRQ completed the top level of instruction obtainable to steward department members in 1991 when he graduated from the steward recertification program at the 3aul +all Center. Eleven of the retirees—including Sala and Mason—sailed in the deep sea division. The remaining two navigated the inland waterways. Si[ of the retirees worked in the deck department, four shipped in the engine department and the remaining three sailed in the steward department. On this page, the Seafarers /OG presents brief biographical accounts of the retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA (86(%,2 *21=$/(6, ��, hails from 3once, 3.5. +e started his career with the SIU in 19�� in the port of New <ork. %rother Gonzales initially sailed aboard a 3an Cargo Shipping Corp. vessel. The steward department member upgraded his skills at the 3aul +all Center for Maritime Training and Education in 3iney 3oint, Md. in 19��, ���� and ���1. +e last worked on the Sea-/and Discovery and makes his home in Guayama, 3.5. 1250$1 +$''$', ��, Moined the Seafarers in 199�. The /aCrosse, Wis. native first sailed on the Overseas -oyce, an OSG Carriers Inc. vessel. %rother +addad enhanced his skills often at the Seafarers training school in 3iney 3oint, Md. The deck department member last went to sea on American Overseas Marine’s �nd /t. -ohn 3. %obo. %rother +addad resides in +ernando, Fla. .$5/ +� +(5� 0$16(1, ��, was born in Norway. +e embarked on his SIU career in 19�� in San Francisco. %rother +ermansen first went to sea on the Steel Apprentice, an Isco, Inc. vessel. A member of the deck department, he lives in his native country. 5((9(6�+251%<, ��, launched his profession with the Seafarers in 199� in the port of 3hiladelphia. %efore donning the April 2003 SIU colors, %rother +ornsby served in the U.S. Marine Corps. The 3lainfield, N.-.-born mariner initially sailed aboard the Sgt. MateM .ocak. A frequent upgrader at the 3aul +all Center, %rother +ornby shipped in the deck department. +is final voyage was on the Sea/and Integrity. %rother +ornby is a resident of West Creek, N.-. 0$18(/ 7� 7$1�-5, �4, commenced his career with the Seafarers in 19��, Moining in Seattle. +is initial trip was on the Sea-/and Mobile. %orn in the 3hilippines, he now lives in /ancaster, Calif. %rother Tan worked in the steward department and enhanced his skills at the Seafarers training school in 199� and ����. ',21,6,2 0$57,1(=, ��, started his career with the Seafarers in 19�� in the port of New <ork. %efore Moining the SIU, %rother Martinez served in the U.S. Army. +e worked in all three departments while at sea. +is last voyage was aboard 3uerto 5ico Marine Management’s Northern /ights. %rother Martinez calls %aymon, 3.5. home. $/3+216( 7+20$6, ��, started his SIU career in 19�4. %rother Thomas’ first sea voyage was aboard the Transwestern Associates’ Transyork. %orn in /ouisiana, he worked in the engine department. A frequent upgrader, %rother Thomas honed his skills at the 3aul +all Center for Maritime Training and Education on seven occasions. The Metairie, /a. resident last shipped on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Atlantic Forest. 6</9(67(5 0$621, �4, Moined the Seafarers in 19�� in San Francisco. %rother Mason first sailed aboard a States Steamship Co. vessel. %orn in %irmingham, Ala., he worked in the steward department. %rother Mason upgraded his skills at the 3aul +all Center and in 1991 completed steward recertification training there. +e last worked on the 3resident 5oosevelt, an American 3resident /ines vessel. %rother Mason lives in 5eno, Nev. $/721�7� 32//2&., ��, began his profession with the SIU in 19�9, Moining in the port of +ouston. %rother 3ollack first went to sea aboard the Overseas E[plorer, a Maritime Overseas vessel. The Arkansas native shipped in the steward department and last worked on the Cove /iberty. %rother 3ollack makes his home in %astrop, /a. 1(/621 6$/$� ��, hails from 3uerto 5ico. %rother Sala Moined the Seafarers in 19�4 in the port of New <ork. +is initial voyage was aboard Moore-McCormack /ines’ 5obin Shrew. The deck department member frequently upgraded his skills at the 3aul +all Center. +e completed the bosun recertification course in 19�4. %rother Sala last sailed on the Sea-/and Discovery. +aledon, N.-. is his home. -2+1�$� <281*� �4, launched his career with the Seafarers in 19�� in the port of +ouston. %rother <oung initially sailed aboard the USNS Algol, operated by 9. Ships Marine, /TD. The Ohio native shipped in the deck department. +is final voyage was aboard the Sulphur Enterprise, a Sulphur Carriers, Inc. vessel. %rother <oung resides in Menard, Te[as. INLAND ($5/ +(5� 0$1, ��, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 19�� in +ouston. %oatman +erman shipped in the engine department and upgraded his skills in 199� in 3iney 3oint. +e worked primarily aboard vessels operated by G + Towing. %oatman +erman is a resident of Cleveland, Te[as. 5,&+$5'�(� 625(16(1, ��, is a native of New +aven, Conn. %oatman Sorensen Moined the SIU in 19�� in the port of -acksonville, Fla. 3rior to becoming a Seafarer, he served in the U.S. Navy. %oatman Sorensen shipped in the engine department, last sailing aboard a Crowley Towing Transportation Co. vessel. +e lives in Deland, Fla. Editor’s Note� The following brothers and sisters, all former membersof the NMU and participants in the NMU 3ension Trust, went on pension effective the dates indicated� Name Age Date Nicolas Aponte �� Oct. 1 Melvin Dishman �9 Feb. 1 George Farnum �4 Feb. 1 Sergio Giusti �� April 1, ���� Mohamed +adwan 49 Dec. 1 -ames +odge �� Feb. 1 Darden +udgins �4 -an. 1 Caesar /ozada �� Feb. 1 Antonio Monteiro �� Feb. 1 Stella 3ayne 9� Dec. 1 -ohn 3etrus �� Nov. 1 Andrew Webster �� Dec. 1 4GRTKPVGF�HTQO�RCUV�KUUWGU�QH�VJG�5GCHCTGTU�.1) ���� #P�5+7�OCP�CPF�HQWT�EJKNFTGP�QH�5GCHCTGTU JCXG�DGGP�CYCTFGF�HQWT�[GCT��������5+7 UEJQNCTUJKRU�CV�VJG�CPPWCN�OGGVKPI�QH�VJG�5+7 5EJQNCTUJKR %QOOKVVGG��)GQTIG (��,QJPUQP������CP 5+7�OGODGT��YCU�QPG QH�VJG�HKXG�YKPPGTU� ,QJPUQP�JCU�DGGP�UCKN� KPI�5+7�UKPEG������KP VJG�UVGYCTF�FGRCTV� OGPV��*G�KPVGPFU�VQ WUG�VJKU�UEJQNCTUJKR�KP RWTUWKPI�C�OGFKECN�ECTGGT� 6JG�QVJGT�YKPPGTU�QH�VJG�UEJQNCTUJKRU�YGTG /KUU�/GTGFKVJ�4GKF��FCWIJVGT�QH�2CWN�'��4GKF� /KUU�%CTQNG�5��)CTTKIWGU��FCWIJVGT�QH�&CNG�*� )CTTKIWGU��5VCPHQTF�5OKVJ��,T���UQP�QH�5VCPHQTF 5OKVJ��CPF�9KNNKCO�$GUUGNKGXTG��,T���UQP�QH�$KNN $GUUGNKGXTG��6JG�YKPPGTU�CTG�EJQUGP�D[�JKIJ UEJQQN�TGEQTFU�CPF�RGTHQTOCPEG�QP�VJG�UVCP� FCTF�%QNNGIG�'PVTCPEG�'ZCOKPCVKQP�6GUVU� 6JG�COQWPV�QH�GSWKROGPV�UJKRRGF�VQ�VJG /KFFNG�'CUV�JCU�DGGP�UVCIIGTKPI��7PFGT�VJG CWURKEGU�QH�VJG�/KNKVCT[�5GCNKHV�%QOOCPF��VJG 7�5��&GRCTVOGPV�QH�&GHGPUG�CIGPE[�TGURQPUK� DNG�HQT�EQQTFKPCVKPI�VJG�YCVGTDQTPG�ECTTKCIG�QH UWRRNKGU�HQT�VJG�#OGTKECP�CTOGF�HQTEGU��CU�QH #RTKN����OQTG�VJCP�� OKNNKQP�UJQTV�VQPU�QH FT[�ECTIQ�JCF�IQPG�D[ UJKR�VQ�UWRRQTV 1RGTCVKQP�&GUGTV 5JKGNF�CPF�1RGTCVKQP &GUGTV�5VQTO��/5% TGRQTVU�VJCV�UQOG���� UJKRU�CTG�CUUKUVKPI�KP VJG�UGCNKHV�GHHQTV� This Month In SIU History ���� #U�VJG�7PKVGF�0CVKQPU�5GEWTKV[�%QWPEKN�OQXGU ENQUGT�VQYCTFU�CRRTQXKPI�C�TGUQNWVKQP�VJCV�YKNN QHHKEKCNN[�GPF�VJG�YCT�KP�VJG�2GTUKCP�)WNH� #OGTKECP�UJKRU�CPF�#OGTKECP�UGCOGP�EQPVKP� WG�VQ�FGNKXGT�VJG�IQQFUåDWV�VJKU�VKOG�VJG OCVGTKCN�KU�CDQWV�VQ�DG�DTQWIJV�JQOG� ���� 6JG�2CWN�*CNN�%GPVGT�HQT�/CTKVKOG�6TCKPKPI CPF�'FWECVKQP��NQECVGF�KP�2KPG[�2QKPV��/F�� JCU�LQKPGF�C�UGNGEV�PWODGT�QH�QTICPK\CVKQPU YJKEJ�JCXG�CFFGF�XCNWG�VQ�VJGKT�EQWTUGU VJTQWIJ�EQNNGIG�ETGFKV�TGEQOOGPFCVKQPU�CU�C TGUWNV�QH�C�TGXKGY�EQPFWEVGF�NCUV�HCNN�D[�VJG #OGTKECP�%QWPEKN�QP�'FWECVKQPçU� #%'� %QNNGIG�%TGFKV�4GEQOOGPFCVKQP�5GTXKEG� #�VGCO�QH�EQWTUG�EQPVGPV�URGEKCNKUVU��UGNGEVGF HTQO�EQNNGIG�HCEWNV[��TGRQTVGF�VJCV�VJG�EWTTKEW� NWOU�CV�VJG�EGPVGTçU�*CTT[�.WPFGDGTI�5EJQQN QH�5GCOCPUJKR�CTG�EQORCTCDNG�VQ�EQNNGIG�NGXGN EQWTUGU�CPF�OC[�DG�WUGF�CU�VTCPUHGT�ETGFKV�CV OCP[�EQNNGIGU�CPF�WPKXGTUKVKGU� Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA /251�$%%277 3ensioner /orn Abbott, ��, passed away Nov. ��. %rother Abbott launched his career with the Seafarers in 19�� in the port of Wilmington, Calif. The U.S. Navy veteran initially sailed aboard Columbia Steamship’s +HOHQ�'��%rother Abbott worked in the deck department and last went to sea on the &RYH�/LEHUW\, a Cove Shipping Co. vessel. +e lived in San 3edro, Calif. and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 19��. -�:��$//(1 3ensioner -.W. Allen, ��, died Dec. ��. %rother Allen Moined the SIU in 19�� in the port of New <ork. +is initial voyage was aboard an Eagle Carriers Inc. vessel. A military veteran, %rother Allen served honorably in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. The deck department member last sailed on the 6HD�/DQG�0DULQHU and began receiving his pension in 19�9. %orn in Tennemo, Tenn., %rother Allen made his home in Gold %ar, Wash. initially went to sea aboard the 3UHVLGHQW�7D\ORU, an American 3resident /ines vessel. The 3ortland, Ore. native worked in the steward department and last sailed on the 6HD�/DQG�.RGLDN. 52'2/)2�&$7$+$1�65� %rother 5odolfo Catahan Sr., ��, died -an �. %rother Catahan began his career with the Seafarers in 199� in the port of Norfolk, 9a. %efore Moining the SIU, he served in the U.S. Navy. %rother Catahan’s first ship was the &DSH�1RPH, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. The 3hilippine-born mariner sailed in the steward department and last went to sea on the 8616 *LOOLDQG. %rother Catahan was a resident of 9irginia %each, 9a. '$,�0,1*�&+21* 3ensioner Dai Ming Chong, ��, passed away Dec. ��. %rother Chong started his career with the MC S in San Francisco. The +awaii-born mariner worked in the steward department. +e started receiving his pension in 19�4 and made his home in San Francisco. '21$/'�$6+ &+$5/(6�)(',: 3ensioner Donald Ash, ��, passed away Dec. 1�. %orn in Canada, he Moined the Seafarers in 19�� in Detroit. %rother Ash’s initial SIU voyage was aboard an Eagle Carriers Inc. vessel. The engine department member last worked on the 6HD�/DQG�'HYHORSHU. +e lived in his native country and began receiving retirement stipends in 19��. 3ensioner Charles Fediw, ��, passed away Dec. �. %rother Fediw commenced his career with the Seafarers in 194� in the port of New <ork. %orn in 3ennsylvania, he initially shipped for the SIU aboard Metro Steamship’s $WODQWLF�:DWHU. A U.S. Army veteran, %rother Fediw worked in the deck department. +is final voyage was on a Michigan Tankers Inc. operated vessel. %rother Fediw began receiving his pension in 19�� and made his home in Wilkes %arre, 3a. 3$6725�&$0$&+2 3ensioner 3astor Camacho, �9, died Dec. ��. %rother Camacho started his career with the Marine Cooks Stewards (MC S) in San Francisco. %orn in 3uerto 5ico and a former resident of 5eston, 9a., he sailed in the steward department. %rother Camacho began receiving his retirement compensation in 19�9. &$552// &$03%(// 3ensioner Carroll Campbell, 9�, passed away -an ��. +e began his career with the MC S in San Francisco. %orn in 3ortland, Maine, %rother Campbell was a member of the steward department. +e began collecting compensation for his retirement in 19�9. Duvall, Wash. was his home. 0,&+$(/ &$03%(// 3ensioner Michael Campbell, �� passed away -an. �. %rother Campbell started his career with the MC S in 19�� in San Francisco. +e 18 Seafarers LOG '$1�)5$=,(5 3ensioner Dan Frazier, �1, died -an �. %rother Frazier began his SIU career in 1944 in the port of New <ork. +is initial sea voyage was aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s .\VND. The Alabama-born mariner worked in the steward department and last sailed on a Cove Shipping Co. vessel. %rother Frazier lived in his native state and began collecting compensation for his retirement in 19��. %<521�+$55,6 %rother %yron +arris, 44, passed away Dec. �. +e Moined the Seafarers in 19�9 in the port of 3iney 3oint, Md. %rother +arris initially sailed aboard the 'HO�5LR, a Delta Steamship /ines vessel. +e worked in all three departments and sailed in both the deep sea and inland divisions. The /ouisiana native was last employed on a Wilson Shipping vessel. %rother +arris was a resident of New Orleans. -$)$5�-$)$5 %rother -afar -afar, ��, passed away Aug. �9. %orn in /ouisiana, %rother -afar Moined the Seafarers in 19��. +is initial voyage was aboard the 5eynolds Metal Co. (Marine Division)-operated :DOWHU�5LFH. %rother -afar worked in the steward department and last went to sea on the 3UHVLGHQW�-DFNVRQ. +e was a resident of San Francisco. ated by American 3resident /ines during his career, including the 3UHVLGHQW�+DUULVRQ and 3UHVLGHQW 3LHUFH. +e started receiving his pension in 19�� and resided in +ilo, +awaii. 52%(57 /$'' 3ensioner 5obert Mayo, 9�, died Dec. 1�. %rother Mayo embarked on his SIU career in 19�� in Seattle. +is initial voyage was aboard the Olympic Transport-operated +HOHQ. %orn in the 3hilippines, he sailed in the steward department. %rother Mayo began receiving his pension in 19�� and lived in %urien, Wash. +e last worked on a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. 3ensioner 5obert /add, ��, passed away Dec. ��. +e commenced his career with the Seafarers in 19�� in Seattle. The U.S. Navy veteran initially worked under the SIU colors aboard a Central 3enn 4uarry vessel. %orn in New +ampshire, %rother /add worked in both the deep sea and inland divisions and shipped in the engine department. +is final voyage was on the 7KRPSVRQ�3DVV, an Interocean Management vessel. %rother /add started receiving compensation for his retirement in 19�� and resided in <ountville, Calif. -26(3+�/$6+/(< 3ensioner -oseph /ashley, �� passed away -an. 1. %rother /ashley started his career with the MC S. %orn in 3anama City, 3anama he worked in the steward department. +e was a resident of Dallas and began collecting retirement stipends in 19�4. '$1,(/ 0$/21(< 3ensioner Daniel Maloney, ��, died Oct. ��. +e started his SIU career in 19�� in the port of New <ork. %rother Maloney first sailed on the 6HD�7KXQGHU, a Colonial Steamship Co. vessel. The Australia-born mariner worked in the deck department. %rother Maloney started receiving compensation for his retirement in 19�4. 3rior to retiring, he sailed on the 6HD�/DQG *DOYHVWRQ. 3lantation, Fla. was his home. 720�¦)5(1&+<§ 0$57,1($8 3ensioner Tom “Frenchy” Martineau, ��, passed away -an. 14. %rother Martineau donned the Seafarers colors in 1944 in the port of %altimore. +is initial voyage was aboard the 5RELQ�*UD\, a Moore-McCormack /ines vessel. %orn in Frankfort, Minn., he shipped in the deck department and was a recertified bosun. %rother Martineau last went to sea on the 6HDOLIW�$WODQWLF. +e began collecting retirement wages in 19�� and made his home in Seattle. 52'5,*2�0$7$ 3ensioner 5odrigo Mata, ��, passed away Dec. ��. %rother Mata started his career with the MC S in San Francisco, Moining in 19�9. %orn in +awaii, he worked in the steward department. %rother Mata sailed primarily aboard vessels oper- 52%(57 0$<2 worked in the deck department and last sailed on the 09 3DWULRW. %rother Smith began receiving his pension in 19�1 and lived in Chula 9ista, Calif. /$:5(1&(�7$</25 %rother /awrence Taylor, ��, died, Dec. �. +e embarked on his SIU career in 19�� in New Orleans. +is initial voyage was aboard the %LJ %HQG, an American Tramp Shipping Development Co. vessel. %orn in /ouisiana, %rother Taylor sailed in the engine department. +e started collecting pension payments in 19�� and lived in /oranger, /a. %rother Taylor last went to sea aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s 6WRQHZDOO�-DFNVRQ. +$52/'�7+206(1 3ensioner Ernest Munson, ��, passed away Dec. 9. %rother Munson commenced his career with the MC S in San Francisco. The steward department member and San Francisco resident started receiving wages for his retirement in 19��. 3ensioner +arold Thomsen, �9, passed away Dec. ��. %rother Thomsen launched his career with the Seafarers in 194� in the port of New <ork. +is initial ocean-going voyage was aboard the 6WHHO�$UFKLWHFW, an Isco vessel. %rother Thomsen lived in Seattle and began receiving his pension in 19�9. 3rior to retiring, he made his final voyage aboard the 6HD�/DQG�7UDGHU. -2+11< 1(77/(6 /28,6�9,'$/ 3ensioner -ohnny Nettles, ��, passed on Dec. 1�. %rother Nettles Moined the Seafarers in 19�� in the port of %altimore. A U.S. Navy veteran, he first sailed aboard Ore Navigation’s %HWKIORU. %rother Nettles shipped in the engine department and was a resident of -acksonville, Fla. +e last went to sea on the &DUROLQD, a 3uerto 5ico Marine Management vessel. %rother Nettles started receiving his pension in 1991. 3ensioner /ouis 9idal, �9, passed away -an ��. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, %rother 9idal Moined the SIU in 19�� in the port of Wilmington, Calif. +e first sailed on the 2YHU� VHDV�-R\FH, an Overseas Carriers, Inc. vessel. %rother 9idal hailed from 3ennsylvania and shipped in the steward department. +is final trip to sea was on Interocean Management’s 7KRPSVRQ�3DVV. %rother 9idal was a resident of Westminster, Calif. +e began receiving compensation for his retirement in 199�. (51(67 081621 $/)5('2�257(*$ 3ensioner Alfredo Ortega, 9�, died Dec. �. %rother Ortega launched his career with the Seafarers in 19�9 in Tampa, Fla. as a charter member of the SIU. A native Floridian, %rother Ortega worked in the deck department. +e began receiving compensation for his retirement in 19�� and resided in his native state. &8//(1�3$<1( 3ensioner Cullen 3ayne, ��, passed away Dec. �. %rother 3ayne initiated his career with the MC S in San Francisco. The steward department member began receiving retirement compensation in 19�� and called San Francisco home. '21$/'�60,7+ 3ensioner Donald Smith, ��, passed away Dec. �. +e commenced his career with the Seafarers in 194�, Moining in the port of New <ork. %rother Smith served in the U.S. Navy before his SIU career. +is initial voyage was on a Sinclair Oil Corp. vessel. The Ohio-born mariner 52%(57 :22' 3ensioner 5obert Wood, ��, died Dec. ��. %rother Wood started his career with the Seafarers in 19�� in San Francisco. The U.S. Navy veteran initially sailed aboard 3an American Tankers’ %RZOLQJ�*UHHQ. The Colorado native shipped in the deck department and lived in Edmonds, Wash. +e last went to sea on the 6HD�/DQG�7UDGHU. %rother Wood started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1994. 5$<021'�<$*(5 %rother 5aymond <ager, ��, passed away Dec. �. %orn in Indiana, he embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 19�� in San Francisco. +e first sailed on the 8616�%DUWOHWW, operated by /avino Steamship Co. A member of the deck department, %rother <ager sailed as a bosun. +is final voyage was aboard the 6HD� /DQG�([SORUHU. %rother <ager called 5eno, Nev. home. -8/,$1�<8 3ensioner -ulian <u, ��, passed away Dec. 1�. %rother <u embarked on his career with the MC S in San Francisco. +e worked in the steward &RQWLQXHG�RQ�QH[W�SDJH April 2003 �Final Departures department. %rother <u started receiving retirement stipends in 19�9 and made his home in San Francisco. GREAT LAKES (':$5'�%$,/(< 3ensioner Edward %ailey, ��, passed away Dec. ��. A native of Sequatchie, Tenn., %rother %ailey Moined the SIU in 19�4 in Detroit. +is initial trip to sea was aboard an American Steamship vessel. %rother %ailey shipped in the deck department and last worked on the 6DLQW &ODLU, a %ell Steamship Co. vessel. +e began receiving his pension in 19�9 and was a resident of Dunlap, Tenn. +2//,6�.,$+ 3ensioner +ollis .iah, �1, died Dec. 1�. %rother .iah launched his career with the Seafarers in 19�� in Detroit. %orn in Ogdensburg, N.<., his first trip to sea was aboard an American Steamship Co. vessel. %rother .iah worked in the engine department and began receiving his pension in 19��. 3rior to his retirement, he sailed on the 6DP�/DXG� another American Steamship vessel. %rother .iah made his home in New <ork. INLAND 521$/'�&5(() 3ensioner 5onald Creef, 9�, died Dec. ��. %oatman Creef began his SIU career in 19�� in the port of Norfolk, 9a. A native of Dare, N.C. and a U.S. Air Force veteran, he worked primarily aboard vessels operated by McAllister Towing of 9irginia. The deck department member began receiving retirement stipends in 19�4 and was a resident of Elizabeth City, N.C. -$&.�.25',&+ 3ensioner -ack .ordich, �4, passed away Dec. �4. %oatman .ordich launched his career with the SIU in 19�� in the port of Wilmington, Calif. The Astoria, Ore. native shipped in the engine department. +e worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing Transportation Co. %oatman .ordich lived in Eugene, Ore. and began collecting his retirement pay in 199�. RAILROAD MARINE /(21$5'�'2:16 3ensioner /eonard Downs, �4, died -an. 1�. %rother Downs started his career with the Seafarers in 19�� in the port of New <ork. 3rior to Moining the SIU, he served in the U.S. Army. %rother Downs initially worked aboard a 3ennsylvania 5ailroad, 3ort of Norfolk, vessel. +e sailed in both the deck and engine departments and was last employed on a McAllister Towing of 9irginia vessel. %rother Downs lived in Matthews, 9a. and started receiving his pension in 199�. April 2003 7KH�IROORZLQJ�EURWKHUV��DOO�IRUPHU�PHPEHUV�RI�WKH�108�DQG�SDUWLFLSDQWV�LQ�WKH�108�3HQVLRQ�7UXVW��KDYH�SDVVHG DZD\� 6$08(/ %5$'< 3ensioner Samuel %rady, �4, died -an. ��. %rother %rady Moined the NMU in 1944. %orn in 191�, he shipped in the deck department as a bosun. %rother %rady began receiving his pension in 19��. +(50$1�&/(9(/$1' 3ensioner +erman Cleveland, �4, passed away -an. 1�. %orn in /ouisiana, %rother Cleveland Moined the NMU in 194�. The engine department member upgraded his skills in 19�1. %rother Cleveland started collecting compensation for his retirement in 19��. '8/&,',2�&58= 3ensioner Dulcidio Cruz, ��, died Dec. 1�. %rother Cruz began sailing with the NMU in 19�1, first shipping out of New Orleans. +is initial voyage was aboard the 7LOO\ /\NHV. %orn in 3uerto 5ico, %rother Cruz worked in the engine department. +e upgraded his skills in 19�� and last went to sea aboard the -HDQ�/\NHV. %rother Cruz started receiving retirement stipends in 199�. 6(&81',12�*,5$/'(= 3ensioner Secundino Giraldez, 9�, died Feb. �. %orn in Spain, %rother Giraldez donned the NMU colors in 194�. +is initial sea voyage was out of the port of New <ork aboard the 66�6LURFFR� The engine department member last worked aboard the 66�8QLWHG�6WDWHV� %rother Giraldez started collecting compensation for his retirement in 19��. *,/%(572�*20(= 3ensioner Gilberto Gomez, ��, passed away -an. �9. +e embarked on his career with the NMU in 194�. +e shipped on several vessels—including the -RHO &KDQGOHU�+DUULV and 66�6DQWD 0DULDQD. %rother Gomez started receiving his pension in 19��. 75<*9(�*5$102 3ensioner Tyrgve Granmo, ��, passed away -an. ��. %orn in %ergen, Norway, he Moined the NMU in 194�. The deck department member initially went to sea aboard the 7LWDQLDQ. %rother Granmo last sailed on the *XOI 6SUD\ and began receiving his pension in 19��. -(66(�-��.($516 3ensioner -esse .earns, �9, passed away Feb. ��. %rother .earns began his career with the NMU in 19�� and initially shipped out of 9enice, /a. The Sisterville, W.9a. native worked in the deck department and last went to sea aboard the 66 $PHULFDQ�3LRQHHU. %rother .earns began receiving his retirement pay in 19��. $PHULFDQ�$SROOR. %rother Morrow started receiving his pension in 19��. )5$1&,6�-��1$< 3ensioner Francis -. Nay, 9�, died Sept. ��. The +artford. Conn. native donned the NMU colors in 194� in New <ork. %rother Nay first went to sea aboard the *XOI +DZN. +e worked in the engine department. %rother Nay began drawing retirement pay in 19��. /$:5(1&(�1(,77(�-5� 3ensioner Charles /isk, �4 passed away -an. 1�. A native of East /iverpool, Ohio, he launched his career with the NMU in 19�9. %rother /isk first went to sea aboard the &ROLFKH. A member of the deck department, %rother /isk shipped as a bosun and started receiving retirement pay in 19�4. 3ensioner /awrence -. Neitte -r., �1, passed away Dec. 1�. %rother Neitte launched his career with the NMU in 19��. A native of New Orleans, he first went to sea aboard the *XOI�0HUFKDQW. %rother Neitte shipped in the deck department and started receiving his pension in 19��. %efore retiring, he went to sea aboard the +RZDUG /\NHV� /8,6�0(',1$ &+5,67$12�1(9(6 3ensioner /uis Medina, ��, passed away Feb. ��. %rother Medina launched his career with the NMU in 194�. %orn in 3uerto 5ico, he initially sailed aboard the 5REHUW�<��+D\L] out of the port of New <ork. %rother Medina worked in both the steward and engine departments. +is final trip to sea was in 19��. %rother Medina began receiving retirement stipends in 19��. 3ensioner Christano Neves, �4, died -an. 4. The 5hode Island-born mariner began his NMU career in 194�. Sailing out of %oston, his initial voyage was aboard the 66 .RSSHUVWRQ. %rother Neves worked in the steward department. +is final voyage was on the 66�8QLWHG�6WDWHV. %rother Neves started collecting compensation for his retirement in 19��. &+$5/(6�/,6. /(52< 0,//(5 3ensioner /eroy Miller, ��, died Dec. 4. %rother Miller Moined the NMU in 19��. Shipping out of Savannah, Ga., his initial voyage was aboard the &DQWHUEXU\�/HDGHU. %rother Miller sailed in the engine department and last went to sea on a /ykes vessel. The Meeks, Ga. native started receiving his pension in 19��. -$0(6�'��0,7&+(// 3ensioner -ames D. Mitchell, ��, died Nov. �9. %rother Mitchell began his NMU career in 19��. +is initial trip to sea was aboard the 7H[DFR�6RXWK�&DUROLQD. The 3ort Arthur, Te[as native worked in both the deck and steward departments. %rother Mitchell last went to sea on the $PHULFDQ 7UDGHU� +e started receiving compensation for his retirement in ���1. :,//,$0�:��02552: 3ensioner William D. Morrow, ��, passed away Nov. 1�. +e started his career with the NMU in 3hiladelphia. %orn in 3ennsylvania, %rother Morrow first worked aboard the $PHULFDQ�3UHVV� +e shipped in the deck as well as engine departments during his career and last sailed on the $1721,2�257,= 3ensioner Antonio Ortiz, �9, died Feb. ��. %rother Ortiz Moined the NMU in 19�� and initially went to sea aboard the 7DODPDQFD, a United Fruit vessel. %orn in 3uerto 5ico, he shipped in the steward department and upgraded his skills frequently. +is final voyage was aboard an E[port Steamship /ines vessel. %rother Ortiz started receiving compensation for his retirement in 19��. +$5',1�35$',$ 3ensioner +ardin 3radia, �1, passed away -an. 1�. %orn in /afayette, /a., he first sailed for the NMU in 19��. %rother 3radia last worked on a /ykes vessel and started receiving his pension in 1994. *5(*25< 52'5,*8(6 3ensioner Gregory 5odrigues, ��, passed away Oct. �. %rother 5odrigues began sailing with the NMU in 19��. +is initial voyage was on the $PHULFDQ�&KDUJHU. %orn in +awaii, %rother 5odrigues worked in the steward department. +is final voyage was on the /\UD� %rother 5odrigues started collecting retirement pay in 19��. 212)5(�6(5$12 3ensioner Onofre Serano, �9, died -an. 9. +e Moined the NMU in 19�� in New <ork. %rother Serano’s initial trip to sea was on the ,QGHSHQGHQFH� +e worked in the steward department and last sailed on the 0DSR�/\NHV. %rother Serano began receiving stipends for his retirement in 199�. ,Q�DGGLWLRQ�WR�WKH�IRUHJRLQJ��WKH�IROORZLQJ 108�EURWKHUV�DQG�VLVWHUV�SDVVHG�DZD\�RQ�WKH GDWHV�LQGLFDWHG� 1DPH -oseph Andre Wilfred Angelety /eslie %abineau[ +orace %lackman +elen %leich +arold %oulingy 5obert %outon -ohnny %rashear -ohn %rendle Ernest %utcher /orenzo Carter /eroy Carthon 5ufus Chase Charley Chatman Ernector Claussell 5icarte Colon Carlos Constanza -ulian Corchado Amos Council Dallas Co[ -ean Davis Florence Dennis Manuel Esteves Alvaro Ferreira 5obert Forrest 5olan Franklin -ohn French +oward Frierson Willie Fryer -ames Fuson -oseph Gaborski Candido Garcia Miguel Gines 5afael Ginorio +enry Glover -ohn Goedig Frank Gonsalves -ulian Green Earl +enderson Genaro +ernandez 5ichard +ogan Edward -ones 5.D.-ones 5obert -ones +an -uan 3atrick .enny +arold .ing -oseph .isler Gloria .night Mohamed Al .usari Otto /arsen 5oger /au -oseph /ashley 9ictor /odge -ohn Markow Sidney Martin .enneth Mathias -oseph Mathlin Frank McGuiness Sidney Montreal Chester Moody Gilberto Negron Eugene Oliver Michael 3aric Donald 3arker Malley 3artain Charles 3heasant Willie 3hillips +erbert 3orter Manuel 3ulido 5aymond 3urnell Donald 4uattlebaum %laine 5embert +ermino 5esto Egbert 5ichards Carmelo 5ios 9irgil 5obertson Eliseo Santiago -osefina Santiago Miguel Seda Adam Sheppard 5obert Sheppard /uther Thomas Enrique Torres Curtis 9anover Silvestre 9argas Claude Walcott +enry Williams Simon Wilson Earl Wise +omer Wright +enry =enor Timothy =ucchi $JH �4 �� �� �� 99 �� �� 91 �� �� �9 �1 �1 �� �� �� �4 �� �� �� �� 9� �� �4 �9 �9 �� �� �� �� �9 �� �� �� �� �9 �� �� �4 �� �� �4 �1 �� �� �� �9 �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �� 9� �� �� �� �� �� �9 �� �� �� �� �� �� 9� �1 �1 �� �� �9 �� �� �9 �� �� �� �� �� �� �� �4 �9 �� �9 '2' Feb. 1� -an. � -une ��, ’�� Feb. �� Dec. 14, ’�� Dec. 1�, ’�� Feb. 11 Dec. ��, ’�� Feb. �4 Feb. 1� -an. 1� Nov. 9,.’�� -an. 1� Dec. 1�, ’�� -uly �1, ’�� Feb. �� Feb. �� Feb. �4 Nov. 1, ’�� Dec. ��, ’�� -an. 11 Feb. 1� Feb. 1� Oct. �, ’�� -an. � -an. 1� Feb. � Feb. 1� -an. � Dec. ��, ’�� -an. � Feb. � Feb. 1� -an. 1� Dec. ��, ’�� -an. 4 Aug. �, ’�� Feb. 1� Feb. � -an. � Feb. � -an. 19, ’�� Feb. �� -an. 1� -an. 1� Feb. 11 Feb. �� Feb. 1 -an. �� Oct. 1, ’�� -an. � -an. � -an. 1 -an. 11 -an. �1 Feb. 1� -an. � Nov. ��, ’�� Aug. �, ’�� -an. �4 Feb. 1� -an. � -an. �1 -an. 14 Feb. 1� Dec. 9, ’�� -an. 19 Feb. �� -an. 14 Nov. 14, ’�� -an. �9 Dec. �� Dec. 1�, ’�� Dec. �, ’�� Feb. 1� Feb. �4 -an. 1� -an. �1 -an. �� Dec. ��, ’�� -an. 1� -an. �� -an. �� Feb. � -an. 9 -an. �� -an. 1� Feb. � -an. �� -an. 4 Feb. � -an. �� -an. � Seafarers LOG 19 �Letter to the Editor �(GLWRU©V�QRWH��WKH�6HDIDUHUV�/2*�UHVHUYHV�WKH�ULJKW WR�HGLW�OHWWHUV�IRU�JUDPPDU�DV�ZHOO�DV�VSDFH�SURYL� VLRQV�ZLWKRXW�FKDQJLQJ�WKH�ZULWHU©V�LQWHQW��7KH�/2* ZHOFRPHV� OHWWHUV� IURP� PHPEHUV�� SHQVLRQHUV�� WKHLU IDPLOLHV�DQG�VKLSPDWHV�DQG�ZLOO�SXEOLVK�WKHP�RQ�D WLPHO\�EDVLV�� 6DLOLQJ�7 7KURXJK $�5 5HDO�6 6WRUP Any time there is a significant amount of snow on the East Coast, the news media makes a comparison between “it” and the big one—the blizzard of ’��. I Moined the 6HD�/DQG�%DOWLPRUH as an A% maintenance in the winter of 19��. We left the port of %altimore heading for Norfolk, 9a. by way of the Chesapeake %ay. %altimore was bitter cold, like it always is that time of year. There were ice floes on the %ay, but nothing considered abnormal. At Norfolk, we boarded a federal pilot who stayed for the duration of the trip. This was a handy tool, always ready to dock or clear a ship at a moment’s notice. We got the first inkling of what was in store for us off the coast of New -ersey. A strong easterly wind was rearranging our life boat covers and forming ice on the motors and winch wires. The wind increased, and we were taking heavy sprays over the bow. The pilot pulled us from open waters using /ong Island Sound. We still had to go outside to enter the Cape Cod Canal� however, the respite was not unappreciated. The plan was to drop anchor at %uzzards %ay light, while the captain communicated with the front office. It was welcomed news. The Coast Guard and weather bureau were treating this as a special and dangerous storm. Our Moy was short-lived. We soon weighed anchor and continued toward open waters. After passing by the merchant marine training ship, we again received orders to drop the hook. When we finished, I was e[hausted. I flopped on my bunk without washing or undressing, e[pecting to wake up refreshed, greeted by a bright sunny morning. This did not happen. Talk about a rude awakening. I was thrown from my bed with such force that I landed on the other side of the room. Anything that was not tied down followed. +alf asleep, I tried to make sense of it all. I was sure there had been an e[plosion in the boiler room. I found my life Macket and headed for the mess hall, bumping off both sides of the passageway like a pinball machine. Unaware that we were no longer anchored, I was sure the ship was sinking. Everyone was milling around frightened, many wearing life Mackets. The bosun appeared and looked for the deck crew to help secure the after lines. +e cleared some things up in my mind. We were not at sea. Shortly after, anchoring orders were received to proceed to %oston. At the mouth of the canal, the ship was greeted by a monstrous green sea that pulled the bow deep under water. It finally responded with such force that everybody and everything went airborne. The bad news was that all the forward lockers and circuits controlling the anchors were under water and deemed useless. Most of the forward lines that had not washed overboard were trailing in the water but in no danger of fouling the screw. With the forward deck under water, we were in imminent danger of breaking up. The possibility of hatch flooding was also real. Most of the e[posed containers were being ripped open and their contents strewn over the ocean. It was impossible to turn around. Our situation was serious enough to send an international May Day alert. Nothing could be done but stay a course and wait for a break in the weather. It’s a credit to the bridge that they did that. %y dawn, the storm had 20 Seafarers LOG weakened and ship became manageable. Almost mockingly, a bright sun broke through the clouds. As we approached %oston, none the worse for wear, two tug boats came to our aid. After tying up to the tugs, we had the arduous task of pulling our lines from the frozen water hand over hand. The landscape as far as the eye could see was covered deep in snow. The state of Massachusetts was under a severe storm watch. No one had been able to reach the docks for days. The National Guard was still out rescuing stranded motorists. The city of %oston was shut down. The only ones to take our lines on the docks were the security personnel. They did an admirable Mob. Our last detail for the moment was to secure our lines to the bits the old fashioned way—raw manpower. Other than that, it was Must another day at the office. For days, everyone on the East Coast knew of the severity of this storm—with one e[ception. We have always been able to conMure up a profile of a person who gives orders at a time like this. /ate nights, weekends and holidays, the reins are handed to a person on the lower end of the food chain. +e or she is guaranteed consideration for their loyalty. In the mind’s eyes of those suffering through this ordeal, there is a different view, not without sarcasm. In charge is someone who has never been to sea under any condition, e[cept perhaps in an amusement park. With a drink in one hand and a telephone close by, they ponder their ne[t move using an AAA road map and a ��-cent wooden ruler. After doing the math, there is a final directive� Even at slow speed, you should make %oston for an � a.m. start. It’s as simple as that. $QWKRQ\�1RWWXUQR 9LOODV��1�-� ([SHULHQFH�0 0DNHV 7KH�' 'LIIHUHQFH -ust thought I would write to you about a sailing e[perience I had on the Great /akes a number of years ago. It is hard to believe I am now 94 years of age and have been retired for almost �� years. One incident I remember is about a captain. It was his first year, and he lacked the skill of an “oldtimer.” What every young captain should have at all times is a seasoned captain alongside him. As we approached a bridge, a dense fog set in. There were several boats blowing danger signals. I looked at the captain and he was shaking all over. I was only a wheelsman. +is voice was coming out fast. +e was completely shaken up� I was in a difficult situation as my duty was to take orders from the captain, whether right or wrong. A captain would not stand for a wheelsman to tell him what to do. Near the bottom of the river was a strong current. The captain told me to put the wheel hard right. That was wrong� it should have been left—the course on which we were traveling. Even so, I had to take orders from the captain. When the man on lookout said we were heading for the beach, the captain then told me to put it hard left. It was almost too late. Some of those old boats could not always be depended upon to answer the wheel. I was worried that we might be in deep trouble. If we had beached the boat, we would have cost American Steamship Co. a large sum of money. +ow could you keep such a large boat steady in such a strong current" When we got out of that mess, I was one very relieved wheelsman. I later asked a former shipmate how the thousand-foot boats steer, and he said “wonderful.” I never steered a thousand-footer. The shipmate said they steered as good as any automobile. $QG\�$VSVHWHU ([HODQG��:LV�� Know Your Rights ),1$1&,$/ 5(32576. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, /akes and Inland Waters District�NMU 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 e[amines 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. 75867 )81'6. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, /akes and Inland Waters District�NMU 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[penditures and disbursements of trust funds are made only upon approval by a maMority of the trustees. All trust fund financial records are available at the headquarters of the various trust funds. 6+,33,1*�5,*+76. A member’s shipping rights and seniority are protected e[clusively by contracts between the union and the employers. Members should get to know their shipping rights. Copies of these contracts are posted and available in all union halls. If members believe there have been violations of their shipping or seniority rights as contained in the contracts between the union and the employers, they should notify the Seafarers Appeals %oard by certified mail, return receipt requested. The proper address for this is� Augustin Tellez, Chairman Seafarers Appeals %oard ���1 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD ���4� 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 %oard. &2175$&76. Copies of all SIU contracts are available in all SIU halls. These contracts specify the wages and conditions under which an SIU member works and lives aboard a ship or boat. Members should know their contract rights, as well as their obligations, such as filing for overtime (OT) on the proper sheets and in the proper manner. If, at any time, a member believes that an SIU patrolman or other union official fails to protect their contractual rights properly, he or she should contact the nearest SIU port agent. (',725,$/ 32/,&< ¥� 7+( 6($)$5(56� /2*. The 6HDIDUHUV /2*�traditionally has refrained from publishing any article serving the political purposes of any individual in the union, officer or member. It also has refrained from publishing articles deemed harmful to the union or its collective membership. This established policy has been reaffirmed by membership action at the September 19�� meetings in all constitutional ports. The responsibility for 6HDIDUHUV /2* policy is vested in an editorial board which consists of the e[ecutive board of the union. The e[ecutive board may delegate, from among its ranks, one individual to carry out this responsibility. 3$<0(17 2) 021,(6. 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. &2167,787,21$/ 5,*+76 $1'� 2%/,*$7,216. Copies of the SIU Constitution are available in all union halls. All members should obtain copies of this constitution so as to familiarize themselves with its contents. Any time a member feels any other member or officer is attempting to deprive him or her of any constitutional right or obligation by any methods, such as dealing with charges, trials, etc., as well as all other details, the member so affected should immediately notify headquarters. (48$/ 5,*+76. 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, se[, 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. 6($)$5(56� 32/,7,&$/ $&7,9,7< '21$7,21�¥�63$'. S3AD is a separate segregated fund. Its proceeds are used to further its obMects 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 obMects, S3AD supports and contributes to political candidates for elective office. All contributions are voluntary. No contribution may be solicited or received because of force, Mob 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 S3AD by certified mail within �� days of the contribution for investigation and appropriate action and refund, if involuntary. A member should support S3AD to protect and further his or her economic, political and social interests, and American trade union concepts. 127,)<,1*�7+(�81,21—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 3resident Michael Sacco at headquarters by certified mail, return receipt requested. The address is� Michael Sacco, 3resident Seafarers International Union ���1 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD ���4�. April 2003 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the 3aul +all Center for Maritime Training and Education in 3iney 3oint, Md. through the end of the year. All programs are geared to improve the Mob skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. 3lease 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 6DWXUGD\�EHIRUH their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. )RU�FODVVHV�HQGLQJ�RQ�D�)ULGD\��GHSDUWXUH�UHVHUYD� WLRQV�VKRXOG�EH�PDGH�IRU�6DWXUGD\� Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the 3aul +all Center may call the admissions office at (��1) 994-��1�. 6WHZDUG�8SJUDGLQJ�&RXUVHV *DOOH\�2SHUDWLRQV�$GYDQFHG�*DOOH\�2SHUDWLRQV�PRGXOHV�VWDUW�HYHU\�ZHHN��&HUWLILHG�&KLHI &RRN�&KLHI�6WHZDUG�FODVVHV�VWDUW�HYHU\�RWKHU ZHHN��PRVW�UHFHQWO\�EHJLQQLQJ�0DUFK���� 5HFHUWLILFDWLRQ %RVXQ 2FWREHU � (QJLQH�8SJUDGLQJ�&RXUVHV &RXUVH $UULYDO�'DWH 'DWH�RI�&RPSOHWLRQ 2LOHU 0D\�� -XO\��� 6HSWHPEHU � 1RYHPEHU � -XQH��� $XJXVW��� 2FWREHU �� 'HFHPEHU �� :HOGLQJ $SULO��� -XQH�� -XO\��� 6HSWHPEHU � 2FWREHU � 1RYHPEHU � 0D\��� -XQH��� $XJXVW�� 6HSWHPEHU �� 2FWREHU �� 1RYHPEHU �� (QJLQH�8WLOLW\��(8� -XQH��� $XJXVW��� 6HSWHPEHU �� 1RYHPEHU �� -XO\��� 6HSWHPEHU � 2FWREHU �� 'HFHPEHU �� 40('�-XQLRU (QJLQHHU $SULO��� 6HSWHPEHU �� -XO\��� 'HFHPEHU �� 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$OO�2/��$%�DQG�-(�DSSOLFDQWV�PXVW�VXEPLW�D�8�6��&RDVW�*XDUG�IHH�RI �����ZLWK�WKHLU�DSSOLFDWLRQ��7KH�SD\PHQW�VKRXOG�EH�PDGH�ZLWK�D�PRQH\�RUGHU�RQO\��SD\DEOH�WR /066� &2856( %(*,1 '$7( (1' '$7( BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB�����BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB�����BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB�����BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB�����BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB�����BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB�����BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB�����BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB�����BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB�����BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB�����BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB�����BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB�����BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB Endorsement(s) or /icense(s) now held BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB /AST 9ESSE/� BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB 5ating� BBBBBBBBBBB BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB Date On� BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB Date Off� BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB Are you a graduate of the S+/SS�3+C trainee program" o <es o No If yes, class � BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB +ave you attended any S+/SS�3+C upgrading courses" o <es o No If yes, course(s) taken BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard /ifeboatman Endorsement" o <es o No Firefighting� o <es o No C35� o <es o No 3rimary language spoken BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB April 2003 SIGNATU5E BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB DATE BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB 127(��7UDQVSRUWDWLRQ�ZLOO�EH�SDLG�LQ�DFFRUGDQFH�ZLWK�WKH�VFKHGXOLQJ�OHWWHU�RQO\�LI�\RX SUHVHQW� RULJLQDO� UHFHLSWV� DQG� VXFFHVVIXOO\� FRPSOHWH� WKH� FRXUVH�� ,I� \RX� KDYH� DQ\� TXHV� WLRQV��FRQWDFW�\RXU�SRUW�DJHQW�EHIRUH�GHSDUWLQJ�IRU�3LQH\�3RLQW� 5(7851�&203/(7('�$33/,&$7,21�72��3DXO�+DOO�&HQWHU�IRU�0DULWLPH�7UDLQLQJ�DQG�(GXFDWLRQ� $GPLVVLRQV�2IILFH��3�2��%R[�����3LQH\�3RLQW��0'��������������RU�ID[�WR���������������� The Seafarers +arry /undeberg School of Seamanship at the 3aul +all Center for Maritime Training and Education is a private, non-profit, equal opportunity institution and admits students, who are otherwise qualified, of any race, nationality or se[. The school complies with applicable laws with regard to admission, access or treatment of students in its programs or activities. 4��� Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes 8QOLFHQVHG�$SSUHQWLFH�:DWHU 6XUYLYDO�&ODVV�����— Unlicensed apprentices who graduated from class �3� are (in alphabetical order) Archie Dalton, Christopher Eubanks, John Fain, Jim Farmer, Keith Gibney, Michael Harris Jr., Peter Jensen, Eleazar Lozano Jr., Jesse Lusian, Regis Makowski, Brian McBride, Mchael Myers Jr., David Osterback, Terrell Poole, Stephen Puckett, Jose 4uinones-Ramos, Lucas Ramirez, LaTerrance Ransom, Henry Rivera-Rodriguez, Steven Ruppert, Angelo Schiraldi, 1athan Slack, James Taylor, Marquita Walker and Brett Wilson. 8QOLFHQVHG�$SSUHQWLFH�:DWHU 6XUYLYDO�&ODVV�����— Graduating from the unlicensed apprentice water survival class �3� are (in alphabetical order) Paul Flanagan Jr., Leroy Flores, Sergio Gonzalez-Lopez, Gregory Grove, Claurence Jones III, Todd Keith, Christopher Keshlear, Brandon Leach, James Osbourne, Deverla Parker Jr., Michael Pockat II, Derik Rye, Kenneth Sharp, Edward Tanaka, 1igel Williams and Emmanuel Wilson. 7DQNHU )DPLOLDUL]DWLRQ� $VVLVWDQW�&DUJR��'/� — Completing the tanker familiarization�assistant cargo (DL) course March � are (in alphabetical order) Clinton Betties, Kellie Clark, William Eoff, Bryan Fletcher, Cordrey Goss, 1at Lamb, Darius McCastle, Joseph Romine, Christian Rosado and Ahsha Staiger. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. (QJLQH� 8WLOLW\� — Graduates of the Feb. 21 engine utility class are (from left, front row) Ron Oyer (instructor), Reynaldo Lacayo, Aaron Morton Jr., James Buckowski, Baisel Kuvshinikov, Cesar Williams, Ricky Langley, Ben 9ernon (instructor), (second row) Jonathon Stratton, Steven Benavides Jr., John Shea, Demond Williams, Ralph Williams and Degrick McLendon. 1ot pictured is 1adia Wright. :HOGLQJ�— /LIHERDWPDQ�:DWHU 6XUYLYDO� — Earning their lifeboatman�water survival endorsement Feb. 28 are (from left) Bernabe Pelingon (instructor), Johnny Palencia, Paul McDonell, Robert McLendon, Gloria Baker, Douglas Thompson, Johnson Srianosos, Richard Mace and Justino Sanchez. Successfully completing the welding course Feb. 21 are (in alphabetical order) Cordrey Goss, Florencio Marfa, Joseph McCrosky, Alexander Rembert, David Rivera and Anthony Thomas. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is in the back row (in plaid shirt). 2LOHU— -XQLRU (QJLQHHU — Upgrading their ratings to junior engineer April � are (in alphabetical order) Mohamad Abdullah, Armando Camacho, Michael Dupee, Michael Hinton, Jerrol Jones, Benjamin Mathews, Romel Reyes, Trevor Robinson and Gerardo 9ega. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is in back row (with glasses). 22 Seafarers LOG Seafarers who graduated from the oiler class Feb. 21 are (in alphabetical order) Daniel Amesbury, Robert Binder, Chance Chong, Alshea Dixon, Joie Flesner, Christopher Graham, Anthony Hoy, Jeffrey Johnson, Robert 1orris, Walter Rood, Jason Rymel and 4uincy Wilson. April 2003 �Paul Hall Center Classes $GYDQFHG�)LUH�)LJKWLQJ�² 7KH�URVWHU�IRU�JUDGXDWHV�RI�WKH�DGYDQFHG�ILUH�ILJKWLQJ�FRXUVH�ZKLFK�HQGHG )HE�� ��� LQFOXGHV� �LQ� DOSKDEHWLFDO� RUGHU�� 5REHUW� $UEOH�� 'DYLG� %RGDK�� -RVHSK� %URZQ�� -RVHSK� %XWDVHN� 7KRPDV�&OHDU\��&KULVWRSKHU�(DUKDUW��7KRPDV�(DVWZRRG��%DUU\�)UHHPDQ��-RVHSK�)UHLWDV��-DPHV�*UHJRU\� 7KRPDV�*URVH��:LOOLDP�-RKQVRQ��6HDQ�-RQHV��1HERMVD�0LORVHYLF��7]YHWDQ�2YDORY��3HWHU�6FKPLWW��6DPXHO 6HD\��'DYLG�6KDZJODVV��-HQQ\�7HUSHQQLQJ�DQG�0LFKDHO�7KRPDV���1RWH��1RW�DOO�DUH�SLFWXUHG�� 5DGDU ² 7KHVH�XSJUDGLQJ�6HDIDUHUV�VXFFHVVIXO� O\�FRPSOHWHG�WKH�UDGDU�FRXUVH�)HE������7KH\�DUH��LQ QR�VSHFLILF�RUGHU��'DYLG�6KDZJODVV��-DPHV�'H&ODUN� 'HUULFN� /RWW�� 7KRPDV� *URVH�� 1HOV� -RKQVRQ�� 'DQLHO (QJOXQG� DQG� 7]YHWDQ� 2YDORY�� 7KHLU� LQVWUXFWRU�� 0LNH 6PLWK��LV�DW�ULJKW��IURQW�URZ� $Q\�VWXGHQW�ZKR KDV�UHJLVWHUHG IRU�D�FODVV�DQG ILQGV² IRU�ZKDWHYHU UHDVRQ²WKDW�KH RU�VKH�FDQQRW DWWHQG��SOHDVH LQIRUP�WKH DGPLVVLRQV GHSDUWPHQW�VR WKDW�DQRWKHU VWXGHQW�PD\ WDNH�WKDW�SODFH� $53$ ² 8QGHU� WKH� LQVWUXFWLRQ� RI� 0LNH� 6PLWK� �IDU� ULJKW��� VWXGHQWV FRPSOHWH� WKH�$53$ FRXUVH� 0DUFK� ���7KH\� DUH� �LQ� DOSKDEHWLFDO� RUGHU� 6WHSKHQ� %HUVFKJHU�� (ULF� 'REVRQ�� 'DQLHO� (QJOXQG�� %DUU\� )UHHPDQ� 6FRWW�*RUGRQ�DQG�7]YHWDQ�2YDORY� 6726�² 5HFHLYLQJ�FHUWLILFDWHV�IRU�FRPSOHWLRQ�RI�WKH�6726�FRXUVH�0DUFK���DUH�$ODVND�)LVKHUPHQ �LQ�DOSKDEHWLFDO�RUGHU��3HGUR�%DQXVLQJ��.HQQHWK�%D[WHU��*X\�%HHGOH�-U���(ULF�%HUJOXQG��-RQDWKDQ�%RW]� &KULVWRSKHU� %U\DQ�� *OHQ� *DOORZD\�� 7UDYLV� *RRGULFK�� :DOWHU� *UDEDUF]\N�� 0HOYLQ� *UXHOOH�� 'DYLG +DPPLWW�� &KDUOHV� +DUYH\�� *UHJRU\� .QDSS�� 6WHYHQ� 2GRL� 'RXJODV� 3HUU\�� /DQFH� 3LKOPDQ�� :HVOH\ 6ODWWHU\��5REHUW�6WRUUV�DQG�5LFKDUG�7URYLOOR��7KHLU�LQVWUXFWRU��6WDF\�+DUULV��LV�DW�IDU�OHIW� Basic Safety Training Classes 'DYLG� &DUWH�� :LOOLH� &UHDU� -U��� (PPHWW� 'H5XVKD� -U��� .HQQHWK� (QQHQJD�� %HQQLH )UHHODQG�� $EGXOPRNQH� *KDOHE�� &OHYH� +HQGHUVRQ�� 9LQFHQW� ,JQHUL�� -HIIUH\ -RKQVRQ��%DLVHO�.XYVKLQLNRY��-RHO�0DUNOH��&DPHURQ�0LOOHU��%UHQGDQ�0XUSK\��-RKQ 1RULFN��:DOWHU�5RRG��-DVRQ�5\PHO��-DVRQ�6LPRQ��&DGXPXV�7UHDNOH�-U���%HQMDPLQ 9HUQRQ�� .HQQHWK� :HOOV�� -RHO� :KLWHKRXVH�� &\ULO� :LOOLDPV�� )UDQN� :\QQ�� 5RGROIR =HQD�DQG�(XJHQH�3DOHQVDU� $ODVND�)LVKHUPHQ��3HGUR�%DQXVLQJ�,9��.HQQHWK�%D[WHU��*X\�%HHGOH -U��� (ULF� %HUJOXQG�� -RQ� %RW]�� &KULV� %U\DQ�� *OHQ� *DOORZD\�� 7UDYLV *RRGULFK�� :DOWHU� *UDEDUF]\N�� 'DYLG� +DPPLWW�� &KDUOHV� +DUYH\� *UHJRU\� .QDSS�� 6WHYHQ� 2GRL�� 'RXJODV� 3HUU\�� /DQFH� 3LKOPDQ� :HVOH\� 6ODWWHU\�� 5REHUW� 6WRUUV� DQG� 5LFKDUG�7URYLOOR�� �1RWH�� 1RW� DOO DUH�SLFWXUHG�� April 2003 $KPHG�$OL��6DKHU�$OL� 'DYLG�%RGDK��-RKQ %RQLIDV��0LFKDHO %RZHUV��5REHUW &RKHQ��5RQDOG 'DQGUHD��5DPRQD *D\WRQ��5REHUW *HKUHW��-RKQ�+D\QLH� 3KLOOLS�0DUWLQ��%DUU\ 0F1HDO��-HVVH 1DWLYLGDG�6U���-HVVH 1DWLYLGDG�-U���/RUD 3HUH]��:�'��5DQGOH DQG�-RKQ�7RRPH\�,,,� �1RWH��1RW�DOO�DUH�SLF� WXUHG�� 5LFNLH�=HOD\D� :LQVWRQ�&REXUQ� 5REHUW�%UXQLQJ�,,� /HR�1RHO� :RRGURZ�%URZQ� 7RUUH\�1HII��'HDQ 3DUNV�-XVWLQR 6DQFKH]��-RKQ *DEULHO��-RKQ :DOVK�,,,��0RQWH &URVV�-U���DQG LQVWUXFWRU�'DYH 0DUWLQ��IDU�ULJKW��� Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 65 April 2003 Number 4 Attention Seafarers: Get a head start on planning your summer vacation. See page 14 for more information. I Delegates from Express Marine gather in the Norfolk hall with Port Agent Jim Malone (standing second from right) to review proposals for a new contract. a N While aboard the Manhattan Island, ABM Rich Nicholas and AB Dragtender Nathan Eldridge study proposals for their new contract. The Manhattan Island dredges the coastal shore off North Carolina. t’s business as usual at the SIU hall in Norfolk, Va.—perhaps even a little busier than usual with the current activation of military support ships for Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition to the crewing of vessels for the war against terrorism, SIU officials in Norfolk check on other activities in the area—including the dredging of the channel off the coast of Morehead City, N.C. by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.’s Manhattan Island. The dredge is equipped with state-ofthe-art instrumentation, and the split-hull design permits rapid dumping of discharge material. On this page, photos show some of the more common activities at the Norfok hall, including Seafarers coming in to sign papers, fill out forms, wait for a job call or just pass the time and compare sea stories. Steward/Baker Robert Lee Thomas Jr. (left) and SA William Brainard help keep the crew well fed aboard the hopper dredge Manhattan Island. A H The captain on the Manhattan Island is Jim Fish. Oiler Jim ‘Gypsy’ Bukowsky spreads the word of the benefits of contributing to SPAD. Retirees Randy Archer and Larry Combs share sea stories with DEU John Cooper. OMU Charlie Johnson and his wife, Ada, drop by the union hall in Norfolk to fill out some paperwork. AB Steve Westfall (left) waits on a shipping card from SIU Rep Sam Spain in the Norfolk hall. Mark Paterson is the chief engineer aboard the Manhattan Island. Waiting on a job call are Recertified Bosun Robert Lindsay and Bosun Sean Ryan. � 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 2003 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MTD CHARTS COURSE FOR CONTINUED REVITALIZATION SIU GAINS MORE JOBS PRIVACY RULES TAKE EFFECT THIS MONTH SIU DELIVERS FOR U.S. TROOPS MORE THAN 2,000 SEAFARERS CREW UP SHIPS FOR ‘IRAQI FREEDOM’ ON BRINK OF WAR, MERCHANT MARINE’S DEFENSE ROLE IS OBVIOUS, APPRECIATED ITF, SIU AND OTHERS RALLY TO AID MARINERS SCHUBERT: SUPPORTING NATIONAL DEFENSE REMAINS MARAD’S ‘MOST URGENT ISSUE’ PA. BILL DIRECTS BONUS FOR WWII MARINERS ALASKAN LAMMERS’ GRADUATION IS HISTORIC SPAD MAKES SENSE TO SEAFARER BUCKOWSKI PENSIONER PADU PASSED AWAY NMU BENEFIT PLANS IMPLEMENT PRIVACY REGULATIONS RECERTIFIED STEWARDS LEARN LESSONS IN TEAMWORK ‘SHORT-SEA’ SHIPPING OFFERS MANY BENEFITS UFCW’S DORITY SHEDS LIGHT ON CRUCIAL ORGANIZING DRIVE AFL-CIO LEADERS SWEENEY, TRUMKA, STRESS SOLIDARITY, ORGANIZING, POLITICS THE CASE FOR ANWR YOUNG, MURKOWSKI DELIVER STRONG POINTS FOR EXPLORING COASTAL PLAIN LNG CREWS AID THE NEEDY UNION REACHES AGREEMENT ON MSC CARPENTER DUTIES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 04/01/2003 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. 65, No. 4 2003 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/c41a566b4732ae2e3432256bc39aab6d.pdf 003a0775dfb065f9feacf33a150dbd98 PDF Text Text 16775_p01,3,12,13.qxd 4/24/2003 9:21 PM Page 1 Volume 65, Number 5 May 2003 OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM SEAFARERS DELIVER! !"# $%&'"# ()***# +%&,&-%-'# '&.$./0# &12&-3# 42-% "5&/#6**#+789:-%;%3#'5.<'#5%$<%3#"-&/'<2-"#&/3 '=<<$>#:2&$.".2/#,2-:%'#&'#"5%#8?+?#&/3#2=-#&$$.%' -%42@%3# +&33&4# A=''%./B'# -%0.4%# ./# 7-&C? 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Y5.E5!AGJ! O)*$(S$^?9=7$BY#SD$H1681:Q;9:D$MB T*R.. %/)*0$O.T-.*** 16 Seafarers LOG H"#9 ^92;9: d942;9: d=?Y#<D$FB (#_$i9?G (9?>96G '=:$U#7?9 !=C98= G"9(0- P )* . P* ) )* P ^U / P P . * * ) _[ * ) ) , * * ) U P + , + / . P :: * * * * * / * : * * * . * * * ^ O )) / )* * )R ) ^g * R R T * )/T /) _U: )* + O T * /P )P gV * P/ )+ P) * * . VV ) . * / * O ) _^ ) P R P* * .. P* U^ * / P T * ,O . f: ) )T , )/ * * , ^d ) ) P / * P ) _< * , . )P ) .. R g^ / ) ) O * // / ^V * T / )* * * P [^ X!A5!X*BXH/TGEX!G * O ) , * , ) _U * * * ) * * ) [ * P * * * * * [ H"#9 ^92;9: d942;9: d=?Y#<D$FB (#_$i9?G (9?>96G '=:$U#7?9 !=C98= G"9(0- TXA53GXTXB*J!*1X/+W /00*A#",7A#",7*5***A#",7*55***A#",7*555 BX+F*BXH/TGEX!G H"#9 ^92;9: d942;9: d=?Y#<D$FB (#_$i9?G (9?>96G '=:$U#7?9 !=C98= G"9(0- GJG/. 3W5HHXB /00*A#",7G#'7 A#",7*5********A#",7*55*******A#",7*555*****************T%0'%M- * * ) P * ) * ^ * * * * * * * < * P * * * * * [ 3GXY/TB*BXH/TGEX!G ) ) ) P * . ) _< ) * ) ) * * * : * ) P ) * * ) d H"#9 . * P P * * * f * * * * * * * < * * ) * * * * _ X!GTZ BXH/TGEX!G ^92;9: d942;9: d=?Y#<D$FB (#_$i9?G (9?>96G '=:$U#7?9 !=C98= G"9(0- * . * . * / * __ * / * / * O * __ * , / R * * P _f * P * * * / * d * * * * * * * < * . * P * * * V ) . * , * , ) _f R T . /P * )/R P _U_ )+ /) * .T * +) )* _fU * ./ ), T. * * ). _Vg G"9(0-*/00 B%7(#9>%)9- fU [f :^ d< : _: fU dd[ :U^ :<[ PIC-FROM-THE-PAST L5.'#<52"2#;&'#'%/"#"2 "5%#0IJ 1>#H%/'.2/%I'7%"!+9'"7%#+2, S-22Q$>/)#M?Z?#7"#;&' "&Q%/#&12&-3#&#S=$$#^./%' @%''%$? 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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 2003 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NEW LIFE FOR ‘THE BIG U’ NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE ALSO BUYS S.S. INDEPENDENCE SIU’S HEINDEL HONORED PRESIDENT SIGNS SUPPLEMENTAL WARTIME FUNDING; CARGO PREFERENCE LAWS UPHELD ‘FOURTH ARM OF DEFENSE’ DELIVERS SIU MEMBERS AMONG ‘GREAT AMERICANS’ CREDITED IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM’S MASSIVE SEALIFT EFFORT SIU ACTIVE IN ITF INSPECTOR’S SEMINAR TAX RELIEF FOR OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM MARINERS MSC ACTIVATES ‘SHIP STATUS HOTLINE’ LABOR-MANAGEMENT COALITION ANSWERS AGENCY’S CALL FOR SECURITY FEEDBACK HISTORIC DECISION: CONSOLIDATION PETITION APPROVED EAST AND WEST COAST CIVMARS RECOGNIZED AS ONE CDC ISSUES UPDATED ALERT AS SARS SAGA CONTINUES RETIRED PORT AGENT JOE GOREN DIES SIU-CREWED USNS ABLE REACHES SAFETY MILESTONE STUDY: COMMERICAL SHIPPING VITAL TO MILITARY TRANSPORT UNITED SEAMEN’S SERVICE HELPS CREW HIT THE BOOKS SEAFARERS SHOW SOLIDARITY WITH NURSE’S ASSOCIATION FANNELL’S FAST-PACED ADVENTURE IS TRIBUTE TO MERCHANT MARINE FORMER SIU MEMBER WERNER’S NOVEL DESCRIBES ‘COMING OF AGE AT SEA’ NAVIGATION FUNDAMENTALS: NEW COURSE GETS UNDER WAY AT PAUL HALL CENTER SIU OFFICIAL LEO BONSER RETIRES AFTER 38-YEAR CAREER SERVICING SHIPS IN SAN FRANCISCO UPGRADING CLASS FEATURES 3 FATHER-SON PAIRS SEAFARERS SUPPLY U.S. TROOPS IN IRAQ LAKES CREWS COMPLETE FITOUT AS WEATHER FINALLY COOPERATES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 05/01/2003 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. 65, No. 5 2003 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/357f943a7a1ea2b0da56ed25104a6168.pdf 72521aa7f717223e122c898a1bb7b626 PDF Text Text 17611_p1,3,8.qxd 5/27/2003 3:35 AM Page 1 Volume 65, Number 6 June 2003 SIU Members Honored For Role In Operation Iraqi Freedom Thousands of Seafarers who sailed in Operation Iraqi Freedom are receiving the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal (right) at ceremonies throughout the U.S. The medal is awarded to those who serve on U.S.-flag ships in support of operations involving American and allied military forces. Pages 3, 11. Aboard the Cape Washington in Baltimore on May 5, Chief Cook Roslyn Brooks receives her medal from Transportation Deputy Secretary Michael P. Jackson (center) and Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert. ABOVE: “Don’t mess with the Cape Texas!” That’s what SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (center) told the audience at a ceremony last month in Houston. Pictured from left to right are Bosun Jose Jimenea, SIU Assistant VP Jim McGee, Electrician Mack Revis, Corgey, AB Jan Willis, Steward/Baker George Maranos and Steward Delegate Nicasi Arzu. ABOVE: Bosun Jose Jimenea proudly displays his awards at a ceremony in Houston for the Cape Texas. RIGHT: Seafarers and officers on the Cape Washington are congratulated for their efforts. Pictured at the Cape Washington ceremony are (from left) Michael Jackson, AB Marshall Turner, Capt. William Schubert and M. Nuns Jain, director of MarAd’s South Atlantic Region. RIGHT: Participating in the Cape Washington ceremony are (from left) SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Bosun Rick James, SIU President Michael Sacco, Transportation Deputy Secretary Michael P. Jackson and Electrician Randy Clark. USNS Watkins Exemplifies Seafarers’ Efforts During War Bosun James Walker (left) said he and his fellow Seafarers aboard the USNS Watkins were “proud to do our part” during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ship made six voyages into Kuwait, where it delivered helicopters (right) and other equipment for U.S. troops. Pages 12-13. Union Mourns ‘Buck’ Mercer Page 4 Scholarship Winners Announced Pages 2, 7 MSP Update Page 2 �17611_2,5,7.qxd 5/27/2003 2:56 AM Page 2 MSP Clears Committee President’s Report Upholding Tradition Whenever I get the chance to meet with members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, they always want to know what it’s like for today’s Seafarers. That was the case again last month, when I spoke to the annual AMMV convention in Atlantic City. Especially on this occasion, I was proud to tell them that despite tremendous changes in maritime training and shipboard technology, at least one thing remains constant. Just like when they were at sea many years ago, the U.S. Merchant Marine today is proudly upholding our role as Michael Sacco America’s Fourth Arm of Defense. I made those remarks just a few days after participating in a shipboard ceremony aboard the Cape Washington in Baltimore honoring our members who sailed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Believe me, the recognition from our government and military is appreciated, not only by active Seafarers but also by our brothers and sisters in the AMMV, many of whom sailed with the SIU during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The retirees know from experience that in years past, such gratitude wasn’t always so apparent. Today, it’s a different story. Because of the solid cooperation throughout our industry—including with our friends at the Department of Defense, the Department of Transportation, the Maritime Administration, the U.S. Transportation Command, the Military Sealift Command, the Military Traffic Management Command, the Coast Guard and elsewhere—so many key people understand what the merchant marine means to our national security. They know that reliable, efficient sealift, carried out by U.S. crews on U.S.-flag ships, is absolutely vital to our armed forces. There’s no other explanation for the fact that our crews returning from the war are being greeted with medals and well-earned words of praise, both from the military and from the administration. I say “well-earned” because the U.S. Merchant Marine provided exceptionally capable, dependable sealift during Operation Iraqi Freedom. We crewed up every ship when called upon. We sailed into harm’s way to support our troops. We put on our anti-chemical gear when the alarms sounded, and we continued doing our jobs without interruption or complaint. We worked side-by-side with the military personnel assigned to the vessels, and we did so with professionalism and respect. A special word of acknowledgement goes out to the Seafarers who lined up for the inoculations required by the government to sail aboard ships mobilized for the war. Less than one percent of our members who initially signed aboard the ships decided against taking the shots. That shows the commitment and patriotism of our membership. When I discussed the merchant marine’s role in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the AMMV delegates and officials, their faces lit up like those of proud parents. Even though many of them don’t personally know any active SIU members, they keep an eye on our work. On the heels of the war, they responded with a collective nod of approval. Coming from them, it means a lot. As more and more ships return home, the recognition our crews are receiving is heartening. But it’s also important that we continue looking ahead. After the Persian Gulf War a dozen years ago, the Pentagon took a close, hard look at our nation’s sealift capacity. One result of that examination is the current LMSR fleet, built or converted since the mid-1990s. Each of those 19 U.S.-flag ships sailed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They were valuable tools in the capable hands of U.S. crews. A similar study of our sealift assets in Iraqi Freedom should take place immediately. Do we have enough tankers? Enough RO/RO capability? Enough tonnage and manpower to endure a longer conflict, or perhaps even multiple wars that could happen at the same time? With the Iraq war as a guide, the answers should be attainable. At the end of World War II, many a leader told our mariners, “We couldn’t have done it without you.” Today’s crews are hearing the same message. Those sentiments reinforce the belief that, as a nation, we must take every step necessary to ensure a strong U.S. fleet. We must do so in part because there will be another war—next year, in five years, or whenever. History says such conflicts are inevitable. And when the next one rolls around, there is no doubt whatsoever that the U.S. Merchant Marine will be there, as we have since the Revolutionary War. Ready to support our troops. Ready to deliver the goods. Ready to do our part to ensure victory. Volume 65, Number 6 June 2003 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2003 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Updated Program Would Boost U.S. Fleet The House Armed Services Committee last month cleared legislation that includes an expansion and 10-year extension of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). Committee members approved the Fiscal Year 2004 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1588), which includes the updated MSP, by a vote of 58-2 on May 14. The House was preparing to take up H.R. 1588 as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. According to a release issued by the Armed Services Committee, the reauthorized MSP would increase the number of vessels in the MSP fleet from 47 to 60. The program would begin Oct. 1, 2005, as the current MSP expires. Since last year, U.S. maritime unions including the SIU have campaigned for an extended, expanded MSP, citing the program’s value to national defense. They also have emphasized the need for participants to have adequate time to plan for a new MSP—something that necessitates action long before the current program expires. Before the committee’s recent vote, SIU President Michael Sacco and the presidents of the American Maritime Officers; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; and Masters, Mates & Pilots submitted a letter to all committee members urging their support of an upgraded MSP. “The MSP and its maritime security fleet of militarily useful U.S.-flag commercial vessels and their American citizen crews serves as a fundamental and increasingly important component of our nation’s sealift capability,” the presidents wrote. “Not only will a larger maritime security fleet ensure that the Department of Defense has an even greater capability to meet the sealift sustainment and manpower needs of our Armed Forces, but will provide a greater, much-needed base of employment for American merchant mariners who crew the government’s sealift vessels as well as the vessels operated by private industry for our government in time or war or other international conflict.” Rank-and-File Financial Committee Approves Union’s Records for 2002 A committee of rank-and-file members, elected by their fellow Seafarers during the May union meeting in Piney Point, Md., has reviewed the SIU’s financial records for the year 2002 and found them in good order. Serving on the committee were Brian Gross, Michael Joel, Bill Kelly, Dan Marcus, David Martz, James Walker and John Wozunk. In its report, the committee noted, “All records used in connection with the union’s financial operations were reviewed fully…. We find that the headquarters of the union is taking all steps possi- ble 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-today efficiency of our operation.” 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.” Serving on the financial committee are (from left) Brian Gross, Dan Marcus, James Walker, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Bill Kelly, David Martz, Michael Joel and John Wozunk. Committee Selects 6 for 4-Year Scholarships The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has announced six SIU scholarship recipients this year. Selected by a panel of professional educators last month were one Seafarer and five dependents of SIU members—for a total monetary value of $120,000. In past years, Seafarers were eligible for three of the scholarships—one four-year, $20,000 award and two $6,000 stipends for a two-year course of study at a college or vocational school. This year, however, none of the applicants was eligible for the two-year awards. David Denizac from Orlando, Fla. is the Seafarer selected for the 2003, four-year scholarship. The five dependents of SIU members are Eurel S. Manzano, son of Edwin Manzano; Erin K. Williams, daughter of Stephen Williams; Janet L. Ostendarp, daughter of Frances Ostendarp; Christopher A. Balatico, son of Albert V. Balatico; and Katelan J. Steel, daughter of Inland member James A. Steele. This year’s selection committee, meeting in San Antonio, was appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. The panel was composed of the following scholars and academicians: Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College of Maryland; Dr. Gayle A. Olson, University of New Orleans; Dr. Henry Toutain of Gustavus Alolphus College in Minnesota; Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County (Md.) Community College; Dr. Charles Lyons Jr., American Association of Colleges and Universities; Father David A. Boileau, Ph.D., Loyola University; Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical College of Ohio; and Professor Louis Fernandez, provost and vice president of academic affairs, California State (San Bernardino). The selection committee, meeting this year in San Antonio, Texas, is composed of (from left) Dr. Keith Schlender, Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Father David A. Boileau, Dr. Henry Toutain, Dr. Gayle A. Olson, Dr. Michael Glaser, Professor Louis Fernandez and Dr. Charles Lyons Jr. June 2003 �17611_p1,3,8.qxd 5/27/2003 2:41 AM Page 3 Seafarers Honored for Supporting Troops Medals, Certificates Awarded as Crews Return from Operation Iraqi Freedom SIU members who sailed during the combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom are returning home to shows of gratitude in ports throughout the United States. The Department of Transportation and its Maritime Administration (MarAd) are hosting shipboard and pier-side ceremonies for dozens of U.S.-flag ships that sailed during the war. Crew members are being presented with Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals and certificates. The medals are awarded to those who serve on U.S.-flag ships in support of operations involving American and allied military forces. Overall, more than 100 SIU-crewed vessels mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom. “Our partnership with maritime labor is absolutely vital, and you are a tremendous gift to our country,” stated U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary Michael P. Jackson at a ceremony May 5 aboard the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessel Cape Washington in Baltimore. “You’re part of a long tradition and you added to that tradition. From the Revolutionary War, through both World Wars, the Korean War and up to today, our mariners have willingly defended and served this nation with enthusiasm and valor.” “The war was an absolute success because of you,” stated Rear Admiral Paul Schultz, special Seafarers and SIU officials are joined by representatives of the administration and the armed forces during last month’s awards ceremony aboard the Cape Washington in Baltimore. assistant to the commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), aboard the Cape Washington. “During my 30 years in the Navy, I learned how to fight and I learned I could not fight without our oilers and supplies coming behind me. It has to be done by heavy lift.” The Cape Washington ceremony typified those that have taken place in Baltimore; New Orleans; Charleston, S.C.; Houston and elsewhere in the U.S. Standing under cover on a cool, rainy day, Seafarers said they appreciated the recognition, but were more grateful that their efforts had helped the coalition forces achieve victory. “Our crew had different backgrounds, but everyone pulled SIU President Michael Sacco (center) congratulates AB Rafael Clemente and Chief Cook Roslyn Brooks on the Cape Washington. War Zone Bonuses Approved A high-ranking official from the U.S. Defense Department recently confirmed that war zone bonuses have been approved for U.S. mariners who sailed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The bonuses are applicable for operations between March 19 and May 2. Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Charles Abell last month signed off on a memo that reads, “Pursuant to Title 5, United States Code, section 5348(a), I determine that it is in the public interest to authorize the payment of ‘war zone’ bonuses and harbor and vessel attack bonuses to merchant mariners. Such payment is commensurate with current and historic practices in (the) maritime industry during periods of hostility. “Approval of payment of these bonuses is effective with this determination and is authorized for vessels in the Arabian Gulf west of 57 degrees longitude and the Gulf of Aden/Bab al Mandab Straits between 43 degrees west and 45 degrees west longitude and 12 degrees north and 13 degrees north latitude, on and after the commencement of hostilities in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom….” The bonus amount reportedly is equal to 100 percent of base pay. Additionally, unlicensed mariners who sailed in support of the war will receive the same Imminent Danger Pay increases that recently were awarded to CIVMARS. The Imminent Danger Pay increase is retroactive to Oct. 1, 2002 for areas identified by the government as imminent danger zones since then. (War zone bonuses and imminent danger pay cannot be awarded for the same time.) together,” said Bosun Rick James, who lives in Baltimore. “Everyone knew we had a job to do, like when we got the anthrax inoculations (at the start of a 95day voyage that ended in Kuwait). We all knew it was a very important mission, and we were determined to deliver the goods.” Electrician Randy Clark, who resides in the Houston area, said he and his shipmates were committed to their role as part of the nation’s Fourth Arm of Defense. “Every one of our guys was mission-oriented and focused on getting the job done,” he recalled. “Communications were restricted —there was a complete blackout for the sake of operational security—but everyone understood.” He added, “The soldiers aboard were gentlemen and professionals the entire time.” AB Marshall Turner of Mobile, Ala. noted that the Cape Washington was caught in a waterborne limbo near Turkey while talks unfolded concerning the coalition’s use of that country as an entry point. “We left from Beaumont (Texas) Feb. 6 with tanks and other materiel,” Turner said. “We had to wait a month at sea because of the situation in Turkey.” Chief Steward Rayfield Crawford of Baltimore said the Seafarers and officers “were glad to help out. That’s our job, that’s what we do. I sailed during Vietnam, and it’s basically the same thing today—we’re here to support the troops.” SA Kenneth Seals from Mobile said the voyage was “all right, just long. Everyone got along okay. We had nobody but each other and a lot of sea time.” Noting that the ship sailed into high-risk areas, he added, “I was nervous at times, but as they say, it had to be done. I will say that hearing about [the war] is one thing, being there is something else.” Chief Cook Roslyn Brooks, who sails from the port of Norfolk, Va., said the steward department and the entire crew “stuck together and gave each other support…. We’re blessed to be in America, compared to many other places.” Second Cook/Baker Andre Zene from Mobile said, “It was a successful trip. We all had God in us. There were good days and bad days, but we all stuck together and were committed to success.” Mariners Deliver SIU President Michael Sacco, a guest speaker at the Cape Washington ceremony, said Operation Iraqi Freedom “is just the latest of many examples why our nation’s security is bestserved by a strong U.S.-flag fleet. You can bet it won’t be the last.” He also pointed out that mariners will continue to play an important role in delivering materiel to rebuild Iraq. “I know that even though the heavy combat is over, plenty of sealift mis- SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) and Houston Port Captain Kevin Cook each offered enthusiastic praise for the Cape Texas crew. sions lay ahead as we move into the next stage of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As always, we’ll get the job done.” Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert applauded the patriotism of the returning mariners. “We greatly appreciate the efforts of our mariners and their willingness to serve our nation. Our mariners are great team players and their contributions directly contributed to the success of Operation Iraqi Freedom,” said Schubert. He described the war as “one of the best sealift efforts in U.S. history, and that’s no exaggeration. It was the most successful in terms of speed, effort and cooperation.” M. Nuns Jain, director of MarAd’s South Atlantic Region, said the crew members’ and officers’ “dedication and spirit on a daily basis is what made this mission a success. There also were many people in the supporting cast, and I’m proud of your efforts.” Lt. Cmdr. Norwin Fischer of the Military Traffic Management Command said to the crew, “This wouldn’t be possible without dedicated men and women like yourselves. The sealift this time was far superior to what it was in Desert Storm, and I thank the crew.” In a press release issued May 7, MSC also commended U.S. Merchant Mariners for their performance during Operation Iraqi Freedom. MSC Commander Vice Adm. David Brewer said he has been impressed with the expertise, professionalism and assistance that the commercial contract mariners have provided during normal operations and in times of conflict. “Commercial mariners are also heroes because of their unequivocal willingness to put themselves in possible harm’s Continued on page 11 Bosun Rick James is interviewed by a Baltimore TV crew after the Cape Washington ceremony. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Friday, July 4, 2003 for the observance of Independence Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. June 2003 The crew of the Cape Texas, pictured at an observance in Houston, was credited for rapid delivery and accident-free voyages. Seafarers LOG 3 �17611_p4,6,12_15.qxd 5/27/2003 2:58 AM Page 4 Union Mourns Retired Gov’t Services VP ‘Buck’ Mercer Roy “Buck” Mercer, the first to hold office as vice president of the SIU Government Services Division, passed away May 4. He was 80. “We have lost a great and dear friend as well as an advocate for members of the union,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “Buck devoted much of his energies over the years toward the merger of the east and west coast CIVMARS contracts. Through his dedicated efforts, this unification became a reality in March of this year. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones,” Sacco concluded. “Buck was a great man, a charismatic leader and a dedicated brother. He truly will be missed by all of us.” Born in Spokane, Wash., Mercer began his career with the Seafarers in 1942, making a lone trip as a messman aboard the Brother Mercer (left) was heavily involved in the civil rights movement. Here, he poses with former NAACP Executive Director Benjamin Hooks during an AFL-CIO-sponsored reception held in 1993 in honor of Hooks’ retirement. General Gorgus, an Army Transport Service vessel. He then joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards in Seattle and worked his way up the galley ladder. He became a chief steward in 1948. Mercer continued sailing until 1956 when he became a patrolman in Seattle. He held that position until 1961 when he transferred to San Francisco. Not long thereafter, Mercer was designated as an organizer for the old Military Sea Transport Union (MSTU)—the coalition that merged into the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District in 1985. By 1963, Mercer was secretary-treasurer for the MSTU. He held that position until the merger. Mercer became vice president of the Seafarers International Union of North America during the 1970s, continuing to work from the division’s headquarters in San Francisco. Mercer retired from the SIU in 1999 following more than 50 years of service as a mariner and union official. He lived in Las Vegas with his wife, Fermear “Dee” Mercer, who survives him. Six sons also survive Mercer: Brian Jenkins of Seattle, Allen Estes of Tacoma, The late Roy “Buck” Mercer (right), retired vice president of the SIU Government Services Division, confers with retired SIU VP West Coast George McCartney. The two were attending a Maritime Trades Department Convention in 1988 in Bal Harbor, Fla. Wash; Terrell Estes of Tracy, Calif.; Kim Estes of Cypress, Calif.; Tony Estes of San Antonio and Byron Brown of Dallas. Retired SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney recalled Mercer’s contributions to the MC&S. “Buck was very active with the founding of the Marine Cooks & Stewards as well as its merger into the SIU,” McCartney said. “He was a very conscientious, honest, sincere, dedicated guy.” Ed Turner, president of the MS&C when it merged with the SIU, worked with Mercer for many years. “I knew him for something like 30 or 40 years,” Turner said. “We sailed together Notice – SARS Printed below is a recent notice from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concerning severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The notice, dated May 8, 2003, is posted on CDC’s comprehensive SARS web site, located at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/index.htm Interim Guidelines for Personnel Boarding Maritime Vessels from Areas with SARS The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking reports of outbreaks of a respiratory illness called severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). CDC has issued two types of notices to travelers: advisories and alerts. A travel advisory recommends that nonessential travel be deferred; a travel alert, does not advise against travel, but informs travelers of a health concern and provides advice about specific precautions. CDC updates information on its website on the travel status of areas with SARS, as the situation evolves. The primary way that SARS appears to spread is by close person-to-person contact. Potential ways in which SARS can be spread include touching the skin of other persons or objects that are contaminated with infectious droplets and then touching the eye, nose or mouth. This can happen when someone who is sick with SARS coughs or sneezes droplets onto themselves, other persons or nearby surfaces. It is also possible that SARS can be spread more broadly through the air or by other ways that are currently not known. Preliminary studies in some research laboratories suggest that the virus may survive in the environment for several days. As with many other infectious illnesses, one of the most important ways to prevent infection with SARS is to keep your hands clean, either by frequent washing with soap and water or by use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Detailed information about hand hygiene is available at the CDC website. There is currently no evidence that SARS infection is spread through contact with objects or packages including those arriving from areas with SARS. Special handling of such items is not indicated; however, hand hygiene as described above is recommended for routine prevention of infections. For prevention of SARS in the workplace, the routine use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, gloves or surgical masks for protection against SARS exposure is currently not recommended, except when providing medical care to suspected SARS patients. If a passenger or crew member must be detained or assisted and appears to have a respiratory illness or may have traveled from one of the areas listed above, try to keep him or her separated from the other passengers as much as possible and immediately contact the appropriate authorities and assistance such as the U.S. Quarantine Station with jurisdiction and Emergency Medical Services (EMS). In the interim, provide the ill passenger with a surgical mask, if available. A surgical mask can reduce the number of droplets coughed into the air. If a surgical mask is not available, provide the passenger with tissues and ask him or her to cover his or her mouth and nose when coughing. When an ill passenger is unable to wear a surgical mask, others on board should wear surgical masks when in close contact with the patient. Persons who develop symptoms of SARS within 10 days of being in close contact with someone with suspected SARS, or within 10 days of arriving from an area with SARS, should follow the precautions described in CDC’s exposure management guidance. Persons who have been exposed and have symptoms should not go to work, school, church or other public areas; and should seek health-care evaluation promptly. Before the evaluation, the individual should inform their healthcare providers about the possible exposure to SARS so arrangements can be made to prevent the possibility of spreading the infection in the health-care setting. many times…Buck sailed out of Seattle. “He was one of the best people I have ever known…a great worker and a super union official,” Turner continued. “I think perhaps the greatest thing you can say about a seafarer is that they were good shipmates. Buck was all of that and more. I’ll miss him greatly.” Chet Wheeler, SIU Government Services Division representative, said Mercer “helped a lot of people, brought a lot of people along and gave them opportunities. I knew him for 30 years and I can say with certainty that from the beginning he was in a leadership role on his own merits.” SIU President Tells AMMV Today’s Mariners Uphold Role as 4th Arm of Defense When SIU President Michael Sacco addressed the 2003 convention of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV), he told the group that today’s Seafarers are upholding the tradition of the U.S. Merchant Marine by providing vital support for the armed forces. Addressing the approximately 200 AMMV delegates and officials May 8 in Atlantic City, Sacco noted, “The sealift effort of World War II almost defies belief. It’s a story of incredible courage, unwavering patriotism, steadfast determination and relentless hard work. You earned the title of America’s ‘Fourth Arm of Defense.’ “I’m pleased to report that the men and women of today’s U.S. Merchant Marine are proudly carrying on your tradition,” he continued. “Based on all the feedback we’ve gotten (concerning the merchant marine’s performance in Operation Iraqi Freedom)— from high-ranking individuals in the administration and in the military—there’s no question the merchant marine did a great job. All of you share in the credit, because you set the standard.” The SIU president covered several other topics during his address. He recalled how the SIU, the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, the AMMV (which includes many retired Seafarers) and others worked together to secure veterans’ status for World War II mariners. He brought the audience up-to-date on the camContinued on page 5 CDC Removes Advisory Against Travel to Singapore The CDC on May 6 issued a notice which reads in part: CDC is now downgrading its traveler’s notification for Singapore from a travel advisory to a travel alert. Reasons for removal of the advisory include the following: Currently, SARS transmission in Singapore is limited to a small number of households and a well defined specific community setting through direct person-to-person spread. The onset of symptoms of the last reported case not occurring in a defined community setting was on April 14, 2003. More than 20 days, or two SARS incubation periods, have elapsed since that date. Monitoring by the Ministry of Health of Singapore indicates that there are no new outbreaks of illness in Singapore, and there is adequate surveillance for SARS in place…. CDC continues to recommend that U.S. travelers to Singapore observe precautions to safeguard their health. To minimize the possibility of infection, avoid close contact with large numbers of people as much as possible. CDC does not recommend the routine use of masks or other personal protective equipment while in public areas. 4 Seafarers LOG AMMV President Hank Cap (left) introduces SIU President Michael Sacco. June 2003 �17611_2,5,7.qxd 5/27/2003 2:57 AM Page 5 OECD Report Examines Mechanisms Hampering Ownership Transparency Some Shipowners Hide Behind Web of Corporate Entities The Maritime Transport Committee of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in March issued a report that reviewed vessel registration provisions in various ship registers to assess possibilities available to beneficial owners to mask or hide their identity. Entitled Ownership and Control of Ships, the report was based on the argument that an increase in transparency in the ownership and control of ships enhances security. If follows that if potential terrorists find it more difficult to hide their activities, then this would greatly assist security forces in the detection and pre- vention of maritime-related terrorist attacks, as well as the apprehension of perpetrators. The work concluded that it is very easy and relatively cheap to establish a complex web of corporate entities to provide effective cover to identities of beneficial owners who do not want to be known. The chief means available to owners to hide their identity, according to the report, are not necessarily found in the shipping registers themselves, but in the sometimes-related corporate registers. Both open and traditional registers may be susceptible to use by entities seeking to mask their identity, the report said. Anonymity may be sought for a variety of reasons, some legitimate and some absolutely illegal, the report suggests. It recommended that steps be taken to identify what solutions might be applied to increase transparency and that “best practices” be developed for adoption by ship registers to maximize transparency while protecting necessary commercially sensitive information. The SIU and the International Transport Workers’ Federation last year testified before the U.S. Congress concerning the need for transparency of ownership. Both the union and the federation emphasized that the current lack Maritime Roundtable With Rep. Istook of transparency common to runaway-flag shipping poses a potentially serious security threat to America. The key findings of the OECD report include: That it is very easy and relatively cheap to establish a complex web of corporate entities to provide very effective cover to the identities of beneficial owners who do not want to be known. While some ship registers actively facilitate and promote anonymity for reluctant owners, the principal mechanisms are not the registers themselves, but the corporate mechanisms that are available to owners to cloak their identity. These corporate mechanisms are readily available in many jurisdictions. The most important single feature that facilitates anonymity of individuals is the ability of corporations to be registered as owners of vessels. The most common and effective mechanisms that can provide anonymity for beneficial owners include bearer shares, nominee shareholders, nominee directors, the use of intermediaries to act on owners’ behalf and the failure of jurisdictions to provide for effective reporting requirements. The most common institutional devices used to create corporations are private limited companies and international business corporations. Other devices such as trusts, foundations and partnerships may also be used. Open registers, which by definition do not have any nationality requirements, are the easiest jurisdictions in which to register vessels that are covered by complex legal and corporate arrangements. The arrangements will almost certainly cover a number of international jurisdictions which would be much more difficult to untangle. Some institutional arrangements involving dependencies, overseas territories and jurisdictions with special constitutional and/or administrative arrangements, (as exist, for example in the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands and Australia), as well as some free trade arrangements may also provide opportunities—albeit complex and perhaps risky ones—for beneficial owners seeking anonymity to achieve their objectives. Efforts are Ongoing To Improve Port, Shipboard Security SIU Port Agent Bryan Powell (fourth from left) recently participated in a “maritime roundtable” with U.S. Rep. Ernest Istook (third from left) and others in Seattle. Topics included the U.S. Maritime Security Program and its related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement; Jones Act and cargo preference issues; and contributions of the U.S. Merchant Marine to recent military operations in Iraq as well as to the war on terrorism. Other participants in the roundtable included (from left) Charlie Wellens, Pacific Northwest director of operations for Maersk Sealand; Gregg Trunnel, director of the Pacific Northwest Maritime Institute; Rep. Istook; Powell, the union’s port agent in Tacoma, Wash.; Vince O’Halloran, port agent for the Seafarers-affiliated Sailors’ Union of the Pacific; and Mike Jewel, patrolman for the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association. Seafarers, Operating Engineers Ask Congress to Shut Dredging Loophole Members of the House of Representatives recently heard testimony from U.S. dredgers in support of a legislative solution to correct a misinterpretation of a 1992 amendment that was aimed at augmenting control over ownership in the domestic dredging trades. U.S. funds are used to support dredging operations. The SIU and the International Union of Operating Engineers submitted a joint statement for the record of the April 30 hearing, jointly conducted by the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment (both parts of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure). The unions’ statement read in SIU’s Sacco Addresses AMMV Continued from page 4 paign to reauthorize the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), and he encouraged all AMMV members to ask their senators and congressmen to support the reauthorization. “I know we can count on you in this effort, and I know you’ll spread the word to your fellow members in the AMMV chapters all around the country,” Sacco said. “We need your support on this issue, because you are a formidable force and a respected group…. June 2003 The bottom line on the MSP program is that it’s good for America, and it’s a good value.” Sacco also described the conditions faced by today’s mariners, noting some of the similarities and differences from bygone eras. “As you can see, though, there’s at least one important part of our job that hasn’t changed since World War II,” he declared. “We’re still the Fourth Arm of Defense, and we still deliver —anywhere, anytime.” Earlier during the convention, Hank Cap was reelected president of the AMMV. part, “Our support for clear and emphatic U.S. cabotage policies is unwavering. An American-flag fleet owned, controlled and crewed by U.S. citizens is in the national interest, today more than ever. Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more apparent through aberrations in U.S. laws foreign interests are making inroads into the domestic transportation market. In the last decade, foreign shipping interests have entered the domestic cargo trade through lease-financing schemes and have entered the domestic dredging trade through a misguided interpretation of ownership requirements. “The question before the Congress today is whether the U.S. coastwise laws are being interpreted correctly. Are U.S. dredging companies, which adhere to the basic tenets of U.S. cabotage policy, enjoying fair competition or has the playing field been skewed? Have we established in the United States an environment that allows one particular dredging company to Continued on page 8 The United States, since the infamous events of September 11, has taken a number of steps to reduce its vulnerability to terrorist attacks. Even before the dust of the World Trade Center had settled, the U.S. Coast Guard established security zones in various major U.S. ports. The Coast Guard, along with other agencies, then proceeded to utilize existing legal authority to mandate a variety of maritime security enhancements. U.S. maritime unions including the SIU have been very active in moving toward greater shipboard and port security. The SIU has met with representatives from U.S.-flag operators, the Coast Guard, numerous U.S. ports, the International Transport Workers’ Federation, the International Maritime Organization and the International Labor Organization to facilitate the identification and enactment of effective, realistic and fair security rules. Congress got involved, enacting several security measures. The major legislation relating to the maritime industry is the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. This act contains a number of provisions authorizing the Coast Guard and other agencies to establish maritime security standards and mandate certain security enhancements to be undertaken by the industry. Following are some of the latest of the ongoing developments in the port security arena. Senators Seek GAO Probe Citing concern that greater efforts are needed to address port security mandates in the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), a pair of U.S. Senators—Fritz Hollings (D-S.C.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.)—recently requested that the General Accounting Office look into the matter. As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, the MTSA, which Senator Hollings authored, was signed into law last November and created some the nation's first post-September 11 maritime security guidelines. In a letter dated May 12 to GAO Comptroller General David M. Walker, the senators wrote, “We remain concerned about the adequacy of security at our nation's port facilities. The events of September 11, 2001 demonstrated how vulnerable the most everyday aspects of our transportation system and commerce can be to acts of terrorism. Yet our ports remain exposed and susceptible to acts of terrorism that could cause a large loss of life and economic disruption. “By most accounts, current inspection levels of containerized cargo are insufficient, and technology currently is not deployed to allow for the non-intrusive inspection of such cargo,” they continued. “Based on recent briefings given to our staff, we are concerned that the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have failed to ensure that all requirements of the Act are being executed effectiveContinued on page 8 Seafarers LOG 5 �17611_p4,6,12_15.qxd 5/21/2003 2:40 PM Page 6 U.S. Rep. Hunter Accepts ‘Salute to Congress’ Award House Armed Services Committee Chair Has Strong Record Supporting Maritime The chairman of the House Armed Services Committee recently reaffirmed his strong support for the U.S. Merchant Marine. U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (RCalif.), honored May 6 with the Propeller Club of the United States’ annual Salute to Congress Award, told a maritime audience in Bethesda, Md. that their industry stands for the projection of American security and power around the world. He also applauded the nation’s sealift efforts during Operation Iraqi Freedom and discussed the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) reauthorization bill, which at that time was being finalized in Congress. Speaking of the MSP in particular and the industry in general, Hunter said, “We are going to attempt to start to turn the ship around. We have one set of rules in trying to put this thing together: That everything must be done to assure American-made military products, American-operated and U.S.-crewed vessels. The product of the American maritime industry is freedom.” “The product of the American maritime industry is freedom.” —U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter He added, “We have an obligation in this country and the rest of the free world. That (obligation) is to remain strong; to be able to project power. If you don’t have sealift, you are not going to be able to project American power.” Hunter has been a powerful advocate for the U.S. shipping and shipbuilding industries. In recent years, he has cosponsored a resolution expressing the support of the House of Representatives for the Jones Act, worked with fellow lawmakers to restore funding for the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program in the federal budget and sponsored legislation to encourage development of the American-flag cruise industry, among other things. Last year, he chaired separate hearings on the MSP and the threat of runaway-flag shipping to U.S. national security. Those hearings took place before the Armed Service’s Committee’s Special Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine. Hunter was elected in 1980 to represent California’s 52nd congressional district. In his current capacity as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, he focuses on defense and related matters, such as military facilities, naval fuel reserves, Department of Defense, intelligence activities, pay, promotion and retirement. He also serves on the House Select Committee on Homeland Security. A Vietnam veteran, the congressman served in the 173rd Airborne Division and the 75th Army Rangers. The annual Salute to Congress dinner in 1985 was established by The Propeller Club of the United States to honor a member of Congress who demonstrated leadership in furthering the cause of the American Merchant Marine and allied industries. The salute affords an opportunity for all segments of the maritime industry to get together at one forum with not only their own senators and congressional representatives, but also members of Congress from all over the country to discuss U.S. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter future growth of the U.S. fleet. Recent recipients of the Salute to Congress Award include U.S. Senator Fritz Hollings (D-S.C.), U.S. Senator Ted Stevens (RAlaska) and U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (D-Minn.). Jamian Appointed MarAd Deputy U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta last month announced the appointment of John Jamian as the deputy administrator for the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MarAd). “John brings a wealth of experience to the department. His leadership and team-building skills will be invaluable in achieving the department’s strategic goals, and will prove to be important assets as we meet the challenge of improving our nation’s maritime transportation systems,” said Mineta. “I welcome him aboard my team.” In a press release announcing the appointment, MarAd said that Jamian “has extensive experience in the maritime industry and international transportation and trade development. During his tenure as a Michigan legislator, which began in 1991, he served as chairman of the House Task Force Committee on Port and Maritime Affairs. As executive director of the Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority, he was instrumental in helping to revive cruise ship tourism on the Great Lakes after a 30-year absence. Additionally, Jamian has worked closely with the U.S. Coast MarAd Deputy Administrator John Jamian Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers on a variety of maritime-related projects.” The agency reported that Jamian most recently served as executive director of the Armenian Assembly of America, a Washington-based, nationwide organization promoting public understanding of Armenian issues in America. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert said, “I appreciate John’s background and look forward to working with him. His experience in the port community will make him an excellent addition to the Maritime Administration.” As deputy administrator, Jamian will assist in leading the operations of an 850-person agency, which includes five regional offices and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. He also will oversee issues concerning the Great Lakes and inland waterways, deepwater ports, as well as segments of the Marine Transportation System initiative. MarAd’s mission “is to promote the development and maintenance of an adequate, well-balanced United States Merchant Marine, sufficient to carry the nation’s domestic waterborne commerce and a substantial portion of its waterborne foreign commerce, and capable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency. MarAd also seeks to ensure that the United States enjoys adequate shipbuilding and repair services, efficient ports, effective intermodal water and land transportation systems, and reserve shipping capacity in time of national emergency.” Notice Unlicensed Apprentice Program For individuals interested in attending the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, please note that there has been some misinformation, particularly via messages on the world wide web about the school’s apprentice program. To qualify for the program applicants must be at least 18 years of age (or 17 years of age with parental consent). This requirement is necessary to comply with Coast Guard regulations. There is no upper age limit for individuals wishing to participate in the program. The program provides training for entry-level positions, and includes practical work on a vessel. The program is physically rigorous. Teamwork is stressed and apprentices live in open-berthing dormitories and take meals together. Applicants must be able to meet certain physical requirements, specified by United States Coast Guard regulations and maritime industry standards. If you are interested in attending the school, please call (301) 994-0010, ext. 5342, or visit www. seafarers.org. 6 Seafarers LOG SIU President Michael Sacco (left) greets TOTE President and CEO Bob Magee shortly before Magee addressed the Propeller Club. Senator Landrieu, TOTE CEO Magee Featured at D.C. Maritime Gatherings U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (DLa.) said commercial shipping “has a great story to tell” and encouraged the industry to publicize its value to the nation. U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La.) and Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) President and CEO Bob Magee last month offered insights concerning the U.S. maritime industry during separate addresses to the Washington, D.C. chapter of the Propeller Club. Landrieu spoke to the group on May 15. She encouraged the industry as a whole to be aggressive in essentially competing with other industries for funding. She also expressed support for the U.S.-flag cruise industry, describing it as “prime for growth.” Magee on May 6 discussed domestic liner ship economics, TOTE’s new Orca class vessels, major Alaska marine investments and short-sea shipping. He also detailed the key participation of the TOTE’s SIU-crewed Northern Lights in Operation Iraqi Freedom. TOTE CEO and President Bob Magee discussed the company’s new builds for the U.S. fleet. June 2003 �17611_2,5,7.qxd 5/22/2003 4:17 PM Page 7 2003 Scholarships Assist 6 in Attaining Goals The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has announced six scholarship recipients for 2003—with a total monetary value of $120,000—marking the 50th anniversary of this generous SIU benefit. Selected by a panel of professional educators last month were one Seafarer and five dependents. In past years, Seafarers were eligible for three of the scholarships—one four-year, $20,000 award and two two-year, $6,000. This year, however, none of the Seafarers who applied was eligible for the two-year awards. On this page are brief descriptions of the backgrounds and educational goals of the six college-bound students. Christopher Balatico graduated 12th in his class of 280 last month from Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie, La. The 18-year-old plans to earn a degree in biochemistry at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and then continue at the medical school there, with the goal of becoming a dermatologist. He noted in his scholarship application that as a young child he developed a passion for the science of medicine. “I love people and I cannot think of anything more rewarding that comes with knowing that one is educated and equipped to help people who are sick and in need.” Balatico was very active during his high school career. Taking honors and advanced placement classes, he managed to maintain his high grades, participate in extracurricular activities and work part time at a creamery, where he helped make ice cream, among other duties. He was an active member of the National Honor Society, Beta Club, French and Latin clubs and also attained a first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Additionally, he was honored and featured in the 34th, 35th, 36th and 37th editions of Christopher Balatico June 2003 David Denizac Receives Seafarers Award As a recipient of the fouryear, $20,000 scholarship for Seafarers, David Denizac, 39, is now on the road to fulfilling his life-long dream of becoming a law enforcement officer. Denizac, a resident of Orlando, Fla., completed the entry training program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1987 and has continued to upgrade his skills throughout the years. “Who’s Who Among American High School Students.” Balatico is the son of deep sea member Albert V. Balatico, who joined the union in 1990, sailing most recently as an AB aboard the Seabulk Mariner. David Denizac He earned a high school diploma from Thomson High Society and performed as an oboist in the school’s full orchestra as well as the jazz ensemble. After earning a degree in neurobiology, he plans to attend medical school and follow through with both residency and fellowship terms, eventually entering the growing field of psychoneuroimmunology. His father, Edwin Manzano, has been an SIU member since 1996. He is currently working aboard the Petersburg as an OMU. Graduating last month from Hightower High School in Missouri City, Texas, with a 5.1 GPA, Eurel Manzano, 18, is well on his way to a career in medicine. Manzano, the second of two sons, first developed his love of science in elementary school. When he moved on to middle school, he committed himself to both academic and athletic pursuits, all the while continuing to maintain honor roll status. He then applied and was accepted to the Medical Academy at Hightower High School, where he participated in intensive medical courses and also took part in an internship at the coveted Houston Medical Center. He later participated in the summer research program at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Genomics Research lab to gain exposure to the field of genetics research. During his high school years, Manzano also held several leadership positions, most notably as student leader of the school’s 200-member marching band. He was a member of the National Honor Society and French Honor Janet Ostendarp, 38, is the wife of deep sea member Francis Ostendarp Jr., but was also a former Seafarer herself. Ostendarp grew up in Spokane, Wash., graduating from high school in 1983. She continued her education at Spokane Community College where she completed an associate of science degree in culinary arts. As a professional chef, Ostendarp moved to Bozeman, Mont. and then to Seattle, Wash. to cook and later to open her own French bistro. She left Seattle after five years to enter the trainee program at the Paul Hall Center. The LNG Virgo was the first ship on which Ostendarp worked in the steward department. After upgrading at Piney Point and receiving her chief cook endorsement in 1993, Eurel Manzano Janet Ostendarp School in Scranton, Pa. in 1999 and now would like to study criminal law at the University of Central Florida, “my dream since I was 10 years old,” he stated. While pursuing his studies, he also plans to volunteer his time to the local county sheriff’s parking enforcement unit. Denizac, who is currently a relief bosun on the USNS Capella, lives with his wife and daughter in Orlando. she decided to return to college to complete an associate of science degree in nursing. Since graduating in 1996, she has worked as a licensed registered nurse and also attends college full time. Her ambition is to expand her nursing knowledge by completing a graduate studies program to become licensed as a certified registered nurse anesthetist. Ostendarp is currently attending courses at the University of South Florida, where she hopes to continue her education. Her husband, Francis, a deep sea member since 1984, is a recertified steward, currently working on board the El Yunque. A June graduate from Eastern Regional High School in Voorhees, N.J., Katelan Steele has plans to enter the field of mathematics education and music. The 18-year-old has seen how Mr. Olsen, a teacher with enthusiasm and creativity at her own school, got students excited about learning, and she would like to follow that example. “I always considered becoming a teacher,” she noted in her application, “but through day after day of seeing Mr. Olsen slowly entice minds and inspire learning, I knew that I wanted not only to be a teacher, but to be a great teacher, a Mr. Olsen.” Steele’s workload (account- Katelan Steele ing honors, calculus honors, history honors and AP English) was balanced by sports (field hockey and lacrosse) as well as other student activities (student council, performing in the school musical). She also continued to work a part-time job. Her father is James Steele, an inland member since 1988. A passion for success has been the driving force for Erin Williams, 18, throughout her high school years in Orangefield, Texas, where she ranked second in a class of 116. Williams plans to attend the University of Texas at San Antonio with the ultimate goal of becoming an occupational therapist. But there are some steps she must take before reaching that goal, and Williams is up to the task. To join the occupational therapy program at the University of Texas, San Antonio, she first must acquire a number of credits of prerequisite study, which she plans to do through the honors college there, majoring in biology with a minor in Spanish. In high school, Williams was junior class historian and National Honor Society president. She also was active in student government and the drama club in addition to her heavy course load. Williams stated in her application: “I am sure that my passion for learning will lead me to make a difference in the world, and the Seafarers International Union can be proud” to have had a part in that. Her father is Stephen Williams, an inland member. He currently sails as a tugboat captain aboard the tug Helen Moran. It’s never too early to start thinking about college. Seafarers and their spouses and dependent children who are contemplating furthering their education should start thinking now about applying for an SIU scholarship for next year. Don’t wait until the last minute! Erin Williams Seafarers LOG 7 �17611_p1,3,8.qxd 5/27/2003 3:19 PM Page 8 Lt. General Tours School Lt. Gen. Gary H. Hughey (right in photo at left), deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), last month toured the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. He is greeted by (from left) Unlicensed Apprentices Selina Sobers, Jaime Diaz and Gabriel Albino. At right, Hughey visits the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (part of the Paul Hall Center) with SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (center) and Paul Hall Center Safety Director James Hanson. TRANSCOM is responsible to the U.S. Secretary of Defense for the nation’s defense transportation systems. Port/Shipboard Security An Ongoing Challenge Continued from page 5 ly and in a timely manner as Congress intends and that major problems have arisen in the coordination among federal agencies on various issues and the key maritime stakeholders, both at home and abroad. “We, therefore, request GAO’s assistance in evaluating the implementation of the new statutory requirements to promote port security.” The senators asked that the GAO examine the administration’s methodology and approach toward the initial port vulnerabil- ity assessments and how they estimate the costs associated with fixing the deficiencies. The legislators also are seeking the tactic for developing the Sea Marshal program, the Automated Vessel Identification System, the maritime intelligence system requirements, the transportation worker ID cards, and the effort to certify secure systems of international intermodal transportation. They also have requested an examination of how the administration will assess security efforts in foreign ports. Each of these elements is mandated in the new port security laws. Port Funding The Department of Homeland Security last month awarded $75 million to “high threat” ports nationwide. This funding was derived from the FY 2003 supplemental appropriations, signed into law in April. An additional $35 million was set aside for radiological defense at the ports in New York/Newark and Charleston, S.C. The Coast Guard has estimated that it will require over $6.6 billion over the next 10 years for private port facilities alone to meet the baseline mandates in the new federal port security laws. Another Port Security Bill In another move on Capitol Hill, Senator Diane Feinstein (DCalif.) in April introduced a bill entitled the Anti-Terrorism and Congress Hears Dredging Testimony Continued from page 5 operate under an entirely separate set of rules? Maritime labor firmly believes that an unfair competitive environment does exist today in the U.S. dredging industry, which can no longer be tolerated and must be corrected by the U.S. Congress.” The unions noted that in 1992, Congress enacted legislation designed to tighten control over the domestic dredging fleet. The amendment clarified that the 75 percent citizen ownership requirement, mandated in U.S. cabotage policy, would apply to all vessels engaged in dredging in U.S. navigable waters, including any entity that charters a vessel for dredging in U.S. waters. As recalled in the statement, in the spirit of fairness, Congress included a grandfather clause to allow the Stuyvesant, a U.S.-built, U.S.-flag hopper dredge to continue in domestic operation under charter to Royal Boskalis, a Dutch company, for as long as the Stuyvesant remained under the American flag, or until the end of its useful life. In addition, Congress permitted Royal Boskalis to operate other existing U.S.-flag hopper dredges and other non-hopper dredges that worked with the Stuyvesant or would be needed in the event of the disability of the Stuyvesant. “For several years, this amendment worked as intended by the U.S. Congress,” stated the 8 Seafarers LOG SIU and the Operating Engineers. “However, the U.S. Customs Service in 1998 issued a rather broad interpretation of the grandfather clause that has allowed Royal Boskalis to expand into a much larger non-hopper segment of the dredging market. As a result, Royal Boskalis today controls a fleet of 16 vessels, including at least six dredges, through a joint venture with Bean Dredging known as Bean Stuyvesant LLP. Today, Boskalis, the largest dredging company in the world conducting 35 percent of the world’s dredging operations in more than 50 countries, is primed to dominate the U.S. dredging market. Contrary to congressional intent in 1992 to limit foreign interest in the U.S. dredging trade, the Customs Service ruling has in effect circumvented the will of Congress when it bestowed on a foreign company benefits not offered to U.S. companies and thereby in all reality encouraged its rapid expansion in the domestic dredging market.” The unions further stated, “The level playing field intended by the Congress has been turned upside down. The Bean Stuyvesant joint venture enjoys access to the financial resources of its foreign parent, Royal Boskalis, and as a result is in a position to destabilize U.S. market conditions, thereby hindering the ability of some American companies to obtain suitable financing. Further, Bean Stuyvesant enjoys trading advan- tages not available to other U.S. industry participants. The Bean Company is free to charter its dredging equipment to a non citizen—no American company can do so. Bean Stuyvesant has the commercial flexibility to reflag its equipment and then return to the American flag and American market without asking congressional permission—no American company can do so…. “Clearly, the Bean Stuyvesant operation goes well beyond the intent of Congress when it approved the 1992 amendment to tighten the control over ownership in the U.S. domestic dredging trade. Congressman Billy Tauzin, Chairman of the Coast Guard Subcommittee and floor manager of the 1992 legislation, was very clear about the intent of Congress when he stated that the purpose of the amendment was to ‘close loopholes in the Federal law’ and to ‘make all domestically operated dredges subject to the same documentation and ownership requirements as other vessels under the coastwise trade laws.’ Unfortunately, the Customs Service interpretation has opened a wide loophole that has benefited foreign interests at the expense of American operators adhering to the standards mandated by the U.S. Congress. The Seafarers International Union and the Operating Engineers urge the Congress to close the door to the Stuyvesant loophole.” Port Security Act of 2003 (S. 746) to prevent and respond to terrorism and crime in or through ports. This measure would, if enacted, impose detailed requirements for electronic filing of manifests and mandate federal inspections of shipments at overseas locations, among other things. According to several sources, including the Journal of Commerce, the bill calls on the Department of Justice to collect data on port crimes. The FBI did not incorporate cargo theft as a separate category in its crime statistics in July 2002 when Senator Hollings initially introduced his port security legislation. The proposal also calls for advanced electronic reporting of cargo manifest data, and “shipment profiling.” Many of the bill’s provisions echo the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) 24-hour rule. However, shippers and intermediaries—as well as carriers—would provide “the appropriate information regarding each shipment,” according to the bill. The bill also would raise the penalty for filing false information to $50,000 from $1,000. Feinstein’s bill also would require carriers to use both a verbal description for cargo and a Harmonized Tariff System code number. Another data element would be the “continuous synopsis record” for the vessel. This is one of the new security provisions in the revised Safety of Life at Sea convention that International Maritime Organization members adopted late last year. In introducing her bill, Feinstein said measures that the government has taken to date to improve port security do not go far enough, or fast enough. She concluded that ports “remain almost as vulnerable today as they were before September 11.” Phase 2 of 24-hour rule In another development, the CBP on May 1 launched the second phase of enforcement for the 24-hour rule. This directive, which became effective Dec. 2, 2002, requires an advance cargo declaration from sea carriers. CBP uses the cargo data to identify and eliminate potential terrorist threats before a vessel sails from a foreign port to U.S. ports, rather than after a vessel and its cargo arrives in the United States. Among the expanded enforcement actions which came on line under the second phase: CBP on May 4 issued “Do Not Load” messages for containerized cargo that has an invalid or incomplete cargo description. Enforcement efforts initially were focused only on significant violations of the cargo description requirements of the 24-hour rule. The use of such vague cargo descriptions as “Freight-All-Kinds,” “Said-ToContain,” or General Merchandise” no longer will be tolerated. “Do Not Load” messages for clear violations of the consignee name and address requirement were issued May 15 by CBP. Under this change, consignee fields left blank, or the use of “To Order” and “To Order of Shipper” without corresponding information in the consignee field and notify party field, or consignee name with no address, incomplete address or invalid address are not acceptable. Also on May 15, CBP published monetary penalties for Foreign Remaining on Board (FROB) cargo that has an invalid cargo description and has been loaded on board the vessel without providing CBP a 24-hour time frame for targeting. Carriers may be assessed a $5,000 penalty for first violation and $10,000 for any subsequent violation attributable to the master. Non-vessel operating common carriers may be assessed liquidated damages in the amount of $5,000. Every subsequent violation will also be $5,000. Enforcement of the 24-hour rule began Feb. 2 with the initial phase focused on significant violations of the cargo description requirement. If cargo was loaded without prior approval by CBP, the container was denied permit to unload at all U.S. ports. CBP reportedly reviewed more than 2.4 million bills of lading between Feb.2 and April 29. About 260 containers with inadequate cargo descriptions were denied loading for violation of the 24-hour rule. Most of these violations were resolved in time for the shipment to make its original voyage. June 2003 �17611_p9-10,22-24.qxd 5/27/2003 3:05 AM Page 9 HOUSTON Left: Members of the Seafarers International Union recently showed their support for Machinists and Aerospace Workers in Houston. The informational picket line was set up to highlight the need for a new contract for the workers at Westwood College of Aviation Technology and to pressure the company to bargain in good faith. From the left are SIU Patrolman Chad Partridge, OS Michael Russo, SIU Patrolman Dave Heindel Jr. and Recertified Bosun Ralph Moore. Seafarers on the Job GALVESTON The Sound Reliance and its accompanying double-hulled barge 5502—one of the three new articulated tug-barge (ATB) tank vessel units crewed by SIU members—recently docked in Galveston to pick up a load for the West Coast. Aboard the vessel are (from left, front row) AB Sherman Sakatani, AB Daniel Monjarres, Captain Tom Lenfestey, SIU Patrolman David Heindel Jr., Cook Karen Mischel and Chief Engineer Jeremy Abel. In the back are AB Marc Tomuschat and 2nd Mate Bobby Boone. ABOARD THE AMERICAN TERN Chief Cook Elizer Saintvil (left), SA Lourdes Calderon (center) and Chief Steward Breon Lucas enjoy working aboard the American Tern. This was Lucas’ first job as chief steward and he thanked the crew and officers for all their support and encouragement, especially Capt. Edward Sica and Capt. Tim Adams. The SIUcrewed American Tern, operated by Osprey Ship Management for the Military Sealift Command, supports Operations Deep Freeze and Pacer Goose, the annual resupply missions, respectively, to McMurdo Base in Antarctica and Thule Air Base in Greenland. ABOARD THE MAERSK MISSOURI The photo at right and those below were taken in Elizabeth, N.J. at a payoff earlier in the year aboard the Maersk Missouri. The vessel is one of four modern Panamax GClass vessels operated by Maersk Line, Ltd. and enrolled in the U.S. government’s Maritime Security Program. The containership is in service between the U.S. East Coast and ports in the Mediterranean, Middle East and Indian subcontinent. From the left are SIU Patrolman Oscar Lopez, QMED James McParland, QERM Joe Brown and QERM Robert McMurray. ABOARD THE USNS IMPECCABLE QMED William Ryan, 57, passed away March 5 after a long battle with cancer. His ashes were scattered at sea, 120 miles east of Cape Hatteras, N.C. Ryan, who joined the SIU in 1990 after service in the U.S. Navy, was a resident of Hampton, Va. All off-duty crew members aboard the USNS Impeccable (Maersk Lines) observed a minute of silence for their fellow seafarer. They included OS Dustin Gallop, EU Dennis Middleton, Bosun James Gregory and AB Denyse Sineath as well as Capt. Philip Knauss, Chief Engineer Gary Perry, 1st Engineer Steve Miller, 2nd Engineer Lee Bernheisel and 3rd Engineer Sean Wills. Left: Chief Cook Melvin Hite listens attentively during the shipboard meeting. Taking care of necessary paperwork at payoff are SA Denis Cossio (left) and AB Terry Arbuah. Recertified Steward Gary Griswold enjoys working in the gleaming galley area aboard the Maersk Missouri. Everything is still very new—and neat—aboard the Maersk Missouri, from the wheelhouse (left) to the mess hall. June 2003 Seafarers LOG 9 �17611_p9-10,22-24.qxd 5/27/2003 10:35 AM Page 10 Union Industries Show 2003 ‘The American Dream, Union-M Made’ T AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Richard Trumka (second from right) and Maryland State & District of Columbia AFL-CIO President Fred D. Mason, Jr. (second from left) are greeted at the SIU booth by SIU President Mike Sacco (far right) and AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex. The 2003 Union Industries Show was the first major event conducted at Pittsburgh’s new convention center. he SIU and its affiliated union, the United Industrial Workers (UIW), participated in the annual AFL-CIO Union Industries Show May 25 in Pittsburgh. More than 200,000 visitors turned out for the freeadmission event, which took place at the new David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The show is produced by the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department, in collaboration with area unions, central labor councils, state labor federations and union-contracted employers. This year’s theme was “The American Dream, Union-Made.” Recapping the event, the Union Label and Service Trades Department noted in a statement, “The show appealed to all age groups: retirees, young families, teens and tots. Visitors saw the latest in American-made autos, motorcycles, recreation vehicles, hardware, work clothes, sporting goods, baked goods and groceries. Skilled union members demonstrated their trades and talents—and offered information on the training that prepared them for good union jobs and the pay and benefits that those jobs provide.” Charles Mercer, president of the department, described the show as “an educational and entertaining experience for the whole family. The exhibits, demonstrations and prizes offer something for everyone.” Billed as the largest exhibition of union workers’ skills and services, the show featured millions of dollars worth of unionmade, American-made products. Mercer pointed out that in recent years the show also has evolved into an educational forum to provide participating unions the opportunity to showcase the skills and expertise of their members and the value they add to their communities and lend to the nation. UIW-contracted companies that participated in the 2003 show included Franklin International, Bron Shoe, and Worthington Foods, each of Columbus, Ohio; Church & Dwight of London, Ohio; A&E Products Group of Ringtown, Pa.; Sealy Mattress of Williamsport, Md.; and Southern California-based Cott Beverages USA (San Bernardino), Chicken of the Sea (Terminal Island), La Victoria (Chino), Juanita’s Foods (Wilmington) and the Queen Mary (Long Beach). Information on the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s unlicensed apprentice program also was available at the booth shared by the SIU and UIW. This was the first major event at the 330,000 square-foot convention center, but the third time that Pittsburgh has hosted the Union Industries Show. The show first was conducted in 1938. It skipped some of the World War II years, but restarted in 1948 in Milwaukee and has run every year since. Other show visits to Pittsburgh were in 1965 and 1982. Union Label and Service Trades Department President Charles Mercer (wearing tie) is pictured at the booth shared by the SIU and UIW. Joining him are (back row, from left) UIW VP Herb Perez, UIW VP Bill Ellis, retired UIW VP Bill Dobbins, MTD Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex, (front, from left) Carmella Spadaro and UIW National Director John Spadaro, Mercer and Jody Dobbins. UIW National Director John Spadaro (with back to camera) handles one of the many giveaways that are part of the show’s attraction. The United Auto Workers show off one of their new vehicles. Food items were a big part of the SIU-UIW display. Bron Shoe (left) and the Queen Mary (right) are two of many UIW-contracted companies that participated in this year’s show. More than 200,000 visitors attended the four-day event. 10 Seafarers LOG June 2003 �17611_p11.qxd 5/27/2003 3:02 AM Page 11 Returning Seafarers Honored Continued from page 3 way to deliver vital military cargo to our war fighters in support of our nation’s defense,” Vice Admiral Brewer said. MSC Maritime Prepositioning Supporting Our Troops Ships Project Officer Mike Neuhardt stated, “Commercial mariners bring professional experience in ship maintenance, navigation and cargo transportation to the fight. Their history of service in prior wars is legendary.” ABOVE: QMED Bob Maurer (second from left) receives his commendation on the Cape Washington. Pictured from left to right are Transportation Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson, Maurer, Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert and M. Nuns Jain, director of MarAd’s South Atlantic Region. BELOW PHOTOS: Second Cook/Baker Andre Zene, GVA Kenny Seals, AB Hector Regalado and QMED George Murphy accept their awards from the same trio. The SIU-crewed Baldomero Lopez, part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s prepositioning fleet, mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom in support of U.S. troops. MSC notes that prepositioning vessels “contain nearly everything the Marines need for initial military operations—from tanks and ammunition to food and fuel to spare parts and engine oil.” Pictured below are some of the Seafarers who sailed aboard the Baldomero Lopez during the war. AB George Marfo, AB Timmy Kotsis, QMED Pumpman Dan Kresconko, QMED Talib Diekins Cook/Baker Louis Hyde Chief Steward Scott Dottino SA Virgilio Hoffman Chief Steward Scott Dottino, QMED Pumpman Dan Kresconko Right: AB George Margo, Bosun Gerald Kelly, SA Charles Arasa REMINDER/NOTICE: NEW POLICY REGARDING VACATION APPLICATIONS Effective immediately, original payroll vouchers must be submitted to verify employment—in addition to any Coast Guard discharges—for all vacation applications. These original documents will be returned to the applicant along with the vacation check. Failure to submit original pay vouchers could delay the processing of vacation benefits. June 2003 Left: AB Leroy Reed, AB Rodolfo Garcia, AB Ricardo Abella, AB Larry Childress Seafarers LOG 11 �17611_p4,6,12_15.qxd 5/22/2003 7:50 PM Page 12 The SIU-crewed USNS Watkins arrives in Kuwait during pre-war sealift operations. As in past conflicts, U.S. merchant ships transported most of the materiel during Operation Iraqi Freedom. ‘P The Watkins’ RO/RO capabilities were called upon during six separate voyages to Kuwait. You name it, the Watkins probably carried it during the war. The Seafarers-crewed ship transported U.S. helicopters, ammo, tanks, radar equipment and much more. 12 Seafarers LOG June 2003 �17611_p4,6,12_15.qxd 5/21/2003 2:47 PM Page 13 Proud to do Our Part’ USNS Watkins Crew Shares Camaraderie With U.S. Army and Delivers the Goods From last August through the combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the SIU-crewed USNS Watkins made six voyages to Kuwait, where it offloaded materiel for U.S. armed forces. Throughout those many months, miles and cargoes, the ship ran trouble-free and the crew embraced its mission. “Every single person did a great job,” said Bosun James Walker, who was aboard the Watkins for four of the six voyages. “The SIU crew members were efficient, and we were proud to serve and support our troops. That’s the way we felt—proud to do our part.” As more and more Seafarers illustrate their experiences from Operation Iraqi Freedom, it appears reasonable to describe the Watkins as generally representative of the more than 100 SIU-crewed ships involved in the mission. With vessels returning to U.S. ports across the country (many of the ships will continue sailing for the postwar sealift operations), Seafarers are reporting that their wartime voyages were characterized by quiet resolve and patriotism, long hours and a cooperative spirit that helped overcome potential obstacles. Walker also touched on another common theme: respectful camaraderie between the merchant mariners and the armed-forces personnel who provided shipboard security. “When we carried the Army personnel, it gave you a whole new sense of the mission,” the bosun stated. “You get to know the Army guys, it makes you even more proud to do your part. They have their own discipline and way of doing things, but they felt like family. It was a hard thing to see them go into the desert when we had to leave Kuwait. But I always wished them well, thanked them and told them to come home safe.” The Watkins, operated by Maersk Line, Limited for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), is part of the large, medium-speed, rollon/roll-off (LMSR) fleet of 20 vessels built or converted as a result of studies examining U.S. sealift capabilities during the Persian Gulf War. For Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Watkins transported U.S. helicopters, tanks, ammunition, ambulances, bridge equipment, cranes, tow trucks, supply trucks, jeeps, humvees, mine-locating equipment, radar systems and more. The cargo was discharged in Shuaybah, Kuwait. Walker noted that the voyages to Kuwait marked “the first time for the chief mate and I to deploy the (ship’s) bridge, and we did it in record time. The captain complimented us on how fast and safe we did it. I can’t say enough about the SIU crane drivers we had. They’re very welltrained, and that makes a big difference.” The bosun also praised the steward department, “who on every trip had to serve at least 20 extra people at sea and at least 40 extra people in port. They never slacked off a bit.” Bosun James Walker said crew members showed quiet but persistent resolve in delivering the goods. Pictured from upper left are Walker, 2nd Mate (and SIU hawsepiper) Stephen Barry, QMED Julian Rozier, OSs John Jackson and Terrance Jones, and GUDE Maurice Gilchrist. June 2003 Seafarers LOG 13 �17611_p4,6,12_15.qxd 5/27/2003 2:59 AM Page 14 SEATU Members Commended for Rescue Even though Jeff Zeller and Brian Bollinger—both members of the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU), an affiliate of the SIU—weren’t expecting anything in return for saving a person’s life two years ago, when the recognition came recently in the form of a Coast Guard Public Service Commendation Award, it was a nice surprise. Zeller, 47, a senior deckhand aboard the Alton Belle, and Bollinger, 35, a deckhand on the same vessel, were at their regular duties Sept. 21, 2000 when a phone call from the police—who had been notified by passersby— informed them that someone had jumped from a nearby bridge and needed assistance. The two quickly jumped into the Alton Belle’s rescue boat and arrived at the scene three or four minutes later. It was a cold and windy day, and they weren’t really able to see the woman, who apparently had tried to commit suicide, until they were about 25 feet from her. Once they pulled her from the river and got her into the boat, they sped to emergency crews waiting on shore. (A spokesman from the hospital where she was taken later said she had not been injured in the fall.) This was another good example of how training and practice pays off. Zeller has been aboard the Alton Belle since 1991 (even before SEATU became the bargaining unit for the vessel’s crew members) and has taken a number of training courses conducted onsite by instructors from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Bollinger also has rescue training; prior to becoming a SEATU member nine years ago, he was a fireman and EMT. Additionally, weekly drills are held aboard ship, and the rescue boat is often put in place when someone has threatened to jump from the bridge, “but this was the first time I actually rescued someone,” noted Zeller, “and it felt great.” Since the city of Alton does not have a regular Coast Guard presence or a dedicated water patrol for the many pleasure boats in the area and the occasional bridge jumper, the marine crew of the Alton Belle is often asked to render assistance. John Mosele, senior captain of the Alton Belle, nominated Zeller and Bollinger for the prestigious award, which represents the highest traditions of humanitarian service. U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Jeff Carie came aboard the Alton Belle April 16 to present both men with the Public Service Commendation Award in recognition of their “swift action” in saving the life of the 46-year-old woman who jumped from the Clark Bridge into the Mississippi River. It may have taken the Coast Guard a little longer than usual to recognize the contributions of these two men due to manpower shortages following 9/11 as well as homeland security issues, but Zeller and Bollinger were both surprised and proud of being recognized for their work. Both, however, noted modestly, “We were just doing our job.” The Telegraph/John Badman Senior Deckhand Jeff Zeller (left) and Deckhand Brian Bollinger (right) listen as U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Jeff Carie reads the Public Service Commendation Award presented April 16 to the two SEATU members for rescuing a woman who jumped from a bridge into the Mississippi River almost three years ago. Training Pays Off in Sioux City Another rescue in which welltrained SEATU members played a part took place May 7 on the Missouri River in Sioux City, Iowa. The operator of a 35-foot Bayliner Cuddy Cabin was heading upstream and may have hit a piling. When the boat capsized, the operator was trapped inside for a short period of time but finally managed to extricate him- Captain Tim Kelly congratulates Senior Deckhand Teresa Beatty, a member of the SIU affiliate SEATU, for her help in a recent rescue operation. self and swim to the Nebraska side of the river, where he was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Tim Kelly, captain of the Argosy-Sioux City, learned of the emergency and sent two crew members, including SEATU member Teresa Beatty, a senior deckhand, out in the rescue boat to render assistance. Making sure no one else was trapped in the vessel, they attached a marker to the boat and returned to the Argosy for a larger line. The capsized boat was drifting down river, so they tied it to a wooden post near the bank and then turned it over to the Coast Guard Auxiliary. A salvage tow later pulled it from the water. This event happened during the same week that Bob Miller and Mike Daras, instructors from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., were on site aboard the Argosy-Sioux City conducting general safety training. They were returning from obtaining the supplies needed to conduct a How to Write to Congress Members of Congress may be contacted by letter or e-mail. To locate an address, go to www.senate.gov or www.house.gov. The SIU’s web site at (www.seafarers.org) provides links to those sites and to the White House under our “Member Benefits & Resources” section. When writing to U.S. senators and congressmen by mail 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. To write to a senator, address the letter to: The Honorable (Name) United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 14 Seafarers LOG To write to a representative, address the letter to: The Honorable (Name) United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 The telephone number for the Capitol switchboard is: (202) 224-3121. course on the use of fire extinguishers, Daras noted, when they saw a helicopter circling the area. By the time they got back to the vessel, the events had already unfolded and Daras says they only witnessed the end of the rescue. The Telegraph/John Badman The two Alton Belle crew members (Bollinger on the left and Zeller on the right) speed the rescued woman to emergency crews on shore. Plan Your Vacation at Piney Point UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family. Member $40/day Spouse $10/day Child $10/day Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals but do not include tax. School is out for the year, and it’s time for the longawaited summer vacation. You can give this subject lots of thought and consideration, but when it comes down to making your final selection, you can’t do better than a holiday at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. This benefit, unique to Seafarers, offers comfortable accommodations, three meals each day and lots of opportunities for activities that will please every member of the family—and all at a very reasonable rate (see box at left). Swimming, boating, fishing and playing tennis are but a few of the options available within the center complex. For those who wish to venture farther afield, the choices are endless. Piney Point is just a little more than an hour’s drive to any number of exciting destinations in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area (which includes Arlington and Alexandria, Va. and Baltimore and Annapolis, Md.)—museums, ballparks, historical sights, craft shows, concerts and much, much more. Send the completed application form (below) to the address listed and be able to look back on a memorable 2003 summer vacation. PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: ____________________________________________________________ Social Security number: _____________________ Book number: ____________ Address:____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Telephone number: __________________________________________________ Number in party / 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 20674-0075. 6/03 June 2003 �17611_p4,6,12_15.qxd 5/21/2003 3:00 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea APRIL 16 — MAY 15, 2003 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 11 4 8 34 39 13 16 23 10 7 2 6 20 1 23 21 239 4 3 5 3 9 21 12 15 10 14 0 2 6 5 3 13 10 135 1 1 0 0 14 8 3 10 20 5 1 1 0 2 0 14 9 89 0 5 1 6 18 24 4 9 13 6 3 0 3 12 1 15 17 137 0 5 1 2 15 14 6 5 6 5 1 2 2 14 1 11 5 95 2 4 0 2 3 19 9 8 11 16 1 1 2 6 2 18 5 109 0 0 0 1 6 4 2 6 9 3 1 0 0 4 2 8 5 51 0 5 1 1 10 14 7 7 2 3 1 1 3 11 1 7 5 79 0 2 1 9 19 16 5 5 14 8 4 3 1 19 1 10 17 134 2 2 1 4 1 6 9 6 1 12 1 2 1 3 1 5 7 64 0 1 1 0 0 7 0 1 4 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 20 0 0 0 7 9 11 2 6 8 0 4 1 0 15 1 12 13 89 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 4 3 6 1 2 6 0 1 0 2 8 0 5 4 42 0 3 2 10 7 15 7 8 35 14 0 2 2 15 0 17 7 144 1 3 2 8 13 22 3 5 24 8 4 20 1 7 1 19 13 154 0 0 0 3 2 4 1 2 2 0 1 0 1 4 0 2 2 24 0 0 1 3 5 8 2 3 9 3 0 2 2 8 1 8 7 62 Totals All Departments 510 452 314 329 246 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 4 4 1 9 11 4 7 4 10 1 1 3 2 1 13 13 89 1 1 0 1 5 6 2 4 4 2 0 1 0 1 2 8 5 43 1 2 0 0 12 21 3 1 8 4 1 1 4 7 1 9 11 86 2 14 3 11 42 52 27 26 49 24 8 2 13 29 0 43 38 383 3 4 5 7 18 42 13 24 21 19 3 4 7 15 3 25 20 233 2 3 1 0 28 18 7 23 37 12 3 4 4 4 2 34 22 204 0 1 0 0 4 6 1 1 4 4 1 0 1 6 0 6 1 36 0 5 1 8 19 28 10 9 21 12 5 5 7 15 1 15 12 173 1 6 1 4 10 29 12 11 19 19 4 1 2 8 1 23 9 160 1 1 0 3 14 8 2 7 14 6 2 0 1 3 2 10 9 83 1 2 0 2 3 14 2 3 6 5 1 1 1 8 3 9 4 65 1 0 0 2 7 8 2 1 2 3 3 1 0 12 1 7 6 56 0 4 1 17 24 29 8 12 31 13 2 6 3 41 0 27 31 249 1 2 1 6 5 11 10 10 5 9 2 5 3 7 1 5 12 95 0 0 1 4 5 10 2 2 4 6 0 3 0 3 0 4 5 49 0 1 0 1 4 8 0 1 5 3 0 24 1 3 1 12 5 69 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 7 6 0 1 11 0 0 0 2 8 0 7 4 56 1 4 5 25 26 18 9 13 63 21 1 2 3 34 0 36 12 273 4 3 3 16 25 32 7 15 45 17 4 34 3 15 0 34 24 281 131 178 861 761 617 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 11 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port 1 1 1 2 2 5 3 2 1 7 0 1 0 1 0 1 2 30 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 8 Algonac ..................Friday: July 11, August 8 Baltimore ................Thursday: July 10, August 7 Boston.....................Friday: July 11, August 8 Duluth .....................Wednesday: July 16, August 13 Guam ......................Thursday: July 24, August 21 Honolulu .................Friday: July 18, August 15 Houston ..................Monday: July 14, August 11 Jacksonville ............Thursday: July 10, August 7 Mobile ....................Wednesday: July 16, August 13 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: July 15, August 12 New York................Tuesday: July 8, August 5 Norfolk ...................Thursday: July 10, August 7 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: July 9, August 6 Port Everglades.......Thursday: July 17, August 14 San Francisco .........Thursday: July 17, August 14 San Juan..................Thursday: July 10, August 7 St. Louis..................Friday: July 18, August 15 Tacoma ...................Friday: July 25, August 22 Wilmington ...............Monday: July 21 ................................Tuesday: August 19* ................................*change created by Paul Hall’s birthday holiday ................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals JOHN THOMAS THOMPSON Please contact your mother at (510) 843-0990 regarding an inheritance. SHIPMATES OF PAUL LEWIS Retired Recertified Bosun Paul Lewis would like to hear from former shipmates. He may be reached at (603) 969-2103. ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2003 Piney Point .............Monday: July 7, August 4 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: July 22, August 19 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs July & August 2003 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters ATTENTION SEAFARERS CONTRIBUTE TO SPAD Seafarers LOG 15 �17611_p16_21.qxd 5/21/2003 3:12 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report APRIL 2003 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 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 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals 5 10 3 13 5 11 1 48 2 3 0 1 0 1 1 8 0 7 4 3 0 0 1 15 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 2 1 5 6 2 1 0 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 4 3 15 4 8 0 13 3 46 6 4 7 12 4 128 30 191 10 10 5 10 0 33 12 80 0 27 17 24 0 0 5 73 1 6 2 5 0 1 1 16 0 1 6 20 5 47 20 99 0 3 0 9 0 48 6 66 0 21 7 14 0 0 6 48 0 2 2 2 0 9 1 16 2 7 3 14 2 74 7 109 3 1 1 5 0 33 4 47 0 12 3 10 0 0 2 27 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 3 1 6 1 2 1 16 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 4 0 6 3 3 0 0 0 12 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 1 3 2 2 0 2 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 2 0 0 0 7 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 2 3 1 4 1 2 1 14 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 8 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 5 Port 0 0 1 5 1 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals 0 3 3 6 0 2 0 14 0 3 1 4 0 11 2 21 1 6 2 10 0 0 2 21 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 4 0 0 0 7 0 18 3 7 0 9 0 37 0 4 4 32 0 0 2 42 18 28 0 52 0 0 11 109 2 47 14 100 0 0 16 179 Totals All Departments 92 41 53 35 0 20 115 441 302 327 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the LOG by Paul Lewis of Chesapeake, Va. It was taken of the deck gang on the Cornhusker State in April 1991 after a fourmonth trip to deliver its cargo of military supplies to Saudi Arabia in an effort to free Kuwait from the invading Iraqis. That was known as Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Lewis, who was the ship’s bosun, is standing second from right. The very same auxiliary crane ship, operated by SIU-contracted IUM, was deployed more than 11 years later in support of yet another conflict in that same part of the world—this time in Operation Enduring Freedom, the nation’s war against terrorism. June 2003 �17611_p16_21.qxd 5/27/2003 8:01 AM Page 17 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 n this page (and page 20), the Seafarers LOG presents brief biographical accounts of 31 retiring Seafarers. DEEP SEA ALBERT ALEXANDER, 58, started his SIU career in 1965 in the port of New York. Born in Norfolk, Va., Brother Alexander is a veteran of the U.S Marine Corps. The deck department member enhanced his skills in 1997 and 2001 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Virginia Beach, Va., he last sailed on the Sea-Land Performance. JOSEPH ARCH, 58, launched his career with the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of New York. Brother Arch first went to sea on the Losmar, a Calmar Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Honduras, he worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills earlier this year at the Seafarers training school. Brother Arch last shipped on the Chemical Explorer. He calls Meraux, La. home. GUADALUPE BANDA, 67, hails from Sugarland, Texas. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of New York. Brother Banda worked in both the deep sea and inland divisions as a member of the engine department. He honed his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2002. Brother Banda last went to sea on the Diamond State. He is a resident of Houston. RUSELL BARRACK, 46, joined the Seafarers in 1975 in the port of Piney Point, Md. He first worked on a Hudson Waterways vessel. Brother Barrack shipped in the deck department as a bosun and upgraded his skills often at the Seafarers training school, completing the bosun recertification course in 1993. Brother Barrack’s last voyage was aboard the ITB Philadelphia. The Virginia-born mariner lives in his native state in White Stone. JIMMIE BINGHAM, 67, joined the Seafarers in 1968 in San Francisco. The Mississippiborn mariner June 2003 worked in the steward department, most recently aboard the Ewa, an American Ship Management vessel. Brother Bingham makes his home in Oakland, Calif. MIGUEL HIDALGO, 69, started his SIU profession in 1961 in San Francisco. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Brother Hidalgo initially sailed aboard Delta Steamship Lines’ Santa Maria. The California-born mariner worked in the steward department. He last went to sea on the Cape Girardeau, an American Ship Management vessel. Brother Hidalgo is a resident of Daly City, Calif. EDWARD KING, 65, hails from Maryland. Brother King commenced his career with the Seafarers in 1972 in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Van Horizon. A deck department member, Brother King improved his skills in 1977 and 2001 at the Seafarers training school. He last worked on the Atlantic Guardian, a Global Marine Systems vessel. Brother King calls Pikesville, Md. home. HARRY LIVELY, 57, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1977 in Seattle. Brother Lively, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, was born in Nevada. The steward department member upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center on a number of occasions, including in 1987 when he completed steward recertification training. His last trip was on the Sea-Land Voyager. Brother Lively is a resident of Roy, Wash. MUSTAFA OSMAN, 63, began his career with the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of New York. The engine department member first sailed aboard the Platte. Brother Osman upgraded his skills often at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md., attending the institution six times during his career. His final trip to sea was on the LNG Leo. The Arabian-born mariner now makes his home in Houston. SABINO PACHECO, 65, hails from Puerto Rico. He joined the SIU in 1978 in New Orleans. Brother Pacheco first sailed on a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. He worked in the engine department and last went to sea aboard the Discovery, a CSX Lines vessel. Brother Pacheco lives in his native commonwealth in the city of Santurce. STANLEY PAEA, 69, joined the Seafarers in 1962 in San Francisco. A veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, he first sailed on Delta Steamship’s Santa Mercedes. The steward department member last worked on the Kauai, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Brother Paea was born in Hawaii and now calls San Francisco home. JOSE PEREZ, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New York. Born in Mayaguez, P.R., Brother Perez first went to sea on CSX Lines’ Houston. The engine department member upgraded his skills in 1975 and 1977 at the Seafarers training school. His last voyage was aboard the Crusader, another CSX vessel. Brother Perez lives in his native commonwealth in the city of Hatillo. PEDRO RODRIGUEZ, 70, was born in Puerto Rico. He launched his career with the SIU in 1967 in his native commonwealth. Brother Rodriguez initially sailed on the Coe Victory. A member of the steward department, he enhanced his skills in 1975 at the Paul Hall Center. His last trip to sea was aboard Puerto Rico Marine Management’s Guayama. Brother Rodriguez makes his home in Orlando, Fla. LUIS SADDY, 57, donned the SIU colors in 1968 in New Orleans. Brother Saddy first went to sea on the Steel Executive. The Nicaraguaborn mariner shipped in the engine department and enhanced his skills in 1978 and 2002 at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point. Md.. He last shipped on the Liberty Grace. Brother Saddy is a resident of Kenner, La. SOLOMON SHIELDS, 66, was born in New Bern, N.C. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Brother Shields first sailed on the USNS Indomitable. He worked in the deck department and last worked aboard the Liberty Wave. Brother Shields makes his home in Bernice, La. JOSE TUMALE, 69, started his career with the Seafarers in 1980 in the port of Honolulu. He first sailed aboard the Oceanic Independence, a Cove Ship Management vessel. Born in the Philippines, Brother Tumale shipped in the steward department. He improved his skills in 2001 at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. His last ship was American Hawaii Cruises’ Independence. Brother Tumale resides in Ewa Beach, Hawaii. CLARENCE WILLIAMS, 74, embarked on his SIU career in 1967 in San Francisco. Brother Williams first sailed aboard the Santa Mercedes. The Louisianaborn mariner sailed in the steward department. His last voyage was on American Ship Management’s Ewa. Brother Williams lives in New Orleans. JOSEPH WILLIAMS, 78, joined the Seafarers in 1959 in San Francisco. Brother Williams first went to sea aboard the Santa Mariana, a Delta Steamship vessel. He worked in the steward department and in 1987 completed steward recertification training at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Williams last shipped aboard the Sea-Land Innovator. The Panama-born mariner now calls Oakland, Calif. home. INLAND JOSEPH ARNAUD, 63 was born in Louisiana. He started his SIU career in 1964 in Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Arnaud was a member of the deck department and most recently shipped as a captain. He lives in his native state in the city of Arnaudville. DAISY BELT, 74, launched her career with the Seafarers in 1980 in Kentucky. A native of St. Louis, she sailed as a member of the steward department, last working on an Orgulf Transport Co. vessel. She makes her home in St. Peters, Mo. ALDO BIJAZIC, 61, joined the SIU in 1985 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Bijazic worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing and Transportation. The deck department member enhanced his skills at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1993. Born in Yugoslavia, Boatman Bijazic now makes his home in San Pedro, Calif. JAMES BRADDY, 54, began his career with the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Philadelphia. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he first worked aboard an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel. Born in Ransonville, N.C., Boatman Braddy worked in the deck department as a captain. He enhanced his skills on five occasions at the Piney Point school. Boatman Braddy last shipped on an Express Marine, Inc. vessel. He is a resident of Belhaven, N.C. JAMES DONNELLY JR., 64, joined the SIU in 1962 in the port of Houston. Boatman Donnelly worked primarily aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing. Born in Kansas City, Mo., he worked in the deck department. Boatman Donnelly resides in Houston STEVE JONES, 62, was born in Florida. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A former member of the U.S. Army Reserve, Boatman Jones shipped in the deck department. He lives in Chunchula, Ala. JAMES F. ROCHE, 57, embarked on his SIU career in 1984 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Roche worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley. Born in Camden, N.J., he worked in the deck department. Boatman Roche now makes his home in Southampton, N.J. KENNETH VAUGHN, 62, launched his career with the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1992 and 1998. The Robertsdale, Ala. native last worked on a vessel operated by Allied Towing. Boatman Vaughn resides in Norfolk. DAVID WALBLOM, 62, joined the SIU in 1978 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. The U.S. Navy veteran sailed in both the engine and deck departments. Boatman Walblom worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation. A frequent upgrader, he attended the Paul Hall Center on four separate occasions. Boatman Walblom is a resident of Paramount, Calif. GREAT LAKES ROBERT HORN, 61, joined the Seafarers in 1965 in Detroit. Brother Horn is an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army. Born in Michigan, he shipped for the SIU in the engine department. Brother Horn worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Arnold Transit Co. He makes his home in his native state in the city of St. Ignace. SALEH NAGI, 64, donned the Seafarers’ colors in 1966 in Detroit. Brother Nagi initially Continued on page 20 Seafarers LOG 17 �17611_p16_21.qxd 5/21/2003 3:19 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA ROBERT BECKWITH Brother Robert Beckwith, 65, died March 4. Born in Indiana, he was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Brother Beckwith joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He first sailed on an Anchorage Tankship vessel. Brother Beckwith worked in the engine department and last went to sea on the Sea-Land Patriot. He called Los Angeles home. LUIS CARRANZA Pensioner Luis Carranza, 81, passed away Jan. 26. He commenced his SIU career in 1960 in New Orleans. Born in Honduras, Brother Carranza sailed in the engine department, last working on the Green Mountain State. The late Sugar Hill, Ga. resident began collecting retirement stipends in 1993. JOHN DeCULTY Pensioner John DeCulty, 76, died Jan. 29. He started his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New York. Brother DeCulty was a veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. His first SIU ship was Isco’s Las Vegas Victory. The New York-born mariner worked in the deck department and lived in Miami. He last went to sea on the Sea-Land Express and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1992. JAMES DAVIS Pensioner James Davis, 79, passed away March 11. Brother Davis joined the Seafarers in 1946 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran, his first SIU ship was Ore Navigation’s Oremar. Brother Davis was born in Greensboro, N.C. and sailed in the deck department. He lived in Jacksonville and began receiving his pension in 1978. FRANCIS HOWARD Pensioner Francis Howard, 74, died March 3. He joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Howard’s first ship was the Del Sud, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Born in Jacksonville, Fla., he worked in the steward department. The late Metairie, La. resident last went to sea aboard the Cape John. Brother Howard began receiving retirement stipends in 1991. JAMES JERSCHEID Brother James Jerscheid, 57, passed away March 8. The Maryland native began his SIU career in 1963 in the port of New York. Brother Jerscheid initially went to sea aboard the Transyork, a Transwestern Associates vessel. The deck depart- 18 Seafarers LOG ment member made his home in Glen Burnie, Md. He last shipped on the Global Link. VOLDEMAR KOEL Pensioner Voldemar Koel, 80, died March 9. Brother Koel began his career with the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first sailed on the Hurricane, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in New Jersey, Brother Koel shipped in the deck department. His final voyage was aboard Westchester Marine’s ITB New York. The former Lakewood, N.J. resident began receiving retirement compensation in 1984. LEONARD MAHAM Pensioner Leonard Maham, 89, passed away April 9. Born in Ohio, he joined the Seafarers in 1959 in New Orleans. Brother Maham initially went to sea on the Del Santos, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. He sailed in the deck department and began receiving his pension in 1980. Brother Maham lived in Lawrenceburg, Ind. JAMES McCART Pensioner James McCart, 80, died March 10. Brother McCart started his career with the SIU in 1965 in San Francisco. Born in Wichita, Kan., he was a veteran of the U.S. Army. His first ship was Whitehall Navigation’s Whitehall. Brother McCart last went to sea on the SeaLand Pacific. The steward department member began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1989 and made his home in Reno, Nev. WILLIAM RYAN Brother William Ryan, 57, passed away March 5. The U.S. Navy veteran donned the SIU colors in 1990 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first sailed aboard Interocean Management Corp.’s Gopher State. The Pennsylvania native shipped in the engine department and last went to sea on the Maersk Arizona. Brother Ryan was a resident of Hampton, Va. PAUL SILTALA Brother Paul Siltala, 41, died March 3. Brother Siltala joined the Seafarers in 2001, first sailing aboard the USNS Dahl. The Park Rapids, Minn.-born mariner worked in the engine department and last shipped on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Atlantic Forest. Brother Siltala called Sebeka, Minn. home. CALVIN TROXCLAIR Pensioner Calvin Troxclair, 65, passed away April 11. The Louisiana native launched his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in New Orleans. Brother Troxclair initially went to sea aboard Delta Steamship’s Del Norte. A member of the steward department, he began collecting retirement compensation in 1987. He last sailed on the OMI Champion. Brother Troxclair was a resident of Harvey, La. ROBERT TYLER Pensioner Robert Tyler, 73, died March 13. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he joined the Seafarers in 1953 in San Francisco. The Mississippi native first shipped aboard the Genevieve Peterkin. Brother Tyler worked in the engine department and last worked on the Sea-Land Oakland. He started receiving his pension in 1983 and lived in his native state in the city of Shubuta. INLAND EARL CANNON Pensioner Earl Cannon, 74, passed away April 5. He began his seafaring career in 1962. Born in Hopewell, Va., Boatman Cannon worked in the deck department as a captain. He started receiving his pension in 1997 and last sailed aboard a Red Circle Transport Co. vessel. Boatman Cannon lived in New Port Richey, Fla. FLOYD DEISS Pensioner Floyd Deiss, 78, died Oct. 17. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Boatman Deiss launched his career with the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. The New York native shipped in the deck department as a captain. He last worked aboard a Moran Towing of Maryland vessel. Boatman Deiss made his home in York, Pa. and began receiving retirement stipends in 1985. SELBY GASKINS Pensioner Selby Gaskins, 73, passed away Jan. 23. Boatman Gaskins embarked on his SIU career in 1973 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, he sailed in the engine department. Born in Dare, N.C., Boatman Gaskins worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Association of Maryland Pilots. He began receiving his pension in 1992 and made his home in Rodanthe, N.C. JOHN GILL Pensioner John Gill, 85, died March 22. Born in Alabama, Boatman Gill was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A member of the deck department, Boatman Gill worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Dravo Basic Materials Co. He began receiving pension payments in 1982 and lived in his native state in the city of Bay Minette. WESLEY KIRK Pensioner Wesley Kirk, 77, passed away Jan. 25. He joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A native of Beaufort, N.C., Boatman Kirk worked primarily aboard Allied Towing vessels. The engine department member began receiving retirement stipends in 1988 and lived in Belhaven, N.C. JAMES NICAR Boatman James Nicar, 45, died March 1. Born in Texas, he joined the Seafarers in 1993 in the port of Houston. Boatman Nicar worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Higman Barge Lines. He also sailed aboard the Sea-Land Atlantic. Boatman Nicar shipped in the deck department and lived in his native state. SIDNEY OPRY Pensioner Sidney Opry, 74, died Feb. 16. Boatman Opry started his SIU career in 1978 in Port Arthur, Texas. A veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, he sailed in the deck department as a captain. He was a native of Mamou, La., and worked primarily aboard Moran Towing vessels. Boatman Opry began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1996. He made his home in Pineville, La. MALCOLM SMITH Pensioner Malcolm Smith, 82, passed away Feb. 27. Born in Athens, Ala., Boatman Smith joined the Seafarers in 1959 in New Orleans. He sailed in both the steward and deck departments, working primarily aboard Dixie Carriers Offshore vessels. Boatman Smith was a resident of Slidell, La. He began receiving his pension in 1985. JEROME SZMAGALSKI Pensioner Jerome Szmagalski, 78, died Dec. 18. He joined the SIU in 1965 in Detroit. A U.S. Army veteran, Boatman Szmagalski sailed in Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away: LEO G. ALEXANDER Pensioner Leo G. Alexander, 89, passed away March 27. Brother Alexander joined the NMU in 1946. Born in St. Lucia, West Indies, he initially shipped from the port of New York. Brother Alexander worked in the deck department and last went to sea aboard the American Builder. He started collecting retirement stipends in 1966. JAMES W. MUSTAFAA Pensioner James W. Mustafaa, 79 died April 14. He joined the NMU in 1947. Brother Mustafaa initially sailed from the port of Newport both the inland and Great Lakes divisions. He first worked on Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co.’s Lemmerhirt. Born in Illinois, he shipped in the deck department. Boatman Szmagalski lived in Manteno, Ill. and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1989. BRADLEY THOMAS Pensioner Bradley Thomas, 69, passed away Jan. 23. He launched his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Thomas was born in Virginia and first worked for the SIU aboard a Southern Carriers Corp. vessel. The U.S. Army veteran shipped in the deck department as a captain. Boatman Thomas made his home in Tangier, Va. and started receiving his pension in 1997. GREAT LAKES JOHN APPELT Pensioner John Appelt, 67, passed way Feb. 10. Born in Michigan, Brother Appelt started his career with the Seafarers in 1989 in the port of Algonac, Mich. The U.S. Army veteran sailed in the Great Lakes and inland divisions and initially worked on a Bob-Lo Island vessel. Brother Appelt was an engine department member, last sailing on the H. Lee White, an American Steamship Co. vessel. The former Croswell, Mich. resident began receiving compensation for his retirement in 2000. RAILROAD MARINE GARLAND BROOKS Pensioner Garland Brooks, 75, died Feb. 6. Brother Brooks began his SIU career in 1960 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The U.S. Army veteran worked in the deck department. Brother Brooks began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1994 and lived in his native Virginia in the city of Newport News. News, Va. aboard the Edward Burleson. Born in South Carolina, he worked in the steward department. Brother Mustafaa started receiving his pension in 1968. MIGUEL PENA Pensioner Miguel Pena, 78, died April 13. Brother Pena began his career with the NMU in 1945. The Puerto Rican–born mariner worked in the steward department and started receiving his retirement pay in 1984. Continued on page 20 June 2003 �17611_p16_21.qxd 5/21/2003 3:21 PM Page 19 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.. ALLEGIANCE (Maritrans), March 28—Chairman Samuel L. Porchea, Secretary Christina A. Middleton, Educational Director Christopher T. Sykes, Deck Delegate Michael Edwards, Steward Delegate Sherman Harper. Secretary announced employees must submit original payroll vouchers, along with Coast Guard discharges, when applying for vacation checks. Educational director urged mariners to take advantage of upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to add water filters to faucets or purchase water purifiers, install separate washing machines in crew laundry for work and shore clothes, add juice machine in each mess hall and get deck mats for entryways. Steward department was thanked for great job and excellent chow. Next ports: San Pedro, Calif.; Anacortes, Wash. ENDURANCE (USSM), March 22—Chairman Dirk W. Adams, Secretary Rolando M. Lopez, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Manolo de los Santos, Engine Delegate Teddie Carter, Steward Delegate Robert Gilliam. Chairman led discussion regarding necessity of possessing visa in order to sign on aboard any USSM vessel sailing to China. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess decks and common areas clean at all times. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for self improvement and job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to include cost of living allowance in contract and increase pension benefits. Clarification requested on issue of safety shoes. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), March 30—Chairman John D. Kelley Jr., Secretary Thalis R. Ealy, Educational Director Andrew H. Hunt, Deck Delegate Russell D. Haynes, Engine Delegate Rolando F. Romanillos, Steward Delegate Muckbil A. Shaibi. Chairman announced payoff April 7 on arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Coast Guard inspection to follow. Everyone advised to check expiration dates on shipping documents and renew in timely fashion. Chairman asked those crew members getting off to leave rooms clean for next person. Secretary thanked all hands for helping keep ship clean. He also spoke about importance of contributing to SPAD. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade at Piney Point when time permits. Treasurer stated $500 in ship’s fund and asked crew to think of ways to spend it. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed show of thanks to steward department for job well done. Message from crew: “Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters serving on the ships in the Middle East.” INTEGRITY (USSM), March 30—Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, June 2003 Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Mark S. Bissonnette, Engine Delegate Carlos Bonefont, Steward Delegate German Solar. Chairman thanked crew for working well together on nice voyage with good weather. Secretary pointed out tax information in February LOG. Educational director reminded everyone to return movies to proper area and asked that crew try to keep new chairs in mess hall clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to increase pension and improve dental plan. New dryer installed in crew laundry. Bosun thanked steward department for special culinary delights and greatly appreciated barbecues. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; Miami, Fla.; Houston, Texas. PETERSBURG (IUM), March 30—Chairman James T. Martin, Secretary Oscar R. Angeles, Educational Director Carl D. Montoya, Steward Delegate Milagros A. Clark. Educational director encouraged members to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read notification from appeals board regarding emergency procedures for reliefs. He also read congratulatory letters from President Mike Sacco and from General Handy. Next port: Diego Garcia. CAPE VINCENT (Keystone Shipping), April 10—Chairman Maurice Martin, Secretary Michael A. Congress, Educational Director Toby Z. Mendoza, Engine Delegate Walter V. Bagley, Steward Delegate Willie Pompy. Chairman reported Cape Vincent crew members are among 1,922 Seafarers sailing in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ship has been at sea more than 70 days and completed first phase of mission by offloading in Kuwait. He commended crew for tolerance and good attitude “as we continue to support the war on terrorism.” Secretary noted ship’s slop chest has been upgraded and that there has been no liberty with the exception of a couple hours in Kuwait. Educational director stated Seafarers LOG available in crew lounge. Anyone interested in list of courses available at Paul Hall Center and application forms should check with him. Beefs reported in deck department. Request to have access to conference room to send e-mails has been forwarded to chief mate. Steward department given vote of thanks for excellent work. Vessel heading to Turkey. DEFENDER (USSM), April 13— Chairman Michael R. Hester, Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Olie E. Webber, Deck Delegate Joseph Humphrey, Engine Delegate Asher J. Liss, Steward Delegate Fidel Muñoz. Chairman acknowledged receipt of report from Asst. VP Contracts George Tricker regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) advising crew members to pay attention to all notices and restrictions. Secretary reported smooth sailing. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to keep all shipping documents up to date and upgrade skills at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported, although deck department questioned lack of overtime. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. INNOVATOR (USSM), April 20— Chairman Steve Kastel, Secretary Mose Peacock Jr., Educational Director Chris Earhart. Chairman announced payoff April 22 on arrival in Long Beach, Calif. He talked about SARS in China, noting crew was not restricted to vessel while in Shanghai, but was requested by captain to stay on board. Educational director reminded everyone to keep STCW and zcards up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Unlicensed trainees in deck and engine departments doing good job. Clarification requested on vacation benefits and visa requirements for China. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. LIBERTY WAVE (Liberty Maritime), April 20—Chairman Rudy A. Santos, Secretary Frederick L. Washington Sr., Educational Director Alton Heckman. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in New Orleans. Ship will dock at First Street Wharf. Secretary asked those getting off to clean rooms and refrigerators and turn in room keys. He thanked everyone for separating plastic and paper refuse. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made for flashlights (for working on deck at night), refrigerator, toaster in crew’s mess, and second washer and dryer. Thanks given to unlicensed apprentice and steward department for jobs well done. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line, Ltd.), April 6—Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director John A. Collins Jr., Deck Delegate Nathaniel A. Allin, Engine Delegate Conrado D. Martinez, Steward Delegate Leslie Davis. Chairman announced payoff on arrival in Newark, N.J. Secretary thanked crew for outstanding support in helping keep ship clean. Educational director urged Seafarers to take advantage of upgrading facilities at Paul Hall Center and check that shipping documents are not about to expire. Treasurer stated $990 in ship’s fund; $300 spent on movies. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications from VP Contracts Augie Tellez read regarding suspension of shipping rules during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Suggestion made to increase pension plan benefits. Safety items have been ordered. Steward department thanked for outstanding food and cleanliness of vessel. NEW YORK (ATC), April 21— Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Nancy Heyden, Educational Director Dencio Cayan, Engine Delegate Victor Bermudez, Steward Delegate Elmo Malacas. Bosun announced recent payoff April 14 in Valdez, Alaska. He talked about importance of paying union dues on time. He also informed crew that next trip to Valdez, ship will pick up 4-man riding gang. Secretary asked crew to be careful of new chairs in mess hall and not get wet pain on them. Educational director asked everyone to support union and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center at every opportunity. Money exists in performance contract fund from company; suggestions being solicited as to how to spend some of it— perhaps for new television and radio for crew lounge. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification received from headquarters regarding group 3 tour rotations. Thanks given to steward department for great Easter dinner. Crew wishes to recognize hard work of unlicensed apprentice Tyler Adams. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. OVERSEAS MARILYN (OSG), April 19—Chairman Thomas P. Banks, Secretary Tyler N. Laffitte. Chairman thanked all hands for job well done on long round-the-world trip. Crew held up well, especially with one month in Malaysian shipyard. He announced payoff after arrival April 21 in San Francisco. Vessel will stay two days, then transit Sacramento River to Stockton. Chairman also commended unlicensed apprentice for job well done. “He will be a credit to the union.” Secretary thanked crew for helping keep lounge and mess halls clean. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade whenever Director Woodrow Slater. Bosun announced payoff and crew change April 4 on arrival in San Francisco. Vessel will take on bunkers and limited provisions; major stores to be taken after shifting pierside. He thanked all departments for job well done during cargo download in Kuwait, with special thanks to steward department for keeping everyone well fed even with limited provisions. He also commended everyone for patience during long voyage of more than 20,000 miles with no shore leave. Secretary gave special thanks to Chief Cook David Brown for providing excel- With Seafarers on the Great Lakes AB/Tankerman John Stolberg Saturn AB/Wheelsman Larry Dudek H. Lee White Second Cook Ed Bush Adam E. Cornelius Porter Mohamed Saadi H. Lee White possible at school in Piney Point. He also advised them to check that all shipping documents are not due to expire soon. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to increase reimbursement amount for airfare. Thanks given to steward department for job well done, especially for freshly baked goods each day. OVERSEAS PHILADELPHIA (OSG), April 13—Chairman Timothy J. Olvany, Secretary William P. McGee, Educational Director Patrick L. Coppola, Deck Delegate Anecito T. Limboy, Engine Delegate Florencio P. Marfa Jr., Steward Delegate Robert E. Wilcox Jr. Chairman announced change in ship’s run. Vessel will now sail from Tampa to Baton Rouge. He explained cancellation of shipping rules during Operation Iraqi Freedom and new procedures for obtaining shipping documents. Educational director stressed importance of attention to safety matters and encouraged members to read safety advisories and bulletins. Treasurer stated $1,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to change pension eligibility to 20 years’ seatime regardless of age. Also to change name of vacation plan to “deferred income plan” or something similar. Bosun asked that everyone help keep lounge and mess areas clean, keep noise levels down in passageways and be familiar with shipboard safety equipment. Steward department thanked for outstanding job. SAMUEL L. COBB (Ocean Ships, Inc.), April 17—Chairman Michael E. Brown, Secretary Cesar C. dela Cruz, Educational Director Henry M. Cacal. Chairman announced payoff on arrival in Long Beach, Calif. and thanked crew for job well done. Treasurer stated $3,170 in ship’s fund. Crew would like use sum to purchase TVs for each cabin as well as VCR and DVDs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to include pay increase in next contract. SP5 ERIC G. GIBSON (Osprey Ship Mgmt.), April 1—Chairman Thomas E. Minton, Secretary Karl E. Meyer, Educational lent meals during crossing of Indian and Pacific Oceans, with no stops for critical staples and provisions. Laundry soap rationing has been canceled. Mess decks to be waxed before arrival in San Francisco. He asked those departing crew members to leave clean rooms with fresh linen for reliefs. Educational director stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and that small arms course now offered at Paul Hall Center. “It pays to upgrade!” No beefs or disputed OT reported. Engine delegate asked that mariners follow posted directions when using ship’s elevator. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into amending contract and shipping rules with regard to paid transportation by contracting companies. Request made for additional information about smallpox and anthrax vaccinations. Ship’s captain will purchase up to $400 of movies for ship’s library and new items for slop chest. Captain to look into replacing missing shortwave radio for crew lounge to supplement internet news and sports. Minute of silence observed for departed brothers and sisters, “plus thoughts, prayers and condolences were offered to the families of those soldiers killed, missing or wounded while serving this great country of ours around the world and in Operation Iraqi Freedom.” WASHINGTON (ATC), April 2— Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Robert M. Mensching, Educational Director Kevin E. Hall, Deck Delegate Douglas R. Gantenbein. Chairman stated captain will try to purchase DVD players when vessel arrives April 12 in Long Beach, Calif. He also noted recent defeat in Senate to open oil fields in ANWR. Educational talked about new zcards. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. Suggestion made for dependents to have same medical and dental coverage as members. Crew members reminded of dress code on mess deck. Anyone with TV or refrigerator problems should advise bosun. New washing machine will be installed in Long Beach. Next port: Valdez, Alaska; Long Beach. Seafarers LOG 19 �17611_p16_21.qxd 5/21/2003 3:24 PM Page 20 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.) Retiree Looks for Former Shipmates I would like to hear from any mariners who made the final voyage on the S.S. Dannedaike, which took place October 14 to November 27, 1945. I was an AB and got aboard the ship at Port Arthur, Texas. Signed nearby foreign articles and went to Aruba, where we loaded for Ecuador. This was two months after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. All the gun crews and guns were gone. The ship had rivets—a real old ship, full of patches on deck where the decks had worn through. The old-timers on board cautioned me not to walk on the center of the deck plates; they might cave in. But that ship got through the war without being torpedoed. After Ecuador, we had to clean all the tanks (gasfree) to go in the shipyard in Panama for repairs before we’d be permitted to traverse the canal. There were no operable winches or capstan aft of amidships. The capstan had to be recast, and parts of the aft well deck winch had to be refabricated. Some of the fore and aft stringers in the bottom of the cargo tanks were rusted through with visible holes in the top plates of the stiffeners. We stayed in the shipyard a month for repairs, and then were sent to Los Piedros, Venezuela for her Know Your Rights last and final load of cargo—destined for Fall River, then layup in the James River. You had to stow the anchor chain…. It wasn’t a self-storing chain, and the ship broke away from the dock four times before we finally discharged the cargo. All fore and aft manila lines had to be respliced four times. The discharge headers had to be repiped by sections to discharge cargo. Marie Carl Durand P.O. Box 39 Lydia, Louisiana 70569 Kind Words For the LOG I am a disabled union member. The Seafarers LOG is an excellent publication that helps me stay up-to-date on the new technology and the modernization of our ships. It also tells me who is doing what and sailing where. Keep up the great work, and long live the SIU. Larry D. Cole Atmore, Ala. We’re Shameless: More Acclaim for the LOG At my age of 76 years young, I really enjoy receiving my monthly Seafarers LOG. As I read it thoroughly, article by article, at times I laugh and sometimes a tear comes to my eyes, remembering what I went through as a young seaman…. History is sometimes very wonderful. James T. Willis Oakland, Calif. Final Departures — Continued from page 18 KENTOKU TAMAYOSE Pensioner Kentoku Tamayose, 80, passed away April 7. The Hawaii native first sailed for the NMU aboard the Frank Lykes. Brother Tamayose shipped as a member of the deck department and last went to sea on the Green Harbour. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1981. CARLOS ZAVALA Pensioner Carlos Zavala, 85 died April 19. Born in Ecuador, Brother Zavala launched his career with the NMU in 1944. His first voyage, which originated from port of New York, was aboard the Hannis Taylor. Brother Zavala sailed in the steward department and last went to sea on the United States. He began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1970. In addition to the foregoing, the following NMU brothers, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated: NAME Elias Ablahani Oscar Andrini AGE 82 76 DOD April 2 March 20 Pensioners Continued from page 17 worked on a Bob-Lo Island vessel. He shipped in the steward department and last sailed on the Charles E. Wilson, an American Steamship vessel. Born in Arabia, he now makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. EUGENE REPKO, 63, began his SIU career in 1960 in Detroit. Brother Repko worked primarily aboard vessels operated by the 20 Seafarers LOG EDP July 1, 1982 June 1, 1974 Heriberto Borgobello Billy Bristow Rudolph Bundy Mak Chick Roldan Colon Jose DeJesus Otto Esteves Lewis Fitzgerald Benjamin Johnson Clifford Jones Neil Loomis Anibal Maldonado John McCulloch Joseph Micelli William Mitchell Nicholas Oropeza Percy Ozen Dionisio Reinoso Thomas Sanders William Shroyer Robert Stallings Lawrence Stephen Floyd Taylor Martin Urban John Van Edwards Paul Vinci Nettleton Younger Jesus Zavala American Steamship Co., including the American Republic and the American Mariner. Born in Pennsylvania, Brother Repko shipped in the deck department. He makes his home in Lorain, Ohio. 84 62 90 86 85 92 97 74 87 80 82 85 86 92 78 81 78 87 77 82 68 64 76 89 90 76 85 81 March 23 March 28 April 9 March 22 April 5 March 25 March 21 April 16 April 5 March 31 March 18 March 20 April 5 Feb. 28 April 12 April 3 March 25 March 27 April 21 March 20 April 13 April 17 March 28 March 12 April 15 April 8 March 9 April 14 June 1, 1975 May 1, 1996 March 1, 1969 Oct. 1, 1973 May 1, 1968 March 1, 1976 March 1, 1971 Nov. 1, 1969 Feb. 1, 1980 Dec. 1, 1973 Oct. 1, 1983 June 1, 1970 Dec. 1, 1969 Jan. 1, 1971 Jan. 1, 1988 Nov. 1, 1985 Dec. 1, 1975 Dec. 1, 1966 June 1, /1972 May 1, 1967 Jan. 1, 2000 Sept. 1, 1997 April 1, 1998 Oct. 1, 1984 Aug. 1, 1968 April 1, 1993 April 1, 1968 Sept. 1, 1965 vessels operated by Westport Scalloping Corp. He is a resident of Gloucester. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sisters, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, went on pension effective the dates indicated: NAME AGE EDP Charles Grey 71 April 1 ATLANTIC FISHERMEN Conrad Joseph 67 April 1 DANIEL O’BRIEN, 63, began his career with the Atlantic Fishermen’s Union in Gloucester, Mass. Boatman O’Brien shipped in the deck department as a master, working primarily aboard Stanley Springer 63 April 1 Richard Stewart 71 March 1 Genaro Villar 72 April 1 Fernando Yearwood 82 March 1 FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. June 2003 �17611_p16_21.qxd 5/21/2003 3:24 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Recertification Bosun The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of the year. 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 Arrival Date Date of Completion July 7 August 18 September 29 November 10 August 1 September 12 October 24 December 5 June 23 June 27 Bridge Resource Management (BRM) — Unlimited June 2 June 6 Celestial Navigation July 7 July 25 GMDSS (Simulator) June 30 August 4 July 11 August 15 Lifeboatman/Water Survival June 23 August 4 September 15 October 27 July 4 August 15 September 26 November 7 Radar June 9 July 14 July 20 July 25 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) July 7 August 25 October 13 December 1 July 18 September 5 October 24 December 12 June 9 August 4 June 20 August 15 Course Able Seaman Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) October 6 Engine Upgrading Courses Arrival Date Date of Completion Oiler July 14 September 8 November 3 August 22 October 17 December 12 Welding June 9 July 14 September 8 October 6 November 3 June 27 August 1 September 26 October 24 November 21 Engine Utility (EU) June 23 August 11 September 29 November 17 July 18 September 5 October 24 December 12 QMED Junior Engineer September 22 December 12 Course Safety Specialty Courses Arrival Date Date of Completion June 9 July 28 November 3 June 13 August 1 November 7 Advanced Fire Fighting – (2-week course) September 1 September 12 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW June 23 August 11 August 25 September 15 October 27 June 27 August 15 August 29 September 19 October 31 Government Vessels June 30 September 1 October 20 November 3 July 4 September 5 October 24 November 7 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* June 2 July 21 September 8 October 27 June 13 August 1 September 19 November 7 Course (*must have radar unlimited) Advanced Fire Fighting* – (5-day course Navigation Fundamentals (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) Academic Department Courses Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning April 28. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ November 3 Date of Birth ______________________ 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 Junior Engineer, 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No 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? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ June 2003 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 6/03 Seafarers LOG 21 �17611_p9-10,22-24.qxd 5/21/2003 3:35 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 638 — Unlicensed apprentices who graduated from class 638 are (in alphabetical order) Edward Boyd, Kerrell Clark, Olivia Cuffee, Kerri Curtin, Dorian Edwards, Ryan Fischer, Shannon Fitzpatrick, Tess Flickinger, Damien Henderson, Kevin Koch, Peter Meglow, Jermaine McNish, Victoria Montgomery, Romula Racoma Jr., Richard Reynolds, Ramiro Rubio, Michael Sanchez, Marc Simpson and Curtis Tobey. Able Seaman — May 9 graduates of the AB course are (in alphabetical order) Nikunj Christian, Christin Cross, Karen Domerego, Nasser Hafid, Terrance Jones, Vincente Magabanua, Robert Odmark, Lakeisha Parker, Shane Petschow, Vernice Redd, Celedonio Roman, Jason Shead and Kervin Velazquez. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Oiler — With their instructor, Eric Malzkuhn (fourth from right), are students who completed the April 18 oiler class. In alphabetical order are Harold Gerber, James Grasseth, Jacob LeBeouf, Melissa Leon Guerrero, Joshua McDaniel, Joe Ortiz, Brian Shaw, Randy Slue, John Taylor, Jeffery Thomas and Michael Watkins. Water Survival — Earning their lifeboatman/water survival endorsement May 2 are Alaskan Fishermen (in alphabetical order) Sandra Anderson, Samuel Brewer, Gerald Butler, Joshua Harris, Jeffery Jack, Todd Jennings, Erwin Liebhart, Michael Price, Sean Tracey and Stephen Trotter. Tanker Assistant (Group A) — Receiving certificates for completion of the tanker assistant course April 25 are (in no particular order) Terrance Colbert, Antonio Perez, Reginald Colbert, Jerry Maya, Donavan Peterson, Adam Revels, Harrison Hawkins, Maurice Perry, Peter Rives, Sam Vanderbrug, Jamie Parker, Joshua Kirk, Matthew Waldman, José Lopez and Robert McLendon. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Tanker Assistant (Group B) — A second group of students graduated April 25 from the tanker assistant class. With their instructor, Jim Shaffer (far left) are (in no particular order) Anthony Newsome, Melvin Kennedy, Douglas Jardine, James Jasman, Jared Latta, Kenric Henry, Carlos Lucas, John Stephenson, Justin Violanti, James Trotter, Gabriel Albino, Brian Goeson, Brandy Parmer and Selina Sobers. Fast Rescue Boat — Receiving certificates for successful completion of the fast rescue boat course April 25 are (in alphabetical order) James Bond III, Barry Freeman, Marcus Humphreys, Miles Janicka, Dwaine Nolte Jr., David Somers and Richard West. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at far right. 22 Seafarers LOG Express Marine/Steward — Working in the culinary lab April 11 are boatmen from Express Marine. They are (from left) Wade Ireland, George O’Neal, John Dobson (instructor), Jason Foster and Hilton Foster. June 2003 �17611_p9-10,22-24.qxd 5/21/2003 3:36 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes GMDSS — Under the instruction of Brad Wheeler (far right) are students who completed the GMDSS course April 25. They are (in alphabetical order) Robert Arble, Brian Bowman, John Clare, Felipe Jimenez, William Jones, Donald McGraw and Lawoo Shete. Radar — These upgrading Seafarers successfully completed the radar course May 2. They are (in alphabetical order) Blair Baker, Benjamin Barnes, John Brady, William Powell, Michael Proveaux, Donald Stickens and Jerome Wong. Any student who has registered for a class and finds —for whatever reason— that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Welding — Instructor Buzzy Andrews is flanked by Spencer Valdez and Richard West, who completed the welding class April 18. Express Marine/Engine — Small Arms Training — Successfully completing the small arms training course May 9 are (from left) Patrick Yarbrough (AMO), Zach Dumas (AMO), Vince Hoffman (AMO), James Wheatley (AMO), Miles Janecka (SIU) and Dwaine Nolte (SIU). Completing courses April 11 in the engine department curriculum are boatmen from Express Marine (in alphabetical order) Christopher Blake, Howard Blount, Stan Davis, Rebert Greggs, Robert Judy, Mark O’Neal, Melvin Pendleton, Terry Popperwill and Billy Sawyer. Jay Henderson, their instructor, is at far left. Express Marine/Deck — Express Marine boatmen completing deck department courses April 11 are (in alphabetical order) Fred Boyd, Douglas Covil, Miles Ireland Sr., Riley Johnson, Garnett Leary and Ozwald Southwice. Their instructor, Herb Walling, is second from right in the back row. Basic Safety Training Class Express Marine/Steward — Upgrading students from Express Marine complete one of the steward department classes April 25. From the left are Timothy Thomas, Brian Cherry, Arlene Ringler (instructor), Tommy Horton and Tommy Shaw. June 2003 Fadel Quraish, Sean O’Doherty, Lawrence Sherinski III, William T. Madden III, John Stein, Michael Joyner, Jerson Toro, Juan Ortiz, Rodney Peffley, Bruce Rybak, Dan Carman, Kenneth Mason Sr., Jimmy Willis, Bill Maggio II, Arnold Smith, Juanita Cunningham, Kevin Jacobs, Lee Hardman and John Cessna Jr. Seafarers LOG 23 �17611_p9-10,22-24.qxd 5/27/2003 3:07 AM Page 24 Volume 65, Number 6 June 2003 The SIU Responds to the War Effort —pages 2, 3, 11, 12, 13 Right: Gathered for a group shot on the Endurance are (from left) AB Standby Derrick Murray, SA Standby Eve Sullivan, Wilmington Port Agent John Cox , Bosun Relief Dirk Adams and AB Standby Joseph French. Wilmington, Calif. is home port to the Sea-L Land Endurance. Above: Aboard the Endurance are Steward Russell Beyschau (left) and QMED Teddie Carter. Left: Happy to be back in home port are (from left) AB Standby Amado Abaniel, AB Standy Derrick Murray, QEE Standby Alex Caneda, Bosun Relief Dirk Adams, Steward/Baker Hans Schmuck, AB Standby Joseph French and GUDE Abdulwali Mugalli. Seafarers at Work on the West Coast Crew members aboard the SIU--crewed USNS Bellatrix (left) return to San Diego following two round-the-world trips, including a voyage to the Persian Gulf. Above, more military equipment is being loaded onto the vessel, which is operated for the Military Sealift Command by American Overseas Marine. While at anchor in Long Beach, the Prince William Sound, an Alaska Tanker Company vessel, prepares for an extended yard period in Singapore. Above: Willy Brown is the engineer aboard the tug Cleo Brusco. Left: Deckhand Kasanova Langi ties up the tug Cleo Brusco in Pt. Hueneme. Above, AB Mike Moore works on the crude oil wash system aboard the Prince William Sound. At right is Thomas Woerner, a CPU on the ATC vessel. � 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 2003 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MSP CLEARS COMMITTEE UPDATED PROGRAM WOULD BOOST U.S. FLEET RANK-AND-FILE FINANCIAL COMMITTEE APPROVES UNION’S RECORDS FOR 2002 SEAFARERS HONORED FOR SUPPORTING TROOPS WAR ZONE BONUSES APPROVED UNION MOURNS RETIRED GOV’T SERVICES VP ‘BUCK’ MERCER SIU PRESIDENT TELLS AMMV TODAY’S MARINERS UPHOLD ROLE AS 4TH ARM OF DEFENSE OECD REPORT EXAMINES MECHANISMS HAMPERING OWNERSHIP TRANSPARENCY EFFORTS ARE ONGOING TO IMPROVE PORT, SHIPBOARD SECURITY SEAFARERS, OPERATING ENGINEERING ASK CONGRESS TO SHUT DREDGING LOOPHOLE U.S. REP. HUNTER ACCEPTS ‘SALUTE TO CONGRESS’ AWARD JAMIAN APPOINTED MARAD DEPUTY SENATOR LANDRIEU, TOTE CEO MAGEE FEATURED AT D.C. MARITIME GATHERINGS UNION INDUSTRIES SHOW 2003 SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS PROUD TO DO OUR PART USNS WATKINS CREW SHARES CAMARADERIE WITH U.S. ARMY AND DELIVERS THE GOODS SEATU MEMBERS COMMENDED FOR RESCUE TRAINING PAYS OFF IN SIOUX CITY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 06/01/2003 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. 65, No. 6 2003 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/fbba596b41269b1c1abdb573a1f51ab6.pdf 4037d74135ed0a227471a0d6e7ad35e0 PDF Text Text 18230_p1,3,5,9,10,14,21a.qxd 6/29/2003 1:27 PM Page 1 Volume 65, Number 7 July 2003 More New Jobs! Cable Ship, RO/RO, 3 Ferries Christened ABOVE & RIGHT: SIU-contracted NY Waterway recently christened two new passenger ferries, including the Congressman Robert A. Roe (top), while the Delaware River Port Authority has added another SIU-crewed passenger ferry (the Freedom, right) to its service between Philadelphia and Camden, N.J. Page 3. ABOVE: The cable ship Tyco Decisive was christened May 30 in Baltimore. Page 4. RIGHT: Christened June 14 in San Diego, the North Star, operated by SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE), will join the company’s Tacoma, Wash. to Anchorage, Alaska service. Page 3. SIU Crews Honored for War Service U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta presents AB Karen Domerego with the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal during National Maritime Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C. Pages 12-13. ABOVE, LEFT: Seafarers aboard the RRF vessel Wright received a hero’s welcome June 16 in Baltimore as the U.S. Maritime Administration conducted a shipboard ceremony honoring their service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Among those acknowledging the crew were General John W. Handy, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (dark uniform and flight cap, seventh from left); Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command (second from left); U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Michael P. Jackson (right); U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert (front, fifth from right); and SIU President Michael Sacco (to Schubert’s right). Page 2. Mariners at 2 Companies Vote SIU Crews at two companies recently voted to join the SIU. In San Francisco, boatmen employed by Starlight Marine Services unanimously chose the Seafarers. One of their tugs, the Royal Melbourne, is pictured at right. Also signing on with the SIU are mariners at Buffalo Industrial Diving Company (BIDCO), including DEU Richie Bowermaster (left). Page 3. �18230_p2.qxd 6/26/2003 7:57 PM Page 2 President’s Report Internationally Active For anyone entering a new line of work, there’s usually a lot to learn. I’d say that’s especially true for U.S. mariners, given all the rules and regulations we face at the national and international levels. All of us know how important it is for the union to have a strong presence in Washington. That’s why we appreciate your solid support for SPAD. But, it’s also important that all Seafarers—newcomers and old salts alike—take at least a little bit of time to understand the SIU’s international activiMichael Sacco ties. That’s because our work with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) is crucial to the livelihoods of Seafarers. Let’s start with the ITF. The ITF is a worldwide federation of transport-related unions, including the SIU. In some ways, it’s like a global version of the AFL-CIO, which is the coalition of U.S. trade unions. More than 600 unions in 137 countries are affiliated through the ITF. Together, those unions represent about 5 million members. Headquartered in London, the ITF probably is best-known for its campaign against runaway-flag shipping—an important fight in which the SIU also remains extremely active. But, there’s a lot more to the ITF than just that one campaign. Overall, the federation promotes the interests of transport workers on a global level. The ITF also is very active in organizing, whether it’s aboard ship, in port, on the roads, along the railways or in the skies. The ILO and the IMO also are significant to Seafarers, which is why we regularly take part in their respective forums, usually overseas. The ILO is a United Nations agency which, in its own words, “seeks the promotion of social justice and internationally recognized human and labor rights.” Labor, management and government are represented at the ILO, based in Geneva. To understand how the ILO impacts the maritime industry, look no further than last month’s conference in which ILO delegates approved the basic elements of a new, universal ID for mariners. That agreement will be taken back to the signatory nations, who in turn will be tasked with implementing its terms. The bottom line is that many Seafarers eventually will be required to possess the universal ID—and that’s why we’re making sure the SIU’s voice is heard, not just at the ILO but also here at home with the Coast Guard. Finally, the IMO has similar roots through the UN, though of course it is specifically devoted to maritime issues. Today, the IMO has 162 member states or nations, and its effect on maritime can be summarized in four letters: STCW. Both the original and amended STCW conventions were ratified through the IMO. Basically, the IMO, based in London, functions along the same lines as the ILO. Whatever topic is formally addressed—security, identification, safety—a conference or series of meetings takes place. Participants debate the issues, an agreement usually is reached, and new regulations are put into place in the signatory nations. These descriptions are extremely basic, but I hope they’ll help give you at least a snapshot of the organizations and why they’re important. It takes a lot of time and effort for the SIU to stay active in the ITF, ILO and IMO—but we remain committed to representing Seafarers’ interests internationally. What a Run! These are exciting times for the SIU. From mid-May to mid-June, our shipboard job opportunities grew as we welcomed a new RO/RO, a new cable ship, and three new passenger ferries. Our ranks also grew, as mariners at two companies voted to join the SIU. Congratulations all the way around, and welcome to our newest members, at BIDCO and Starlight Marine. Additionally, Seafarers who sailed during Operation Iraqi Freedom received more accolades during ceremonies conducted by the U.S. Maritime Administration and the U.S. Military Sealift Command. I encourage you to read about them throughout this issue of the LOG. As I mentioned at some of the most recent ceremonies, the SIU certainly doesn’t take the recognition for granted. But, beyond that, I want to thank our friends at MarAd and at MSC for truly going all-out in their efforts to acknowledge the U.S. crews who sailed during the war. I know how much work goes into these events, and I’m positive that our crews will never forget the generous thanks they’ve received. Most of all, I again join in thanking the Seafarers whose patriotism, commitment, reliability and skill helped make victory possible. Volume 65, Number 7 July 2003 Gen. Handy Lauds U.S. Crews for ‘Dedication, Patriotism, Excellence’ MarAd Ceremony for Wright Brings Powerful Praise In a proud scene for the SIU and the rest of the U.S. Merchant Marine, Seafarers were honored June 16 aboard the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessel Wright in Baltimore, during a ceremony hosted by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd). General John W. Handy, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, presented crew members and officers with Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals for their support of U.S. forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom. General Handy delivered the keynote address. He praised the mariners for “the incredible job you’ve done in support of this nation. You make all the difference in the world, and I salute your dedication, patriotism and excellence. Victory was made possible by America’s dedicated merchant mariners.” He also said, “There is no doubt you stand ready again, anytime, anywhere. You have proven yourselves to be great patriots time and time again. You are seagoing warriors.” Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command, credited the Wright along with the thousands of other merchant mariners who sailed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. “We have prevailed because you answered your nation’s call,” Brewer stated. “You built a steel bridge of democracy from the USA to the coast of Kuwait.” SIU President Michael Sacco was a guest speaker during the noontime ceremony. He commended the crew and also noted the outstanding cooperation between all parties involved in mobilizing America’s sealift capabilities. “We were all in it together, and that’s how we got the job done,” Sacco noted. Also delivering remarks were U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Michael P. Jackson; U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schu- Recertified Steward James Kidd (holding medal) is congratulated by (from left) General Handy, Deputy Transportation Secretary Jackson and Maritime Administrator Schubert. bert; U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Chris Joyce; and American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA) President Leland Bishop. An aviation logistics support ship operated by AMSEA, the Wright was deployed for 145 days in support of U.S. troops. It provided rapid and dedicated sealift for deployment of U.S. Marine Corps aviation intermediate maintenance activity. The mission included transporting a helicopter platform, a complete repair shop, and equipment for fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. More than 300 Marine Corps personnel operated from the ship during the deployment, providing service and repair in support of the Marine Aviation Combat Element. Seafarers Recall Voyage “We did 139 helo drops,” said Recertified Steward James Kidd. “There were many days and weeks when it was 100 degrees or more (inside the ship), but we had a good crew. Everything went well between us and the military personnel.” Repair teams aboard the RRF ship fixed an estimated 2,000 parts for their fellow armed forces personnel. Those pieces ‘Stormed the Gangways’ SIU President Michael Sacco U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Chris Joyce MSC Commander Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III AMSEA President Leland Bishop 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2003 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG were transported to and from the Wright via helicopter. “The mood was good, considering we went four months with no shore time at all,” said Recertified Steward Ed Tulley, who sailed as a chief cook aboard the Wright. “Everyone kept their head up. The Marines were nice —all about business, but I made some friends.” Tulley’s wife, Amber, attended the ceremony and offered another perspective. “It was very scary when I found out about the mines in the water (in the war zone). But I just tried to keep a positive attitude.” Bosun Tom Moore stated, “Everyone worked together and showed real teamwork. The Marines and crew worked together as much as possible. It was a good effort.” AB Larry Justin served in the Marine Corps during Vietnam. He noted the contrast between returning home after that war and this one. “After Vietnam, we had a crowd of people, but they were carrying protest signs,” he recalled. “It’s much nicer today.” OS Seth Rockwell joined the union through a fairly new program that assists displaced Alaskan fishermen. His first trip was aboard the Wright. “It was a chance to meet a lot of people,” said Rockwell, who lives in Seward, Alaska. “I think the contact between the Marines and the crew was pretty good. We got a lot of overtime and kept pretty busy.” The ceremony, one of dozens conducted by MarAd for returning RRF vessels, yielded some of the strongest praise yet for the merchant marine. Handy noted that despite potential dangers faced by U.S. crews, “there was no shortage of volunteers. Quite the contrary, you stormed the gangways and enabled us to achieve victory in record time…. Once again, you’re among the first to fight and the last to come home. The nation is grateful for your service.” Schubert described the Wright’s civilian mariners as “great Americans.” He said the rapid transport of materiel aboard U.S.-flag ships for American forces in Operation Iraqi Continued on page 10 July 2003 �18230_p1,3,5,9,10,14,21a.qxd 6/26/2003 9:07 AM Page 3 TOTE Christens New RO/RO North Star A red, white and blue celebration took place June 14 at San Diego’s NASSCO shipyard—and not just because it was Flag Day. For the SIU, the bigger occasion was the christening of Totem Ocean Trailer Express’ (TOTE’s) North Star, a new roll-on/roll-off vessel that is sister ship to the Midnight Sun. Each of the new SIU-contracted Orca-class trailerships is 840 feet long, 118 feet wide and capable of carrying highway trailers as large as 53 feet in length. Cargo decks are 360,000 square feet apiece and can handle up to 600 cargo trailers and 220 autos as well as oversized freight. The ships employ the latest in marine technologies, including twinscrew, diesel-electric propulsion that can achieve a speed of more than 24 knots. The North Star will join the Midnight Sun in TOTE’s Tacoma, Wash. to Anchorage, Alaska service. “The North Star means new jobs for Seafarers, and I’m confident the SIU men and women who crew this ship will do an excellent job,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco. “But we should not overlook the fact that the North Star also will benefit U.S. national security. “As we again were reminded during Operation Iraqi Freedom, commercial ships are needed to U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) delivers the keynote address at the christening in San Diego. Crews at Starlight Marine, BIDCO Vote for Seafarers Mariners at two companies recently voted to join the Seafarers International Union. In San Francisco, boatmen employed by Starlight Marine Services unanimously chose the SIU. They work aboard a conventional tug and barge that is used for bunkering and lightering operations, and also aboard two shipassist tugboats utilized for docking and tanker escort procedures. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone said that the SIU competed with three other maritime unions during the organizing campaign. “Everyone from the SIU who participated in the campaign did a good job,” Marrone said. “I extend a warm welcome to our newest members, and I congratulate them for choosing the SIU.” The Starlight Marine mariners NY Waterway Fleet Expands support our troops during war,” he continued. “Both the North Star and the Midnight Sun will help maintain the pool of qualified shipboard manpower that’s needed to meet American sealift requirements in times of conflict.” Lu Young, wife of U.S. Rep. Don Young (R- Alaska), and Marie Magee, wife of Robert P. Magee Jr., president and CEO of TOTE, were the ship’s sponsors. Congressman Young, a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine who is serving in his 16th term in the House of Representatives, was the keynote speaker at the event. “We are pleased with the performance of the Midnight Sun and look forward to placing the North Star into service,” said Magee. “Our multimillion-dollar investment in these ships will contribute immeasurably to the growth and vitality of the Alaskan economy.” The Midnight Sun and North Star have received several prestigious awards for their environmentally sensitive features. These awards include the States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force Legacy Award for 2000, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner’s 2000 Pollution Prevention Award, and the U.S. Coast Guard’s William M. Benkert Foundation 2002 Environmental Excellence Bronze Award. are covered by a five-year contract that stipulates wage increases, pension benefits, top medical coverage and other benefits. Also signing on with the Seafarers are mariners at Buffalo Industrial Diving Company (BIDCO). They crew a 110-foot former survey boat which now tends diving platforms and also delivers construction material. BIDCO’s parent company is involved in marine construction projects including underwater pipeline installation, harbor dredging, underwater repairs and much more. BIDCO assisted in some of the salvage efforts in New York following the attacks of September 11. Crew members at BIDCO now are covered by a three-year contract that calls for wage increases each year of the agreement, plus top pension benefits and the union’s best medical plan, among other benefits. The North Star will join its sister ship, the Midnight Sun, in TOTE’s service between Tacoma, Wash. and Anchorage, Alaska. Photo courtesy of NASSCO Marie Magee (left), with her husband, Robert P. Magee Jr., president and CEO of TOTE, and Lu Young, with her husband, U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), prepare to christen the North Star. Right: The Seafarers-crewed Pipeline Surveyor carries a crew of five. Starlight Marine boatmen welcome SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (second from right). Pictured from left to right are Mate/Tankerman Greg Wall, Engineer/Tankerman Lyle Page, Marrone and Deckhand/ Engineer Mark Carlsen. New ‘Freedom Ferry’ Means More SIU Jobs SIU-contracted NY Waterway recently added two more passenger ferries to its steadily expanding fleet. Christened at the Port Imperial Ferry Terminal in Weehawken, N.J. were the Governor Thomas H. Kean (above, left) on May 20 and the Congressman Robert A. Roe May 17. Pictured aboard the Thomas Kean are (above right, from left) Deckhand Tony Moyet, SIU Patrolman Joe Baselice and Deckhand Nestor Martinez. NY Waterway is the largest privately owned commuter ferry service in the nation. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, August 18, 2003 for the observance of Paul Hall’s birthday (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. July 2003 Seafarer James Anderson mans the new ferry. The Delaware River Port Authority has added a second SIU-contracted passenger ferry to its RiverLink service between Philadelphia and Camden, N.J. The Freedom ferry, operated by McGovern Marine, is a fine addition in more ways than one, said SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Jim Malone. “The other boat has a maximum crew of three, whereas the Freedom has a minimum crew of four,” Malone noted. “The Freedom will need a crew of six when it carries its maximum number of passengers, which is 600.” The Freedom is designed after the style used in that region in the 1920s. It is equipped with two decks, a steel canopy, an insulated cabin and dual wheelhouses (one at each end). The Freedom also is quieter than its predecessor and is outfitted with restrooms. McGovern Marine President Jerry McGovern pointed out, “Our (passenger) capacity per hour has improved dramatically. We’ve gone from being able to transport 2,700 people per hour, one way, to 3,600 per hour. Once the docks catch up to the capacity of the vessels, we’ll be able to transport even more passengers.” He added that the old boat may be overhauled or replaced. The Freedom, meanwhile, fits the same ferry slip as its counterpart. Seafarers LOG 3 �18230_p4,15_18,24.qxd 6/26/2003 7:00 PM Page 4 SIU Welcomes New Cable Ship Shipboard opportunities for Seafarers increased last month with the christening of the Tyco Decisive, a new SIU-crewed cable ship. The ceremony took place in Baltimore on the same pier where two other SIU-crewed cable ships, the Global Link and Global Mariner, are tied up. The Tyco Decisive is a sister ship to the Tyco Dependable, which was christened earlier in the year in Honolulu. Both are 456 feet long and 68 feet wide with a registered gross tonnage of 12,184 and a service speed of 14 knots. The Tyco Decisive is the fifth of six new Reliance Class cable ships specifically designed, constructed and outfitted to provide high quality marine services for both undersea cable maintenance and new cable installations. The Reliance Class vessels feature state-of-theart technology that enables them to operate more efficiently and with improved fuel economy. Joining in the christening day festivities are (from left) SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, AMO President Michael R. McKay, SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. Recertified Steward Shawn Fujiwara (foreground) and Chief Cook Jorge Lanas enjoy working in a brand new galley. Following a blessing, the guests watch as the champagne bottle is broken against the ship’s hull (inset). Left: Crew members check out the news in the Seafarers LOG. From the left are STOS Michael Widmark and OMU Wade Rudolph. At the gangway are (from left) Chief Electrician Frank Coburn, Bosun Thor Young and Bosun’s Mate Lovell Smith. SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz (center) brings copies of the latest LOG to the ship. With him are AB James Gasca (left) and AB Augustus Udan. Bosun’s Mate Lovell Smith and AB Terrence Carmody meet in the crew mess. USNS Comfort Comes Home During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the hospital ship USNS Comfort—crewed by members of the SIU’s Government Services Division—treated more than 650 patients, including about 200 Iraqi prisoners of war and Iraqi civilians. More than 600 surgeries were performed aboard the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessel, and nearly 600 units of blood were transfused. Last month, the Comfort’s crew and medical personnel finally got their turn for a little TLC as the vessel returned to Baltimore. “Short and sweet,” Bosun Gerald Butch said of the fivemonth deployment, comparing it to the nine months he spent aboard the Comfort during the Persian Gulf War. “It was a successful trip.” Electrician John Morgan noted, “Although we stopped at the fewest amount of ports and had the least amount of liberty, it was the most rewarding trip.” Morgan added that once during the mission he wanted to return home, but after talking with some of the patients, he believed he could best serve his country by remaining on board. MSC conducted a ceremony for the crew and military-medical personnel immediately upon the ship’s arrival in Baltimore June 13. “We showed the world the United States cares about the world,” said Vice Admiral James L. Brewer III, commander of MSC. “We couldn’t have done it without you. Welcome home, shipmates.” The USNS Comfort arrives June 13 in Baltimore as family and friends wait on shore with signs like the one inset. 4 Seafarers LOG Brewer presented each of the mariners with the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal, awarded to those who serve on U.S.-flag ships in support of operations involving American and allied armed forces. SIU President Michael Sacco also addressed the gathering. “Both in the war against terrorism and in the war to liberate the Iraqi people, America has been reminded of the importance of our merchant marine,” he said. “Whether they’re CIVMARS or they’re employed in the private-sector fleet, U.S. mariners have answered the call—just as we’ve done throughout our nation’s history.” At its peak during the war, the 894-foot Comfort carried approximately 60 CIVMARS and 1,000 medical specialists. Many of the medical personnel are from the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. The vessel is equipped with 1,000 hospital beds and 12 operating rooms. In addition to assisting in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the ship helped with Haitian migrant operations in the Caribbean in 1994. The vessel also has participated in various multinational military and humanitarian exercises, according to MSC. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, the Comfort was activated and directed to New York City. The ship’s crew and the med- On hand to greet the mariners are (from left) SIU Assistant VP Contracts George Tricker, MSC Commander Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III, SIU President Michael Sacco and Admiral Donald Arthur, commander of the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. ical staff provided sleeping quarters, meals, laundry services and medical treatment to relief workers. MSC normally operates about 120 civilian-crewed, noncombatant ships for a variety of missions around the world. That number expanded to 214 in March as additional ships were activated from reduced operating status or were chartered for the command’s support of U.S. forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Above: SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz (right) congratulate EU Arthur James for his service during the war. Left: The expeditionary medals are ready to be awarded during the ceremony held on the deck of the returning hospital ship. July 2003 �18230_p1,3,5,9,10,14,21a.qxd 6/26/2003 9:15 AM Page 5 ILO Delegates Approve Universal Mariner ID The development of a universal identification document for an estimated 1.2 million merchant mariners worldwide took a major step forward last month when delegates to the International Labor Organization’s (ILO’s) 91st annual convention approved the key components of such credentials. By a vote of 392-0 (with 20 abstentions), delegates to the ILO forum in Geneva adopted a new agreement for mariner IDs. The new ILO Convention on Seafarers’ Identity Documents replaces ILO Convention No. 108, adopted in 1958. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel participated in the convention, which ended on June 19. He also serves as vice chair of the Seafarers’ Section of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). “With the security concerns around the world that came into focus after September 11, it’s simply a fact that the new universal IDs for mariners are coming,” Heindel said. “Overall, I believe the basic guidelines adopted at the International Labor Organization Conference are reasonable. The SIU will continue working with the ILO, the ITF, MARAD, the U.S. Coast Guard and other involved parties in assuring adoption of the new convention and to ensure mariners’ rights are protected and its implementation is fair and sensible.” The ITF reacted similarly. Jon Whitlow, secretary of the federation’s Seafarers’ Section and secretary of the Workers’ Group at the ILO during the conference, stated, “A sensitive and fundamental balance has been achieved today. Both human rights and nations’ need for security have been respected.” He added, “This decision demonstrates the ILO’s continuing relevance as the forum where these issues must be decided. The urgent requirement now is for speedy ratification (by the ILO’s 176 member states, including the U.S.).” According to the ILO, the pact on mariner identification “establishes a more rigorous identity regime for seafarers with the aim of developing effective security from terrorism and ensuring that the world’s 1.2 million seafarers will be given the freedom of movement necessary for their well-being and for their profes- Reminder: New Policy Regarding Vacation Applications Effective immediately, original payroll vouchers must be submitted to verify employment—in addition to any Coast Guard discharges— for all vacation applications. These original documents will be returned to the applicant along with the vacation check. Failure to submit original pay vouchers could delay the processing of vacation benefits. Sid Smith Dies at 77 Buffalo Native Owned Erie Sand & Gravel Sidney E. “Sid” Smith Jr., retired owner and president of SIU-contracted Erie Sand & Gravel, passed away April 22 at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital in Buffalo after a long illness. He was 77. “Through business practice and personal reputation, Sid was always known as a solid individual with deep concerns for the preservation of the maritime industry on the Great Lakes,” noted SIU Vice President Great Lakes Thomas Orzechowski. Smith’s son, Sandy Smith, remembered his father as “a great friend of (SIU President) Mike Sacco, (retired SIU VP Great Lakes) Byron Kelley and the union. My father always felt that more involvement and understanding by management of the day-to-day life of sailors would produce a better ship for the sailor and the owner.” As a teenager, Sid Smith worked part-time moving the storage grain ships outside Buffalo harbor during the winter, after the elevators’ inventories were depleted, Sandy noted. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, throughout the Pacific theater, and subsequently sailed aboard July 2003 Sid Smith sailed aboard Lakes vessels and later owned SIUcontracted Erie Sand & Gravel. Great Lakes ships as a watchman, wheelsman and mate. A native of Buffalo, Smith was a member of the Propeller Club in his home city. The chapter once recognized him as its man of the year. He also was appointed to the Great Lakes Commission and held a master’s license (unlimited tonnage) for merchant ships. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret “Peg” Smith, in 1993. Memorials may be made to the Erie Humane Society, 418 W. 38th Street, Erie, PA 16508; St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1070 W. Dutch Road, Fairview, PA 16415; or the charity of the donor’s choice. sional activities and, in general, to facilitate international commerce. The Convention sets out the basic parameters and allows the details in its annexes, like the precise form of the identity document, to be easily adapted subsequently to keep up with technological developments.” A key feature of the new ID will be a “biometric template” based on a fingerprint. A resolution accompanying the pact requests the ILO director-general to take urgent measures for the development of “a global interoperable standard for the biometric, particularly in cooperation with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).” It also makes provision for the facilitation of shore leave and transit and transfer of seafarers, including the exemption from holding a visa for seafarers taking shore leave. The ILO further noted, “To avoid the risk of an ID being issued to the wrong person, the Convention also requires ratifying member states to maintain a IMO Examines Safety, Security, Verification The Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) met for its 77th session May 28 to June 6 in London. Among other actions, the committee formulated three working groups to discuss maritime security, bulk carrier safety and IMO “model audit schemes.” Bill Eglinton, director of training at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., attended the meeting as a member of the United States delegation. He participated in the maritime security working group, which considered a number of issues relating to the unhindered implementation of the security measures adopted by the 2002 Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) treaty. The measures —which will affect all U.S. ports as well as vessels—are scheduled to go into full force July 1, 2004. According to Eglinton, the new international requirements will consist of several amendments to the SOLAS Convention and a new International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The domestic adaptation of these new regulations will be contained in the interim final rule of the Maritime Transportation Security Act, Eglinton pointed out. He added that the International Labor Organization (ILO) currently is studying mariner identification documents and that the Transportation Security Administration hopes to produce a transportation worker proper database available for international consultation by authorized officials and to have and observe adequate procedures for the issuance of IDs. Those procedures, which cover not only the security aspects but also the necessary safeguards for individual rights, including data protection, will be subject to transparent procedures for international oversight.” The text of the full convention can be viewed at: http://www.ilo.org/public/english/standards/r elm/ilc/ilc91/records.htm. Look under provisional record 20 for the Committee report and under 20A for the text of the final agreement. identification card (TWIC) in the near future. In the meantime, Eglinton noted that all U.S.-flag vessels must have the following requirements/capabilities in place by July 1, 2004: Ship security assessments Ship security plans Installation of automatic identification systems (AIS) and ship security alert systems aboard all SOLAS vessels Permanent marking of ship identification number on external surfaces of all SOLAS vessels Vessel recordkeeping (continuous synopsis records) Company security officer Ship security officer Security training, drills and exercises aboard all vessels International ship security certificate Concerning guidelines for U.S. ports, Eglinton said their requirements would virtually mirror those of shipping companies. Rep. Saxton: U.S. Mariners Are ‘A National Treasure’ U.S. Rep. Jim Saxton (R-N.J.) recently commended the work of U.S. mariners who have sailed in Operations Enduring/Iraqi Freedom, describing them as “a national treasure.” In remarks June 4 in the House, Saxton said that on the heels of passing a Congressional resolution recognizing the armed forces, “I also want to recognize a particular group of truly unsung yet most deserving heroes—our U.S. Merchant Mariners. “Once again, our country has turned to its mariners to take the fight to the enemy, to project our force half a world away, to secure the precious freedom that now spreads to an Iraqi people free to choose their own destiny, to raise their families as they choose, and to renew the glories of one of the world’s greatest civilizations,” Saxton stated. “Our liberating force was decisive and it moved on the brawn, ingenuity, and dedication of our merchant marine. Not in 12 years have we moved such a force by sea, and we have done it better, against greater challenge than ever before.” Saxton serves on the House Armed Services Committee, which recently passed legislation that includes a reauthorized Maritime Security Program. More of his remarks from June 4 about the U.S. Merchant Marine follow: “We recently saw a line of ships spread from our East Coast U.S. Rep. Jim Saxton (R-N.J.) through the Straights of Gibraltar, through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, and into the Gulf of Oman—a ‘steel bridge’ of resolve. A bridge as strong as those mariners who crew our enormous ships and who go on in harm’s way to deliver our force anyplace, anytime they are called. “Since the beginning of the war on terrorism, over 6,800 U.S. Merchant Mariners and civil servant mariners have served and provided support to our global military operations. Currently serving on 211 vessels, our U.S. mariners face many of the same hazards confronting our uniformed military as they regularly transit and operate within potential targeted areas of chemical and biological weapons, waterborne mines, and terrorist activi- ties. Truly, our country’s merchant mariners have answered the call selflessly and brilliantly. “Our mariners activated and crewed 40 vessels of our Ready Reserve Force, essential to the early movement of ammunition, tanks, aircraft, and military vehicles. These U.S. mariners crewed our vital prepositioned ships and our fast response surge sealift vessels, providing time-critical war fighting equipment and supplies to the battlefield. Over 4,000 civil servant mariners manned and supported the continuous worldwide operations of our ships supporting U.S. naval and coalition forces at sea. Around the clock, every day, across the globe, our mariners make it happen. “At this crucial time in history, our U.S. mariners stepped forward with skill, bravery, and an unrivaled legacy of service. They made all the difference. Our nation continues to rely on these warriors, and their impact is profound. Long after the fighting stops, our mariners will still be on the watch, returning the troops, sustaining the force, and providing for the needy as we renew a proud but shattered land. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of our Congress and a grateful nation, it is my humble honor to say thank you to all our U.S. Merchant Mariners. We wish them Godspeed and a safe return. They are indeed a national treasure— long may they serve.” Seafarers LOG 5 �18230_6_8,11_13,19,20,22_23.qxd 6/23/2003 11:39 AM Page 6 SEAFARERS HELP IN WAR EFFORT aboard the cape Edmont The SIU-crewed Cape Edmont departed Jan. 25 from its berth in Charleston, S.C. for Kuwait and other ports in the Middle East, stopping along the way at ports in Crete, Turkey, Spain and Germany, before returning to Charleston on May 21. As part of the Military Sealift command’s Ready Reserve Force (RRF) fleet, the Cape Edmont is a roll-on/rolloff (RO/RO)vessel specifically designed to carry wheeled and tracked vehicles as all or most of its cargo. Vehicles are driven on and off the ship via ramps which must be angled at no greater than 15 degrees. The ship is 652 feet long, 94 feet wide and can travel at a speed of 15.7 knots. Left: In the port of Charleston, S.C., the empty deck of the Cape Edmont will soon be filled with military equipment. Above: Everything has been carefully checked and inspected aboard ship, including the port life boat. ABs Jim Wilby (left), Fred Hayston (center) and Ray Oglesby are three of the many unlicensed crew members aboard the Cape Edmont who returned to Charleston from the four-month trip to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and were awarded Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals and certificates for their service. Military vehicles wait at the Charleston dock for loading onto the RRF ship. Military vehicles of all kinds are secured on deck. There are many interesting sights to take in while transiting the Suez Canal. This particular one happened to be a U.S. submarine. Below: It was comforting to know the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) was present aboard ship, especially while entering hostile territories. Seas are heavy in the Mediterranean as the Cape Edmont sails toward the Middle East with a full load of equipment. 6 Seafarers LOG The Cape Edmont is tied up at a Kuwaiti pier next to the Cape Knox, another RO/RO vessel in the RRF fleet. July 2003 �18230_6_8,11_13,19,20,22_23.qxd 6/23/2003 11:40 AM Page 7 SEAFARERS HELP IN WAR EFFORT aboard the USNS ANTARES The SIU-crewed fast sealift ship USNS Antares needed some tweaking along the way, but overall the 31-year-old vessel had a smooth voyage while delivering materiel to Kuwait for U.S. forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom. “It was fantastic—the best ship I’ve sailed on, without a doubt,” said OS Dave Frank, who joined the SIU five years ago. “It was just high morale all the way around. Then, when the Marines came aboard, those guys Between the dozen Marines aboard the Antares and the alert crew, security was a strong point throughout the voyage. Pictured, with military counterparts, are (above) OS Dave Frank, (above, right) Chief Steward Carlos Diaz and (below) OS John Murray. The Antares is a roll-on/rolloff ship equipped with onboard cranes. The vessel is 946 feet long. Below: The Marine Corps mechanized unit that boarded the fast sealift ship “made things even better,” said OS Frank. “Those guys were awesome.” made things even better.” Frank, who is upgrading to AB, said the crew endured only one scary moment in Kuwait, following an unofficial report of an Iraqi missile attack. “Everybody stuck close to the gas masks, but it turned out [the missile] wasn’t anywhere near us,” he recalled. Operated by AMSEA, the Antares was deployed for three months. It sailed from San Diego to Singapore, where it underwent minor repairs, and then proceeded to Kuwait. On the return trip, the Antares docked in Malta for additional light repairs. “With the older ships, you have to sometimes expect that they’ll need a little extra maintenance,” observed Frank, who provided the photos on this page. “We carried a lot of different materiel,” added Frank. “Tanks, humvees, bridge layers, all kinds of big trucks…. Some were enclosed armored tracked vehicles, some were trucks with the canvas covers on the back. Plus we carried equipment that was like a backhoe and front-end loader in one.” The Antares also was deployed a dozen years ago for Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm. The vessel stopped in Singapore (above) for minor repairs en route to Kuwait, then underwent more light maintenance in Malta (below) before returning to the U.S. Another ship in the fast sealift fleet, the USNS Pollux, is pictured near the Antares as both vessels head to Kuwait. Fast sealift ships are specially suited to transport heavy or bulky unit equipment such as tanks, large wheeled vehicles and helicopters. July 2003 Seafarers LOG 7 �18230_6_8,11_13,19,20,22_23.qxd 6/23/2003 11:46 AM Page 8 seafarers help in war effort aboard the cape washington The Cape Washington delivers its cargo in Kuwait earlier this year. The Cape Washington, part of the Ready Reserve Force, spent some unscheduled time near Turkey during the combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Eventually, the ship diverted to Kuwait, where it discharged tanks and other materiel for coalition forces. “We had an experienced crew, and everybody understood we had a mission to accomplish,” noted Electrician Randy Clark, who provided the photos for this page. “We didn’t have a single argument.” During their 95-day deployment, Cape Washington crew members sometimes wore helmets and flak vests, in response to nearby missile attacks (in Kuwait) and reports of possible sniper attacks (in the Suez Canal). They also unfailingly followed orders to restrict communications and periodically put the ship in a blackout for the sake of operational security. Still, Clark said the most remarkable part of the journey was seeing the military staging area in Kuwait. “I couldn’t believe the amount of cargo we moved,” said the longtime Seafarer. “I drove through an area for an hour-and-a-half, and the entire time there were (military) vehicles as far as the eye could see.” Electrician Randy Clark, pictured aboard the Cape Washington in the Suez Canal, says crew members “were committed to their role as part of the nation’s Fourth Arm of Defense.” Bosun Rick James (right) and a member of the military security force are pictured on the deck of the RRF ship. ABs Richard Owusu (left) and Henry Gable man the anchor watch aboard the Cape Washington. Right: The ship received warnings of possible sniper attacks in the Suez Canal. Entry points are visible in the water (nearly horizontal line in center of photo) as the security force conducts target practice. The massive staging area reflects some of the estimated 21 million square feet of cargo delivered by the U.S. Merchant Marine. 8 Seafarers LOG July 2003 �18230_p1,3,5,9,10,14,21.qxd 6/24/2003 6:31 PM Page 9 Alaska Tanker Company Earns More Safety Awards 1st of 4 New Builds Progressing Nicely Whether looking back or ahead, it seems that lately it’s all good news for SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC). Seven Seafarers-crewed ATC ships recently received vessel safety awards at an annual industry gathering in New Orleans. Additionally, construction of the Alaskan Frontier—the first of four new double-hull tankers being built for ATC in San Diego—is progressing quite well, while a “first cut” ceremony recently took place for the second new build, noted Captain John Ripperger, the company’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “The recognition for the crews is well-deserved, but the real reward of course is their safety and the protection of the environment,” Ripperger stated. “Our commitment to safe operations is stronger than ever.” At the Jones F. Devlin and Ship Safety Achievement Awards ceremony May 29, the following ATC The Denali is one of seven SIU-crewed ATC ships recently recognized for its consistently safe operations. vessels were recognized for operating for at least the last two years without a lost-time accident: Overseas Chicago, Overseas New York, Tonsina, Prince William Sound, Overseas Boston, Kenai and Denali. In fact, the entire ATC fleet for the past several years has reduced what the company calls “recordable injury frequency” to zero or almost nothing. That includes no lost-time injuries last year through the first half of this year. Additionally, ATC ships carried 157 million barrels of crude oil in 2002—and spilled a total of less than one quart. Not a single drop has been spilled in 2003. Others have noticed the safe, smooth operations. A year ago, ATC received formal congratulations from the Alaska state legislature for its outstanding safety and environmental record. Those accolades were followed by ATC earning the State of Washington Department of Ecology’s prestigious Exceptional Compliance Program (ECOPRO) Award for excellence in marine safety and environmental stewardship. Further, ATC is the first U.S.-flag seagoing company to achieve the ISO 14001 certification. Overall, ATC’s efforts have helped achieve continuous improvements in its health, safety and environmental (HSE) performance rating, an important grading system for operators in the Alaskan North Slope trade route. That bodes well for a future that is scheduled to include the four new Alaska-class tankers. The ships have staggered deliver dates (starting early next year and ending in 2006) and will help offset the government-ordered scrapping dates for some of ATC’s current fleet. Each of the new tankers will be 941 feet long, with a capacity for 1.3 million barrels and a design life of 35-50 years. In addition to ATC, the following SIU-contracted companies were honored at the Devlin Awards ceremony: Crescent Towing, Interocean Ugland Management, Horizon Lines, Keystone, Moran Towing, Ocean Ships, and Seabulk International. In the five photos above and below, the Alaskan Frontier takes shape. The double-hull vessel is scheduled for delivery early next year. Notice to Seafarers: STCW Certification Editor’s note: The following notice was posted to the union’s web site (www.seafarers.org) on June 6. An earlier, related notice was posted on May 30. In response to the recent discovery of the existence of questionable or invalid STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) certificates possessed by what appears to be a relatively small number of SIU members, a more secure certificate verification program has been jointly adopted by the union and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. It applies to both STCW certificates as well as documentation for STCW Basic Safety Training (BST). The new system is not burdensome on the Seafarer. However, the union and the Paul Hall Center believe the new process, properly followed, promises to be secure, accurate and verifiable. For the most part, the only Seafarers impacted by the updated structure are (a) mariners with prior SIU seatime (or NMU seatime) who do not have an STCW certificate on file with the Paul Hall Center and who have a BST certificate issued from a school other than the Paul Hall Center; and (b) mariners with no prior SIU or NMU seatime. Details are available at all SIU halls. If members are concerned that they may be in possession of invalid BST certification, those members may take advantage of a grace or amnesty period—beginning immediately and lasting through September 2003—during which the bad certificates may be submitted at the halls or the Paul Hall Center. Members then may enroll for BST training at the Paul Hall Center (or at any other Coast Guard certified school). However, once the grace period ends (Sept. 30, 2003), any members found in possession of fraudulent certificates will have SAB charges brought against them. Further, the amnesty is only for SAB action and doesn’t preclude action by other (outside) organizations. As most recently demonstrated by our quick response to this situation, both the SIU and the Paul Hall Center remain committed to helping ensure the correct documentation of Seafarers. On the whole, our training and certification database already is considered one of the most accurate private maritime records in the nation. We intend to make it even more precise. Penn Maritime Crews Approve Contract Seafarers employed by Penn Maritime Inc. recently approved a new five-year contract that includes numerous gains. The agreement covers approximately 120 Seafarers and calls for wage increases in each year of the contract. It also moves Penn boatmen into the union’s top medical plan; increases their pension benefits; and improves working conditions. Joining SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Rep Jack Sheehan on the union’s bargaining committee were (from left) Deckhand Warren Wirth, Tankerman Teddy Crockett and Mate Jeff Rydza. Penn Maritime owns and operates 13 tugboats and 21 barges. July 2003 Seafarers LOG 9 �18230_p1,3,5,9,10,14,21.qxd 6/24/2003 6:38 PM Page 10 Pedal Power AB Sands Enjoys Challenges, Benefits of Cycling AB Carl Sands is pictured at an elevation of roughly 3,300 feet near Genoa, Italy. Uphill climbs, whether literal or metaphorical, usually are unwelcome. But for AB Carl Sands, an avid cyclist, the base of the mountain is where the fun starts. “I really like the climbing,” says Sands, who joined the union 26 years ago in Houston. “A lot of it is mental. If you have it in your mind that it’s too tough to make it up that hill, you won’t make it.” The Seafarer has no such uncertainty. He has pedaled uphill for “15 miles in one shot” and has climbed for long stretches without a break. “You definitely get your exercise,” says Sands, 55, who lives in Guatemala. “It seems to be a very healthy sport for me—very relaxing.” He stumbled onto the sport a few years ago, while working aboard Crowley’s Prudhoe Bay. “I took it up in my old age. They happened to have cycles on board, and anyone could use them. It was early fall, the weather was beautiful….” Since then—schedule permitting— his trips ashore often have involved cycling to areas near the ports. On those journeys, Sands normally carries two spare tires, wrenches and water. Ironically, Sands finds the rigors of uphill cycling preferable to the typically more congested trips through port towns. “The toughest trips are local,” he notes. During some time off from the SeaLand Atlantic, Sands stands with the city of Palmi, Italy visible to his right. Left: Boats in Malta provide the backdrop during a recent trip ashore. Right: On this trip, Sands approaches the 13th-century castle in the town of Castellar, Spain. MarAd Ceremony Held Aboard Wright Continued from page 2 Freedom “was the most successful sealift in U.S. history, in terms of speed and cooperation—especially with our (contracted) labor unions.” Bishop said the Wright’s performance “demonstrates of the RRF program as a national asset.” Marine Corps Colonel Chris Joyce said the mariners “did a magnificent job. The Wright is one of two ships that enable Marine aviation to deploy. Without you, the success of our air campaign wouldn’t have been nearly as great.” Brewer highlighted the overall sealift effort of the U.S. fleet during the war. He noted that the merchant marine moved more than 20 million square feet of vital cargo—enough to fill more than 350 football fields. Jackson stated, “This was a partnership. When the president began to contemplate the task of sending people into harm’s way, he knew we’d win or lose by virtue of our ability to move (cargo). And there was no more superb team than the one General John Handy brought to the table.” ‘Union Plus’ Offers Consumer Benefits Union Plus gives Seafarers and their families access to a number of cost-saving benefits programs. Union Plus (formerly Union Privilege) is a non-profit entity created in 1986 by the AFL-CIO to provide union members and their families with valuable consumer benefits. Basically, the organization secures good rates for union members who are enrolled in the various programs, based on the potential collective purchasing power of all members of participating unions. In short, it’s a case of strength in numbers. The following is a list of Union Plus programs in which the SIU participates. For more information about a particular program, call the appropriate Union Plus telephone number or visit www.unionplus.org Credit Card SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (right) chats with Seafarers before the ceremony. Apply online at www.unionpluscard.com or call 1-800-5224000. Secured Credit Card Call 1-800-622-2580. Mortgage and Real Estate Call 1-800-848-6466. Life Insurance Call 1-800-899-2782. Health Savings Call 1-800-228-3523 for more details. Auto Insurance Program For comparison quotes, go to www.unionplus.org or call 1-800294-9496 to apply. ABs Larry Justin (left) and Phil Yaros help bring aboard some of the gear for the observance. 10 Seafarers LOG General Handy greets OS Seth Rockwell during the June 16 ceremony aboard the Wright in Baltimore. National Labor College Scholarship For more details, call 1-301431-5404. Loan Program Apply online at www.unionplusloan.com or call 1-888-2352759. Accidental Death Insurance Call 1-800-899-2782 or enroll online at www.unionplus.org. Family Savers Hotel Royal Plaza Call 1-800-248-7890. Car Rentals To find out more, visit www.unionplus.org; call Avis at 1800-6985685, ID# B723700 or Budget at 1-800-455-2848, ID# V816100. Union-Made Checks Call 1-888-864-6625. Flower Service Visit www.unionplus.org or call 1-888-667-7779 to place an order. North American Van Lines Call 1-800-524-5533. Your Credit Score For $11, you can get your credit score, credit report, and suggestions for improving your score. Visit www.unionplus.org. Education Services Vacation Tours Visit www.unionplus.org or call 1-877-881-1022. Call 1-800-590-1104 for more information. July 2003 �A 18230_6_8,11_13,19,20,22_23.qxd 6/23/2003 11:47 AM Page 11 i h t w t k h r e o S W IU t Many SIU members were involved in crewing the ships that provided vital military equipment to the troops in the Middle East. Many more continued sailing aboard other SIU-crewed merchant ships, attending meetings in their respective ports or at sea, or working on shore. Bosun Wilfredo Rice (kneeling center) returns from Operation Enduring Freedom aboard the USNS Pollux with members of the Puerto Rican National Guard. Below: Darryl White sailed to Kuwait as a QMED aboard the Motivator. At right, a Persian Gulf pilot climbs the ship’s ladder to guide the USSM vessel through the harbor. Members of the crane department at Horizon Lines in San Juan try to adjust the crane spreader. From the left are CME Carlos Parrilla, ILA welder José Fonseca, CME Ray Prim, MEBA Engineer Robert Tower and MEBA Senior Engineer Tom Chiacchia. From Billy Bushey, chairman aboard the USNS Flint, come these shots taken at a recent shipboard meeting (top photo). Bushey says it was the most heavily attended union meeting he has ever seen on an MSC vessel. Five new members were signed up at the meeting as well (bottom photo). The newest Government Services Division members are (from left) AB James Idoni, SU Annaliza Hughes, AB Sam Kuelver, Ref. Eng. George De Leon and OS Victor Omagap. It’s coffee time aboard the Liberty Sun. From the left are Bosun Joseph “Smoky” Moore, GUDE Joe Dunham, AB Spencer Lyle and AB John Grayson. Participating in a fire and boat drill as well as safety training aboard the Liberty Sun are (clockwise from top right) GUDE Louis Simmons, QMED Anwar Muthala, and Bosun Joseph “Smoky” Moore and Chief Steward Ron Davis. OS A. Sarpong (kneeling left) and AB M. Smith (kneeling right) took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom sailing aboard the Buffalo Soldier. Here they pose on deck in Kuwait with members of the 2nd Battalion of the 6th Marine Division, who went along for the ride. July 2003 Seafarers LOG 11 �18230_6_8,11_13,19,20,22_23.qxd 6/23/2003 11:48 AM Page 12 NATIONAL MARIT Merchant Marine’s Wartime Efforts Past and Present Garner Strong Praise With U.S. troops serving overseas in the next phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, this year’s National Maritime Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C. seemingly carried extra significance. Throughout the stirring events hosted by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) and the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), respectively, some of the nation’s most respected officials offered compelling words of praise for U.S. crews past and present. U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta served as keynote speakers at the MarAd ceremony, while General Richard B. Myers, USAF, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the main address at MSC’s observance. Additionally, President Bush issued a National Maritime Day proclamation in which he cited the merchant marine’s contributions to U.S. national and economic security. The SIU as usual brought a large group to each event—and delivered a rousing cheer for one of their own, AB Karen Domerego, who received the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal from Mineta. Domerego was honored by MarAd at the Navy Memorial along with other mariners who sailed during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The mariners were symbolic of all U.S. crews who served. “I’m very proud to be a part of the whole thing—proud to stand up for everybody who worked,” said Domerego, who sailed aboard the Cape John for four months. The vessel delivered bombs and other ammunition for coalition forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom. MarAd also honored five shippers and freight forwarders for supporting the U.S. Merchant Marine. World War II-era shipyard workers and crews also were remembered. Mineta detailed the history of the U.S. fleet and noted the reliability of American crews. “Merchant mariners have long been the quiet heroes in our armed conflicts,” he stated. “Each time our nation’s military deployed to protect U.S. interests, the lives of America’s men and women were placed at risk. And in each one of those deployments, their logistical lifelines—merchant mariners —were right alongside, or close behind, with the tools to get the job done and return home safely.” Commenting on the merchant marine’s role in Operation Iraqi Freedom—a war in which more than 2,000 SIU members helped deliver materiel for U.S. troops—Mineta observed, “U.S.-flag ships transported a myriad of critical cargo including Apache helicopters, multiple launch rocket systems, a multitude of wheeled vehicles including HUMVEES and fuel tankers, bulldozers and other combat engineer equipment; and ammunition to our forces. The role of the U.S. Merchant Marine once again proved crucial to victory in 2003.” Chao reminded that audience that “merchant mariners have served in all of America’s wars.” She called particular attention to World War II, when U.S. mariners suffered a per capita casualty rate second only to the Marine Corps. “The numbers speak for themselves: 733 U.S. cargo ships lost to enemy action; more than 6,000 American seafarers killed; and nearly 600 captured as prisoners of war,” Chao said. “But through it all, the U.S. Merchant Marine persevered. They were the crucial lifeline that kept our allies free by delivering crucial supplies and munitions U.S. MARITIME ADMINISTRATION Deputy Maritime Administrator John Jamian credits U.S. mariners with delivering the goods in Operation Iraqi Freedom. ABOVE: Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III (left), commander of MSC, and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez listen to remarks honoring World War II-era shipyard workers. LEFT: AB Karen Domerego receives the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta (right) and a certificate from U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert (left). Domerego and other mariners honored at the ceremony were symbolic of all U.S. crews who served. Seafarers LOG National M By the President of th A PROC Audience members at the Navy Memorial watch a MarAd-produced videotape highlighting the work of RRF crews. 12 during the darkest days of the war. “Today, that proud tradition is still with us,” she added. “A strong U.S.-flag fleet was essential to support Operation Iraqi Freedom…. These steadfast mariners are still at work, transporting food and machinery to feed the Iraqi people and rebuild their country.” She concluded that America benefits from maintaining a strong U.S. fleet. “We don’t know where the next frontline will be in the war against terrorism. But we do know that most of the supplies for our troops will probably move by sea. Once more, our armed forces will rely upon the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine to stand behind them while they stand up for us.” During MSC’s ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard, Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III, USN, commander of MSC, commended the efforts of merchant mariners throughout history. “We at MSC are proud of our civilian mariners, so it is fitting that today is set aside to acknowledge the great debt of gratitude we owe to the dedicated men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine,” he said before introducing General Myers. Myers enthusiastically complimented the civilian crews, and also mentioned that his uncle sailed as a merchant mariner during World War II. “What you have done for our country in Operation Iraqi Freedom is absolutely unparalleled,” Myers told the mariners in attendance. “You’re some of the nation’s often unsung heroes, but you are heroes.” He noted that U.S. mariners “throughout history have been important to our military and economic strength.” The general also offered these words to the students from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education who attended the ceremony: “Thank you in advance for what you’re going to do for your nation.” Today, as in the past, America depends on our perity, and advance the universal hope of freedom. mariners and also recognize their important contrib For generations, merchant marines and comme recently, more than 5,000 merchant mariners suppo ing aboard 157 ships moving essential supplies to war on terror, their mission continues to be dangero peace. We also remember the vital role the Merchant M mariners lost their lives during World War II, and m United States declared war, merchant mariners we plies. President Franklin Roosevelt, the first Preside of their role during wartime: “They have delivered t and across every ocean in the biggest, the most dif are grateful for the contributions and sacrifices of A Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and around the w In addition to their efforts to support our troops, produce around the United States and throughout t country, and strengthens our economy. By operatin our homeland. In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Mer May 20, 1933, as amended, has designated May 2 and requested that the President issue an annual p NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, Pr 22, 2003, as National Maritime Day. I call upon the display the flag of the United States at their homes under the American flag dress ship on that day. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set m thousand three, and of the Independence of the Un July 2003 �18230_6_8,11_13,19,20,22_23.qxd 6/23/2003 11:49 AM Page 13 ITIME DAY 2003 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS AT MARAD & MSC CEREMONIES h s i l o - “The role of the U.S. “Like the military veterans we honor on Merchant Marine once Memorial Day, the story of our mer- again proved critical to chant mariners and their contributions victory in 2003. to our nation is one of heroism and sac- m t e t d t y President Bush, Vice rifice. Their tradition is as old as our President Cheney and country.” the American people —U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao are indebted to every merchant mariner.” e l f t C e t l —U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta “Merchant mariners have risked their lives for democracy and for our country. The unsung heroes of the merchant marine are not just a part of history. They’re a vital part of our joint force today.” —General Richard B. Myers, USAF, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff U.S. MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND e s g r s e e e t y o r o n r Acknowledged by General Myers, students from the Paul Hall Center observe MSC’s event at the Washington Navy Yard. l Maritime Day 2003 of the United States of America CLAMATION n our maritime services to help ensure our security, promote our prosedom. We honor the service and proud history of our merchant ontributions in strengthening our economy. ommercial sailors have assisted in the defense of our Nation. Most supported Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom by serves to our troops. As they continue to support our troops in the ongoing angerous and difficult, and remains vital to our efforts to defend the hant Marine has played in past conflicts. More than 6,000 merchant and more than 700 U.S. merchant ships were lost. Even before the rs were making perilous runs to Europe with desperately needed supresident to issue a proclamation honoring merchant mariners, wrote ered the goods when and where needed in every theater of operations ost difficult and dangerous transportation job ever undertaken.” We s of America’s merchant mariners before and after World War II, in the world today. oops, merchant marines play a vital role in moving the goods that we hout the world. Their work provides jobs and economic benefits to our erating as the eyes and ears of America at sea, they also help protect S. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by joint resolution approved on May 22 of each year as “National Maritime Day,” and has authorized nual proclamation calling for its appropriate observance. H, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May n the people of the United States to celebrate this observance and to omes and in their communities. I also request that all ships sailing y. set my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two he United States of America the two hundred and twenty-seventh. GEORGE W. BUSH July 2003 Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III, commander of MSC, expresses pride in the jobs done by U.S. crews during the war. RIGHT: One of the final moments during MSC’s annual Maritime Day observance is a wreath-tossing ceremony, neatly handled this year by General Myers and Admiral Brewer. Seafarers LOG 13 �18230_p1,3,5,9,10,14,21.qxd 6/24/2003 6:44 PM Page 14 New California Monument Honors Mariners from WWII A monument paying tribute to the contributions of American Merchant Mariners to our nation since 1775 has been unveiled. The new memorial was dedicated May 22—National Maritime Day—during ceremonies at the Marin County Veteran Memorial site in San Rafael, Calif. Rear Adm. Thomas J. Patterson, U.S. Maritime Service, (retired), served as the event’s keynote speaker. SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone attended the dedication on behalf of the union. The Jeremiah O’Brien Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans sponsored the dedication program. Chapter members took part in the ceremonies, as did a host of other dignitaries including staff associates from the offices of Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and California Governor Gray Davis. Situated on the Avenue of the Flags at the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael, the new six-footplus engraved granite monument memorializes the 8,380 merchant seamen who were killed during World War II or who perished from war-related causes. It is embossed with the merchant marine insignia and contains a Remembering Merchant Marine Heroes likeness of the Liberty ship Jeremiah O’Brien in bronze. One of two surviving Liberty ships preserved in the United States, the Jeremiah O’Brien is the last unaltered Liberty. The ship is a product of an emergency shipbuilding program of World War II that resulted in the construction of more than 2,700 Liberty ships. Designed as cheap and quickly built simple cargo steamers, the Liberty ships formed the backbone of a massive sealift of troops, arms, materiel and ordnance to every theater of the war. The Jeremiah O’Brien made wartime voyages between the East Coast, Canada and the United Kingdom, to South America, Australia, and the Philippines. From June until December 1944, the O’Brien made 11 trips between the United Kingdom and Normandy in support of the D-Day invasion, including a trip from Belfast, Ireland, to Normandy with troops from Patton’s Fifth Division. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, right, greets Rear Adm. Thomas J. Patterson, U.S. Maritime Service, (retired) in front of the new merchant marine memorial shortly after it was unveiled and dedicated in San Rafael, Calif. Deck Department Seafarer George Pino proudly displayed the U.S. Merchant Marine flag en route to the monument dedication ceremonies. Working on the Great Lakes SIU San Francisco Port Agent Vince Coss (top photo) presents a memorial wreath for the annual National Maritime Day ceremony (below) aboard the historic Liberty ship Jeremiah O’Brien. During the observance, speakers praised the U.S. Merchant Marine’s reliability and sacrifices throughout the nation’s history. The Southdown Challenger is a familiar sight on the Great Lakes Oilers John Cull (left) and Andy Egressey prepare to pull the head on cylinder #2 of the main engine on the Southdown Challenger. IMPORTANT NOTICE SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN COBRA NOTICE Right: DEU Dave Mathes cleans the cylinder on the Southdown Challenger’s main engine. HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. 14 Seafarers LOG Conveyorman Ron Bujnovski (left) and UA Kevin Koch install crosshead bearings in the main engine on the Southdown Challenger. Larry Curnow (left) is the bosun aboard the Joseph H. Frantz (above). The Frantz was formerly the Kinsman Independent. July 2003 �18230_p4,15_18,24.qxd 6/24/2003 1:28 AM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea MAY 16 — JUNE 15, 2003 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 3 1 9 28 30 16 25 33 15 4 3 5 25 1 26 23 248 2 3 3 12 10 36 6 18 18 18 2 7 6 9 7 27 17 201 4 1 1 2 19 13 4 11 13 8 1 2 1 4 3 16 15 118 0 4 1 10 21 23 13 13 21 14 6 2 3 8 1 25 13 178 1 12 0 4 14 22 10 5 10 9 0 5 2 8 4 12 12 130 1 3 1 9 9 21 2 9 8 15 4 3 3 6 0 15 6 115 1 0 0 1 3 3 1 4 3 3 1 0 0 1 3 10 3 37 1 7 0 4 8 14 6 2 9 3 1 2 4 9 2 11 3 86 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 4 0 5 9 19 8 9 8 13 2 8 2 7 5 25 8 132 2 2 2 1 9 8 2 10 4 4 2 2 2 1 0 6 4 61 0 0 0 3 18 26 6 10 5 6 2 0 4 6 1 26 8 121 2 10 3 10 43 54 27 35 49 23 5 3 13 41 0 37 41 396 5 2 8 12 15 50 12 30 26 24 3 3 11 15 4 23 21 264 4 1 0 2 32 17 5 21 41 14 1 3 3 4 3 36 23 210 0 9 1 7 22 31 12 12 16 15 3 7 4 15 3 15 17 189 2 3 1 9 14 34 9 18 11 22 6 1 5 9 1 28 11 184 2 0 0 3 11 7 2 9 13 7 3 0 0 1 4 14 8 84 1 2 0 4 11 9 2 5 8 1 1 1 1 10 0 8 9 73 0 3 0 18 27 32 14 12 28 16 3 2 4 40 1 27 38 265 1 1 1 7 2 14 11 6 5 14 3 3 2 7 0 5 8 90 0 0 2 5 6 18 3 2 7 2 0 0 1 2 0 4 5 57 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 4 0 4 2 15 6 1 11 9 2 2 0 4 0 8 3 71 0 1 0 0 1 4 1 1 4 2 0 0 1 2 1 5 1 24 Algonac ..................Friday: August 8, September 12 Baltimore ................Thursday: August 7, September 11 Boston.....................Friday: August 8, September 12 Duluth .....................Wednesday: August 13, September 17 Guam ......................Thursday: August 21, September 25 Honolulu .................Friday: August 15, September 19 Houston ..................Monday: August 11, September 15 Jacksonville ............Thursday: August 7, September 11 Mobile ....................Wednesday: August 13, September 17 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: August 19, September 23 0 4 0 2 5 11 5 0 6 4 0 1 2 5 2 7 1 55 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: August 12, September 16 New York ...............Tuesday: August 5, September 9 Norfolk ...................Thursday: August 7, September 11 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: August 6, September 10 Port Everglades ......Thursday: August 14, September 18 San Francisco .........Thursday: August 14, September 18 San Juan..................Thursday: August 7, September 11 St. Louis .................Friday: August 15, September 19 Tacoma ...................Friday: August 22, September 26 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 3 0 10 14 20 8 7 16 12 2 0 3 25 1 20 25 166 0 1 1 4 0 9 4 4 5 9 2 2 1 3 0 4 2 51 0 0 1 2 1 11 3 1 3 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 28 0 3 0 9 11 15 2 6 16 5 0 2 0 19 0 16 15 119 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 1 0 4 1 3 2 1 6 0 1 0 1 2 0 10 1 34 0 4 3 12 19 15 8 7 21 9 1 19 3 12 1 20 11 165 0 7 2 10 18 18 5 4 25 6 1 25 1 7 0 22 11 162 0 0 0 2 2 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 1 1 0 7 1 21 0 3 0 7 13 2 6 5 18 8 0 11 0 12 0 19 8 112 1 8 1 1 1 11 0 2 5 6 1 23 1 4 0 8 4 77 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 9 4 7 2 2 10 0 1 0 2 9 0 8 3 59 1 5 5 24 27 28 10 13 56 20 2 9 5 25 1 30 13 274 2 1 3 21 34 32` 10 13 50 15 4 35 3 15 0 41 25 304 Totals All Departments 578 532 345 404 357 172 249 909 812 655 Port 0 2 1 2 1 6 1 6 4 4 0 3 1 2 1 2 6 42 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 1 1 13 ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2003 Piney Point .............Monday: August 4, September 8 DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs August & September 2003 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Wilmington ...............Tuesday: August 19* ................................Monday, September 22 ................................*change created by Paul Hall’s birthday holiday ................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Correction On page 2 of the June LOG, scholarship winner Janet L. Ostendarp was incorrectly identified. She is the wife of deep sea member Francis Ostendarp Jr. No Fish Tale Retired Seafarer Ian Allison, who sailed with the SIU during World War II, says that when it comes to fishing, “Some guys come back with stories. I like to come back with pictures.” This photo shows Allison with a 10-foot-4, 275pound blue marlin that he recently caught 15 miles off the coast of Mexico. It took 30 minutes to land the fish, noted Allison, who serves as president of the North Bay Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans. Seafarers LOG 15 �18230_p4,15_18,24.qxd 6/29/2003 2:07 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report MAY 2003 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 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 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals 5 12 7 14 5 19 4 66 2 0 1 3 0 9 2 17 0 5 1 1 0 0 1 8 4 9 2 4 1 15 2 37 3 1 1 1 0 0 2 8 0 3 2 4 0 0 0 9 Totals All Departments 6 2 2 4 2 6 2 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 5 2 12 4 17 0 11 1 47 5 7 6 11 4 27 33 93 10 10 5 10 0 40 14 89 0 51 9 23 0 0 6 89 3 1 2 1 0 2 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 6 1 9 0 11 2 29 1 5 6 16 5 42 21 96 3 4 0 9 0 48 7 71 0 24 5 18 0 0 6 53 2 3 4 4 0 3 0 16 1 6 2 12 2 60 7 90 2 1 1 6 0 32 4 46 0 15 3 10 0 6 2 36 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 2 4 1 2 1 14 0 24 0 1 1 1 0 4 0 7 0 3 2 1 0 0 0 6 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 2 2 1 1 1 5 0 12 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 3 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 2 3 0 5 0 8 0 18 2 2 3 2 0 8 1 18 1 8 3 9 0 0 1 22 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4 0 0 0 5 1 5 0 7 0 13 0 26 2 3 5 34 0 34 2 80 19 29 3 50 0 10 12 123 2 55 15 105 0 0 17 194 145 50 45 48 2 16 118 359 329 372 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the LOG by Dean R. Wooster of Palm Coast, Fla. It was taken aboard the SS Vantage Progress in February 1967 while on the Vietnam run. Pictured “left to right are Oiler Mack, Engineer Dave and F.W.T. Dean R. Wooster.” Wooster notes that one can tell the vessel is a West Coast C-2 because it has Foster Wheeler boilers whereas an East Coast C-2 has Babcox and Willcox boilers. Wooster, now 65, has just filed for his SIU pension (see write-up on next page). If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. July 2003 �18230_p4,15_18,24.qxd 6/24/2003 6:08 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA ELIZABETH A. COSS, 72, joined the SIU in 1996 in San Francisco. Born in Seneca, Ill., Sister Coss worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Dyn Marine Services of Virginia. Sister Coss shipped in the steward department and still lives in her native state. LUIS GONZALEZ, 66, launched his career with the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of New York. Brother Gonzalez first went to sea aboard the Warrior, a Sea-Land Service vessel. The steward department member upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Born in Puerto Rico, he last shipped on the 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez. Brother Gonzalez is a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. ARTHUR MACHADO, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1968 in New Orleans. A veteran of the U.S. Army, the Louisiana-born mariner worked in the deck department and frequently upgraded his skills in Piney Point. Brother Machado last went to sea on the USNS Altair. He calls Belle Chase, La. home. SAID A. MAJID, 65, hails from Yemen. Brother Majid started his career with the SIU in 1990 in Honolulu. He first worked aboard American Hawaii Cruises’ Independence. A steward department member, Brother Majid upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1996. His final voyage was aboard the Cpl Louis J. Hauge Jr. Brother Majid resides in Dearborn, Mich. EDWARD O’BRIEN, 76, joined the SIU in 1967. The New Yorkborn mariner initially went to sea aboard the Eagle Traveler. Brother O’Brien worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Sea-Land Explorer. He makes his home in Riverside, Calif. JESUS PILARE, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1991 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Pilare first sailed on the Overseas Alaska. Born in the Philippines, he worked in the engine depart- July 2003 ment. Brother Pilare attended the Seafarers training school on a number of occasions. The Daly City, Calif., resident last went to sea on the Sea-Land Independence. upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 2002. A resident of Bronx, N.Y. he last went to sea on the Seabulk Challenge. TOMMIE SANFORD, 64, was born in Alabama. Before joining the SIU in 1958, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Brother Sanford initially sailed for the Seafarers aboard the La Salle. A deck department member, he shipped as a bosun. Brother Sanford completed the bosun recertification course in 1975 at the Paul Hall Center. His final voyage was on the Overseas Ohio. Brother Sanford lives in Colmesneil, Texas. ABDUL YAZIDI, 65, was born in Arabia. Brother Yazidi joined the Seafarers in 1967 in San Francisco. A member of the deck department, Brother Yazidi enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1979. He last went to sea on the Cpl Louis J. Hauge Jr. Brother Yazidi is a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. LEON SCOTT, 69, joined the Seafarers in 1976 in San Francisco. Brother Scott’s first ship was the Santa Mariana. The Louisiana-born mariner shipped in the steward department and enhanced his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1989. Brother Scott last worked on the President Roosevelt. Oakland, Calif. is his home. PAUL SU, 66, hails from China. Brother Su began his seafaring career in 1989 in the port of Honolulu. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by American Hawaii Cruises, including the Independence. The engine department member was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Brother Su makes his home in Honolulu. RAY E. TODD, 67, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1961. Prior to joining the SIU, Brother Todd served in the U.S. Army. Born in Mississippi, he first went to sea aboard the Morning Light. Brother Todd sailed in the deck department as a bosun. He last sailed aboard the Ultramax. Brother Todd is a resident of Collins, Miss. DEAN WOOSTER, 64, began his SIU career in 1960 in New York. Before becoming a Seafarer, Brother Wooster served in the U.S. Navy. His first SIU ship was on the Oremar, an Ore Navigation vessel. A member of both the deck and engine departments, the Pennsylvania native last shipped on the Golden Monarch. Brother Wooster makes his home in Palm Coast, Fla. MOHSIN YAFAI, 61, launched his career with the Seafarers in 1967. His initial voyage was aboard the John C. The Arabian-born mariner worked in both the engine and steward departments. Brother Yafai INLAND ALFORD CROWDER, 62 began his career with the SIU in 1977 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Little Rock, Ark., he served in the U.S. Navy and first worked for the SIU aboard a McAllister Towing of Virginia vessel. A member of the deck department, Boatman Crowder shipped as a captain. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He is a resident of Virginia Beach. VERNON ELBURN, 63, hails from Maryland. Boatman Elburn joined the Seafarers in 1958 in the port of Baltimore. The deck department member shipped as a captain and enhanced his skills at the Seafarers training school in 1998. Boatman Elburn last sailed on an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel. He makes his home in Clayton, Del. RALPH D. GARDNER JR., 64, started his SIU career in 1967 in the port of Philadelphia. The Flint, Mich. native worked in the inland as well as deep sea divisions. Boatman Gardner’s first ship was the Battle Creek. The deck department member sailed as a captain and last worked on a vessel operated by Mariner Towing. Boatman Gardner is a resident of Wareham, Mass. DONNIE MARTIN, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1962. He first worked aboard a Dravo Basic Materials Co. vessel. Born in Florida, he shipped in the deck department, most recently on a Martin Marietta vessel. Boatman Martin now calls Mobile, Ala. home. JOSEPH SHUBERT, 62, was born in Gastonia, N.C. Prior to joining the Seafarers in 1968, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Boatman Shubert sailed in the deck department as a captain. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by National Marine Service. Boatman Shubert lives in Orlando, Fla. STERLING SPENCER, 55, joined the Seafarers in 1974. The Louisiana native shipped in the deck department, working primarily aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1945 Loss of 1,554 United States-flag merchant ships of 6,277,077 deadweight tons from war causes and marine casualties largely due to war conditions was announced last week by Vice Admiral Emory S. Land, chairman of the U.S. Maritime Commission and administrator of the War Shipping Administration. The losses occurred during the period from September 1, 1939 to May 8, 1945. The bulk of the tonnage was accounted for by the 570 ships lost from direct war causes. The balance of 984 was lost in marine casualties resulting from convoy operations, reduced aids to navigation, blackouts, etc…. The destruction of ships by the enemy has, of course, been accompanied by heavy loss of life. The latest merchant marine casualty list reports 5,579 merchant seamen dead and missing, and 487 prisoners of war—a total of 6,066 as of May 1. Salvage Co. Boatman Spencer lives in his native state in the city of Harvey. JOSEPH TUCKER, 68, hails from Alabama. Boatman Tucker worked in the inland as well as deep sea divisions during his career. He first sailed on the Alcoa Roamer. The deck department member shipped as a captain, most recently on a Crescent Towing vessel. Boatman Tucker is a resident of Chickasaw, Ala. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. WILLIE DAVIS SR., 70, launched his career with the NMU in 1962. Born in Houston, his initial ocean voyage was aboard the P.C. Spencer, a Sinclair Refining Co. vessel. Brother Davis worked in the steward department and last shipped on the Cape Victory. JUAN J. CANALES, 65, joined the NMU in 1968. Brother Canales first went to sea aboard the Gulf Jaguar. Born in Santurce, P.R., he worked in the steward department. HERMAN WILLIS, 70, started his NMU career in 1969. His first trip to sea was aboard a Lykes Brothers vessel. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, Brother Willis worked in the deck department. His last ocean voyage was aboard the Lykes Discoverer. during the regular July membership meeting at headquarters, President Paul Hall told the members that facilities for the training and upgrading of seamen were being expanded. In addition to local training sites in New York and other outports, the SIU has recently purchased a 28-acre site at Piney Point, Md. to train young men for entrylevel jobs aboard American-flag ships. This will be in addition to upgrading training to enable working seamen to qualify for promotions after specialized training. This Month In SIU History 1967 In a report to the Atlantic and Gulf membership 1990 As the demand increased for vessels to supply the stepped-up military operations in the Persian Gulf, the Seafarers International Union instituted a manpower alert to assure that all manning assignments within the union’s responsibility would be met. In issuing the alert, SIU President Michael Sacco called on all union members to participate fully. He urged all Seafarers who currently are on the beach to immediately contact the nearest union hall or the SIU’s manpower center to register for employment. In addition, Sacco extended the same call to all physically fit pensioners, as well as to inactive SIU members. Seafarers LOG 17 �18230_p4,15_18,24.qxd 6/24/2003 6:16 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA WALDO BANKS Pensioner Waldo Banks, 86, passed away Oct. 26, 2002. Brother Banks joined the SIU in 1946 in the port of Baltimore. A native of the West Indies, he worked in the inland as well as deep sea divisions. A deck department member, his last voyage was aboard a Michigan Tankers Inc. vessel. A former resident of Jacksonville, Fla., Brother Banks had been a pensioner since 1976. JUAN COLLAZO Pensioner Juan Collazo, 84, died Feb. 1. A native of Puerto Rico, he embarked on his profession with the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New York. The steward department member lived in his native commonwealth and started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1967. JOSEPH CURRY Brother Joseph Curry, 78, passed away Feb. 7. Brother Curry started his SIU career in 1956 in Houston. Before becoming a Seafarer, he served in the U.S. Army. The Pennsylvania native first went to sea aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Curry worked in the deck department, last sailing on the Sea-Land Defender. Middlesex, N.J. was his home. PATRICK DURNIN worked in the steward department and lived in Sacramento, Calif. Her last voyage was aboard the Lurline, a Matson Navigation vessel. She began receiving her pension in 1985. MICKIE FREDERICK Pensioner Mickie Frederick, 70, passed away Jan 1. Sister Frederick launched her career with the Seafarers in 1987 in Honolulu. Born in Idaho, she shipped in the steward department. Sister Frederick worked primarily aboard vessels operated by American Hawaii Cruises during her career, including the S.S. Independence and ms Patriot. She started receiving compensation for her retirement in 2001 and lived in Chandler, Ariz. CHARLES HENKING ORA HIGBY SHIGERU MURAMOTO ALBERT DYKES RALPH JAMES Pensioner Nathan Eldridge, 76, passed away Jan 13. Born in Florida, Brother Eldridge joined the Seafarers in 1944. He worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions. A member of the deck department, Brother Eldridge called Mobile, Ala. home. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1971. BETTY EVERETT Pensioner Betty Everett, 78, died Jan 18. Sister Everette began her career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1966 in San Francisco. Born in Indiana, Sister Everett 18 Seafarers LOG Brother David Maze, 62, passed away Feb. 18. He joined the SIU in 1976 in Port Arthur, Texas. Brother Maze initially went to sea aboard the Eagle Voyage. The Abbyville, La. native worked in the deck department and last shipped on the USNS Stalwart. Brother Maze was a resident of Houston. DELL McNEELY Pensioner Ora Higby, 95, passed away Jan. 11. Brother Higby began his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Born in Ohio, the steward department member was a resident of Bodfish, Calif. He began collecting retirement stipends in 1973. NATHAN ELDRIDGE DAVID MAZE Pensioner Charles Henking, 66, passed away Jan. 16. He started his seafaring career with the MC&S in 1971 in San Francisco. Prior to joining the MC&S, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Henking first shipped on the Santa Mariana and last sailed on the Overseas Alaska. The steward department member lived in San Francisco and began receiving his pension in 1994. Pensioner Patrick Durnin, 76, passed away Jan 1. Brother Durnin began his SIU career in 1968 in San Francisco. His first ship was the President Eisenhower. The Oregonborn mariner worked in the steward department and began receiving his pension in 1998. Brother Durnin last sailed on the Great Land. Gig Harbor, Wash. was his home. Pensioner Albert Dykes, 76, died Feb. 7. Brother Dykes joined the SIU in 1956 in Lake Charles, La. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he was born in Arkansas. Brother Dykes worked in the engine department, last sailing on the Maine. He started collecting stipends for his retirement in 1991. Brother Dykes resided in Houston. died Feb. 28. Brother Marston joined the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of New York. The Maine-born mariner first sailed on the Cantigny. Brother Marston worked in the deck department as a bosun. He last went to sea on the San Juan, a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. Brother Marston lived in Carlisle, Pa., and started collecting retirement stipends in 1990. Pensioner Ralph James, 80, died Feb. 11. A native of the Virgin Islands, he embarked on his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Brother James worked in the steward department. He began receiving his pension in 1978 and called Pacifica, Calif. home. SIMON KENDALL Pensioner Simon Kendall, 82, died Feb. 23. He initiated his SIU career in 1956. The Indiana-born mariner first sailed on the Battle Rock. Brother Kendall worked in the steward department, last sailing on the Sea-Land Warrior. A resident of French Lick, Ind., he began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1990. DEREK KURCH Brother Derek Kurch, 38, passed away Dec.16, 2002. Born in Hawaii, he joined the Seafarers in 1982 in the port of Honolulu. Brother Kurch worked primarily aboard vessels operated by American Hawaii Cruises. A steward department member, he made his home in Honolulu. KENNETH MARSTON Pensioner Kenneth Marston, 77, Brother Dell McNeely, 50, died Feb. 13. He joined the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New York. Brother McNeely first went to sea on the Cornell Victory. The Louisiana-born mariner worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Sam Houston. Brother McNeely called New Orleans home. Pensioner Shigeru Muramoto, 85, passed away Feb. 17. Brother Muramoto commenced his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. He worked in the steward department and began collecting retirement pay in 1974. Hawaii was his home. HOWARD RUBY Pensioner Howard Ruby, 88, passed away Jan. 13. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he began his SIU career in 1960 in the port of New York. The Ohio-born steward department member was a resident of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and last shipped on Matson Navigation’s Lurline. Brother Ruby started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1991. ELVEN STAPLES Pensioner Elven Staples, 80, died Jan. 18. He began his career with the MC&S in 1959 in San Francisco. Before joining the MC&S, Brother Staples served in the U.S. Army. Born in Arkansas, he first worked on Matson’s Maui. The steward department member last went to sea on the Lihue. Brother Staples started receiving his pension in 1985 and called Oak Ridge, Tenn. home. INLAND HARVEY GALLOP Pensioner Harvey Gallop, 65, died Feb. 3. Boatman Gallop started his career with the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Norfolk, Va. after having served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Boatman Gallop first worked aboard a Steuart Transportation Co. vessel. The engine department member was a resident of Powells Point, N.C. Boatman Gallop began receiving his pension in 2001. born mariner commenced his SIU career in 1993. Boatman Rittenhouse shipped in the deck department as a captain and worked primarily aboard Allied Towing vessels. He lived in his native state in the city of Reedville. OSVALDO MALDONADO Boatman Osvaldo Maldonado, 92, passed away Feb. 2. Born in Puerto Rico, he launched his SIU career in 1976. Boatman Maldonado shipped in the engine department and worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation vessels during his career. He resided in his native commonwealth. RICHARD MATLAGA Boatman Richard Matlaga, 43, died Jan. 15. He joined the Seafarers in 1990 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Matlaga shipped in the deck department and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Maritrans Operating Co. Born in New Jersey, he made his home in Riverview, Fla. ALFRED RITTENHOUSE Boatman Alfred Rittenhouse, 54, passed away Jan. 13. The VirginiaEditor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away: HERMAN ALTICE JR. Pensioner Herman Altice Jr., 86, passed away April 30. Brother Altice joined the NMU in 1944. The Mobile, Ala. native worked in the steward department as a chief cook, last sailing on the John Lykes. Brother Altice began receiving his pension in 1979. JOSE DOMINGOS Pensioner Jose Domingos, 87, passed away May 9. Brother Domingos began his career with the NMU in 1962. His first voyage was on the Texaco Wisconsin. Born in Portugal, he worked in the engine department. Brother Domingos last sailed aboard the Mormac Wave. He started collecting retirement stipends in 1979. GREAT LAKES GERALD DOERING Pensioner Gerald Doering, 80, died Feb. 2. He joined the Seafarers in 1968 in Buffalo, N.Y. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Brother Doering was born in New York and worked in both the deck and engine departments. He last sailed aboard Erie Sand & Gravel’s Lakewood. Brother Doering lived in Athens, Ga., and began collecting his pension in 1988. HENRY HANRATTY Pensioner Henry Hanratty, 87, died Feb. 18. Born in New York, he joined the Seafarers in 1961. Brother Hanratty’s first voyage was aboard the Lemmerhirt. The deck department member made his home in Depew, N.Y. He began receiving his pension in 1982. Mlakar worked in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Mormac Pride. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1968. CALIXTO VASQUEZ Pensioner Calixto Vasquez, 89, died April 3. Brother Vasquez joined the NMU in 1947 and first sailed aboard the Towanda Victory. Born in Puerto Rico, he worked in the engine department. His final trip was on the Brasil. Brother Vasquez began receiving his pension in 1970. In addition to the foregoing, the following NMU brothers, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated: NAME AGE DOD Lloyd Albright 89 May 12 Jose Arriola 83 May 6 Juan Cardona 82 April 20 Voltaire Ciceron 87 May 17 SANFORD KRAMER Salvador Correa 75 April 4 Pensioner Sanford Kramer, 77, died April 13. Brother Kramer began his career with the NMU in 1943. He first went to sea aboard the Louis Henipen. The Providence, R.I.-born mariner shipped in the engine department and last sailed on the Ruth Lykes. He started receiving his pension in 1969. William Gagne 76 April 12 Robert Gresham 66 May 6 Bernabe Guillen 92 May 26 Albert Hines 77 May 4 Robert James 67 May 19 Kenneth Keene 75 April 29 Dwain Lattimer 74 May 24 Carlton Marshall 82 April 30 Angelo Martinez 74 April 29 Manuel Neves 80 April 16 Luis Pacheco 79 Jan 28 Pedro Padilla 78 May 14 Armando Pita 87 May 20 JOSEPH MLAKAR Manuel Reyes 88 May 11 Pensioner Joseph Mlakar, 85, passed away April 12. Born in Aurora, Minn., Brother Mlakar launched his career with the NMU in 1942. He initially went to sea aboard the Cartago. Brother Hipolito Rodriguez 79 May 14 Juan Rodriguez 87 Feb. 6 Thomas Stanfield 88 March 25 Lucas Torres 99 April 25 Jose Zaporta 79 April 22 July 2003 �18230_6_8,11_13,19,20,22_23.qxd 6/23/2003 11:51 AM Page 19 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.. EL MORRO (IUM), April 27— Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Donald Ganung, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty Jr., Engine Delegate Pedro Gago, Steward Delegate Theodore E. Quammie. Chairman announced payoff April 29 in Puerto Rico. He advised crew members to read Seafarers LOG, especially president’s report. Notice about renewing mariners’ documents located on bulletin board. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to lower seatime requirements for pension benefits. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), April 27—Chairman Garry D. Walker, Secretary Melvin E. Morgan, Educational Director Alfonso D. Bombita, Steward Delegate Ahmed O. Sharif. Chairman announced payoff April 29 on arrival in Tacoma, Wash. He reminded crew that emergency shipping rules are still in effect and advised them to pay dues on time. Z-cards will be checked when returning to ship from shore. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Those getting off were asked to clean rooms and leave fresh linen and soap for replacement. Vote of thanks given to steward department as well as to Vern Poulsen and the Tacoma shoregang. Next ports: Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), April 15—Chairman Howard Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Educational Director Roger M. Wasserman, Engine Delegate Gregory L. Howard. Chairman thanked everyone for safe voyage. Secre-tary reported new pillows and mattresses received. Educational director talked about facilities at Piney Point for upgrading as well as summer vacation location. He advised crew to check that shipping documents are not due to expire soon. Disputed OT noted in deck department concerning shift from cargo berth to anchorage in Hong Kong Harbor; beef reported in engine department about lodging during dry dock period, also in Hong Kong. Suggestion made to modernize registration procedure. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif. INDUSTRIAL CHALLENGER (PGM), April 13—Chairman Kyle F. Schultz, Secretary Norman Busch. Chairman announced payoff April 28 on arrival in Houston. He asked that rooms be left clean with keys on desk. No word yet on next trip. He advised members to read contract before sailing. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center and of making sure all necessary shipping documents are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to lower age for full retirement, reduce seatime needed for pension and improve dental plan. E-mail is now available on board vessel. Requests made for short wave July 2003 radio, vacuum cleaner, dishwasher and deep-fat fryer. JOHN J. BOLAND (American Steamship), April 27—Chairman Michael J. Keogh, Secretary Denise Chambers-Fox, Educational Director Richard M. Mullins. Chairman talked about monthly meetings and asked anyone with concerns to voice them at that time. Deck delegate noted company policy of walking on deck and dock—no running. Clarification requested on satellite costs, and concerns brought forth regarding travel arrangements. Next port: Ashtabula, Ohio. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), April 4—Chairman Neftali Santana, Secretary Lito G. Acosta, Educational Director Thomas E. Hale, Deck Delegate Ronald Owens, Engine Delegate Nestor Montano, Steward Delegate Wilfred Lambey. Chairman reminded those getting off to clean room for next person. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean, with special thanks to GUDEs Nestor Montano and Nicholas Murgolo. Educational director urged crew members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at school in Piney Point for job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. MAERSK GEORGIA (Maersk Lines), April 12—Chairman James J. Keevan, Secretary Dwight E. Wuerth, Educational Director David A. Fletcher, Deck Delegate Joao F. Cordeiro, Steward Delegate Johny Bolton Jr. Chairman thanked everyone for good job and reminded them to clean rooms before leaving ship. Secretary expressed gratitude for crew’s efforts in helping keep house clean. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and contribute to SPAD. He also stressed importance of keeping z-cards current. Treasurer stated $50 in ship’s fund. Some beefs and disputed OT reported in engine department; none noted in deck or steward departments. Suggestion made for SIU bulletin board in crew lounge for posting of important announcements. Guidelines for smoking areas spelled out in SIU contract. Request made for carpet shampoo machine. Company to arrange crews’ transportation to and from airport. Clarification requested on crew rotation. After stop in Charleston, S.C., ship heading to Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia, returning to Newark, N.J. in June. MOTIVATOR (USSM), April 24—Chairman Anthony Maben, Secretary Matthew Scott, Steward Delegate Tracey L. Newsome. Chairman announced payoff April 27 in New York following long voyage to Persian Gulf with extended stay. He thanked crew for job well done. Secretary advised crew members to stay in touch with local union hall regarding war bonus. Educational director recommended attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Work of two apprentices on board, Travis Pratt and Eric Kranenberg, greatly appreciated. QUALITY (USSM), April 19— Chairman Luke F. Wells, Secretary Franklyn J. Cordero, Educational Director Brian J. Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Simeon Rivas, Engine Delegate Stephen Roberts, Steward Delegate William Muniz. Chairman announced vessel going into yard May 15 for three weeks. Crew reminded to check union hall about returning to ship as well as transportation information. Secretary thanked all departments for helping keep ship and house clean. He asked that everyone return dirty linen and straighten up rooms before ship yard period. Educational director reminded members to work safely at all times. “Pay attention. Accidents can be avoided.” No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Miami; Houston; Elizabeth, N.J. SOUTHDOWN CHALLENGER (HMC Ship Management), April 24—Chairman John F. Cull, Educational Director David L. Knuth, Steward Delegate Joel E. Markle. Chairman announced he and chief engineer are trying to get premium entertainment package for satellite TV. Captain has about $1,200 in satellite TV fund, and this money will go toward movie package. Educational director spoke of importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point and praised programs offered at the school. He also talked about importance of reading contract and shipping rules. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested in deck department as to whether English proficiency test should be stamped in TRB. Chairman handed out applications for benefits, vacation and upgrading. He urged members to give 48 hours notice when requesting leave and informed them to contact union hall upon departing and rejoining vessel. Next ports: Charlevoix, Mich.; Cleveland, Ohio. TONSINA (ATC), April 29— Chairman Jose D. Pedroza, Secretary Gregory G. Keene. Chairman reported company and captain pleased with crew’s performance and safety record. Question of satellite receivers for rooms still on hold until after inspection. Educational director informed members of new clinic in Tacoma for physicals and drug testing. He recommended everyone take upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center and make sure z-cards are up to date. Beef reported in engine department. Discussion held about manning change in new agreement, food budget aboard ATC vessels, inflatable life jackets and gym equipment. Request made for more accuracy in setting sailing board. USNS RED CLOUD (Maersk Lines), April 30—Chairman Thomas H. DeCarlo, Secretary Christine Cassie, Deck Delegate David G. Knutson, Engine Delegate Ted Cooke. Chairman advised crew to keep original letter for eminent danger pay. Amount has increased to $225 retroactive to October. It should be automatically mailed to individuals; if not, submit letter to Maersk for payment. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading and how easy it is to attend facilities at Piney Point and the wide variety of courses offered. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew change expected on arrival in Diego Garcia, May 1. USNS WATKINS (Maersk Lines), April 1—Chairman James K. Walker, Secretary Jack Williams, Steward Delegate Raul Napoles. Bosun talked about war bonus and harbor attack bonus. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $1,575.54 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department. U.S. Army told 2nd mate that USNS Watkins responded to SCUD alert quicker than any other ship. DEVELOPER (USSM), May 10—Chairman Joseph J. Caruso, Secretary Randy A. Stephens, Educational Director Dimarko L. Shoulders. Chairman announced arrival May 12 in Houston. He praised unlicensed crew for their professionalism and performance in getting vessel ready for inspection. Secretary stated he has application forms of all kind for anyone beefs or disputed OT reported. Question asked as to when crew can expect return to normal shipping rules. Everyone asked to help keep things neat aboard ship, including not using light bulb trash can in laundry room for other refuse, and leaving night lunches covered so as not to dry out. KENAI (ATC), May 12— Chairman Christopher J. Kicey, Secretary Dorothy Odoms, Educational Director Dale F. Graham, Deck Delegate Estella Snyder, Engine Delegate Harry Kinsman, Steward Delegate Self Salvation. Chairman announced Easter in Kuwait The USNS Watkins has made six voyages into Kuwait, where it delivered helicopters and other equipment for U.S. troops as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. And that’s where the crew was on Easter Sunday, enjoying a special dinner prepared by (from left) 3rd Cook Justino Martinez, SA Ernesto Gonzaga, Chief Cook Raul Napoles, Chief Steward Jack Williams and SA Jose David. needing them. Educational director advised crew members to check all documents for expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on seniority for all-ports lists. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. HORIZON CHALLENGER (Horizon Lines), May 2—Chairman Roy L. Williams, Secretary Brandon D. Maeda, Educational Director Clive A. Steward. Chairman announced payoff May 6 in Houston. He reported on clarifications sent by headquarters regarding rest periods, permanent jobs and shortening of pension requirement time. Secretary urged crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility. He also stated $205 in ship’s fund. Educational director informed crew of new requirement to collect vacation checks—original pay vouchers and Coast Guard discharges. Clarification requested on withdrawing funds from money purchase pension plan, accumulating extra pension days from vacation days and whether shipping companies are bound to comply with Family Medical Leave Act. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: New Orleans. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), May 4—Chairman Lance X. Zollner, Secretary Sherman W. Anderson, Educational Director Kevin T. McCagh, Deck Delegate Rodolfo Asopardo, Engine Delegate Rolando F. Romanillos, Steward Delegate Bienvenido C. Badillo. Chairman led discussion on how to go about presenting a beef and talked about preventing injuries aboard ship. Secretary stated he was pleased to be aboard the Reliance and looked forward to putting out some exceptional menus. Educational director presented flow chart to crew members showing upgrading possibilities in engine department. It was posted on bulletin board. Treasurer stated $972.88 in ship’s fund. No payoff May 14 on arrival in Valdez, Alaska. Discharge will take place at Cherry Point, Wash. Educational director reminded crew members to check documents to be sure they’re up to date. He also recommended everyone upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and contribute to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made that Seafarers be paid for the day when taking functional assessment test. Chief engineer to address problem with fumes in chief cook’s room. USNS PRIDE (Maersk Lines), May 17—Chairman Jessie L. Thomas Jr., Secretary Jonny Cruz, Educational Director Christos Tsipliareles, Deck Delegate Raygene Banks, Engine Delegate Ronald M. Pheneuf. Chairman announced payoff May 18 in Houston and asked that everyone be present for payoff and visit with patrolman. He also reminded crew to keep shipping documents up to date. Secretary reported good trip and thanked members for helping keep ship clean. Educational director stressed continual need for upgrading and self-improvement at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have luggage locker on board. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good menus and meals. Next ports: Freeport, Bahamas; Norfolk, Va.; Rotterdam, Holland. WASHINGTON (ATC), May 11—Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Robert Mensching, Educational Director Mo Johnson, Deck Delegate Jay Kannuck, Engine Delegate Antonio Libo-on, Steward Delegate Gary Lofton. Chairman explained bonus vacation day program and how to obtain it. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding payment of health claims. Thanks given to steward department for find food. Thanks also given to company for DVDs in each room. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Valdez, Alaska. Seafarers LOG 19 �18230_6_8,11_13,19,20,22_23.qxd 6/26/2003 7:18 PM Page 20 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.) Recognizing a Rep On March 25, 2002, the Three Rivers Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans chartered a bus to Harrisburg, the state capital. Members of the Mon Valley, High Seas Mariners, and John Brown chapters also attended. House Bill 2450 was introduced on this day. The bill is for a $500 bonus for the seamen from World War II. These seamen must be residents of Pennsylvania. When we left Harrisburg, we had 62 cosponsors. When I arrived home, I went to the office of State Representative John A. Maher and got the phone numbers of the 203 state reps plus the phone numbers of 48 state senators. At the end of the year, we had 195 cosponsors. This bill did not get voted on. So, John introduced House Bill 56 earlier this year. We have 118 cosponsors and the bill is in committee. On April 24, 2003, our chapter presented John a plaque that reads: Presented to State Representative John A. Maher, In grateful appreciation for your out- Pennsylvania State Representative John A. Maher (right) accepts a plaque from Leo Bebout, president of the AMMV’s Three Rivers Chapter. standing and dedicated service on behalf of the Pennsylvania Merchant Mariners. Leo Bebout President, Three Rivers Chapter Bethel Park, Pa. (The following letter was sent last month to SIU President Michael Sacco) Buy Union I am sending this plea out to all international unions in an effort to assist what is left of our domestic UNION manufacturers in the textile and apparel industry. For the past three decades, I and many of you have continued to fight the battles trying to stave off the annihilation of our industries. But, like many of you, we have continued to lose ground through the dumping of imports into our domestic markets and/or the exporting of jobs in search of cheap global labor. None of this, of course, was any fault of U.S. workers, including our members. Much of the problem has to do with the pressures being placed on manufacturing through retailers like Wal-Mart and others constantly squeezing their margins. In the end, if you can’t produce your product at the same price as China or some other Third World nation, then they pull the plug. Back at home in the U.S., we watch all kinds of games being played by businesses to retain a “Made in USA” label, including sweatshops like Kathy Lee Gifford’s brands (naturally) at Wal-Mart; Ralph Lauren brands made in Saipan (which qualifies through a Made in USA loophole); and, of course, just plain sweatshops that people set up around major cities where large numbers of immigrants reside who can be exploited. Once (or if) caught violating wage and hour or other laws, they simply move operations and set up under a different name. We’ve all seen and heard the stories and worked very hard to educate the public on what it means to “Buy American and Keep America Working.” But, as illustrated in the examples above, buying American doesn’t always mean that products will be made under the conditions and values we as trade unionists believe in. We in the labor movement can influence our membership and the public only so far. But, as leaders and heads of various organizations, we can decide whether we sign a check or approve an invoice. We can say that “Made in USA” is not good enough when there are unionmade products available. I hear every day from our unionized manufacturers getting their throats cut by non-union domestic competitors selling to organized labor who say “Made in USA” is good enough, as long as they can save a dollar here and there. And when others in the movement say it’s our responsibility to go out and organize these non-union shops, I can tell you that when we try, the companies take the profits (made from sales to labor) and hire the best union busters money can buy. When confronted, these manufacturers will look you straight in the eye and say, “WHY NOT keep the union out? I’m getting your business anyway.” And they’re right! They are getting our business and we have only ourselves in the labor movement to blame. I am asking in this letter for a concerted effort by organized labor to demand a union label, bug or card on products or services that we as organizations purchase. Can we control OUR market? That is the question we need to ask ourselves. Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must file an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS; and retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years. Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their unions represent and businesses that deal with their unions. that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA. (Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401-531 of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www.dol.gov.) 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: Dave Johnson UFCW International Vice President President, UFCW Textile & Garment Council Hermitage, Tenn. Thanks for Bonus As a pensioner, I would like to thank the trustees of the NMU for their consideration of retirees by giving us an extra pension check earlier this year for a bonus. It is much appreciated and I am glad to see that we are not forgotten for the years we spent at sea. A percentage increase in the future would be nice, considering the cost of living in this country. Tyrone Patrick Navarre, Fla. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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 20 Seafarers LOG 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. MEMBER RIGHTS/LMRDA. The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights: Union members have equal rights to participate in union activities; freedom of speech and assembly; a voice in setting rates of dues, fees and assessments; protection of the right to sue; and safeguards against improper discipline. Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS. Officer Elections: Union members have the right to nominate candidates for office; run for office; cast a secret ballot; and protest the conduct of an election. Officer Removal: Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected officer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA. Officer Elections: Unions must hold elections of officers of local unions by secret ballot at least every three years; conduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year; mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election; comply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material; not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used); permit candidates to have election observers; and allow candidates to inspect the union’s membership list once within 30 days prior to the election. Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee Michael Sacco, President Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746. July 2003 �18230_p1,3,5,9,10,14,21.qxd 6/24/2003 6:46 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Recertification Bosun The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of the year. 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. October 6 Engine Upgrading Courses Arrival Date Date of Completion Oiler July 14 September 8 November 3 August 22 October 17 December 12 Welding July 14 September 8 October 6 November 3 August 1 September 26 October 24 November 21 Engine Utility (EU) August 11 September 29 November 17 September 5 October 24 December 12 QMED Junior Engineer September 22 December 12 Course Deck Upgrading Courses Course Able Seaman Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) Arrival Date Date of Completion July 7 August 18 September 29 November 10 August 1 September 12 October 24 December 5 September 8 September 12 Safety Specialty Courses Course Advanced Fire Fighting* – (5-day course) (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have radar unlimited) November 3 Arrival Date Date of Completion July 28 November 3 August 1 November 7 Celestial Navigation July 7 July 25 Advanced Fire Fighting – (2-week course) September 1 September 12 GMDSS (Simulator) August 4 September 15 August 15 September 26 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW Lifeboatman/Water Survival August 4 September 15 October 27 August 15 September 26 November 7 August 11 August 25 September 15 October 27 August 15 August 29 September 19 October 31 Government Vessels Radar July 14 August 25 July 25 September 5 September 1 October 20 November 3 September 5 October 24 November 7 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) July 7 August 25 October 13 December 1 July 18 September 5 October 24 December 12 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* July 21 September 8 October 27 August 1 September 19 November 7 August 25 August 29 Navigation Fundamentals August 4 (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) August 15 Steward Upgrading Courses Academic Department Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning June 23. 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No 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? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ July 2003 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 7/03 Seafarers LOG 21 �18230_6_8,11_13,19,20,22_23.qxd 6/23/2003 11:53 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 639 — Unlicensed apprentices who graduated from class 639 are (in alphabetical order) William Boardman III, Robert Brady, Marvin Charles, Gary Cruz, Nathan Garrison, Christopher Gustafson, Si Hughes, Damien James, Douglas Lowry, Andrea Mercado, Michael Merrell Jr., Santos Pabon Jr., Carlos Perez-Arroyo, Robert Raines, Steven Richards, Daniel Smith Jr., Matthew Whitmore and Brett Younginger. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Graduating from the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course May 16 are (in no particular order) Kenny Lattin, Sandra Anderson, Joshua Harris, Jeffery Jack, Stephen Trotter, Michael Price, Marcelino Cayabyab, Stephen Ruppert, William Dukes, Todd Jennings, Sean Tracey, John Zepeda and Mohamed Saleh. Express Marine/Deck — Express Marine boatmen who successfully completed deck department courses April 25 are (in no particular order) Gil Pruitt, Foster Watts, Robert Batson, Russell Hudson, Ernest Parks, Bradley Thomas and Wayne Huebschman. Their instructor, Herb Walling, is back, center. STOS — Receiving certificates for completion of the STOS course May 30 are Alaskan Fishermen (in alphabetical order) Sandra Anderson, Joshua Harris, Jeffery Jack, Todd Jennings, Michael Price, Sean Tracey and Stephen Trotter. Fast Rescue Boat — Under the Express Marine/Engine — Completing courses April 25 in the engine department curriculum are boatmen from Express Marine (in no particular order) Larry Foreman, Arthur Schwedeman, Robert Perusse, Robert Yates, Ronnie Fulcher, Richard Riddick, Wesley Ross, Craig Barton and Pierre Daigle. Their instructors are Eric Malzkuhn (far left) and Jay Henderson (far right). instruction of Stan Beck (standing, rear) are Seafarers who completed the fast rescue boat course May 30. They are (in alphabetical order) Kenny Abrahamson, Michael Archer, Terry Bader, Doug Carson, Brett Hensley and John Shank. Computer Lab Classes Recent graduates of the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center pose with their certificates. From the left (standing) are Loren Wolfe, Rich Prucha (instructor) and Richard West. Seated is Kimberly Strate. 22 Seafarers LOG ARPA — Successfully completing the ARPA course May 9 are (from left) Donald McGraw, David Massey, Douglas Carson, Blair Baker, Michael Proveaux, Leonard Lambert, Benjamin Barnes and Felipe Jimenez. July 2003 �18230_6_8,11_13,19,20,22_23.qxd 6/23/2003 11:54 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Bridge Resource Management — Under the instruction of Herb Walling (center) are students who completed the BRM course May 16. They are John Lavergne (left) and Felipe Jimenez. Welding — The two-week welding course was completed May 16 by (in alphabetical order) Alfonza Davis, Harold Gerber, Bobby Jones, Melissa LeonGuerrero and William Parker. Their instructor, Buzzy Adams, is second from right. Bridge Resource Management — Completing the bridge resource management course June 6 are (front row, from left) Benjamin Barnes, Daniel Englund, Douglas Carson, (second row) Mike Thomas, John Toomey and Herb Walling (instructor). Any student who has registered for a class and finds— for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. GMDSS — Graduating from the GMDSS course May 23 are (in alphabetical order) Michael Archer, Douglas Carson, Barry Freeman, Leonard Lambert, Anthony Lowman, David Massey and Rafik Shahbin. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is at far right. Celestial Navigation — With their instructor, Stacy Harris (third from left) are May 30 graduates of the celestial navigation course (in alphabetical order) Benjamin Barnes, Daniel Englund, Kenneth Lewin, William Schuppman, Michael Thomas, Jerome Wong and Stella Zebrowski. Engine Utility — Upgrading Seafarers and unlicensed apprentices in the third phase of their training completed the engine utility course May 30. They are (in no particular order) Anthony Newsome, Terrance Colbert, John Stephenson, Maurice Perry, Forrest McGee, Adam Revels, Gerald Butler Jr., Erwin Liebhart, Samuel Brewer, Reginald Colbert, Antonio Perez, Sam Vanderbrug, Douglas Jardine, Brian Goeson, Matthew Waldman, Aguilo Llorente and Harrison Hawkins. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Express Marine/Engine — May 23 was graduation day for Express Marine boatmen taking engine department courses at the Piney Point school. They included (in no specific order) Johnnie Potter, Donald Fulcher, Leslie Anderson, Albin Henries, David Harris, Jackie Pruitt, Ernest Ross, Guy Ireland, Roland Mason Jr. and Roy Gritz. Basic Safety Training Classes Mohamed Algalham, Timothy Belcher, Vincent Chavez, Nikunj Christian, Edward Dunn, Stephen Harrington, John Hayward, Joseph Irving, Jeffrey Leote, Antonio Mercado, Kenneth Roetzer, Angel Sanchez, Catarino Thomas, David Turinski, Leo Venegas and Charles Westover. July 2003 Alaska Fishermen: Gary Bell, Elpidio Cainag Jr., Rollin Crump, Calvin Edwards, Andrew Esteban, Samuel Finley, Jeffrey Jenkinson, William Jones Sr., Angel Manlunas Jr., Kimberly Nathan, Robert Newcomb, Armando Olde, Lawrence Ramirez and Thessolonian Smith. Seafarers LOG 23 �18230_p4,15_18,24.qxd 6/26/2003 7:37 PM Page 24 Volume 65 Number 7 July 2003 Seafarers may apply for ‘Union Plus’ benefits — page 10 RRF Crews Get Hero’s Welcome from MarAd Administration Honors Every Vessel Activated for Iraqi Freedom Seafarers who sailed aboard Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels that were activated for Operation Iraqi Freedom are being honored by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) at shipboard and pier-side ceremonies throughout the nation. Forty RRF ships were activated for the war—and MarAd is conducting welcome-home ceremonies for every one of them. By mid-June, more than 30 of the vessels had been recognized by the agency. “MarAd has made an absolutely tremendous effort to acknowledge the civilian mariners who sailed during Operation Iraqi Freedom,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco, who has participated in some of the ceremonies. “The SIU and all of maritime labor appreciate the recognition, and we do not take it for granted.” During the proceedings, Seafarers receive the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal, along with a personalized certificate and a commemorative ball cap. The medal is awarded to those who serve on U.S.-flag ships in support of operations involving American and allied armed forces. Crews from the Cape Victory and Cape Vincent were praised May 20 at a ceremony in Beaumont, Texas. U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert told the audience, “The maritime community has served America with great distinction during every major crisis in our nation’s history, and the mariners who crew the ships are the cornerstone of this effort. From the Revolutionary War, through both World Wars, the Korean War and up to today, our mariners have willingly defended and served this nation with enthusiasm and valor.” The RRF fleet supports the rapid worldwide deployment of U.S. military forces. Specifically, RRF vessels support the transport of Army and Marine Corps unit equipment, combat support equipment, and initial resupply during surge sealift operations. RRF ships moved a substantial portion of the estimated 21 million square feet of materiel utilized by U.S. forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom. More than 2,000 SIU members sailed on U.S.-flag ships that mobilized for the war. Altogether, including civilian mariners employed by the government (CIVMARS), more than 5,000 U.S. mariners sailed during the war. CAPE VINCENT — Crew members from the Cape Vincent (top) await the start of the program May 20 in Beaumont, while local schoolchildren (bottom) display a handmade sign welcoming the mariners. CORNHUSKER STATE – Left: Bosun Scott Pell (left) and AB Bill Humphries sailed aboard the Cornhusker State during the war. Right: AB Joe Urso (left) receives the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal from M. Nuns Jain, director of MarAd’s South Atlantic Region, during a ceremony aboard the Cornhusker State May 18 in Newport News, Va. CAPE HUDSON — Cape Hudson crew members who sailed during the war and were honored May 6 in Norfolk, Va. included AB Frank Guido, Wiper I. Edison, GSU Frank Ward, AB B. Watson, AB Vincent Valdere, Electrician Patrick Warncke and Oiler James Corprew. CAPE HUDSON — Chief Cook Ken Laws prepares for serving lunch. Fellow crew members said the Cape Hudson is a good feeder. CAPE HUDSON — AB Frank Guido mans the gangway. CAPE VINCENT — En route to the Persian Gulf aboard the Cape Vincent are (from left) AB Bobby Adams, Bosun Maurice Martin and AB Donald Kelly. CAPE TRINITY — Above left: Seafarers from the Cape Trinity display their certificates and medals that were presented by MarAd. Above right (from left): U.S. Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas), Recertified Bosun Tom Arriola and SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey are pictured May 16 at a ceremony for the Cape Trinity crew in Houston. CAPE VICTORY — SIU Assistant VP Jim McGee (left) congratulates Seafarers on the Cape Victory following their May 20 ceremony in Beaumont, Texas. � 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 July 2003 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES GEN. HANDY LAUDS U.S. CREWS FOR ‘DEDICATION, PATRIOTISM, EXCELLENCE’ MARAD CEREMONY FOR WRIGHT BRINGS POWERFUL PRAISE TOTE CHRISTENS NEW RO/RO NORTH STAR CREWS AT STARLIGHT MARINE BIDCO VOTE FOR SEAFARERS NEW ‘FREEDOM FERRY’ MEANS MORE SIU JOBS SIU WELCOMES NEW CABLE SHIP USNS COMFORT COMES HOME ILO DELEGATES APPROVE UNIVERSALL MARINER ID IMO EXAMINES SAFETY, SECURITY, VERFICATION SID SMITH DIES AT 77 U.S. MARINERS ARE A ‘NATIONAL TREASURE’ SEAFARERS HELP IN WAR EFFORT ABOARD THE CAPE EDMONT ALASKA TANKER COMPANY EARNS MORE SAFETY AWARDS AB SANDS ENJOYS CHALLENGES, BENEFIRTS OF CYCLING NATIONAL MARITIME DAY 2003 MERCHANT MARINE’S WARTIME EFFORTS PAST AND PRESENT GARNER STRONG PRAISE NEW CALIFORNIA MONUMENT HONORS MARINERS FROM WWII RRF CREWS GET HERO’S WELCOME FROM MARAD ADMINISTRATION HONORS EVERY VESSEL ACTIVATED FOR IRAQI FREEDOM Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 07/01/2003 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. 65, No 7 2003 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/f7a4e52816c63859e7a8e90882b16ec7.pdf 07cbeb433132ba1aa77b131bfcbd51b6 PDF Text Text Volume 65, Number 8 August 2003 U.S. HEALTH CARE Costs Keep Rising, Tens of Millions Are Uninsured — and There’s No End in Sight Pages 12-13 5 More Ships Join SIU Fleet Seafarers are crewing up five additional vessels that are new to the SIU fleet, including Matson’s Manukai (above), which was christened last month in Philadelphia. Seafarers are sailing in the steward department aboard the Manukai and on the new LMSR USNS Benavidez. On the other three newly contracted ships, the SIU fills all unlicensed positions. Page 3. New Hall Opening In Joliet, Illinois The SIU is on schedule to open a new union hall in Joliet, Ill. by September at the latest. The new facility occupies two stories and approximately 2,500 square feet on the corner at 10 East Clinton Street. Page 3. Great Lakes Seafarers Rescue 3 Fishermen Page 4 3 CIVMAR Vessels Earn Safety Awards Mariners Receive Medals For Supporting U.S. Troops Pages 7, 9 ITF Inspectors Assist Crews on 2 FOC Ships Page 6 Page 24 �President’s Report Remembering Paul Hall Paul Hall, our union’s second president, had an all-consuming passion for helping Seafarers better themselves and improve their standard of living. He was so devoted to the membership and so completely committed to the SIU. But, Paul’s enthusiasm for work wasn’t his only strength. In many ways, he was a visionary—and that never was more evident than in 1966, when the SIU acquired land in southern Maryland to consolidate its training efforts. A year later, the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship opened on that site. Believe me, the early days of the school in Piney Michael Sacco Point were no picnic. The property only contained old wooden military barracks, a two-story hotel and some piers. Paul Hall saw far beyond the sparse accommodations. He believed that education was vital to members bettering themselves, and he understood the potential that existed at the school. In fact, back in the 1950s he led the union in implementing training and upgrading programs at halls in New York, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans and Houston. Piney Point represented the next logical step—a chance to not only offer training at a central location, but also to affiliate with a facility that could expand with the needs of the U.S. fleet. If Paul were alive today, I’m positive he would be pleased—but not surprised—at the success of what is now known as the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The school truly is world class, from the instructors and staff to the facilities and training equipment. It’s an absolutely comprehensive institution offering everything from entry-level training to license preparation to academic support and more. In short, it lives up to the hype. The Paul Hall Center really is a successful partnership between labor and management. It is jointly administered by boards of trustees representing, respectively, the union and our contracted operators. They do a great job of keeping the school—and its students—at least one step ahead of the constantly changing needs in our industry. On that note, I’d say it’s very fitting that the U.S. Department of Labor’s first-ever endorsement of an apprentice program for U.S. mariners arrived in time for Paul Hall’s birthday. When U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao sent the news last month, it marked another proud, historic moment for a school named after someone who always believed that SIU members were the best and deserved the best. Like the school itself, the trainee program has grown from humble beginnings. Today, the curriculum is second to none—and the importance of the program is unsurpassed. That’s because the new people entering our industry are the future of the SIU. And it’s going to be a bright future, thanks to the work of today’s Seafarers; thanks to your support of this administration; and thanks to the unrelenting and perceptive leadership of our late, great President Paul Hall. On August 18, when we observe what would have been Paul’s 89th birthday, I encourage all Seafarers to spend a quiet moment remembering him and what he did for our union. Health Care Emergency Last month, administrators from the health plans of the U.S. maritime unions met at SIU headquarters to begin investigating ways of working together to fight against the constantly increasing costs of health care. It was a positive meeting and it represented a good start as maritime labor pulls together during the national health care emergency. Other maritime unions have committed to take part in upcoming meetings as part of the group. Across the country, the rising costs of medical coverage are hurting working families. It’s a complex issue, but there are a few basic truths that stand out. For starters, there are more than 41 million Americans who don’t have health coverage—and most of them live in households with working family members. Also, according to various newspaper and magazine reports, as much as 20 percent of every dollar spent to carry health coverage represents the cost of caring for the uninsured. In other words, the people who have benefits pay for those who don’t. Union members are feeling the effects of this crisis. More and more, health care has become a main issue in collective bargaining. In many cases, it is the focal point of negotiations. As anyone who has recently served on a bargaining committee knows, it becomes harder and harder with each contract to maintain good, affordable benefits. The SIU has never been afraid of a fair fight, and we’re determined to make progress in this battle. At times, though, it seems as if America’s working families have our hands tied behind our backs in the struggle to secure and maintain decent, affordable health coverage. We will be reporting more on this topic in the coming months. I hope that all SIU members will follow this issue. Volume 65, Number 8 August 2003 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2003 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG A Message from Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Dear SIU Members, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to each of you for valiantly doing your part to support U.S. troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom. While the war against terrorism continues, President George W. Bush has declared the end of major combat operations in Iraq. The United States and our allies prevailed in our fight to liberate the people of Iraq and end the threat Saddam Hussein posed to world peace and security. A strong U.S.-flag fleet was crucial to the success of Operation Iraqi Freedom. More than 5,000 U.S. merchant mariners voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way to transport much-needed equipment and supplies to our troops serving in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Many of you are still at work— transporting food and machinery to feed the Iraqi people and rebuild their country. Thank you for the great sacrifice each of you makes every day to serve your country and to protect the American dream. The American dream has always been at the heart of the U.S. Merchant Marine. In fact, there was an American merchant marine before there was an American nation. The story of our merchant mariners and their contributions to our nation is one of heroism and sacrifice. Paul Hall knew that and wanted American seamen to have the very best of everything. He wanted SIU members to have an opportunity to advance. He was also concerned about the next generation of American seamen and wanted young people to have the opportunity to start a career at sea. Consistent with Paul Hall’s vision, the SIU, school leadership and I recently developed and approved the first ever National Apprenticeship Standards for the maritime industry. SIU President Mike Sacco deserves a special word of recognition for his efforts during this process. This will be a new program offered at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The program will include apprenticeship training for the occupations of Able Seaman, Firer Marine (FOWT), and Chief Cook. These apprenticeship programs range from 2,760 to 4,000 hours of on-the-job training supplemented by instruction in the classroom. The Paul Hall Center apprenticeship program will be a competency-based training program that meets U.S. Coast Guard Certification requirements. Applicants accepted and registered as apprentices must meet the following minimum qualifications: z Must be at least 18 years old (at least 17 years old with parental consent); z Must be able to comply with the physical fitness standards of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, be free of drug and alcohol issues, and be able to pass a drug SIU President Visits Command That Controls Sealift, Other Lift SIU President Michael Sacco recently visited the United States Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. (TRANSCOM) at the invitation osf Gen. John W. Handy, commander. They discussed the Maritime Security Program (MSP) reauthorization, the status of the U.S. Merchant Marine, and the “pulse” of the U.S.-flag commercial sealift industry. “The command really makes a great use of sealift to save millions of dollars,” Sacco said. “Our mariners are part of a very big picture, supporting a global mission, and I know they are giving 100 percent of their expertise and professionalism when manning their ships.” The SIU president examined why TRANSCOM is the Department of Defense’s single manager for common-user lift and provides air, land and sea transportation for all of the military services, the other combatant commands, and numerous federal agencies during peace and war. He toured the Joint Mobility Operations Center—the control center for all lift—that includes Transportation Visibility, which has vital information required by a number of transportation centers; the Global Patient Movement and Requirements Center, which tracks every medical patient in the Global Transportation System; and the Joint Operations Intelligence Center, a forward element of the directorate of intelligence. Sacco also was given a tour of Air Mobility Command’s (AMC) Tanker/Airlift Control Center, also located at Scott. AMC, also commanded by Handy, is the air component of TRANSCOM and has control, through the TACC, of all air assets within TRANSCOM, to include contracted airlift support. At a recent awards ceremony conducted in Baltimore for mariners aboard the SIU-crewed RRF ship Wright, Handy praised the efforts of the U.S. Merchant Marine crewing 54 reserve ships activated in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). “To date, more than 1 million tons of materiel have been moved by sea in support of OIF and the spigot is still open; sustainment to our forces and materiel for the rebuilding of Iraq continue to Elaine L. Chao U.S. Secretary of Labor screen test; z Must have either a high school diploma (or GED equivalency) or pass a standardized test that will demonstrate the applicant’s ability to benefit from the program; and z Must be able to meet all U.S. Coast Guard established criteria for the issuance of a merchant mariner’s document and be free of convictions by any court for violations of the law that would disqualify an applicant from obtaining merchant mariners documents from the U.S. Coast Guard. The educational opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center demonstrate the Seafarers’ unsurpassed commitment to quality. Your training center has earned the admiration of government agencies and the maritime industry. The new apprenticeship program created by the cooperative efforts of the U.S. Department of Labor and the SIU will advance our shared goal of increasing the number of highly skilled American seamen. Thank you for all you are doing for this great country and smooth sailing, Elaine L. Chao U.S. Secretary of Labor flow—and in large measure thanks to the vitality, determination and commitment of merchant mariners,” he said. “Throughout history, our merchant mariners have proven themselves to be great patriots,” he went on. “They have come from all walks of life, rising to the challenge, achieving extraordinary accomplishments, and ultimately shaping our world for the better. This has been the case in every conflict abroad since the founding of our country—regardless of risk or personal convenience. Your willingness to continue to sail into harm’s way, answering the call to service stands as testament to your courage and heroism. Today, you are part of that great legacy.” Handy added, “We proudly salute the exemplary patriotism, dedication, and professionalism of the mariners...who have served in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.” (Photo by Dave Patterson) SIU President Michael Sacco (center) visits the Joint Mobility Operations Center at U.S. Transportation Command. Gen. John W. Handy (right), commander, and Col. Glen Joerger, briefer, provide the tour. August 2003 �Manukai Christening Represents Rebirth of Ship and Shipyard “Today we are celebrating the birth of a new ship for Hawaii,” said Senator Daniel K. Inouye (DHawaii) at the July 12 christening of Matson Navigation Co.’s first new ship of the 21st century, the Manukai. As the first vessel built in the newly revitalized Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard (where the ceremony took place) and the first newly constructed vessel introduced by Matson since 1992 (the last was the R.J. Pfeiffer), the containership will mean more jobs in the steward department for members of the SIU. The Manukai is the first of a two-ship, $200 million contract between Matson and Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard and is the first vessel to be built in Philadelphia in 34 years. A sister ship is presently under construction and is expected to be added to Matson’s fleet of Jones Act trade vessels next year. Joining in the celebrations were hundreds of spectators, including SIU members and officials, political leaders, industry representatives and shipyard workers and their families. “This new ship will help ensure that Matson continues to provide Hawaii with efficient, dependable ocean transportation services of superior quality and value,” noted Allen Doane, chairman of the board at Matson. “It has been designed and built specifically for our Hawaii service customers and will meet the current demands of our market.” He also stated, “As the first ship to be built here in 34 years, the Manukai marks the return of Philadelphia as a major shipbuilding center. Today’s christening not only celebrates the birth of a new ship, but also the rebirth of a shipyard.” In his remarks at the christening, Sen. Inouye added, “No state in the nation is more acutely aware of the vital role our U.S. Jones Act fleet has in serving domestic waterways. For those of us who call Hawaii home, the steady flow of cargo vessels coming to and from the state is essential.” It was fitting that Margaret Inouye, wife of the senator, christened the new vessel. In 1969 she also christened Matson’s Hawaiian Enterprise, which later was renamed the Manukai. That vessel completed more than 700 voyages and carried in excess of a million containers of cargo while it was in service—a record for the Hawaiian trade. The new high-tech, diesel-powered Manukai is more fuel efficient. With a length of 712 feet, the Manukai has the capacity to carry as many as 2,600 containers. After completing sea trials this summer, the Manukai will enter Matson’s West Coast-to-Hawaii trade route in the fall, replacing an older ship. Matson operates eight vessels in the Hawaiian trade. Gathered for the christening ceremony are (from left) Brad Mulholland, vice chairman, Matson Navigation Co.; Allen Doane, president and CEO, Alexander & Baldwin and chairman, Matson; Margaret Inouye; Senator Daniel K. Inouye; Charles M. Stockholm, chairman of Alexander & Baldwin; Jim Andrasick, president and CEO, Matson, and his wife, Ginger. Following sea trials this summer, the Manukai will enter Matson’s trade route from the West Coast to Hawaii in the fall. No Letup Here: SIU Fleet Gains 4 More Vessels The SIU recently added four more ships to its contracted fleet: a freighter, a chemical carrier, a special mission vessel and an LMSR. The newest vessel is the USNS Benavidez, part of the Bob Hope class of large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessels sailing in the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet. The Benavidez is expected to arrive in Corpus Christi, Texas this month. Built at Avondale Shipyard in New Orleans, the Benavidez is 950 long, 106 feet wide and can sail at 24 knots. It is named after the late Vietnam War veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Roy P. Benavidez. Seafarers are sailing in the steward department aboard the new LMSR, which is operated by Patriot. On the other three newly contracted ships, the SIU fills all unlicensed positions. The Observation Island also is The Observation Island monitors compliance with strategic arms treaties and supports U.S. military weapons test programs. part of MSC’s fleet and is the agency’s lone missile range instrumentation ship. Operated by Maersk Line, Limited, the Observation Island 564 feet long, 76 feet wide and can sail at 20 knots. According to MSC, the Observation Island “operates worldwide, monitoring compliance with strategic arms treaties and supporting U.S. military weapons test programs. Observation Island carries an Air Force shipborne phased-array radar system for collecting data on missile tests. The ship is operated by MSP in Conference Senate Commerce Committee Also Passes Measure Legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) remained in a HouseSenate conference committee as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. The House in late May passed language providing for reauthorization of the MSP as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004. The updated MSP would be extended for 10 additional years, beginning in October 2005, immediately after the current version expires. The expanded MSP also calls for increasing the number of participants from 47 ships to 60 ships. The Senate’s version of the August 2003 Defense bill (also approved in late May) didn’t include MSP language. However, in late June, the Senate Commerce Committee, chaired by Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), okayed legislation that includes a 10-year MSP reauthorization. The committee’s MSP component is contained in a bill (S. 1262) that would fund the Maritime Administration for the next five years. Although it slightly differs from the House version, it, too calls for increasing the number of participants from 47 ships to 60 ships. The current MSP was signed into law in 1996. The program provides limited funding for 47 Military Sealift Command for the U.S. Air Force Technical Applications Center at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.” Also new to the Seafarers fleet is the MV Virginian, operated by Sealift Tankships. The 480-foot freighter was built in Germany in 1983. It features a diesel propulsion system that provides 16,320 hp. Finally, Seafarers are sailing aboard the Chemical Pioneer, operated by USCS Chemical Chartering LLC. The ship is 688 feet long and is equipped with 48 cargo tanks. U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed commercial vessels which are made available to the Defense Department in times of war or national emergency. To be included in the MSP, participants also provide the military access to their infrastructure, terminals, communications network and more. The MSP has helped ensure that the United States has a pool of skilled American mariners ready to crew not only the MSP vessels, but also U.S. government-owned strategic sealift and Ready Reserve Force ships. This program has helped America maintain a U.S.-flag presence in the world’s ports. And, various high-ranking officials have pointed out that the government would have to spend 10 times as much as it does now to replicate what the MSP provides. The SIU’s newest hall occupies two stories at 10 East Clinton Street in Joliet, Ill. SIU’s Newest Hall To Open in Joliet, Ill. The SIU is on schedule to open a new union hall in Joliet, Ill. by next month (September) at the latest. The hall is located at 10 East Clinton Street in downtown Joliet. The union occupies two stories of the building, which is accessible via public transportation (rail and bus). Also, multiple parking lots and garages are located within one to two blocks of the hall, which consists of approximately 2,500 square feet. “It will be a full-service port, and I think it’s going to be a very busy hall,” said SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski. “We noticed we had increasing membership in the Chicago metropolitan area, and this gives the Great Lakes region a middle point between Algonac (Mich.) and Duluth (Minn.).” The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is working out final details of contracting with a health clinic near the hall. Joliet is the seventh-largest city in Illinois, with a population of more than 106,000. More details about the hall will be published in the next issue of the Seafarers LOG and on the union’s web site (www.seafarers.org). The Joliet hall will be a fullservice port for Seafarers. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, September 1, 2003 for the observance of Labor Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. Seafarers LOG 3 �SIU Crew Helps Rescue Lakes Fishermen Four fishermen from the Great Lakes owe a debt of gratitude to the crew of the SIU-contracted American Mariner. Seafarers aboard the American Steamship Co. vessel on July 12 helped rescue three of the four from an uncertain fate after they were spotted floating in the water wearing life jackets. Their 18foot fishing boat had sunk off the shore of Ashtabula, Ohio. The American Mariner, having departed Ashtabula after loading coal for discharge in Charlevoix, Mich., passed about four miles from shore when alert crew members including ABG Watchman Foaad Saleh caught sight of the ill-fated fishermen and their capsized craft. The following SIU members were aboard the American Mariner when the rescue took place: Bosun Albert Brzezinski, AB Wheelsman Robert Timmons, AB Wheelsman Art Beauchamp, AB Wheelsman Leon Pulley, ABG Watchman Saleh, AB Watchman Donald Hutchens, Conveyorman Kenneth Guss, Gateman Mousa Quarish, QMED James Reilly, DEU Jack Povaser, DEU Mohamed Ali, DEU Brian Green, 2nd Cook Nasser Aljalham, SA Gary Lapczynski and Unlicensed Apprentice Curtis Tobey. After spotting the fishermen and informing the U.S. Coast Guard station in Fairport, Ohio of the situation, the American Mariner altered course and moved in to pluck the trio from Lake Erie. Once aboard the American Mariner, the rescued fishermen told the crew that their vessel had gone down some four hours earlier and that the sinking had h a p - pened so suddenly that they did not have time to radio for help. Their most distressing news, however was that a fourth fisherman—a male confined to a wheelchair—also had been aboard their vessel and was in the water somewhere in the vicinity. Fortunately for him, a crew from the Coast Guard station was patrolling the area. Once on the scene, they quickly rescued the fourth fisherman who had been discharged from his wheelchair and was being kept afloat by a life jacket. The three men aboard the American Mariner later were taken to the Coast Guard vessel. All four were then transported to the Coast Guard station at Ashtabula. One of the fishermen had to be placed on a backboard during the transit due to bruises and soreness incurred during the sinking of the fishing boat. The fourth rescued individual had multiple sclerosis and was mildly hypothermic. All four were examined by emergency medical Crew members from the American Mariner carry out the rescue of three fishermen July 12 near Ashtabula, Ohio. A fourth man was saved by the Coast Guard. services personnel and released. Thomas S. Anderson, assistant vice president for American Steamship Co. Fleet Operations, praised the efforts of the Seafarers. In a memo to the captain of the American Mariner, he wrote in part: “I am writing to commend all of you for the rescue of the four fishermen in distress off of Ashtabula on July 12, 2003. The four men had been in the water since mid-day when your sharp lookout spotted the capsized boat…. I have seen the photos of the rescue and cannot tell you how proud I am of the job all of you did. Simply great, professional work and seamanship resulted in the rescue of these men. I don’t know how much longer they would have lasted in that Lake Erie water, but without your quick actions it may have not been much longer.” Seafarers aboard Alaska Tanker Company vessels have helped put together a remarkable stretch of safe operations. Alaska Tanker Company Marks Safety Milestone Spill-Free Year Is Latest Achievement Setting Wage Rates in American Samoa SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC), at once duly proud and determined to build on its success, recently celebrated a significant safety achievement. July 5 marked the completion of one year without any of ATC’s ships spilling any oil to sea—anywhere. “This remarkable achievement complements our safety performance, where we have completed well over three million man-hours without a lost time injury,” noted ATC President and CEO Anil Mathur in a communication to ATC crews. “During this period, ATC has transported 170 million barrels of oil out of Alaska.” Mathur vowed that ATC “will continue its relentless journey of continuously improving our performance on ALL fronts. Equally, we realize that such an achievement would not be possible without your support, cooperation and guidance. Thank you for making this achievement possible.” Additionally, as previously reported, the following ATC vessels recently were recognized for operating for at least the last two years without a lost-time accident: Overseas Chicago, Overseas New York, Tonsina, Prince William Sound, Overseas Boston, Kenai and Denali. Also, the entire ATC fleet for the past several years has reduced what the company calls “recordable injury frequency” to zero or almost nothing. That includes no lost-time injuries last year into the second half of this year. ATC is building four new Alaska-class tankers on the West Coast. The first of the double-hull vessels—the Alaskan Frontier—is scheduled for delivery early next year. Notice New Health Clinic For Baltimore-Area Seafarers SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell (far right) was among six members of a committee selected by U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao to review current minimum wage rates for all industries in American Samoa covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, the federal wage and hour law. Standing in front of the American Samoan Senate building in Pago Pago after completing their work are Powell and other committee members representing public sector employers and employees. In a closed ceremony at the end of the committee’s deliberations, in a gesture of respect and gratitude, each of the off-island members of the committee was bestowed the honorary title of “High Chief of Samoa” (those wearing leis). According to Powell, this honor is very seldom bestowed upon non-Samoans. Based on its findings, the committee will recommend to the Labor Department the highest rate for each industry that will not substantially curtail employment and will not give industries in the territory a competitive advantage over similar U.S. businesses not in American Samoa. The committee hearings are conducted every two years. Powell stated, “I am honored to have served on this committee representing the interests of the working people in American Samoa and to further the objectives of the labor movement in this area.” 4 Seafarers LOG Effective July 1, 2003, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plancontracted clinic location for Baltimore has been changed. The new facility is under the direction of the Johns Hopkins Community Physicians and is located at: JHCP – Internal Medicine Wyman Park Medical Center 3100 Wyman Park Drive Baltimore, MD 21211 Phone: 410 338-3357 Fax: 410 338-3628 Baltimore-area Seafarers are asked to note this change and adjust your records accordingly. For more information, contact the SIU hall in Baltimore at 410 327-4900. August 2003 �Maritime Regulations Announced By Dept. of Homeland Security The U.S. Department of Homeland Security on July 1 announced the publication of security regulations requiring sectors of the maritime industry to implement measures to protect America’s ports and waterways from a terrorist attack. The interim final rules were to be addressed late last month at a public meeting in Washington, D.C. Written comments on the rules were being accepted through July 31. “With 95 percent of our nation’s international cargo carried by ship, port security is critical to ensuring our nation’s homeland and economic security,” Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge said. “The port security measures we are putting in place, both here at home and abroad, are about expanding our capabilities—strengthening a vitally important system with additional layers of defense. “This effort is part of a broad international effort to increase global shipping security and one of many steps we are taking to better protect our ports and the ships traveling in our waters.” As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, U.S. maritime unions, including the SIU, were at the forefront and have remained very active in moving toward greater shipboard and port security. The SIU has met with representatives from U.S. flag operators, the Coast Guard, officials from numerous U.S ports, the International Transport Work- U.S. Coast Guard photo by Telfair H. Brown Vice Admiral Thad Allen, Coast Guard chief of staff, and Asa Hutchinson, under secretary for Border and Transportation Security, address reporters after the Department of Homeland Security announced publication of regulations impacting the maritime industry. ers’ Federation, the International Maritime Organization and the International Labor Organization, among others, to facilitate the identification and enactment of effective, realistic and fair security rules. The union will, as appropriate, remain active in this arena and pursue measures that best address the needs and satisfy the interests of its members. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations build on a comprehensive port security strategy and range of enhancements directed by President Bush following September 11, 2001, and implement significant portions of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA). By requiring completion of security assessments, development of security plans, and implementation of security measures and procedures, according to the DHS, these regulations are aimed at reducing the risk and mitigating the exposure of U.S. ports and waterways to terrorist activity. According to the DHS, the regulations focus on those sectors of maritime industry that have a higher risk of involvement in a transportation security incident, including various tank vessels, barges, large passenger vessels, cargo vessels, towing vessels, offshore oil and gas platforms, and port facilities that handle cer- Maryland Secretary of Labor Fielder, State AFL-C CIO Officials Visit School James D. Fielder Jr. (photo, right), secretary of labor for the State of Maryland, toured the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education last month in conjunction with one of the state’s job-placement programs. The school is based in Piney Point, Md. Visiting the campus along with Fielder were Fred D. Mason Jr., president of the Maryland State and Washington, D.C. AFL-CIO (pictured in both photos below) and Donna S. Edwards, secretary-treasurer of the federation (lower left photo, inspecting a training record book). In top photo, Fielder checks out the Paul Hall Center’s engine room simulator, with input from the school’s assistant director of training, J.C. Wiegman. Below right, Mason concentrates in the shiphandling simulator, with SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz nearby. tain kinds of dangerous cargo or service the vessels listed above. An estimated 10,000 vessels, 5,000 facilities, and 40 outer continental shelf facilities will be directly affected. The regulations require security measures that have three security levels. Depending on security needs, measures may include passenger, vehicle and baggage screening procedures; security patrols; establishing restricted areas; personnel identification procedures; access control measures; and/or installation of surveillance equipment. The regulations amend other sections of the Code of Federal Regulations to implement Automatic Identification System (AIS) requirements for certain vessels, as required by MTSA. AIS is a system of equipment and technologies that automatically sends detailed ship information to other ships and shore-based agencies. Installing AIS equipment on certain vessels traveling in U.S. waters is intended to allow comprehensive, virtually instantaneous vessel tracking and monitoring, increasing security and safety in shipping channels, and boosting awareness of maritime activity. The new MTSA security regulations cover vessels and facilities operating on or adjacent to waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and are split into six separate parts. Following a general section that discusses common requirements and definitions, each of the sections focuses on a specific segment of the marine industry: ports, vessels, facilities, and outer continental shelf facilities. A final regulation addresses the installation of Automatic Identification Systems (AIS). These regulations are part of the new Subchapter H of Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations, except for AIS, which amends several sections of the CFR. The regulations have common elements, including: Security Officers & Training for all Personnel — requires the designation of an individual who will be responsible for the vessel or facility security program, outlines the qualifications for security officers, and requires all personnel to have training so that they are ready and able to implement the security plan. Security Assessments and Plans — requires owners and operators to assess vulnerabilities, and develop plans that may include passenger, vehicle and baggage screening procedures; security patrols; establishing restricted areas; personnel identification procedures; access control measures; and/or installation of surveillance equipment. Part 103 of the segment titled “Ports” designates the Coast Guard Captains of the Port as Federal Maritime Security Coordinators, giving them the authority to oversee and direct the necessary activities of increasing security of our ports. Also, another component establishes “Area Maritime Security Committees,” made up of representatives of federal, state and local agencies, industry groups and others, to assess the specific vulnerabilities in each of the nation’s 361 ports and develop plans for complex and diverse security requirements within the port areas. Virtually every type of vessel likely will be impacted by the new regulations, which are expected to be implemented by July 1, 2004. In its release of the interim final rules, the DHS included a segment identifying “examples of vessels most directly impacted by the new regulations.” That list includes “SOLAS-certified cargo ship carrying grain traveling from Jacksonville to New York; container vessel carrying cargo from New Orleans to San Juan; container vessel carrying cargo from Hong Kong to Los Angeles; barge carrying auto part containers traveling from Seattle to Vancouver; cruise ship on a Caribbean voyage; dinner boat on the Chesapeake Bay carrying more than 150 people; gaming boat on the Mississippi; ferries operating in Puget Sound, Wash.; barge carrying home heating oil on the Hudson River; tanker carrying liquefied natural gas; supply vessel heading to an offshore oil rig; towing vessel pushing an oil barge on the Mississippi River.” Port Agent Appointed to Safety Committee SIU Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent John Cox (left) recently was appointed for a three-year term to the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor Safety Committee. Cox, pictured with Jim Rollin of the California State Department of Fish and Game’s Office of Spill Prevention and Response at the SIU official’s swearing-in ceremony May 20, will help the committee address various safety issues pertaining to the nation’s busiest sea port. The committee meets every other month, with subcommittees meeting more frequently. August 2003 Seafarers LOG 5 �Government Services Ships Earn MSC Safety Awards Three government servicescrewed ships in June were honored as winners of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) Surface Ship Safety Award. MSC reported that fleet oiler USNS Leroy Grumman, combat stores ship USNS San Jose, and fleet ocean tug USNS Navajo—each crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division—have been selected from 37 eligible vessels as the command’s leaders in safety. The award, given for the Oct. 1, 2001 to March 31, 2003 com- petitive period, recognizes the outstanding contributions of ships crewed by civil service mariners to MSC fleet readiness. The award also takes into account increased morale and the efficient use of safety resources. Ships and crews earning the award exhibit consistently excellent safety records and employ proactive accident prevention programs. In acknowledgment of their respective efforts, crews from each ship received a plaque. Each also was given authorization to display a large green “S” on its bridge bulwark signifying the Seafarers Appeals Board — Action Number 420 The Seafarers Appeals Board, acting under and pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Union and the various Contracted Employers, hereby takes the following action. WHEREAS, by prior action the Board has recognized the need for appropriate Shipping Rule adjustments to secure and maintain an adequate supply of qualified and trained personnel aboard various U.S.-flagged fleets; and WHEREAS, it is the intent of this action to amend the Shipping Rules to allow seamen with either Group One (1) or Group Two (2) NMU seniority status to have priority for jobs referred to the Seafarers Hiring Hall over applicants with Class “C” Seniority. NOW THEREFORE, the Seafarers Appeals Board acting under and pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Union and various Contracted Employers hereby amends the Shipping Rules to provide for the following. In Rule 4. Business Hours and Job Calls, Subsection D. (1.)(a) Add new language to the first sentence to read. D. (1.) (a) Subject to the arrival and departure of a vessel, except as provided for herein, if a port cannot fill a job with a Class “A” or Class “B” registrant, the job shall be referred back to the Manpower Pool Coordinator, who will then refer the job to other nearby ports. If the job cannot be filled with a qualified Class “A” or Class “B” registrant in other nearby ports, the job shall be referred back to the original port, at which time seamen registered under the NMU rules possessing either Group one (1) or Group Two (2) seniority status shall be permitted, on the next job call, to bid and be shipped as per the applicable provisions of the Shipping Rules before the job is referred to “All Ports.” 2. In Rule 2. Shipping Procedure Subsection G. 17(a) amend the language by adding the following. Except as specifically provided for herein or by SAB action, seamen with Class “B” seniority ratings, or NMU Group One (1) or Group (2) seniority shipped pursuant to these Rules, may retain such jobs for one (1) round trip or one hundred eighty (180) days, whichever is longer. At the termination of such round trip or on the first opportunity following the one hundred eightieth (180th) day on the job, such seamen shall sign off their vessels and the vacant job shall be referred to the Union hiring hall. Those members shipped with Group 1 or Group 2 NMU status shall be governed by the Rules set forth herein consistent with members with Group “B” seniority. This SAB action shall remain in full force and effect until modified by future SAB action. Surface Ship Safety Award. MSC also recognized three other ships, including fleet oiler USNS John Ericsson and hospital ship USNS Comfort (both crewed by Government Services Division members) as runners-up for the Surface Ship Safety Award. “These ships exemplified an aggressive safety program which actively contributed to mishap prevention. They have set the standard in MSC afloat safety for our fleet,” said Vice Admiral David L. Brewer III, MSC commander, in a message sent to all MSC ships. One winner and one runner-up are chosen from each of the following categories of MSC ships for the award: Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force oilers, NFAF cargo ships and other MSC civilservice mariner crewed ships. The USNS San Jose, the highest-rated ship overall, also earned the 2002 Department of the Navy Safety Excellence Award in the Military Sealift Command category. Express Marine Seafarers employed by Express Marine have approved a new three-year contract that calls for wage increases and other gains. The contract was ratified July 13 aboard the tug Guardian. The new pact maintains the current medical coverage of Plan level “G” and boosts the pension credit to two days for each day worked. Express Marine crews will be enrolled in the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and are scheduled to receive pay increases in each year of the contract. Serving on the negotiating committee were Captain Riley Johnson, Mate Doug Covil, AB/Cook Stephen Jones, SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Jim Malone. Express Marine operates coal barges up and down the East Coast. Waterman Crew members employed aboard Waterman TAKX vessels Seafarers and SIU officials were on hand June 14 in San Diego for the christening of Totem Ocean Trailer Express’ North Star, a new roll-on/roll-off vessel that is sister ship to the Midnight Sun. The Orca-class trailership is 840 long, 118 feet wide and capable of carrying highway trailers as large as 53 feet in length. Pictured in front of the North Star are (from left) SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone. Seafarers LOG MSC normally operates 120 civilian-crewed, noncombatant ships for a variety of missions around the world. That number expanded to about 214 in March as additional ships were activated from reduced operating status or chartered for the command’s support of U.S. forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom. From January to April 2003, MSC ships delivered more than 21 million square feet of combat equipment and other cargo—the equivalent of more than 300 foot- ball fields—to the Central Command area of operations. The command’s fleet support ships also pumped more than 117 million gallons of fuel to U.S. Navy and coalition warships in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. MSC ship missions include underway replenishment of U.S. Navy ships at sea, prepositioning and transport of defense cargo and at-sea data collection for the U.S. military and other U.S. government agencies. Contract Department Briefs Welcoming the North Star 6 The USNS San Jose, recently recognized by MSC for its safe operations, also earned the 2002 Department of the Navy Safety Excellence Award. (the Pless, Obregon and Kocak) will receive a three percent increase to their wages, overtime and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan company contribution amount, retroactive to January 1, 2003. Matson SIU steward department members aboard Matson ships received a 3.25 percent increase in wages and all wage-related items on July 1, 2004. They also are scheduled to receive a 3.25 percent increase on July 1, 2004. For the Moku Pahu only, Seafarers received a four percent increase in wages and wage-related items on July 1, 2003. They also are scheduled to receive a four percent increase on July 1, 2004. Sealift Tankers Effective July 1, 2003, the crews aboard the Cleveland and the Wilson received an acrossthe-board three percent increase. Additionally, the crews will receive three percent increases effective July 1, 2004 and July 1, 2005. Bernard Fisher The crew of the Major Bernard Fisher received a “total labor cost” increase of three percent effective July 1, 2003. Crew members will continue to enjoy Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Level G and Seafarers Vacation Plan Benefits of 14 days for each 30 days worked. Advantage, Noble Star, Virginian Effective July 1, 2003, crew members employed aboard the Advantage, Noble Star and Virginian received a three percent across-the-board increase. They will receive Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Level G benefits, Seafarers Maritime Union (SMU) vacation benefits of 15 days for each 30 days worked, and SMU Money Purchase Pension Plan benefits of 10 percent of the daily base wage. Additionally, the crews of these vessels will receive a three percent wage increase effective July 1, 2004 and again on July 1, 2005. Maersk Line, Limited Effective June 9, 2003, the crew of the Maersk Constellation received a contractually scheduled three percent total labor cost increase. This includes wages and wage-related items. Also, effective July 1, 2003, crews of the SIU-contracted Maersk ships enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program received the contractually scheduled three percent Economic Price Adjustment. Those crews will continue to receive medical coverage at the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Level G. AMSEA Effective June 1, 2003, crew members employed aboard AMSEA’s fast sealift ships received a three percent increase in wages, overtime, vacation and Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan contribution amount. Southbay Barge Inc. Seafarers have approved a new three-year contract at Southbay Barge, Inc. The agreement includes wage gains, pension and vacation benefits, and the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s top medical coverage. The company will pay transportation costs for crew members who successfully complete a course or courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. August 2003 �More RRF Crews Honored for Roles in Iraqi Freedom More than 50 Seafarers on May 28 joined the ranks of scores of their brothers and sisters to receive medals in recognition of their service during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pier 2 at Alameda Point in Alameda, Calif. provided the setting for a U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) sponsored ceremony that honored the crews of the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels Adm. Wm. Callaghan, Cape Orlando and Comet. U.S. Department of Transportation Chief of Staff John A. Flaherty delivered the keynote address and presented Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals to the crews and officers of the vessels for their support of operations involving American and allied military forces. “The maritime community has served America with great distinction during every major crisis in our nation’s history, and the mariners who crew the ships are the cornerstone of this effort,” said Flaherty. “From the Revolutionary War, through both World Wars, the Korean War and up to today, our mariners have willingly defended and served this nation with enthusiasm and valor.” Susan Clark of MarAd, at podium, leads those who attended the ceremony in the singing of the National Anthem. Other members of the event’s official party join in. Also participating in the ceremony were: Capt. Francis X. Johnson, director of Western Region, MarAd; Capt. Louis Cavaliere, USNR, fleet administrator, Keystone Shipping Co; Erny Otterspoor, president, Mormac Marine Enterprises and Commodore Juan L. Chavez, USN, commanding officer, Military Sealift Command, Pacific. Susan Clark of MarAd’s public affairs department led the National Anthem and was accompanied by the 91st Division Army Reserve Band of Camp Parks, Calif. The three roll-on/roll-off ships took materiel to American troops for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. The ships and the crews have just returned from the zone of conflict in the Middle East. Seafarers who received medals and their vessels of assignment were: From the Adm. Wm. Callaghan—Bosun Paul E. Borg, ABs Thomas E. Muncy, Ronald C. Johnson, David A. Rice, Joseph C. Smith Jr. and Wayman Sellers; Electrician Jeoffrey N. Curry; Oilers Elmer Rochez, Francis T. Yapching, Eligio M. Vela and Butch Z. Lumansoc; Wiper Glen McBride, Steward Denise J. Smith, Chief Cook Tamara A. Houston, GSUs Julia W. Smith and Edward Washington Jr. and GVA Saleh Kassim Soofi. Medal recipients from the Cape Orlando were: Bosun Carlos A. Cabezas, ABs Randy Sweitzer, Lorenzo Tifre, Ralph T. White, Michael N. Carubba and Travis R. Hosea; Oilers George R. McAnern, Mario A. Silva and Eric Nappier; Wiper Luis F. Martinez, Steward Ronnie Hadnott, Chief Cook Orlando Suazo, GSUs Americo Monteiro and Jose L. Ramos and GVA Michael M. Simpson. Comet medal awardees were: Bosun Benedict B. Born, ABs Larry A. Rawlins, Jerry Devoe, George J. Keblis, John B. Meyers, Tom Corrales and Gary A. Ferandes; Ordinary Seamen Charles R. Berry, Roger T. Martell and Stephen R. Hammelman; Electrician Lowell R. Lemm; Oilers Anthony L. Perry, Steven M. Haver and James R. Smartt; Firemen Paul D. Smith and William C. Shields; Wiper Samuel A. Norteye, Steward Romeo S. Arquines, Chief Cook Harold B. Henderson and GSTUs Pat H. Bailey and Ben Roberson. All three ships belong to the RRF, a fleet of 68 ships owned and maintained by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. A total of 40 RRF ships were assigned to Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. RRF ships are crewed by civilian American merchant mariners who volunteer for this potentially hazardous duty. American merchant mariners have supported U.S. military action since colonial times, often traveling into harm’s way to transport materiel to the armed forces. More than 80 percent of the vehicles and other equipment were taken to the Iraqi conflict by merchant mariners. SIU Assistant VP West Coast Nick Celona (second from left) poses with (from left) MEBA Patrolman John Anderson, MEBA Executive VP Bud Jacque and Marine Transport Lines Director of Labor Relations Gene Albert. Above: Crew members from the Comet, along with some of their family members, enjoy food and refreshments prior to the ceremony. Left: Part of the crew from the Cape Orlando take part in the festivities. Army Thanks Steward Dept. on USNS Fisher Mariners from the Adm. Wm. Callaghan, Cape Orlando and Comet await their respective turns to receive their medals. Adm. Wm. Callaghan Chief Cook Tamara A. Houston, kneeling, poses with some of her shipmates as well as crew members from the Cape Orlando. August 2003 Chief Steward Lonnie Jones (wearing white cap in photos above and at right) and the rest of the steward department aboard the USNS Fisher took good care of their U.S. Army guests during Operation Iraqi Freedom. “We wanted to do a good job for our country and our union,” said Jones. “The rest of the crew and I gave our best, and we got along great with the Army personnel.” The Army workforce presented Jones with certificates of appreciation (one is pictured at right) listing him and the rest of the galley gang: Chief Cook Carlos Dominguez, ACU Solomon Sanders, SA David Gannoun, SA Michael Zoabi and SA Ernest Niaves, all of whom are pictured above with their Army visitors. The group certificate reads in part: “Your dedicated support and professionalism keeping our troops well fed and supplied brings great credit to the Military Sealift Command, yourself and the United States Army.” Seafarers LOG 7 �Sailing With the SIU AB/Tankerman Charles Bigham stands aboard the Maritrans Barge 252. SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and Regional Rep Robert Troy pose with the crew of the Cape Taylor on the vessel’s return to Corpus Christi, Texas. Home based in Houston, the Cape Taylor was the first ship to depart Corpus Christi during the activation for Operation Enduring Freedom. At right, Regional Rep Robert Troy and QMED Lino Remorin share the bright sunlight with the Cape Taylor in the background. The city of Corpus Christi took great pride in welcoming the vessel and crew back to the United States. OS/Cook Carl Doughtie (left) and AB/Tankerman Bobby Scheider work aboard the Maritrans tug Navigator, which is coupled with Barge 252. The tug/barge, which carries petroleum products, operates on the Gulf Coast. After 40 years in the SIU, SA Jose de los Santos retired May 21. Crew members aboard the Horizon Challenger feted him with a decorated cake (a man kicking back watching the Yankees—his favorite—on TV). Among other gifts, he also received a framed letter of appreciation from Capt. E.P. Skoropowski. Right: Victor Beata is bosun aboard the HMI Brenton Reef (recently renamed the Seabulk Courage), a double-hulled lightship tanker. Performing their jobs on Starlight Marine vessels are Mate/ Tankerman Greg Wall (above), Deckhand/Engineer Mark Carlsen (at right), and Engineer/ Tankerman Lyle Page (below). Mariners at Starlight Marine Services work aboard a conventional tug and barge that is used for bunkering and lightering operations, and also aboard two ship-assist tugboats utilized for docking and tanker escort procedures. They recently voted to join the SIU. Welcoming ceremonies took place aboard the Cape Inscription when it returned to Long Beach, Calif. from Iraq. Above, SIU Chief Electrician Donnell Tagart (right) accepts his Merchant Marine Expeditionary medal and certificate from Capt. Paul Foran (second from right) and Captain Frank Johnston, western regional director of MarAd. Right: SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone speaks to crew members on the Cape Inscription, praising them for a job well done. 8 Seafarers LOG AB Feliciano Gimutao (right) is presented with his award during ceremonies on the Cape Inscription. August 2003 �MSC Honors Crews of Fast Sealift Ships Algol, Bellatrix, Pollux Delivered for U.S. Troops Dozens of Seafarers were honored July 16 near New Orleans as the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) welcomed the crews of three fast sealift ships that supported Operation Iraqi Freedom. Crew members and officers from the USNS Algol, USNS Bellatrix and USNS Pollux were presented with U.S. Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals by Rear Admiral (Select) Deborah A. Loewer, USN, Vice Commander, MSC. The ceremony took place aboard the Bellatrix in Marrero, La. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey was one of the featured speakers. He thanked and congratulated the crew for their dedication and patriotism. Corgey also expressed gratitude to MSC and the U.S. Maritime Administration for their strong, comprehensive efforts to ac- knowledge U.S. mariners returning from the war. “It’s our honor and privilege to serve our country. As a labor leader, it’s an honor and privilege to represent many of the mariners who delivered the goods,” Corgey said. “The U.S. Merchant Marine will be there whenever our country calls. We’re proud to serve as the nation’s fourth arm of defense.” Loewer told the crews, “You delivered the cargo. You got it there on time. You completed the mission. We’re proud of you.” Bosun Eric Leibold, who sailed on the Bellatrix during the war, said the ceremony was “incredible, very heart-moving. All the speakers were very informed and expressed their gratitude for the job done by all seafarers in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.” Like LMSRs, MSC’s fast sealift ships (including the USNS Bellatrix, above) are roll-on/roll-off vessels equipped with on-board cranes and self-contained ramps. Leibold said that his ship “literally did two round-the-world runs this year” in support of the mission. “Overall, it was a couple of very good runs. We took on four groups of military personnel, including a fast security team on both runs. Interaction with the military was outstanding. They were all just incredible men and women, and they contributed a lot—not only to the security of the ship and the upkeep of their own vehicles, but they actually wanted to help us with maintenance. I had to lock my paint locker to keep them from painting the ship.” According to MSC, the Algol, Bellatrix and Pollux “were critical elements in getting the combat equipment and supplies to U.S. war fighters in the Middle East.” Each ship can carry more than 150,000 square feet of vehicles and other out-sized cargo for the Department of Defense. The 946-foot vessels, which can reach speeds in excess of 30 knots, are part of MSC’s surge sealift program and are normally kept in reduced operating status until they are needed for contingencies like Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Algol, activated for service in November 2002 from its berth in Violet, La., transported equipment for the U.S. Army’s V Corps and 4th Infantry Division. The Pollux, also normally kept in reduced operating status in Violet, La., activated in early Pictured at the ceremony aboard the Bellatrix are (from left) Electrician Frank Quebedeaux, SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, STOS Jennifer Smith, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Bosun Walter Loveless and Bosun Wilfredo Rice. January 2003 to move cargo belonging to the Marine Corps I Marine Expeditionary Force and the Army’s 101st Airborne division. The Bellatrix, based in Marrero, was activated in September of 2002 and carried elements of the Marine Corps I Expeditionary Force and the Army’s 4th Infantry Division. The U.S Maritime Administration’s Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal recognizes civil service and commercial mariners who served aboard U.S.-flagged chartered or government-owned ships that supported Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. The medal, which was first authorized for American merchant seamen serving in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the early 1990s, consists of a two-sided bronze medallion suspended from a red, white, blue and green ribbon. The Algol, Bellatrix and Pollux are crewed by an SIU-contracted commercial ship operating company (AMSEA) under contract to MSC, the ocean transportation provider for the Department of Defense. The command normally operates about 120 civilian-crewed, noncombatant ships for a variety of missions around the world. That number expanded to 214 in March as additional ships were activated from reduced operating status or were chartered for the command’s support of U.S. forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Around the Great Lakes AB Harold Goetz stands at the Great Lakes Towing Co. dock in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. In the background are the tugs Missouri and Oklahoma. AB James Darden readies the line on the bow of the tug Wyoming (Great Lakes Towing Co.) while docking in Detroit, Mich. August 2003 Aboard the Great Lakes Towing Co. tug Wyoming are (from left) AB Doug Ogle, Patrolman Chad Partridge, AB Jeff Davis, AB James Darden and AB Ken Horner. Bosuns from the American Steamship Company fleet gathered for their winter meetings in Buffalo, N.Y. From the left are Bosuns David Barber, Mike Keogh, Ron Bochek, Michael Schaff, SIU VP Tom Orzechowski, Bosuns Bill Mulcahy, Charles Niegebauer, Jeff Eckhart and Al Brzezinski. SIU Algonac Port Agent Don Thornton (left) meets with Bosun Michael Schaff on board the Walter J. McCarthy in St. Clair, Mich. Seafarers LOG 9 �Delaware North, Delta Queen Officials Tour School Maritime Administrator Encourages Apprentices U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert was a special guest last month in Piney Point, Md. when a group of students graduated from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s unlicensed apprentice program. Schubert had dual roles at the event—addressing the graduates (above left) and also offering extra congratulations to his nephew Keith Gibney (above right), who was part of the class. Below, the graduates take their oath. Officials from SIU-contracted Delta Queen Steamboat Company and its parent Delaware North Companies (DNC) last month toured the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Pictured above (from left), DNC Risk Manager Rodney Schunk, DNC Risk Management Director Steven Prechel, Delta Queen Human Resources VP Craig Keller, Delta Queen President Rick Abramson and Delta Queen Risk Management Dept. Manager Linda Angelica review ship-specific safety manuals produced by the school. At right, Angelica takes the helm in the Paul Hall Center’s bridge simulator. Call of the Sea by Michael J. Kennedy LOG-A-RHYTHMS Nikita’s Prayer at Sea by Roslyn Nikita Brooks Dear Lord. So many times we walk through life, never caring about the other guy, still we hope that things may change. Dear Lord. Help us to see what in the world is happening to us, for we need to open our hearts and help our brother and our sister make a new start. We really need to make a change. Dear Lord. I know that you can give the world peace and harmony. We can make a difference if we try. Dear Lord. Help us to lift each other’s spirits at sea because we are all in need of so many things. Dear Lord. My heart has the desire to do the right thing aboard this vessel because I am your vessel. Dear Lord. I know that a smile and a kind word can change a person in many ways and brighten everyone’s day, and sometimes help them forget about all their worries that are left behind. After all, kindness doesn’t cost anything. Dear Lord. I thank you for watching over me and the entire crew while we are asleep. Thank you for being all that you are to me. Dear Lord. Touch our hearts in a mighty way that we may thank you for the help that you have placed at our side. Father, I thank you for the sunlight, the moon and the stars at night. Dear Lord. Protect all my brothers and sisters at sea, be it in the East Coast, West Coast, Great Lakes, Coastwise, or foreign waters and lands. Dear Lord. May we all return home to our families safely, knowing that your promises will never ever grow old. Amen. (Roslyn Nikita Brooks wrote this while serving as a chief cook on the Cape Washington.) 10 Seafarers LOG The full summer moon illuminates the great river. Distant notes of Dixieland jazz mingle with the aromas of the bustling Vieux Carré, flavoring the night’s air. My senses are now awakened, reopening a portal of memories that suddenly reel me back to a time when love was strong, yet challenged. I submit to a trace of tearful lament, torn between the beckoning spell of the sea and another woman’s love that I know I will lose to this mistress. I have surrendered my purpose to her abyss, yet she wants me all. My heart, full of emotion, awaits a time when words shall witness good intentions despite stronger Ode to the Sea by Bruce Hosmer We painted in the wind, we painted in the rain. Sometimes over grease (now that was a pain!). We painted gray and green, red, white and blue, buff ‘n’ black, believe me, ‘tis true! We painted in the morn, evening, noon and night. We painted when we couldn’t see (and next morn observed with a fright). We painted with aggregate (better known as non-skid), but each day, no matter what, into buckets our brushes ’n’ rollers slid. tides and currents. Leaving me as she found me . . . alone in her servitude, at her beck and call. I have lived on land and at sea, fitting in neither kingdom completely. My soul is of dolphins and albatrosses, which are truly free. As my dreams take me to these places that I call paradise, I am at peace again, alone at sea, serenaded by her beauty, gazing at the distant stars that accentuate her mystery. A shooting star streams down across the night’s sky and I wish that heaven will be of this night. A dolphin joined by mates now plays in our bow wake, frolicking a glance at me. Life is of magic, to be treasured as a rare gem. I am at peace with my world again, contently awaiting my inevitable fate. (Michael J. Kennedy wrote this piece in April aboard the S.S. Chilbar.) We had the bos’n involved, watch standers and deck cadet, too. Under overheads, over bulkheads and decks our brushes and rollers flew. Said the C/M, “We’ve a locker full o’ paint, lads, you’ll never git done, and when the locker’s empty I’ll order up more colors . . . and then some!!” Arr; so when y’all tuck yerselves into sleep each night, and the wind’s glowing at force three, know there’s still two out there painting; that’d be Ol’ Joe and me . . . (Working as daymen last year aboard the Green Lake [Central Gulf Lines], AB Bruce Hosmer and Joe Comean—and the rest of the deck crew—did a lot of painting aboard ship.) August 2003 �Piney Point Fixture Betty Smith Calls It a Career When Betty Smith started working at the new maritime training facility in Piney Point, Md. in 1968, she knew almost nothing about the merchant marine and had only short-term plans to stay there. “I thought a Seafarer was like Captain Hook, and I was only going to spend a few months here,” Smith recalled last month at the Paul Hall Center for Dozens of students surprised Betty Smith with a flag ceremony on her last day working at the Paul Hall Center. Clockwise, from left, Smith receives a U.S. Merchant Marine flag; fights back tears during the observance; and shares a laugh with unlicensed apprentices. Military Sailor Salutes Paul Hall Center’s Veterans’ Program ‘The School Has Everything a Student Needs to Be Successful’ Although he already has spent more than three decades at sea aboard various military vessels, Master Chief Petty Officer John Joseph Regina’s appetite for the sea—and his genuine love for sailing—remains leagues away from being satisfied. And so when he retires from the U.S. Navy later this year following more than 31 years of service, Regina plans to “become a merchant marine…join the SIU and continue sailing until I get too old to do it.” Apparently the Jacksonville, Fla. resident is very serious about his aspiration. In the last month, he has taken steps to not only bolster its fruition, but also to make the transition into it easy. From May 26 to July 27, the father of three sons (26-year-old Christopher, 17-year-old Guy, and 11-year-old Eric) was taking upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. A radar man by specialty, Regina was enrolled in the August 2003 school’s veterans’ program. It allows separating and retired military members in possession of U.S. Coast Guard-recognized deck or engine ratings to sit for the able-bodied seaman or fireman/oiler endorsements. Once qualified individuals successfully complete course requirements at the school and pass a Coast Guard exam, they are guaranteed a first job aboard one of the SIU’s contracted vessels. Regina was thoroughly impressed, not only with the quality of the training he received at Piney Point, but also by the state-of-the art facilities in which that instruction was given. “The AB class was great,” he said. “I had a wonderful time and learned a great deal. The materials presented were interesting as well as informative and the quality of the instructors was excellent. I was very impressed. “The quality of the training I received at the Paul Hall Center was as good—if not better in some cases—as that which I was exposed to during my Navy career,” Regina said. “And I can’t begin to tell you about the facilities here; they are remarkable. The school has everything a student needs in order to be successful and the entire staff is very dedicated to their mission of teaching mariners what they need to know.” The Brooklyn native should be a good judge of quality instruction as well as facilities because he has been enhancing his intellect at well-regarded institutions most of his adult life. After earning his high school diploma from Florida Junior College in Pensacola, Fla., he netted a bachelor’s degree in government and British history from the University of Maryland in College Park. Regina enlisted in the Navy in 1972 and completed numerous training regiments as he progressed through the enlisted ranks. He was selected to attend the U.S. Air Force Senior Enlisted Academy at Maxwell AFB, Ala. when he became a senior chief petty officer. Regina, who currently is assigned to the USS John F. Kennedy, will remain on active duty with the Navy until September. At that point, the Vietnam-era sailor—who was involved in the evacuation of Saigon and has since had tours of duty in Greece, England and Cuba—will take his oath of allegiance to the merchant marine. Thereafter he’ll still be sailing under the Stars and Stripes and most likely be performing many of the same duties as before. Maritime Training and Education. “You could say things didn’t happen that way.” In fact, she became a fixture at the school—which opened in 1967—and a friend to countless Seafarers for the next 35 years. Before retiring in late June, Smith had tackled a number of jobs through the years, but spent most of her time from the mid1970s on trainee administration and the port agent’s office. “Betty genuinely cared about the trainees and the rest of the students, and it showed in her work,” noted Don Nolan, vice president of the Paul Hall Center. “With her, going ‘above and beyond’ was the norm. She did a great job and she absolutely will be missed.” Born in nearby Valley Lee, Md., Smith said the school’s early days were challenging. In its infancy, the Paul Hall Center had only a few, modest facilities and a bare bones curriculum. For students and staff alike, rounding the campus into shape was a shared task. As the late SIU historian John Bunker once noted, the first groups of trainees “learned more about driving nails, driving trucks, shoveling dirt and laying sod than they did about tying knots and making splices.” Smith didn’t hesitate to pitch in wherever needed. “You really didn’t have one job back then. It was a case of doing whatever needed to be done, and it often meant learning as you went along,” she said. Today, she is proud of how far the school has progressed. Hailed as a model of labor-man- agement cooperation, the Paul Hall Center features world-class facilities and training equipment, plus a thoroughly comprehensive vocational curriculum as well as academic support. “It’s really amazing to see the way the school has expanded and improved,” she said. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s second to none.” The students themselves are different, too, Smith noted. “I think the kids today are more computer-minded and more likely to question things. Back then, some of the apprentices started when they were 16 years old….” Looking ahead, Smith plans to take it easy “for a couple of months,” then travel to visit family in Michigan and California. Looking back, she has powerful, fond memories. “This was my life: the membership, the trainees,” she said. “The best part was seeing kids’ eyes light up when they got a job. And then, they’d come back to the school or even call from a ship – those kinds of things meant a lot. “I’ll never regret all the small favors I did for them,” Smith continued. “I enjoy helping people, doing for people. Based on the reactions I’ve gotten from people when they find out I’m retiring, it leads me to believe I’ve done something right over the years.” She concluded, “I want to say thanks to Don Nolan and the staff, and also to (SIU President) Mike Sacco, who’s been wonderful to me. And to the membership, I will thoroughly miss you all. God bless each and every one of you.” This time around however, he’ll be doing so in distinctly different attire and under a less-stringent set of rules. “It will be a different experience to go to sea without all the military protocol involved,” said Regina who has completed CONUS assignments in Pensacola, Jacksonville and Norfolk, Va. “In a lot of ways it probably will be more enjoyable. “As far as making the transition from the Navy to the merchant marine is concerned, I don’t think it will be difficult for me at all,” Regina offered. “The two professions really are not that much different—members of both go to sea and that’s really what I enjoy doing anyway.” Although he does not yet have any merchant mariner sea time to his credit, he says he’d have no problem promoting the profession or encouraging people to pursue it as a career. “Right now, I’m recruiting my 17-yearold son,” he concluded. John Regina, pictured during lifeboat class at the Paul Hall Center, says the school’s entry program for military veterans is top notch, as are the facilities. Seafarers LOG 11 �U.S. Health Care A Serious Problem Becomes Even Worse When employees at a union health plans office in Camp Springs, Md. recently received a hospital bill for $1 million—for a serious but fairly routine case involving a single member—they quickly investigated the details while initially assuming the charges were a mistake by the health care provider. The health plan continues to dispute the bill, but one part of the answer they received from the hospital demonstrates how grave —indeed, unfathomable—the U.S. health care crisis has become. The patient was charged $430,000 for a pacemaker that should have cost a small fraction of that amount. The reason? Standard markup, according to the provider. While the nationwide crisis isn’t new, the details have become more and more staggering. Unions are very much in the crosshairs, as health care costs routinely dominate contract negotiations. For instance, earlier this summer executives at General Electric wanted union employees to increase their share of health costs from 18 percent (the old level) to 30 percent. The company claimed U.S. Health Car 1 Alliance for Health Reform; 2 Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured; 3 Famil employers with 1,000 or more workers; 6 The nonprofit insurer Blue Shield of California; 7 U Paul Ginsburg and Jon Gabel, Health Affairs, Sept. 25, 2002; 9 “The Sad History of Health Ca Urban Institute and the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured; 11 Center on Foundation; 14 America@Work, June/July 2003. its costs for insuring workers soared to $1.4 billion last year, up 45 percent from $965 million in 1999. In mid-July, two unions at Verizon Communications announced that more than 75,000 workers had voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if a contract isn’t reached by Aug. 2. Health care is a factor in the negotiations. Medical benefits also are at issue in Jefferson, Wis., where 470 workers are on strike at the Tyson Foods sausage and pepperoni plant—the first strike in the facility’s 128 years. In a familiar refrain, the company wants workers to pay more for their health benefits—in addition to scaling back the coverage. Also, last month the California Public Employees’ Retirement System approved a major jump in premiums for its 900,000 members insured by health maintenance organizations. The increase is more than 18 percent, and it follows a 25 percent increase the prior year. Unfortunately, such examples seem almost limitless. New Prescription Discount Program for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Editor’s note: Lou Delma, administrator of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, recently delivered the following news to the membership concerning a new prescription discount program: The cost of health care in this country has been rising at an unforeseen rate in the last couple of years. We in the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan have begun to battle the rising costs of health care. The first step in this process, which will be ongoing, has been to contract with the Eckerd Pharmacy chain, which includes Genovese and Thrift drug stores, in order to get some immediate relief in this ongoing struggle. With this in mind, Eckerd has offered us a discount for prescriptions for any Seafarers or their dependent that is able to show a Seafarers Health and Benefits ID card. This will result in an immediate reduction of any out-of-pocket monies spent to fill prescriptions. Once the discount has been given, eligible members and their dependents should submit their prescription claims to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan for reimbursement. This program goes into effect immediately. You may use other pharmacies, but only Eckerd, Genovese and Thrift have agreed to the discount program. This change will not affect pensioners, as they will continue to use Express Scripts. In fact, this new discount program is only an interim fix as the Plan is looking to expand on the national program that is currently in effect for pensioners which will enable participating pharmacies to bill the Plan directly for eligible active members and their dependents. In the future, you will be advised of additional changes and adjustments that will be made in this ongoing battle. 12 Seafarers LOG Maritime Unions Team Up to Tackle Costs Plans administrators from maritime unions participated in a meeting at SIU headquarters July 22 aimed at combating the seemingly perpetual rise of health care expenses. The meeting was the first in what is expected to be a regular series; more maritime unions plan to participate. Pictured at the meeting in Camp Springs, Md. are (from left) Allen Szymczak, MEBA Plans administrator; Valerie Verrechio, MM&P Plans August 2003 �e: Beyond Crisis re by the Number s ies USA; 4 The Commonwealth Fund; 5 From a December 2002 Kaiser Family Foundation survey of 435 S. Census Bureau; 8 “Tracking Health Care Costs: Growth Accelerates Again in 2001,” Bradley Strunk, Paul Cost Containment as Told in One Chart,” Drew Altman and Larry Levitt, Health Affairs, Jan. 23, 2002; 10 Budget and Policy Priorities; 12 Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured; 13 Kaiser Family Employer-B Based Health Insurance Coverage Falls Since the mid-1990s, employer coverage had been on the rise, thanks in large part to a strong economy. Now, a weaker economy coupled with doubledigit health care cost increases are threatening these fragile gains in job-based coverage. Also, not everyone benefited equally from these prosperous years. Low-income families with at least one full-time worker are only half as likely to have job-based coverage as higher income working families. Workers in small businesses (under 200 employees) also fare worse—nearly 54 percent of these workers have no health coverage as compared to employed workers as a whole. Clearly, working does not guarantee coverage—56 percent of the uninsured in the U.S. are in families where one person in the household works full time. Children and spouses are typically the first victims of a drop in coverage. Even during the recent strong economic times, family coverage was far less affordable than single coverage for the worker. In 2002, 23 percent of workers were in firms that paid the full cost of single coverage but only 9 percent were in firms that paid the full cost of family coverage, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research and Educational Trust. Higher eligibility levels in state Medicaid programs and increased enrollment in state children’s health insurance programs have brought coverage to many more low income children. But adults are not eligible for these programs in most states, causing 44 percent of poor adults in the U.S. to be uninsured as compared to almost 26 percent of poor children. Source: AFL-CIO Bargaining for Medical Care administrator; Teresa Zelko, SIU administrative assistant; Ambrose Cucinotta, SIU Plans deputy administrator; Lou Delma, Seafarers Plans administrator; Michelle Chang, SUP Plans administrator; and Steve Nickerson, AMO Plans executive director. August 2003 Retaining affordable, quality health care is a top priority as workers in a wide range of industries head to the bargaining table this year. As health care costs skyrocket amid the current recession, many employers are trying to shift the rising cost of health care to employees. That means many workers who already are facing stagnating wages may also have to pay higher premiums, deductibles and co-payments. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, corporations increased workers’ monthly health insurance premiums an average 27 percent for single coverage and 16 percent for family coverage from 2001 to 2002, despite hourly wage increases of only 3.8 percent in 2001 and 2.9 percent in 2002. At the same time, health care costs for employers increased 14.7 percent this past year, according to the Labor Research Association—while profits of HMOs and health insurers rose 25 percent in 2001. Unions are meeting the challenge of rising health care costs by fighting hard in bargaining to keep workers’ responsibilities manageable and by building alliances with community groups to ensure employers who can afford to pay health care costs do not shift an unfair amount of the burden to their employees. When possible, unions also are seeking to negotiate cost-cutting measures that do not affect the quality of care. Source: AFL-CIO Seafarers LOG 13 �Retiree Machado Encourages Aspiring Mariners Arthur Machado’s reaction when asked to reflect on his 35 years in the SIU says a lot about his selfless nature. The longtime AB’s first response wasn’t about a particular voyage or even his overall experience, but instead an encouraging word for those just starting their maritime careers. “The SIU is a good place for a young person to start out,” said Machado, 62, who lives near New Orleans. “You can learn and A personal favorite from Machado’s photo album shows 22-year-old Arthur (left) with popular singer Frankie Laine in 1963 in New Orleans. earn, and get an education at the same time. Plus you get to travel. I recommend it 100 percent.” Considering his heritage, it’s no surprise that Machado chose the seafaring life. His father and grandfather also were merchant mariners. However, Machado in one sense chose a different route—his father was an NMU member. “I joined the SIU in 1968,” Machado recalled. “I was 27 years old, and I had friends who shipped SIU. They had told me, ‘You have a better chance of shipping out and seeing the world with us.’ That’s what I did.” One of his first stops was Piney Point, Md.—home to the then-new Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, much of which still was being built. “They just worked us,” Machado remembered. “We got a place to stay and eat and all that. It was something new.” During the ensuing 35 years, he often returned to Piney Point to upgrade. “Obviously, the school has come a long, long way since I first went there,” he said. “The classes, the buildings— everything is first rate. And the IMPORTANT NOTICE SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 14 Seafarers LOG people really go out of their way to treat you nice.” A lifelong resident of the New Orleans area, Machado, who sailed during Vietnam and during the Persian Gulf War, said he particularly enjoyed the travel that was such an integral part of his job. He especially liked sailing to South America. “The travel really was one of the big benefits. I learned so many things,” he noted. Machado’s last ship was the Altair, on which he sailed as an AB and also served as the chief security person. Again turning his attention to the union’s newest members, he concluded, “Keep the winds to your back and full steam ahead!” SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd wasn’t surprised that Machado seemed more interested in encouraging others than talking about himself. “Arthur is just a good person—the type of guy who’d give you the shirt off his back,” Judd stated. “I’ve known him for a long time, and he’s been a dedicated Seafarer all the way.” Arthur Machado SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 94-6061923 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2002. The annual report has been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration, 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 $13,129,074. These expenses included $1,149,721 in administrative expenses and $11,979,353 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 4,038 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of the plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $139,693,037 as of July 31, 2002, compared to $144,818,531 as of July 31, 2001. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $5,125,494. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets that is the different 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 $8,003,580, including employer contributions of $32,929, losses of $4,770,897 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $12,741,548. 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 list- ed below are included in that report: 1. An auditor’s report; 2. Financial information and information on pay ments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; 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 the office of the administrator of the SIU Pacific District Pension Plan at 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. The charge to cover copying costs will be $9.50 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan 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, 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, and 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, Room N5638, Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS PLAN, INC. This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Plan, Inc., EIN 941431246, for the year ended July 31, 2002. The annual report has been filed with the Pension and Welfare Benefits Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. has committed itself to pay all supplemental benefits. Basic Financial Statement The value of the plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $2,535,841 as of July 31, 2002, compared to $2,918,099 as of July 31, 2001. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $382,258. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $7,048,622, including employer contributions of $6,981,599, and earnings from investments of $67,023. Plan expenses were $7,430,880. These expenses included $452,929 in administrative expenses, and $6,977,951 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 auditor’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 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 office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Plan, Inc., at 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102; telephone (415) 437-6832. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.25 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and the 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 the accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs 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 at 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, 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, Room N5638, Pension and Welfare Benefit Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. August 2003 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea JUNE 16 — JULY 15, 2003 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 3 1 8 27 39 10 15 29 19 6 2 11 22 2 37 14 246 0 3 4 5 14 20 12 15 20 17 2 17 4 8 3 19 20 183 0 0 1 3 25 17 7 7 12 5 2 1 1 1 5 15 7 109 0 3 3 8 16 27 12 10 20 17 4 1 8 17 0 22 16 184 1 2 0 10 7 27 4 16 11 4 3 3 7 8 1 8 7 119 2 8 2 3 6 15 5 8 14 7 3 2 3 8 3 16 5 110 1 1 4 2 12 6 0 1 3 1 1 0 0 2 1 3 4 42 1 7 1 2 5 21 6 4 5 13 2 4 7 6 1 5 5 95 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 3 3 6 8 19 7 17 7 19 2 4 2 9 2 14 10 134 0 0 0 1 9 13 3 9 6 2 0 1 2 1 0 11 4 62 0 0 0 3 18 26 6 10 5 6 2 0 4 6 1 26 8 121 3 9 1 10 48 58 20 36 47 21 6 3 12 44 2 50 33 403 3 2 8 11 19 46 17 24 33 22 3 15 2 9 5 27 29 275 3 1 1 4 39 20 7 12 35 11 3 0 0 4 8 23 21 192 0 5 0 12 23 35 9 20 16 6 2 4 7 15 3 16 15 188 1 6 2 7 13 28 6 14 15 19 1 1 1 11 2 22 12 161 2 1 3 3 19 6 3 5 9 5 2 0 0 3 4 13 8 86 1 2 0 4 11 9 2 5 8 1 1 1 1 10 0 8 9 73 0 5 0 19 31 31 11 13 26 14 4 1 5 39 2 36 41 278 3 2 1 6 3 14 10 7 7 11 3 2 3 4 1 7 6 90 1 0 1 2 2 16 2 2 7 5 0 0 0 1 0 3 1 43 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C Piney Point .............Monday: September 8, October 6 DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs September & October 2003 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters 3 5 1 3 3 13 4 10 9 6 5 2 3 3 2 14 1 87 0 0 1 1 1 4 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 2 16 Algonac ..................Friday: September 12, October 10 Baltimore ................Thursday: September 11, October 9 Boston.....................Friday: September 12, October 10 Duluth .....................Wednesday: September 17, October 15 Guam ......................Thursday: September 25, October 23 Honolulu .................Friday: September 19, October 17 Houston ..................Monday: September 15, October 13 Jacksonville ............Thursday: September 11, October 9 Mobile ....................Wednesday: September 17, October 15 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: September 23, October 21 0 4 0 2 5 11 5 0 6 4 0 1 2 5 2 7 1 55 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: September 16, October 14 New York................Tuesday: September 9, October 7 Norfolk ...................Thursday: September 11, October 9 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: September 10, October 8 Port Everglades.......Thursday: September 18, October 16 San Francisco .........Thursday: September 18, October 16 San Juan..................Thursday: September 11, October 9 St. Louis..................Friday: September 19, October 17 Tacoma ...................Friday: September 26, October 24 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 2 1 11 16 20 5 10 18 9 4 1 1 17 2 22 21 160 1 2 0 4 5 14 6 3 7 5 0 2 4 4 1 5 4 67 2 0 0 2 3 3 0 1 3 6 0 0 1 2 1 1 0 25 0 0 1 7 10 16 7 6 11 9 3 1 0 16 1 8 9 105 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 3 5 2 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 4 0 3 4 26 0 1 1 8 12 14 9 6 28 7 1 13 3 15 0 24 7 149 0 2 0 6 9 16 1 7 21 15 2 20 1 9 0 17 7 133 0 0 0 4 5 2 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 5 0 1 3 25 0 1 1 8 10 11 6 5 15 10 1 3 1 6 1 10 7 96 0 1 1 2 3 7 3 1 2 4 0 24 0 4 0 11 3 66 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 7 3 7 2 3 6 0 1 0 2 7 0 11 4 55 0 4 2 17 23 27 12 11 57 11 1 17 4 25 0 40 10 261 1 2 2 18 35 34 5 13 60 19 5 20 1 13 0 32 24 284 Totals All Departments 551 509 309 409 363 162 249 924 787 605 Port 0 0 0 3 2 10 7 1 3 6 0 1 2 5 0 3 3 46 1 0 1 2 2 2 0 1 2 2 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 18 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Wilmington ...............Monday: September 22, October 20 ................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals SHIPMATES OF CHARLIE HAYWARD Following triple bypass heart surgery, AB/Quartermaster Charlie Hayward is no longer able to sail. The full-blooded native Alaskan, who is now 71 and lives in Everett, Wash., misses the seafaring life and his 46 years of sailing with the SUP, NMU and SIU. He would love to hear from some of his former shipmates. They may write him at 2012 96th Place, S.E., Everett, WA 98208; or telephone (425) 357-8341. Remembering Paul Hall August 20, 1914 – June 22, 1980 *“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 2003 Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report JUNE 2003 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 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 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 4 8 4 9 3 9 5 42 2 1 2 0 0 2 3 10 0 4 3 1 0 0 0 8 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 11 7 9 0 12 7 49 7 10 5 24 3 29 21 99 9 0 5 4 0 21 8 47 0 7 11 5 0 0 6 29 0 7 1 2 0 10 1 21 1 1 9 6 4 29 24 74 4 0 0 3 0 4 9 20 0 1 5 7 0 0 6 19 2 3 4 1 0 10 1 21 3 1 1 2 2 35 7 51 2 0 1 2 0 10 5 20 0 1 3 5 0 6 2 17 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 1 1 3 1 6 4 18 1 0 0 0 0 5 2 8 0 4 1 2 0 0 0 7 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals 2 3 1 6 1 3 0 16 1 0 0 0 0 9 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 2 0 1 0 5 6 1 15 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 Port 0 2 0 1 1 8 0 12 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals 0 4 0 7 0 7 0 18 0 3 1 4 0 14 1 23 2 4 2 5 0 0 3 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 7 0 3 0 15 2 8 3 13 0 132 2 160 19 4 4 16 0 66 13 122 4 7 13 39 0 11 20 94 Totals All Departments 93 44 32 38 8 4 106 384 209 159 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the LOG by pensioner Lawrence Ray Owens of Culver City, Calif. It was taken at the Don Hotel (Wilmington, Calif.) in 1970. From the left are Owens, manager MC&S; Tom Randall, Maritime Trades official; Joe Goren, Wilmington port agent, MC&S; Tom Pitts, labor counsel; Ed Turner, MC&S president; Frank Drozak, SIU vice president; and Joe Spinazzola, MC&S. Located in downtown Wilmington, the Don Hotel was close to all the union halls and docks. Wilmington was the gateway to Catalina, Honolulu and the South Pacific. The hotel had 125 rooms, and 25 retired seafarers paid $30 monthly to stay there. The MC&S also had a steward department trainee program in Wilmington, and 20 students lived on the hotel premises. The Don Hotel was purchased in the late ’50s and sold just before the MC&S merger into the SIU in 1978. Owens is retired with 35 years of sailing (from 1960-1995). August 2003 �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. DEEP SEA HORST BAETJER, 65, hails from Germany. Brother Baetjer began his SIU career in 1968 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His initial voyage was aboard a vessel operated by Victory Carriers. The engine department member upgraded his skills in 1980 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Torrance, Calif., Brother Baetjer last shipped on the Sea-Land Explorer. JAMES ELLIOTT, 65, launched his career with the Seafarers in 1965. Brother Elliott’s first voyage was aboard the Steel Worker, an Isco Inc. vessel. A native of Portsmouth, Va., he shipped in the deck department. Brother Elliott last went to sea on Titan Navigation’s Jade Phoenix. He lives in Elizabeth, N.J. LEON T. JEKOT, 61, joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Jekot first went to sea aboard a Sea Liberties vessel. A native of Philadelphia, he shipped in the deck department as a bosun. He upgraded his skills often at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. and completed the bosun recertification course in 1985. Brother Jekot lives in St. Augustine, Fla. He last worked on the USNS Capella. PAUL LEWIS, 43, was born in Washington, D.C. He launched his career with the SIU in 1980 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Lewis’ first voyage was aboard the San Juan, a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. The deck department member shipped as a bosun. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center, completing the bosun recertification course in 1990. Brother Lewis last worked on the USNS Henson. He makes his home in Dover, N.H. RONALD MAKOWIECKI, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1979 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Makowiecki shipped in both the inland and deep sea divisions. The Norwich, Conn.-born mariner shipped in the deck department and upgraded his skills in Piney Point in 2001. A resident of Norfolk, he last sailed aboard the USNS Regulus. August 2003 SYLVESTER MASON, 65, began his SIU career in 1967 in San Francisco. He initially sailed on a States Steamship Co. vessel. The Browns, Ala. native shipped as a member of the steward department. Brother Mason completed steward recertification training in 1991 at the Paul Hall Center. A resident of Reno, Nevada, he last worked aboard the President Roosevelt. INLAND WILMER L. ADAMS, 62, started his career with the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in Meridian, Miss., Boatman Adams worked in the inland as well as the deep sea divisions. His first ship was the Globe Carrier, an Overseas Carriers, Inc. vessel. The deck department member last worked aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Corp. vessel. Boatman Adams makes his home in Satsuma, Ala. JOHN E. BRYAN, 62, was born in Front Royal, Va. After joining the Seafarers, he worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. Boatman Bryan shipped in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1995 and 2001. He is a resident of Orange Park, Fla. COLIN CHALMERS, 66, joined the SIU in 1979 in Tampa, Fla. Boatman Chalmers initially worked aboard a Dixie Carriers vessel. The West Indiesborn mariner sailed in both the steward and deck departments and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 2001. Boatman Chalmers last worked on a Maritrans Operating Co. vessel. He makes his home in Seffner, Fla. JOSEPH DUHON, 63, was born in Louisiana. Boatman Duhon started his SIU career in 1992 in Houston. A member of the deck department, he worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Higman Barge Lines. Boatman Duhon still lives in his native state in the city of Lake Arthur. JOHN ENGLEMAN, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1959 in Detroit. Boatman Engleman initially worked aboard a Bob-Lo Islandoperated vessel. The Michigan native sailed in both the inland and Great Lakes divisions and worked in the deck as well as steward departments. His last vessel was the Southdown Challenger. Boatman Engleman lives in Caseville, Mich. THOMAS LUCAS, 61, hails from Woodbury, N.J. Boatman Lucas started his careeer in the SIU in 1970 in the port of Philadelphia. Prior to joining the Seafarers, Boatman Lucas served in the U.S. Air Force. A member of the deck department, Boatman Lucas shipped as a captain, working primarily aboard vessels operated by Interstate Oil Transport Co. He is a resident of Cape May Court House, N.J. GERALD MASON, 61, is a native of Beaufort, N.C. Boatman Mason joined the SIU in 1971 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Prior to becoming a Seafarer, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Boatman Mason initially shipped aboard an Allied Towing vessel. He worked in the deck department as a master and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1978. Boatman Mason still resides in his native city. He last worked on a Steuart Transportation Co. vessel. VELIE THORNTON, 67, launched her career with the Seafarers in 1992 in St. Louis. Born in Trigg County, Ky., she worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Orgulf Transportation. Sister Thornton worked in both the deck and steward departments during her career. She upgraded her skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 1999. Sister Thornton resides in Murray, Ky. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. LINWOOD FRANKLIN, 72, started his career with the NMU in 1968. Born in Norfolk, Va., his initial voyage originated out of the port of New York. Brother Franklin worked in both the deck and engine departments. MARCIANO DeGRACE, 65, hails from Portugal. He began sailing with the NMU in 1966. Shipping out of San Francisco, his maiden voyage was aboard the Gopher State. Brother DeGrace worked in the Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1946 When the contracts which the SIU had signed with Waterman and Mississippi on July 24 were submitted to the Wage Stabilization Board for approval, the Wage Stabilization Board refused to approve them because SIU’s contract settlement did not follow the pattern established by our West Coast affiliates, even though the dollar and cents increases were identical. Since SIU companies had agreed to SIU increases, the union felt very strongly that our beef was not against the shipowners but against Washington bureaucracy. The SIU, after consultations with all unions in maritime, called the first general strike in maritime history. Every ship in every port was immobilized, whether American-flag or foreign-flag. After eight days, on orders from President Truman, the Wage Stabilization Board reversed itself and approved SIU agreements. The strike was then called off and the waterfront returned to normal. Shortly thereafter, the Wage Stabilization Board was dissolved. steward and deck departments and upgraded his skills in 1976. He last sailed aboard the Chesapeake Bay. REGINALD JUZANG, 57, was born in Mobile, Ala. Brother Juzang joined the NMU in 1977. His initial voyage was aboard the Kansas, which originated from the port of Mobile, Ala. The steward department member last went to sea on the Lykes Motivator. HORACE MONTGOMERY, 66, launched his career with the NMU in 1961. Brother Montgomery’s first voyage was aboard the Texaco Wisconsin. The Perdue Hill, Ala.-born mariner worked as a chief steward. Brother Montgomery last shipped aboard the MV Sulphur Enterprise. In addition to the members listed above, the following NMU brothers went on pension effective the dates indicated. Name Age EDP Cornelius Drayton Albert Cox Feliciano Gabino Gerard Campion Hafid Mohamed Harvey Stickney Jose Cartaya Kenneth Arthurs James Pope 71 62 64 68 60 72 71 65 64 April 1 June 1 June 1 June 1 July 1 Apr. 1, ’02 April 1 May 1 June 1 Currency Committee voted to eliminate an amendment to the Export Control Act posing a threat to the 50-50 cargo preference requirement in United States trade with Eastern Europe. The SIU emphasized that the proposed amendment “would serve as an opening wedge in a new assault on the cargo preference program, to the detriment of our balance of payments, and our dwindling merchant fleet.” The Nixon administration joined the SIU in opposition to the amendment which was supported by the major grain growers. This Month In SIU History 1969 A major victory was won by the SIU and the maritime industry when the Senate Banking and 1983 The SIU recently had a dedication ceremony for its new national headquarters building in Camp Springs, Md., which is located just a few miles outside of Washington, D.C. The move underscores an important trend: Nearly half of the unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO have moved their headquarters to the nation’s capital or to areas nearby. Lane Kirkland, president of the AFL-CIO, spoke at the dedication ceremony. Kirkland helped put the move in perspective: “To represent their members effectively,” he said, “unions today must negotiate at least as much with the various branches of government as with the employers.” Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA PEDRO ARTEAGA Pensioner Pedro Arteaga, 84, died March 30. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, he joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of New York. Brother Arteaga worked in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Del Mundo, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Brother Arteaga made his home in Deltona, Fla., and began receiving retirement stipends in 1981. GILBERTO BERTRAND Brother Gilberto Bertrand, 66, passed away Feb. 1. He started his SIU career in 1959 in the port of Houston. Born in Texas, Brother Bertrand was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Brother Bertrand worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Overseas Ohio. He lived in Houston. ROBERT CARRIGAN Pensioner Robert Carrigan, 76, died March 10. A native of Pennsylvania and a U.S. Army veteran, Brother Carrigan joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Baltimore. He worked in the engine department. Brother Carrigan resided in Springdale, Pa. He began collecting his pension in 1991. TAK LIM CHEW Pensioner Tak Lim Chew, 78, passed away March 19. Brother Chew started his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1972 in San Francisco. Born in China, he initially went to sea aboard the Santa Maria. The steward department member’s last voyage was aboard the President Cleveland, an American President Lines vessel. Brother Chew started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1987 and lived in San Francisco. ANTHONY CORTES Pensioner Anthony Cortes, 73, died April 11. Brother Cortes embarked on his profession with the MC&S in 1970 in San Francisco. Born in Mexico, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Cortes worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Delta Steamship Lines, including the Santa Mariana. The late resident of San Francisco started receiving his pension in 1979. LAWRENCE CRANE Pensioner Lawrence Crane, 73, passed away March 10. Brother Crane joined the Seafarers in 1953 in Seattle. Prior to joining the SIU, he served in the U.S. Army. He worked in the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Crane shipped in the steward department and lived in Port Angeles, Wash. He began receiving his pension in 1988. March 6. The Louisiana-born mariner joined the SIU in 1963 in New Orleans. Brother Crosby’s maiden voyage was aboard the Steel Surveyor, an Isco Inc. vessel. The former deck department member last shipped aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Robert E. Lee. Brother Crosby lived in Slidell, La., and started receiving retirement disbursements in 1994. PETER E. DOLAN Pensioner Peter E. Dolan, 74, passed away April 9. Brother Dolan began his career with the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of New York. A U.S. Army veteran, he worked in the deck department. Brother Dolan last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Philadelphia. The New York native made his home in Arlington, Wash., and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1988. ROBERT DUNCAN Brother Robert Duncan, 56, died March 24. Born in Louisiana, he joined the Seafarers in 1966. Brother Duncan first went to sea on the Margaret Brown, a Bloomfield Steamship Co. vessel. He sailed in the engine department and last worked on the Horizon Pacific. New Orleans was his home. MANUEL ESTRADA Pensioner Manuel Estrada, 84, passed away April 14. Brother Estrada embarked on his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. The Puerto Rico-born mariner worked in the steward department. Brother Estrada called Florida home. He began collecting retirement stipends in 1975. FRANK FOSTER Pensioner Frank Foster, 73, died April 5. Brother Foster joined the SIU in 1955 in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Army. His first ship was Waterman Steamship Corp.’s La Salle. Born in Roseville, Mich., he sailed in the engine department and resided in San Bernardino, Calif. Brother Foster last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Tacoma. He began receiving his pension in 1993. DANIEL GOMEZ Pensioner Daniel Gomez, 80, passed away March 28. Brother Gomez started his SIU career in 1952 in Houston. A Texas native, he initially sailed aboard Bloomfield Steamship Co.’s Margaret Brown. Brother Gomez shipped in the engine department and lived in Houston. His last voyage was aboard the Inger, a Sealift Bulkers, Inc. vessel. Brother Gomez began receiving his pension in 1992. PHILIP GOMEZ Pensioner Philip Gomez, 91, died April 4. He started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Born in Illinois, Brother Gomez worked in the steward department. He made his home in Sacramento, Calif. and started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1977. SAM CROSBY FELTON GREEN Pensioner Sam Crosby, 74, died Pensioner Felton Green, 85, passed 18 Seafarers LOG away March 4. Brother Green launched his career with the MC&S in 1978 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Colon, Panama, he worked in the steward department. Brother Green resided in Manhattan, N.Y. and began receiving his retirement compensation in 1979. LLOYD GUNNELLS Pensioner Lloyd Gunnells, 83, died March 30. Born in Charleston, S.C., he joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New York. Brother Gunnells first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Co. vessel. He worked in all three departments. Brother Gunnells started collecting retirement stipends in 1982. He lived in Florida. BERALDO HERNANDEZ Pensioner Beraldo Hernandez, 78, passed away March 2. Born in Puerto Rico, he joined the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Hernandez’s maiden voyage was aboard an A.H. Bull Steamship Co. vessel as a member of the engine department. He last worked aboard a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. Brother Hernandez resided in his native commonwealth and began receiving retirement stipends in 1986. MARCUS JOHNSON Pensioner Marcus Johnson, 74, died March 2. Brother Johnson started his SIU career in 1951 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Before joining the SIU ranks, he served in the U.S. Army. A member of the engine department, he first went to sea aboard Bloomfield Steamship Co.’s Alice Brown. Brother Johnson began receiving payments for his retirement in 1996 and lived in Mobile. He last worked aboard the Overseas Washington. HENRY LYNCH Pensioner Henry Lynch, 85, passed away March 20. Brother Lynch started his career with the MC&S in 1978 in San Francisco. The U.S. Navy veteran initially sailed on Delta Steamship Lines’ Delta Peru. Born in Alabama, Brother Lynch worked in the steward department. He began receiving his pension in 1980 and last shipped on the President Kennedy. Brother Lynch was a resident of San Pedro, Calif. WILLLIAM MacARTHUR Pensioner William MacArthur, 74, died March 17. He joined the SIU in 1952 in the port of Baltimore after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother MacArthur’s first SIU ship was the Seamar, a Bethlehem Steel Corp. vessel. The Boston native worked in the deck department and last shipped aboard the Thompson Pass. Brother MacArthur lived in Pasadena, Calif., and began collecting retirement stipends in 1987. JAMES H. MOORE Pensioner James H. Moore, 73, passed away April 14. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Brother Moore joined the Seafarers in 1959 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first voyage was aboard the Ideal X, a Mystic Steamship Co. vessel. The deck department member began receiving his pension in 1989 and last shipped on the SeaLand Pacific. He made his home in Las Vegas. JACK OLSEN Pensioner Jack Olsen, 76, died March 3. He started his SIU career in 1950 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. His first ship was the Knute Rockne, an Alcoa Steamship vessel. The Birmingham, Ala.-born mariner worked in the deck department as a bosun, last sailing on the USNS Algol. He began collecting his pension in 1987 and lived in Atlanta. PAUL SILTALA Brother Paul Siltala, 40, died March 25. He started his SIU career in 2001, first sailing on the USNS Dahl. Born in Park Rapids, Minn., he worked in the engine department. Brother Siltala’s last voyage was aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Atlantic Forest. He was a resident of Sebeka, Minn. CLARENCE WILLEY Pensioner Clarence Willey, 69, passed away April 11. Brother Willey joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia-born mariner worked in the steward department. Brother Willey lived in Norfolk and began collecting retirement stipends in 1995. INLAND CLAUDE ADAMS Pensioner Claude Adams, 73, passed away March 3. Boatman Adams launched his SIU career in 1957 in New Orleans. The deck department member shipped as a captain and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Dixie Carriers. Boatman Adams lived in Lockport, La. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1991. GREAT LAKES JOSEPH SAIDE Pensioner Joseph Saide, 83, passed away June 1, 2002. Brother Saide joined the SIU in 1946 in the port of New York. His initial voyage was aboard a Bloomfield Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Little Rock, Ark., he worked in the deck department. Brother Saide last went to sea on the Maryland, a Bay Tankers Inc. vessel. A resident of Port Arthur, Texas, he started receiving his pension in 1982. FRANK SANDY Pensioner Frank Sandy, 82, died March 22. Born in West Virginia, he joined the Seafarers in 1958 in the port of New York. Brother Sandy first worked on the Robin Gray, a Moore-McCormack Lines vessel. A member of the engine department, his final voyage was on the SeaLand St. Louis. Brother Sandy called Sparks, Nev. home. He began receiving his pension in 1988. RAY SCHRUM Pensioner Ray Schrum, 74, passed away April 13. Brother Schrum started his SIU career in 1947 in Miami, Fla. A native of Lincoln County, N.C., he initially shipped aboard Moore-McCormack Lines’ Robin Gray. Brother Schrum worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Courier, an Ocean Carriers vessel. Brother Schrum lived in his native state and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1986. JEFFREY A. FRANK Brother Jeffrey A. Frank, 47, passed away March 3. Brother Frank commenced his career with the Seafarers in 1990 in the port of New York. He worked in both the deep sea and Great Lakes divisions. Brother Frank’s maiden voyage was aboard the USNS Lynch. Born in Ohio, he shipped in the deck department. He last worked aboard a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. Brother Frank resided in Toledo, Ohio. ATLANTIC FISHERMAN JOSEPH SPINALE Pensioner Joseph Spinale, 88, passed away March 22. Brother Spinale began his career with the Atlantic Fishermen’s Union in 1971 in Gloucester, Mass. A native of Mississippi, he shipped in the deck department. The late Watertown, Mass. resident began receiving his pension in 1981. RAILROAD MARINE JOSEPH C. CASAZZA SR. Pensioner Joseph C. Casazza Sr., 80, died April 1. Brother Casazza joined the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of New York. Born in Hoboken, N.J., he was a veteran of Continued on page 20 August 2003 �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. EXPLORER (USSM), May 12— Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary Osvaldo J. Castagnino, Educational Director Jimmy M. Robles, Deck Delegate Abdulhamid F. Musaed, Engine Delegate Fadel A. Mohamed, Steward Delegate Jimmy L. Williams. Chairman announced payoff May 12 in Los Angeles. He asked those crew members getting off to leave rooms clean with fresh linen for next person. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of upgrading courses offered at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Information regarding new Merchant Mariners Documents required by Coast Guard will come from patrolman. Treasurer stated $400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested about day off after 35day trip. Next ports: Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif. CLEVELAND (Sealift, Inc.), May 4—Chairman Boyce E. Wilson, Secretary Artis E. Pilgrim, Deck Delegate Dennis W. Caples. Chairman announced payoff July 3. Secretary requested that dirty linen be returned to linen locker; fresh linen to be issued for crew change May 7. Beefs reported in all three departments pertaining to restriction to vessel in Mauritania. Everyone asked to respect nosmoking rule in crew lounge. Vote of thanks given to all departments for job well done. DEFENDER (USSM), May 14— Chairman Daniel J. Teichman, Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Daniel P. Gibbons, Deck Delegate Joseph Humphrey. Chairman reported suspension of shipping rules due to conflict in Iraq. Educational director encouraged all hands to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. He advised them to check expiration date on z-cards since renewals may take longer than usual. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for antenna for crew TV. EXPRESS (USSM), May 29— Chairman Joseph R. Colangelo, Secretary Donald C. Spangler, Educational Director David D. Bautista. Chairman announced payoff May 31 in Newark, N.J. Educational director spoke about need to renew z-cards well in advance of expiration. “Don’t wait until the last minute.” Beefs reported in all departments, including concern about food purchased in Malaysia. Disputed OT also reported in deck department. Suggestion made regarding requirements for holding office in the union. Crew members requested input as to how recreation fund is spent. Problems noted with launch and van service providing transportation to and from ship. Next ports: Baltimore; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines), May 4—Chairman Dan P. Fleehearty, Secretary Amanda F. Suncin, Educational Director Mark Pinkam, Deck Delegate Basil D. Stolen, Engine Delegate Mike Kyle, Steward Delegate Nasser Ahmed. Chairman announced payoff May 6 in Tacoma, Wash. Coast Guard annu- August 2003 al inspection to take place at that time. Educational director urged seafarers to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility. He also stressed need to allow plenty of time when renewing z-cards. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications received from headquarters regarding Family Medical Leave Act and need to submit discharges and pay vouchers when applying for vacation check. Request made for new clothes dryer in crew laundry. Crew members were asked to use very little soap in washer since water on ship is very soft. Discussion held about money purchase pension plan. Next port: Anchorage, Alaska. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), May 10— Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Diretor Joseph A. Burkette, Deck Delegate Richard R. Grubbs, Engine Delegate Keeper Brown, Steward Delegate Thomas E. Kleine. Chairman announced vessel going into shipyard in Singapore next trip for about one month. Crew will be laid off. Payoff to be held shortly after May 16 arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Secretary reminded those crew members departing ship to leave rooms clean. Educational director encouraged everyone to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. One beef reported in deck department; no disputed OT noted. Request made for repair of antenna to crew quarters. Suggestion made to start movie fund to purchase movies and DVD player. Chief cook and rest of steward department given vote of thanks for great chow. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), May 11—Chairman Werner H. Becher, Secretary Vainuu L. Sili, Educational Director Daniel F. Dean, Deck Delegate Robert J. Natividad, Engine Delegate Ricky D. Arroyo, Steward Delegate Glenn A. Taan. Chairman announced arrival May 13 in Oakland, Calif. with payoff to follow. He thanked crew for keeping ship clean and separating plastic refuse from regular trash. He advised everyone to keep doors locked in port and be alert for those who have no business aboard vessel. Secretary noted everything running smoothly. Educational director stressed importance of keeping STCW and shipping documents current. He also reminded seafarers of need for pay vouchers and discharges when applying for vacation benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made that during annual physical exams, SIU clinics perform prostate specific antigen (PSA) test on male members over 50 years old. Request made for reupholstery of furniture in crew lounge. Vote of thanks given to steward department for well prepared and tasty meals. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), May 21—Chairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Manuel V. Basas,Educational Director Roger M. Wasserman, Engine Delegate Gregory L. Howard. Chairman announced vessel’s arrival May 24 in Tacoma, Wash. After ship has cleared customs, payoff will take place. Secretary thanked unlicensed crew members for helping keep ship clean. Educational director reminded everyone that Paul Hall Center is always open for upgrading and training. Treasurer stated $120 available in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers reminded to include pay stubs when filing for vacation. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food and service. Next port: Oakland, Calif. INNOVATOR (USSM), May 25— Chairman Stephen R. Kastel, Secretary Mose Peacock Jr., Educational Director Christopher L. Earhart, Deck Delegate George E. Lusk, Engine Delegate Muthana Koraish, Steward Delegate Mostafa Loumrhari. Chairman noted World Health Organization lifted travel warning for Hong Kong, so crew should probably not be restricted to vessel in Shanghai. Awaiting clarification regarding vacation and 22-month rule. He stated two unlicensed apprentices on board doing great job. Educational director advised everyone to be sure shipping documents are up to date and suggested they take advantage of upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported.Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food and clean ship. INTEGRITY (Maritrans), May 25—Chairman Lonnie Porchea, Secretary Michael Kozak, Deck Delegate Alfred McIntyre Jr., Engine Delegate John A. Bennifield, Steward Delegate Hazel Johnson Jr.. Chairman noted washing machine was received aboard ship but not yet installed. Secretary said clarification is forthcoming on relief policy. Educational director spoke about upgrading skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to change wording of “vacation pay” to something like “supplemental pay” or “sea bonus.” INTEGRITY (USSM), May 11— Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Alexander Nicholson, Engine Delegate Gregorio Blanco, Steward Delegate German Solar. Chairman thanked electrician for installing new dryer and thanked rest of crew for enjoyable trip. Secretary stated ship going into dry dock next trip and asked departing crew members to leave rooms clean and with fresh linen for next person. Educational director requested laundry room door be kept closed. He reported on new method for renewing z-cards. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into increasing pension and dental benefits. Crew members advised that original pay vouchers need to be submitted along with copies of discharges in order to receive vacation benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for “keeping the cookie jar and bellies full.” Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; Miami; Houston. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), May 24—Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis, Educational Director Daniel J. Tapley, Engine Delegate Vicente R. Ordonez, Steward Delegate Audrey Brown. Chairman announced ship to be laid up in New Orleans for undetermined amount of time. Secretary asked that all seafarers strip bunks, take dirty linen below, unplug ice boxes and clean rooms. Four new mat- tresses will be delivered in New Orleans. Educational director urged everyone to increase knowledge and skills by attending upgrading classes at Piney Point. “It’s your future.” No beefs or disputed OT reported. LIBERTY SUN (Liberty Maritime), May 25—Chairman Joseph W. Moore, Secreary Ronald J Davis, Educational Director Anwar N. Muthala, Deck Delegate Angel L. Rivera, Engine Delegate Joseph B. Dunnam, Steward Delegate Julio Guity. Chairman announced ship laying Educational Director Monroe G. Monseur, Deck Delegate Nathaniel Lamb, Engine Delegate Pedro C. Gago, Steward Delegate Leon J. Grant. Chairman announced July 1 payoff in San Juan, P.R. Secretary thanked everyone for helping take stores. He reminded those departing in port to leave clean cabin for relief person. Educational director advised crew members to continue upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center and to contribute to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications received and posted asking that those seafarers Hose Handling on the Horizon Spirit ABs aboard the Horizon Spirit recently participated in a fire hose pressure test. Handling 150 psi on a 2.5inch hose line are (from the left) Robert Bell, Mike Smolen and Jimmy Taranto. up in New Orleans. Secretary requested everyone clean rooms and give keys to captain at payoff. Educational director stressed importance of attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $500 in ship’s fund. Some beefs and disputed OT reported in deck and engine departments. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Lines), May 16—Chairman Raymond Henderson, Educational Director Joseph C. Grandinetti, Deck Delegate Reuben M. Brown, Engine Delegate Fred Petterson, Steward Delegate John G. Reid. Bosun thanked crew for outstanding job this trip. He asked that seafarers restrict admission to house, especially in Middle East. He also reminded them not wear work boots on upper decks of house. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility and make sure z-cards are up to date. Clarification requested by deck department on danger pay and whether watchstanders get a coffee break. Engine delegate requested job description for QRMUs. Question arose about satellite TV. Next ports: Halifax, Canada; Newark, N.J.; Norfolk, Va. AMERICAN TERN (Osprey Ship Management), June 5—Chairman Michael S. Sinclair, Secretary Steven Parker, Educational Director Ed Thompson, Deck Delegate Michael Cousin, Engine Delegate Edward Thompson, Steward Delegate Benjamin J. Advincula. Chairman reported ship returning to U.S. after successful Southeast Asian tour. Secretary thanked crew for help with stores and with re-flagging foreign ship. New galley and laundry equipment needed. Engine delegate reported beef regarding performance of assigned tasks. He also thanked OMU Kerry Edwards for being good watch partner. Discussion held about making crew lounge non-smoking area. Steward thanked Bosun Sinclair and Chief Engineer Brian Ackerman for fixing galley exhaust system. Crew gave vote of thanks to steward department for good food. Next ports: Concord, Calif.; Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Thule, Greenland. EL MORRO (IUM), June 29— Chairman William J. Card, Secretary Michael M. Amador, who received basic safety training certificates from training schools other than Piney Point submit them for verification. Clarification requested on 22-month rule. Crew members wish everyone a happy Fourth of July. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. ITB NEW YORK (USS Transport), June 29—Chairman Calvin Miles, Secretary Robert Wilcox, Educational Director John K. Bimpong, Deck Delegate Edward D. Tennyson, Engine Delegate Kenric L. Henry, Steward Delegate Breon A. Lucas. Chairman announced payoff July 2 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess decks and common areas neat and clean. Educational director reminded seafarers to check z-cards for expiration dates and apply early for renewal because of increased time required for background checks. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter posted regarding STCW basic safety certificates received from schools other than Piney Point. All should be submitted for verification. Suggestion made for contracts department to include time off or day’s pay in lieu of day off in next contract negotiation with company. Steward department given vote of thanks for tasty meals. NEW YORK (ATC), June 14— Chairman Christopher J. Kicey, Educational Director Edward H. Self, Deck Delegate Daniel P. Lovely, Engine Delegate Dennis S. Riley, Steward Delegate Harold B. Henderson. Chairman announced arrival June 15 in port of Valdez, Alaska with sailing next day. He reminded crew members to have pay vouchers on hand when applying for vacation benefits. Chairman wished good luck to unlicensed apprentice in his future with SIU. Secretary expressed thanks to union officials for diligent efforts to secure new and better contracts for membership. Educational director led discussion on STCW requirements and urged everyone not to get complacent about obtaining required skills and paperwork. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read concerning tour bonus and new pay system. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done and to crew for helping keep house clean. Seafarers LOG 19 �Letters to the Editor (Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Returning to An Old Hobby I have been with the Coos Bay (Oregon) Seamen’s Center for the past 21 years and volunteer manager of same for 14 of those years. During the last year of WWII, the day I turned 17, I joined the USMS. After training, I sailed with the NMU out of Boston and New York as a messman on the U.S.A.T. George Washington and the S.S. Laconia Victory. Both of these were troop ships. When the war was finished in Europe, I came to California and sailed out of Richmond on the S.S. R.C. Stoner, a Standard Oil tanker. When the war was finished there, I returned to the East Coast and sailed coastwise on the collier Walter D. Noyes. I later returned to California and finished my schooling. During this time, I started collecting foreign paper money. I did not collect heavily for many years. I am now 75 and have returned to my hobby Final Departures Continued from page 18 the U.S. Army. Brother Casazza initially worked on an Erie Lackawanna Railroad Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, he last worked aboard a Pennsylvania Central Railroad and Transportation Co. vessel. Brother Casazza started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1993 and lived in Iowa. LEROY TONDU Pensioner Leroy Tondu, 77, passed away March 15. Brother Tondu embarked on his SIU career in 1964 in Frankfort, Mich. A deck department member, he worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Michigan Interstate Railway/Ann Arbor Railroad. Brother Tondu started collecting stipends for his retirement in 1990 and lived in Arcadia, Mich. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away: ADOLPH BELL SR. Pensioner Adolph Bell Sr., 75, died May 18. He joined the NMU in 1945. Brother Bell initially shipped out of the port of Norfolk Va., aboard the Hampton. A member of the steward department, he sailed as a chief cook. Brother Bell last went to sea on the Mormac Trade. A native of Kenansville, N.C., he began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1968. ERNESTO FERRAN Pensioner Ernesto Ferran, 87, passed away March 26. Brother Ferran joined the NMU in 1938. Born in Puerto Rico, he first went to sea aboard the Orienta. Brother Ferran initially shipped in the engine department but later upgraded and sailed in the deck department as a bosun. His final voyage was on the Austral Patriot. Brother Ferran began receiving retirement stipends in 1977. 20 Seafarers LOG Know Your Rights and really enjoy it. If anyone has any foreign currency notes—old or new, from any country and in any condition—they would like to get rid of, I would welcome the donation. Buddy Hincke 66642 East Bay Road, #50 North Bend, OR 97459 Giving Back by Donating to SPAD In every issue of the LOG, I read about more ships coming into the SIU. This is no accident. And I would like the members to know that now it’s “giveback time,” meaning donating to SPAD. Thanks to SPAD, members have more jobs and job security. Indirectly, they are paying my pension. Since 1986 without fail, my pension check is at the bank when it’s supposed to be. It’s a terrific feeling knowing it’s there. As the economy worsens and thousands are out of work, I know I made the right decision in sailing as an SIU member. Walter Karlak Woodside, N.Y. ANTHONY GAROFALO DEMAS ROSAS Pensioner Anthony Garofalo, 93, died June 17. Brother Garofalo launched his NMU career in 1947. Born in New York, he initially went to sea aboard the Marine Perch. Brother Garofalo worked in the deck department and last shipped on the American Challenger. He started receiving his retirement pay in 1980. Pensioner Demas Rosas, 78, died May 23. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Rosas began his career with the NMU in the port of New York. His initial trip was aboard the Whittier Hills. The engine department member last worked aboard the Argonaut. Brother Rosas started collecting retirement compensation in 1986. JERE MRVICA In addition to the foregoing, the following NMU brothers, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated: Pensioner Jere Mrvica, 89, passed away June 16. Born in Croatia, he joined the NMU ranks in 1934. Brother Mrvica initially shipped out of the port of Philadelphia working in the steward department as a quartermaster. Brother Mrvica began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1966. Name Age DOD Andreassen, Ingvald 81 Feb. 12 Baptista, Jose 92 May 19 Barfield, Edward 78 June 3 Bell, Adolph 74 May 18 Blake, Gilbert 74 June 13 Brooks, William 79 June 16 Carrafiello, William 83 June 16 EVAN MURPHY Ciceron, Voltaire 87 May 17 Pensioner Evan Murphy, 86, died May 8. Brother Murphy started his NMU career in 1944, first sailing aboard the Malang. The Bessismer, Ala. native worked in the engine department. His last ship was the Mississippi. Brother Murphy started receiving stipends for his pension in 1979. Correa, Salvador 75 March 10 Cruz, Julio 88 June 1 Cuebas, Jaime 77 June 1 Tilman, Futch 75 May 31 Gagne, William 76 March12 Gamble, Evelyn 74 June 1 Gresham, Robert 66 May 6 Guillen, Bernabe 92 May 26 MICHAEL RAMOS Pensioner Michael Ramos, 80, passed away June 16. The Massachusettsborn mariner joined the NMU in 1962 in the port of New York. Brother Ramos was a member of the steward department. He began collecting payments for his retirement in 1979. Gulli, Nicolo 82 May 31 Hines, Albert 77 May 4 Honore, Leon 79 June 6 Howell, Henry Jr. 81 May 30 James, Robert 67 May 19 Krummi, Richard 78 June 13 Lattimer, Dwain 74 May 24 Manalo, Aquilino 98 June 24 Mehr, Frederick 76 Feb. 18 Pacheco, Luis 79 Jan. 28 Padilla, Pedro 78 May 14 Polidore, Alvin 80 June 26 Reyes, Manuel 88 May 11 Rodriguez, Hipolito 79 May 17 Rosas, Dimas 78 May 23 Sigai, Thomas 69 June 19 FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. August 2003 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of the year. 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 Able Seaman Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) Arrival Date Date of Completion August 18 September 29 November 10 September 12 October 24 December 5 September 8 September 12 Recertification Bosun October 6 November 3 Engine Upgrading Courses Arrival Date Date of Completion Oiler September 8 November 3 October 17 December 12 Welding September 8 October 6 November 3 September 26 October 24 November 21 Engine Utility (EU) August 11 September 29 November 17 September 5 October 24 December 12 QMED Junior Engineer September 22 December 12 Course Safety Specialty Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* – (5-day course) November 3 November 7 Advanced Fire Fighting – (2-week course) September 1 September 12 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW August 11 August 25 September 15 October 27 August 15 August 29 September 19 October 31 Government Vessels September 1 October 20 November 3 September 5 October 24 November 7 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* August 25 August 29 (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have radar unlimited) GMDSS (Simulator) August 4 September 15 August 15 September 26 Lifeboatman/Water Survival August 4 September 15 October 27 August 15 September 26 November 7 Radar August 25 September 5 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) August 25 October 13 December 1 September 5 October 24 December 12 (*must have basic fire fighting) Navigation Fundamentals August 4 August 15 Academic Department Courses Steward Upgrading Courses General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most week prior to the AB, QMED Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker recently beginning July 21. Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ August 2003 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 8/03 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Able Seaman — Upgrading graduates of the able seaman course ending June 20 are (in alphabetical order) Albert Abramson, Robert Abramson, Christopher Bartholmey, Caleb Buckley, David Frank, Shane Hayes, John Regina, Otis Reynolds, Kenneth Shaw, Loren Wolfe and Daniel Zapata. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at right in the front row. QMED-Junior Engineer — Graduating from the QMED-junior engineer class July 18 are (in alphabetical order) Pompey Alegado, Clinton Cephas, Christopher Cummings, Sherrod Frazier, Cornell Knox, Andrew Linares, Mark Mosher and Christopher Zaucha. Oiler — Completing the oiler course June 13 are (in alphabetical order) Maurice Brodie, Beato Diaz, Brandon Harold, Wilbert Hinton, Carlos Lewis, Aaron Matuszny, Robert Mong, John Stewart and Jeffery Thomas. STOS — Receiving certificates for completion of the STOS course May 16 are upgrading Seafarers (in no particular order) Kenric Henry, James Jasman, Melvin Kennedy, Joshua Kirk, Carlos Lucas, Jamie Parker, Selina Sobers, James Trotter and Shaun Liles. Express Marine/Deck and Galley— Express Marine boatmen who successfully completed deck and galley department courses May 9 are (in no particular order) Otis Foster, Guy Pruitt Sr., James Pruitt, Tom Crockett, William Carter, Steve Jones and Mike Daniels. In the back row are Donald Ivins (management), Herb Walling (instructor) and Keith Kirkeide (management). Navigational Fundamentals — Under the instruction of Stacy Harris (far right) are graduates of the navigational fundamentals class which ended June 20. They are (in alphabetical order) Jaime Baretty, Benjamin Barnes, John Gilston, Daniel Hanback, Paul Jagger, Richard West and Jerome Wong. Computer Lab Showing off their certificates of achievement for computer courses taken at the school are (front row, from left) Roger Abrahamson, Kenneth Shaw, (back row) Rick Prucha (instructor), Robert Scrivens and Brian Gross. 22 Seafarers LOG Academics — OS Karen Domerego (center) holds two college course certificates she earned at the Paul Hall Center (math and American government). With her are instructors Rick Prucha (left) and Peggy Densford. Fast Rescue Boat — With instructor Stan Beck (wearing cap and glasses) are June 20 graduates of the fast rescue boat course (from left) Robert Scrivens, Steve Parrish and Kenneth Lewin. August 2003 �Paul Hall Center Classes Welding — These upgrading Seafarers successfully completed the welding course June 27. They are (in alphabetical order) Kenny Abrahamson, Joseph Carrillo, Richard Johnson, Michael McErlean, Anwar Muthala, Robert Vales and Charles Walker. Their instructor, Buzzy Adams, stands second from right in the back row. ARPA — Graduating from the ARPA course June 27 are (from left) Janet Baird, Philip Corl, Robert Murray Jr. and Mark Shockey. At far right is their instructor, Mike Smith. Any student who has registered for a class and finds— for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admis- Bridge Resource Management — With their instructor, Herb Walling (back row, left), are April 18 graduates of the Bridge Resource Management course. From the left (front row) are Jerome Wong, Vincent Lucante, Kevin Buselmeier, (back) Walling, William Snyder Jr. and Theodore Terzakos. sions department so that another student may take that place. ARPA — Completing the ARPA course April 11 are (from left) Philip Reynolds, Charlene Edwards, Jerome Wong, David Somers, Michael Thomas, Robert Arble Jr. and Stephen Pollock (U.S. Coast Guard). Engine Utility — Upgrading Seafarers as well as unlicensed apprentices in the third phase of their training completed the engine utility course April 11. They are (in no particular order) UAs Joseph Romine, Aaron Morton Jr., Bryan Fletcher, Tirso Cruz, Kevin Jacobs, Clinton Betties, Christian Rosado, Nat Lamb, and upgraders Abdellatif Benjouhra, Corey Hann, Reynaldo Lacayo, Michael Jones and Ronald Hackensmith. Express Marine/Engine — Graduating from engine department classes May 9 are Express Marine boatmen (in no particular order) Albert Diggs, Gary Mason, Kenneth Whitehurst, Greg Cherry, Jerry Meekins, Stuart Murray, Donald Stutzbach, Willie Midget Jr., Bill Edwards, Russell Cowell and Roger Voliva Jr. August 2003 Express Marine/Deck — May 23 was graduation day for Express Marine boatmen taking deck department courses at the Piney Point school. They included (in no particular order) Carl Wilson, William Hudnell, James Kruger, Mark Faust, James Dixon and Dennis Gaskill. In the back row are company representatives Keith Kirkeide and Croft Register as well as Herb Walling (instructor). STCW Training, June 27 — Michael Anderson, Elsayed Amasha, Travis Austin, Michael Birke, Alfonso Bombita Jr., Maurice Brodie, Lonnie Carter, Frank Cottongin III, Brian Delatte, Kent Doctor, David Frank, Rubildo Garcia, William Johnson, Cesar Macias-Ortiz, Alvin Major, Gerald Mena, Ronald Mena, Robert Mong, Philip Paquette, Thomas Stead, John Stephen, Isaac Vega-Mercado, Jonathan Wendland, Gregory Williams and Loren Wolfe. Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 65, Number 8 August 2003 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS SIU Pacific District Pension Plan and SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. — page 14 ITF Secures Aid for Crews of FOC Vessels $34,846 and Plane Tickets For Russian Crew $140,000 in Back Pay For Cruise-Ship Crew Happy with the results of the ITF intervention on behalf of the Ousto’s crew members are (from left) ITF Inspector Shwe Tun Aung, Fr. Sinclair Oubre, Capt. Vladimir V. Dovzhenko, an AB and an oiler. Constantly on the lookout for flag of convenience vessels that are fraught with danger, poor working conditions and lack of pay, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) once again came to the aid of crew members aboard such a vessel. ITF Inspector Shwe Tun Aung, who works out of Houston, was alerted to conditions aboard the Panamanian-flagged oil tanker Ousto several months ago after receiving a phone call from Father Sinclair Oubre (SIU member as well as Diocesan Director for the Apostleship of the Sea and Executive Director of the Port Arthur International Seamen’s Center). The seamen’s center had visited the ship and brought the crew to its facilities. However, the crew members only used the recreational services, since they had no money for shopping or use of the communication services. While there, one of the mariners asked a volunteer if she could help them. Aung and Fr. Sinclair met in Port Arthur with the all-Russian crew, who complained about not getting paid, not enough food aboard ship and no cash advance money. Their requests to the shipping agent had gone unanswered. Since the vessel (formerly the American-flagged S.S. Houston) is going to scrap in India, crew members were concerned as to what would happen to them then. Aung called the shipping company, warning them that if money was not Capt. Vladimir V. Dovzhenko counts received within three days, the ship out some of the money received from would be seized. the shipping agent to pay the crew. Several days later, $29,713 was sent, followed the next week by an additional $5,133, for a total of $34,846. Additionally, nine airplane tickets were delivered for those members wishing to return home. The others would help sail the ship to India and be repatriated from there. The SIU is affiliated with the ITF, a London-based federation of 570 unions. Crew members from the Regal Voyager received their back pay, thanks to intervention by the ITF. It took two weeks of often round-the-clock efforts, but SIU ITF inspectors Scott Brady and Tony Sacco recently secured $140,000 in back pay for mariners aboard the runaway-flag cruise ship Regal Voyager in Charleston, S.C. Crew members telephoned Brady from the vessel in Trinidad and informed him they hadn’t been paid in three months. The Bahamian-flag vessel sailed to Charleston, where Brady and Sacco immediately met with the mariners and confirmed their claims. “Negotiations between the ITF and the company (Miami-based St. Thomas Cruise Line) began, but our demands weren’t properly addressed,” Brady reported. “We gave the company a deadline which they failed to meet, so we arrested the vessel.” Shortly thereafter, negotiations resumed—and the crew received all of their back wages, plus additional wages in line with the ITF contract already in place between the federation and the company. The company also assumed all financial responsibility to end the ship’s arrest and repatriated three crew members. According to Brady, the ship remains in Charleston undergoing repairs and is expected to resume its charter this fall. “Tony and I worked day and night for about two weeks on this vessel to meet all of the crew’s just demands,” Brady said. “It was a tough but successful case and we were glad to help, as always.” Defining Runaway Flags A runaway-flag or flag-of-convenience (FOC) ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than the country of ownership. Cheap registration fees, low or no taxes and freedom to employ cheap labor are the motivating factors behind a shipowner’s decision to “flag out.” The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), to which the SIU is affiliated, takes into account the degree to which foreign-owned vessels are registered and fly the country flag, as well as the following additional criteria, when declaring a register an FOC: The ability and willingness of the flag state to enforce international minimum social standards on its vessels, including respect for basic human and trade union rights, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining with bona fide trade unions. The social record as determined by the degree of ratification and enforcement of ILO conventions and recommendations. The safety and environmental record as revealed by the ratification and enforcement of IMO Conventions and revealed by port state control inspections, deficiencies and detentions. Campaign Goals Once an American-flagged vessel, the now rusting Panamanian-flagged Ousto sits at a pier in Port Arthur, Texas before sailing to India to be scrapped. It was here, in Port Arthur, that the unpaid crew sought help from the ITF. For than half a century, the aims of the FOC Campaign have been: The elimination of the FOC system and the establishment of a regulatory framework for the shipping industry; To attack sub-standard shipping and seek ITF acceptable standards on all ships irrespective of flag, using all the political, industrial and legal means at the ITF’s disposal; To protect and enhance the conditions of employment of maritime workers and to ensure that all maritime workers, regardless of color, nationality, sex, race or creed, are protected from exploitation by their employers and those acting on their behalf; To individually strengthen affiliated unions, in all aspects, so as to ensure the provision and delivery of a greater degree of solidarity in the campaign. Source: International Transport Workers’ Federation � 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 August 2003 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES A MESSAGE FROM SECRETARY OF LABOR ELAINE L. CHAO SIU PRESIDENT VISITS COMMAND THAT CONTROLS SEALIFT, OTHER LIFT MANUKAI CHRISTENING REPRESENTS REBIRTH OF SHIP AND SHIPYARD NO LETUP HERE: SIU FLEET GAINS 4 MORE VESSELS SIU’S NEWEST HALL TO OPEN IN JOLIET, ILL. MSP IN CONFERENCE SIU CREW HELPS RESCUE LAKES FISHERMAN ALASKA TANKER COMPANY MARKS SAFETY MILESTONE MARITIME REGULATIONS ANNOUNCED BY DEPT. OF HOMELAND SECURITY MARYLAND SECRETARY OF LABOR FIELDER, STATE AFL-CIO OFFICIALS VISIT SCHOOL GOVERNMENT SERVICES SHIPS EARN MSC SAFETY AWARDS SEAFARERS APPEALS BOARD ACTION NUMBER 420 MORE RRF CREWS HONORED FOR ROLES IN IRAQI FREEDOM MSC HONORS CREWS OF FAST SEALIFT SHIPS ALGOL, BELLATRIX, POLLUX DELIVERED FOR U.S. TROOPS PINEY POINT FIXTURE BETTY SMITH CALLS IT A CAREER MILITARY SAILOR SALUTES PAUL HALL CENTER’S VETERAN’S PROGRAM NEW PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNT PROGRAM FOR SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN RETIREE MACHADO ENCOURAGES ASPIRING MARINERS ITF SECURES AID FOR CREWS OF FOC VESSELS Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 08/01/2003 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. 65, No. 8 2003 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/0b80081e9adba2d73e09b717f59249c9.pdf bb7b9b7849c7309f90513b41f32be07e PDF Text Text Volume 65, Number 9 September 2003 Hands-On Training Highlights Courses At Paul Hall Center Practical training has always been a key component at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Today, because of STCW requirements for “demonstrations of competency,” the school’s hands-on curriculums are more useful than ever. Pages 12-13. NY Waterway Crews Come Through Again Page 3 Alaska, Paul Hall Center Are Winning Combination Page 6 SIU ‘Family Photos’ Page 11 Joliet Hall Opens this Month AB Richard Campbell (left) and Bosun John Glenn helped ready the new TOTE ship North Star (below) for delivery last month. Page 3. The SIU’s newest hall is set to open in mid-September. Located in Joliet, Ill., the hall already has made favorable impressions on Seafarers and SIU officials, including (from left) SIU President Mike Sacco, AB Leo Bonser Jr. and AB John Immerfall, pictured inside the hall last month. Page 3. North Star Delivered! �President’s Report In Peace and War When the largest power outage in our nation’s history struck last month, Seafarers answered the call. In a scene that couldn’t help but bring back memories of September 11, SIU crews aboard NY Waterway passenger ferries transported 200,000 commuters from New York City on August 14. With subway and bus service as well as most other ground transportation out, Seafarers were there for their fellow citizens who desperately needed a ride toward home. Thankfully, last month’s events weren’t anyMichael Sacco where near the same tragic scale as the terrorist attacks. But, they served up another reminder that U.S. mariners answer their nation’s call—in peace and war. The blackout came on the heels of numerous ceremonies honoring U.S. crews—including thousands of SIU members—who supported our troops by sailing in Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Operation Enduring Freedom. During those ceremonies, high-ranking officials from our government and armed forces described the U.S. Merchant Marine as patriotic, dedicated and reliable. Many factors are behind that dependability and the similar steadiness shown by our ferry crews. Love of country. Devotion to duty. Upholding the tradition of the fourth arm of defense. Commitment to proper training that helps ensure safe operations. Willingness to sail into harm’s way. If you look a little further, you’ll see other important components that allow our mariners to deliver the goods. Namely, laws such as the Jones Act and the U.S. Maritime Security Program, among others, which help maintain a pool of trained, loyal crews to sail aboard American-flag ships. Put simply, the Jones Act works. Now more than ever, with our nation constantly under the threat of more attacks, common sense says it’s more than reasonable to insist that cargo (and passengers) moving from one domestic port to another be carried aboard U.S.flag, U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built vessels. In my book, that’s the safest, most trustworthy combination on water. Likewise, the Maritime Security Program, up for reauthorization possibly as soon as next month, works. Operation Iraqi Freedom proved it, although, as discussed here many times, the program already had shown its worth to U.S. national and economic security. It’s too bad that it sometimes takes unwanted circumstances to remind people of the merchant marine’s importance. Yet our crews have consistently shined when they’re most needed, during wars and other emergencies and peacekeeping missions. Time after time, we deliver. Slowly but surely, more Americans are becoming aware of our critical role. During the war in Iraq, the merchant marine received at least a passable amount of media coverage—certainly far more than during Operation Desert Storm. And, just last month, Fox News Channel aired an hour-long piece on the heroism of America’s World War II mariners. The segment concluded with a very appropriate acknowledgement of today’s seafarers and their performance in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Incredibly, even as some of our mariners return home from the war while others continue post-war sealift operations, new attacks on the Jones Act have surfaced, as reported elsewhere in this issue. Those attacks are a sobering reminder that the enemies of the U.S. Merchant Marine won’t let up. But they’ll have to do more than trot out the same old weak arguments which are nothing more than thinly disguised attempts by foreign-flag interests to crush our industry. The U.S. Merchant Marine is a proven, valuable asset to this country. The administration knows it. The military knows it. So do plenty of people in Congress. And the public finally may be catching on. With that in mind, I remain very optimistic about our industry’s future. As we tackle new challenges to improve shipboard and port security, the cooperation between labor, management and government has never been better. With Operation Iraqi Freedom and the blackout as backdrops, our importance remains clear. The opportunities to strengthen our fleet have never been more critical or viable. Whether by protecting the Jones Act, or expanding the Maritime Security Program, or strengthening the fight against runaway flags, the SIU will continue to help lead the battle to maintain a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Our members—and our nation—deserve nothing less. Volume 65, Number 9 Seafarers Can Help Plan Contain Medical Costs The Seafarers International Union, like many organizations in the United States today, is continuing its battle against the rapidly rising cost of health care for its members. As noted in last month’s Seafarers LOG, while many employers are trying to shift the skyrocketing health care costs to the employees, the SIU and other unions are meeting the challenge by fighting hard when negotiating new contracts to try and keep a high level of health care benefits with minimal responsibility on the part of the member. Plans administrators from a number of maritime unions participated in a meeting at SIU headquarters July 22 aimed at combating the continually rising health care expenses. Their goal is to work together to fight the increasing costs of providing quality medical care for their memberships. Their next meeting will take place Sept. 4 at the MM&P headquarters and will include representatives from the Seafarers, NMU, MFOW, MM&P, AMO, SUP, MEBA and ARA. In addition to the work that the union officials are undertaking, there also are ways that each individual member can help reduce the costs of their medical care. Before undergoing any medical procedure, be sure to ask the provider if the course of action is, indeed, necessary and, if so, whether they accept the Seafarer’s insurance of 100 percent “reasonable and customary.” After a procedure has been done and the insurance has covered the “reasonable and customary” portion, the Seafarer may wish to call the provider and ask them to write off the balance, since the 100 percent “reasonable and customary” has already been paid. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has an understanding with the Eckerd Pharmacy chain (including Genovese and Thrift drug stores), which offers a discount for prescriptions to those Seafarers and their dependents who show a Seafarers Health and Benefits ID card. This will result in an immediate reduction in any out-of-pocket monies spent to fill each prescription. Once the discount has been given, eligible members and their dependents should submit their prescription claims to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan for reimbursement. This results in a lower out-of-pocket payment by the Seafarer as well as a reduced cost to the Plan. Another way to minimize prescription costs is to ask your doctor to prescribe (or your pharmacist to fill) a generic version, whenever possible, of the prescribed drug. In some cases, the difference in price is significant. Minimizing prescription costs is one component of affordable health care. Another is checking the invoices from doctors or hospitals. When Seafarers receive a bill from a health care provider, they should look it over carefully to see if it includes charges for services not received or services billed twice. If it does, the doctor or hospital should be contacted to have the mistake corrected. Once a correction has been made, the Seafarer should contact the Health and Benefits Plan office. After verifying the correction, the Plan will pay the Seafarer a bonus which is equal to 25 percent of the amount he or she saved the Plan—up to a maximum of $500. Safety Team Explores Latest Security, Training Issues Examining a host of important issues that affect Seafarers, SIU safety directors last month met at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The five-day session marked the fifth annual conference of the union’s safety directors. “It gave all the representatives the opportunity to compare situations in various ports, and that really helps us be in a better position to address the needs of the membership,” said Joe Mieluchowski, the union’s safety director for the port of Philadelphia. “Port security obviously is an issue of great importance, and that was one of the main topics we discussed.” The typically full agenda included tours of the school’s simulator complex, admissions office, manpower department, Crowley Marine’s Dominic LaSenna reviews key aspects of quality assurance standards. Cole Cosgrove of Crowley Marine Services discusses vessel security issues. small arms range and Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. The safety directors also revisited STCW issues, effective communication and more. Additionally, they welcomed safety presentations from SIU-contracted Crowley Marine Services and Dyn Marine. “It was great, very informative,” stated SIU New York Safety Director Joe Baselice. “We covered so much—interaction with the companies, port security procedures, the (impending) new ID cards, STCW…. Basically, what to look out for and what’s ahead.” Archie Ware, SIU safety director in San Francisco, said the communications lessons proved especially useful, as did the meetings with SIU headquarters officials and representatives. Safety directors who participated were Mieluchowski, Baselice, Ware, Amancio Crespo (Puerto Rico), David Heindel Jr. (Houston), Steve Ruiz (Jacksonville), Samuel Spain (Norfolk), Jeff Turkus (Wilmington, Calif.), Chris Westbrook (New Orleans) and Chad Partridge (Algonac, Mich.). Company representatives who addressed the group included Cole Cosgrove and Dominic LaSenna from Crowley Marine Services and Jake Jacobs and Anthony Williams from Dyn Marine. September 2003 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2003 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Jake Jacobs of Dyn Marine addresses SIU safety directors at the Paul Hall Center. September 2003 �SIU Ferry Crews Come Through Again Seafarers who crew NY Waterway passenger ferries provided transportation for scores of commuters in the New York region during the Aug. 14 power failure which forced the evacuation of office buildings, stranded thousands of commuters and inundated some hospitals with people who fell victim to the oppressive heat. The outage—whose cause still is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Energy—struck abruptly at 4:11 p.m. ET and cut off electricity to millions of residents in New York City, Toronto, Ottawa, Detroit and Cleveland. Other affected cities included Buffalo, Albany and Syracuse, N.Y.; Hartford, Conn.; Lansing and many other smaller cities in Michigan; Akron and Toledo, Ohio and some counties in southeast Pennsylvania. It was the largest power failure in U.S. history and lasted upwards of 10 hours in some areas. An estimated 50 million people were without power during this period. In the New York region, virtually every mode of transportation failed except for ferries and feet. Reports say traffic jams grew to dozens of miles long, bringing buses and even emergency vehicles to a standstill. Police and hordes of self-deputized citizens tried to control the streets with handmade stop and go signs. Subway and commuter trains were paralyzed on their tracks, some in tunnels. A Long Island Railroad Train reportedly was trapped beneath the East River for almost two hours with no air conditioning. With no trains running, cabs marooned or practically nonexistent and buses moving only a few blocks an hour, people around the region tried to get home any way they could. Pedestrians for hours packed the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges as they streamed their way away from the island. Ferry lines, according to some reports, reached lengths of a third of a mile in lower Manhattan. NY Waterway had 50 vessels in service immediately following the blackout. Captains and crews worked extended hours to accommodate as many commuters as possible. Despite the fact that many would-be passengers waited in line for more than two hours—a result of sheer volume —NY Waterway vessels and crews still got the job done. In the end, 200,000 people were ferried off the island, 40,000 more than the company accommodated during September 11. SIU Capt. Tom Colomara and Joliet Hall Set to Open The SIU’s newest hall, located in Joliet, Ill., is set to open in midSeptember. “We’re tentatively planning to open on September 15, and the hall should be fully functional by the end of the month,” noted SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski. “We’re still getting our mainframe access in place as well as working out some other details, but we’ve made a lot of progress.” Seafarers may call the hall at (815) 723-8002. The hall is located at 10 East Clinton Street in downtown Joliet, occupying two stories of a corner building. Members who visited the hall last month liked what they saw. SIU Port Agent Don Thornton and Joliet secretary Nicole Mackowiak have helped ready the hall for a September opening. his crew aboard the Bayonne provided transportation for some 4,000 people during his shift. A resident of Brooklyn, N.Y., Colomara has been a Seafarer for almost two years. “We worked from about 2 p.m. until midnight on the day of the blackout,” Colomara recalled. “We were all very busy and at times it was particularly demanding dealing with the passengers. “It was very hot and most of them (the passengers) were nervous and scared because they did not know what was happening,” the captain continued. “I’m sure that many of them had flashbacks about 9/11 and that’s understandable considering the circumstances. I’m just glad that everything worked out in the end. “Altogether, we made about 25 to 30 runs during our shift and we were filled to capacity on each run,” Colomara concluded. “Everyone (the crew) did a great job in getting as many people home safely as they could. I’m delighted with their efforts.” Bob Capenegro, the SIU captain of the Lautenberg, worked his normal shift and then was called back in to man his vessel for an additional four hours on the day of the blackout. “It turned out to be a pretty exciting evening for myself and the crew,” said the SIU member of three years, who lives in Atlantic Highlands, N.J. “Normally, we provide transportation for about 1,100 people daily. On the day of the blackout though, that number more than doubled. I’d say that we ferried more than 2,000 people. When you consider that the capacity of my boat is 150 people, that’s quite a few runs.” Capenegro echoed Colomara’s description of passengers’ moods. “Most of them were nervous because they didn’t know what caused the power failure. Many thought it was another terrorist attack at first, but after we told them that it was not, they felt relieved,” Capanegro said. “A lot of others were upset because they could not get out of the city when they wanted to. Many could not leave until 10 p.m. and they were pretty irate about that, but we did our best to calm their moods and get them home as soon as possible.” “We are very proud of the job our captains and crews did in the aftermath of the blackout,” said Michael McPhillips, NY Waterway operations manager. “The performance and professionalism they exhibited during this episode was nothing less than spectacular. It was a true testament to their tremendous dedication and “It’s a welcome addition,” said AB Leo Bonser Jr. “It saves the members in this area a lot of driving time to either St. Louis or Algonac.” AB John Immerfall, who sails with Great Lakes Towing, said he’s “glad to see a hall in the Chicago area. This means the patrolmen will be at our tug facilities more often. They’re a welcome site anytime.” AB John Benjamin said the hall is “another item that continues to put the SIU on the map in our region. My compliments to (SIU President) Mike Sacco, Tommy and the rest of the SIU leadership for making this possible.” The hall, which also is open to members Checking out the electronic shipping board are of the SIU-affili- (from left) SIU VP Great Lakes Tommy ated United In- Orzechowski, SIU President Mike Sacco and dustrial Workers Seafarers John Benjamin and Frank Melgoza. and the Seafarers Other features include a secEntertainment and Allied Trades Union, is accessible by public rail ond-floor conference room and a and bus services. Plenty of park- comfortable seating area (with ing is located nearby. television) on the ground level. The interior is well-lighted and A baseball stadium—home of consists of approximately 2,500 the minor league Joliet Jacksquare feet. The hall will utilize Hammers—is located a few an electronic shipping board. blocks from the hall. The hall occupies two stories at 10 East Clinton Street. superb training. “I really was not surprised at their performance,” concluded McPhillips, who himself is a former SIU deep-sea division member. “They always rise above the occasion.” NY Waterway has the largest ferry and excursion fleet in NY Harbor. The company’s SIUcrewed vessels provide ferry service between Hoboken and Manhattan, seven days per week. Elsewhere, the blackout had a minimal lasting impact on the SIU and it operations. SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi noted that the union’s hall in Brooklyn closed early the day after the outage, since it had no operable computers or phones and the city’s transportation system largely was crippled. All was back to normal on Monday, however. SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski had a similar assessment of the power outage. Operations at the SIU hall in Algonac mostly were unaffected by the blackout. “Although the people in Detroit had a 24-hour outage, everyone remained calm and in control of the situation,” he said. “We did have a boil-water order in effect, but that was about it.” North Star Delivered to TOTE The SIU-contracted North Star was delivered Aug. 22 to Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE), signaling new shipboard job opportunities for Seafarers. The North Star is the second of two new Orcaclass trailerships built by San Diego’s NASSCO The main deck includes an enclosed bow to provide cover during rough weather. September 2003 Shipyard for TOTE’s service from Tacoma, Wash., to Anchorage, Alaska. Sister ship Midnight Sun was delivered to TOTE in April. Both ships are 840-foot-long, 118-foot-wide rollon/roll-off cargo ships capable of carrying highway trailers as large as 53 feet in length. Cargo decks total 360,000 square feet and can carry up to 600 cargo trailers and 220 autos as well as oversized freight. The ships employ the latest in marine and environmental protection technologies, including twin-screw, diesel-electric propulsion that can achieve a speed of more than 24 knots. Both vessels already have received awards for their environmentally sensitive design features. These awards include the States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force Legacy Award for 2000, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner’s 2000 Pollution Prevention Award, and the U.S. Coast Guard’s William M. Benkert Foundation 2002 Environmental Excellence Bronze Award. Pictured aboard the North Star on Aug. 15 in San Diego are (standing, from left) Bosun John Glenn, SIU Wilmington, Calif. Port Agent John Cox, AB Carmine Bova, AB Deocadio Romney, (seated) AB Saleh Alsinai and AB Fadhel Saleh. Seafarers LOG 3 �Horizon Hawaii Helps Save 3 Atlantic Rescue Takes Place in Rough Weather Merchant mariners aboard the SIU-crewed Horizon Hawaii during the mid-evening hours of May 17 came to the aid of three people in distress aboard a sailing vessel in the Atlantic Ocean. While steaming on a southbound course for Puerto Rico— and located at 37 degrees 1 minute North Latitude and 72 degrees 44 minutes West Longitude—the Hawaii at about 8:55 p.m. received a distress call via radio from the Gina, a 44-foot Irwin Sloop. Three people (Kathleen O’Sullivan, Frank Grande and Captain Jay Sweet) were aboard the troubled vessel, which was located some 150 miles off the North Carolina coast and on a northbound course for Maine. Because of equipment malfunction, the Gina could not establish contact with the U.S. Coast Guard, or sail due to a broken shroud. To add to the trio’s problems, their fuel tanks were contaminated. Because their vessel’s decks were awash, however, they had no way to refuel. The craft was not taking on water yet, but it would only be a matter of time before their situation became grave. The sloop could only maneuver on a northerly course and, due to rough seas and swells, crew members feared the rolling might bring down their mast. After being briefed on all the particulars—especially the deteriorating sea conditions near the distressed vessel—and weighing his options, Hawaii Captain F. John Nicoll at about 9:15 p.m. changed course and headed for the Gina, which was located about 10 miles away and to the north. Some 40 minutes later, the Hawaii arrived on the scene and continued contact with the U.S. Coast Guard in New York who in turn relayed them to their counterparts in Portsmouth, Va. The resulting dialogue between the Hawaii and the Coast Guard led all concerned to the conclusion that it would be far too dangerous for the container ship crew to attempt to board the Gina to rescue its crew. In addition to darkness, the barometer at the time was going down, winds were northeasterly at 20-25 knots, the swell was 12-15 feet and the seas were 8 feet. The Coast Guard opted to dispatch a rescue helicopter and a C130 aircraft to the location for the rescue mission. Meanwhile the Hawaii, with its entire crew at the ready for whatever they were called upon to do, stood by with the Gina. While waiting, the Hawaii crew remained in contact with the Coast Guard, relaying messages back and forth between them and the Gina. About one hour later, the C130 joined the Hawaii at the scene. Another hour passed and the rescue helicopter arrived and began retrieving the sailboat crew. Shortly before 1 a.m., all three were safely aboard the helicopter and headed back to SIU’s Corgey, UIW’s Armstrong Elected VPs of Texas AFL-CIO An SIU official and a chief shop steward from the Seafarersaffiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW) made history in July when they were voted to key positions in the Texas AFL-CIO. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and Mike Armstrong, chief shop steward at the UIW-contracted Crown Cork & Seal plant in Abilene, Texas, became the first two individuals affiliated with the SIU to occupy state labor federation executive board posts simultaneously in any state in the union. Corgey was re-elected vice president for District 3, Texas AFL-CIO while Armstrong was chosen as vice president for the federation’s District 15. Both were selected for their posts during the federation’s 43rd Constitutional Convention in Austin, Texas. This marks at least the seventh time that Corgey has been chosen for the vice president’s post in District 3. Armstrong, like Corgey, is no stranger to the labor movement or to the importance of grassroots political action. He currently is a four-term president of the Abilene/Big Country Central Labor Council. Armstrong also is serving his second three-year term as chief shop steward. Elsewhere at the convention, Communications Workers of America Local 6137 President Becky Moeller also made her mark in history. Moeller became the highest-ranking labor woman 4 Seafarers LOG Virginia. The Hawaii came about, increased to sea speed and resumed it course for San Juan. Seafarers aboard the Hawaii at the time of the rescue were: Bosun David Murray, ABMs Dwayne Gordon and Pat Lavin, ABWs Ricardo Quinones, Gregory Johnson, Keith Obryan and Wilfredo Cruz, QEE Roy Frett, OMU Omer Omer, GUDE Fadel Ghaleb, EU Eliester Montalvo, Oiler Pablo Albino, Chief Cook Leopoldo Ruiz, SB Joseph Gallo, UMM Arturo Lopez and UAs Sergio Gonzalez Lopez and Michael Pockat. Gina crew member Grande, who also is a captain, expressed his gratitude to everyone aboard the Hawaii in correspondence to Captain Nicoll. In part, Grande wrote: “Words cannot express my heartfelt gratitude for your assistance in my time of need. The Atlantic Ocean, far from a safe shore, is a lonely, desolate area. Hearing your response was a big factor in our safe rescue and ulti- Seafarers and officers aboard the Horizon Hawaii pose on deck for a snapshot after taking part in the rescue of three persons from a vessel in distress in the Atlantic Ocean. mate survival. To all the hands that responded and volunteered, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and present to you the ultimate gift: three lives saved. Your diligence and attention to detail, when presented with our emergency rescue, is indicative of a well-trained, coordinated crew.” Fellow Gina crew member O’Sullivan likewise was appreciative and in a letter to Captain Nicoll offered: “I can’t begin to Jersey City Mayor Hoists Merchant Marine Emblem For what is believed to be the first time in the history of Jersey City, N.J., the U.S. Merchant Marine standard flew above city hall this summer, joining the flags of the armed services. The flag was hoisted by Jersey City Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham, a former U.S. Marine, Jersey City Police captain and U.S. Marshall. Joining the mayor was his deputy, Eugene Drayton, a combat veteran of the Vietnam War and retired Hoboken, N.J. police describe the sense of relief we felt when you answered our Pan Pan…The willingness and enthusiasm of you and your crew to turn around and stand by us deserves gratitude and commendation that are beyond words. Our prayers to the Gods of the High Seas were answered in the form of a container ship called the Horizon Hawaii and its captain and crew. We are forever in your debt.” detective. The flag was a gift to the citizens of Jersey City, presented on behalf of the SIU by Recertified Steward (and former U.S. Marine) Joey Gallo Jr. Mayor Cunningham delivered an impromptu speech thanking Seafarers and all U.S. mariners for their “extraordinary contributions to our country.” He acknowledged the sacrifice of past and present mariners and wished all in theater throughout the world a safe return. Gallo thanked the mayor and deputy mayor for supporting the U.S. Merchant Marine. The mayor concluded by saying it was his pleasure “to be a brother of the Brotherhood of the Sea.” Gallo serves as a special assistant to the mayor on community, labor and port maritime issues. Mayor Cunningham hoists the flag as Deputy Mayor Drayton and Gallo observe. Dean Corgey Jersey City Mayor Glenn D. Cunningham (center) prepares to raise the U.S. Merchant Marine flag at city hall. Joining him are Deputy Mayor Eugene Drayton (left) and Recertified Steward Joey Gallo. Notice NMU WELFARE PLAN – CHANGES IN ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS The Plan Administrator will be notifying all Participants in the NMU Welfare Plan that benefit eligibility requirements will change effective January 1, 2004. Mike Armstrong in Texas and the first woman ever to be elected to the office of secretary-treasurer. Former secretary-treasurer and longtime labor official Emmett Sheppard was elected as the federation’s new president. Sheppard replaced Joe Gunn, who retired after holding the top office for 14 years. The revised rules will require a Participant to sail in covered employment for at least 120 days in a calendar year to be eligible for benefits in the following year. A Participant will also be required to sail one day within six calendar months before the date of a claim or sail in the month in which a claim is incurred as long as the day of employment precedes the date of the claim. Vacation days will no longer count as days of covered employment. The Plan Administrator supplied the following example of how the new rules will work. John Smith works in covered employment for 120 days in the period from January 1, to December 31, 2003. His last date of employment is December 31, 2003. He then works one day in January 2004 and one day in July 2004. Thus, he has fulfilled all of the eligibility requirements and the Plan will pay all covered medical expenses incurred in 2004. Periods of disability as a result of illness or an accident will count as covered employment as long as a Participant conforms to Plan Regulations. One half of the time spent attending courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education will also count as days of covered employment. Eligibility for each of the following years will be subject to the same requirements. Plan Participants are encouraged to review their work experience for 2003 in order to maintain their eligibility for benefits. September 2003 �SIU Stands Up for Mariners’ Rights Union Backs Most of MTSA’s New Regulations, But Stresses Need for Fair Rules for Shore Leave The enactment of effective, realistic and fair security rules to protect America’s ports and waterways from a terrorist attack continues to be a priority of the highest magnitude for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The agency on July 1 announced the publication of temporary interim rules governing the implementation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2003 (MTSA) and solicited feedback via written comments from affected entities. As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, U.S. maritime unions, including the SIU, are at the forefront and remain extremely energetic in moving toward greater shipboard and port security. The SIU has met with representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, officials from numerous U.S. ports, the International Transport Workers’ Federation, the International Maritime Organization and the International Labor Organization, among others, to facilitate the identification and enactment of effective, realistic and fair security rules. In keeping with its resolve to remain active in this arena and pursue measures that best address the needs and satisfy the interests of its members, the SIU in correspondence to the U.S. Department of Transportation voiced its views on the recently published interim rules on the MTSA. Following are excerpts from the letter, which is dated July 31, signed by SIU President Michael Sacco and addressed to the Docket Management Facility, (USCG-2003-14792), U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, D.C. 200590-0001: The Seafarers International Union of North America (SIU), AFL-CIO, representing thousands of American merchant mariners employed on U.S.-flag vessels in the domestic and international waterborne trades is pleased to generally comment on the temporary interim final rules published on July 1, 2003 with regard to the implementation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act, recent amendments to the International Maritime Organization’s International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS). Since our comments are general in nature and embody issues from several of the temporary interim rules, the SIU has chosen USCG-200314792, Implementation of National Maritime Security Initiatives, as the vehicle for submission of our comments. The SIU applauds the Coast Guard for its monumental effort in promulgating these extensive regulations in such a timely manner. The SIU generally endorses the precepts contained in the temporary interim rules dealing with the general implementation, vessel, port and facility security rules. However, there are select items within these rules that warrant concern and comment. The SIU will focus its comments on those issues, as follows: Access to Shore: The SIU advances that in promulgating its temporary interim final rules, the Coast Guard has failed to confront the current critical problem of seafarer access to shore. Shore leave is undoubtedly one of the most vital elements of a seafarer’s well being in terms of living and working conditions. Since seafarers live and work on a vessel for long periods of time, access to shore and access to the vessel by representatives of seafarers’ welfare and labor organizations is essential and should not be irresponsibly denied by ports and terminals. Unfortunately, widespread incidents have been reported where both U.S. and foreign merchant mariners have been denied access to shore at certain U.S. ports and terminals, even though the U.S mariner holds credentials that the Coast ITF’s Cockroft: Reexamine ‘Cozy Contract’ Between Taylor, Liberian Ship Registry The International Transport Workers’ Federation last month issued the following statement from ITF General Secretary David Cockroft. Commenting on Charles Taylor’s departure from Liberia, Cockroft said, “We’re more than glad to see the back of that villain and hope that his accomplices will also be swept from power. Any cleansing of the mire of corruption and violence that is Liberia must include the removal from their maritime posts of the justly UN condemned Benoni Urey and Agnes Taylor, and a reassessment of the cozy contract signed by [the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry] and the Liberian dictator.” He continued: “Putting aside September 2003 the joy of all decent people that Taylor is out, there are some issues about where the Liberian register goes from here that continue to concern us. These include the lack of any rule of law in Liberia and, by extension, the ships flying its flag. Compliance with international law and the rooting out of corruption must be one of the immediate tasks facing any new government, and the retention of FOC status does not bode well for that mission. “Liberia must develop sources of sustainable income generation and the $18 million provided by the flag, as well as being a drop in the ocean in terms of its reconstruction, humanitarian and developmental needs, does not meet that need.” Guard currently considers acceptable for access to waterfront facilities and port and harbor areas and the foreign-flag seafarer has been cleared by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. The inconsistency of various maritime port (facility) security measures and precautions in many instances preclude a mariner’s opportunity for shore leave. It appears that every terminal and berth is interpreting its security advice in an individualistic fashion, often denying both U.S. and foreign seamen port access. Security procedures in some ports go far beyond what is currently recommended/required by federal agencies. In different parts of the country, private port facilities have required that U.S. merchant mariners remain on their vessels, denying them shore leave and port access even though these mariners hold federally issued identification documents. Often, these security precautions are not equally applied to truck drivers and contract workers from outside. Moreover, as previously noted in submissions to the docket on maritime security by various entities, current U.S. law recognizes that shore leave is necessary for a mariner’s well being and the safe and efficient operation of the vessel, as enunciated in the 1943 United States Supreme Court decision in the case of Aguilar vs. Standard Oil Company: “The assumption is hardly sound that the normal uses and purposes of shore leave are exclusively personal and have no relation to the vessel’s business. Men cannot live for long cooped up aboard ship without substantial impairment of their efficiency, if not also serious danger to discipline. Relaxation beyond the confines of the ship is necessary if the work is to go on, more so that it may move smoothly. No master would take a crew to sea if he could not grant shore leave, and no crew would be taken if it could never obtain it. Even more for the seaman than for the landsman, therefore, the superfluous is the necessary…to make life livable and to get work done. In short, shore leave is an elemental necessity in the sailing of ships, a part of the business as old as the art, not merely a personal diversion.” Denial of shore leave is patently unfair to merchant mariners and may be interpreted as a basic rejection of their human rights and a degradation of their human dignity. As noted, merchant mariners are oftentimes aboard a vessel months at a time. They look forward to shore leave in order take care of certain personal needs that many of us onshore take for granted—a phone call to family, a haircut, purchase of reading material, a visit to a church or religious seafarers’ welfare organization, or just a walk on land. The SIU believes that shore leave is a fundamental seafarers’ right—a cherished right that authorities should deny only in compelling circumstances and for compelling reasons. However, when seafarers are properly credentialed and vetted or have cleared scrutiny by Immigration and Naturalization Service, shore leave should not be arbitrarily denied. Recognizing the seriousness of this problem and possible repercussions and retaliatory possibilities, delegates to the International Maritime Organization’s Diplomatic Conference on Maritime Security in December 2002 adopted language to the ISPS Code on this urgent issue, as noted in the preamble to Part A, as follows: “Contracting governments when approving ship and port facility security plans should pay due cognizance to the fact that ship’s personnel live and work on the vessel and need shore leave and access to shore based seafarer welfare facilities, including medical care.” In our view, this phraseology implies that shore leave provisions should be addressed in ship and port facility security plans. The essentiality for crew shore leave was also emphasized in the ISPS Code mandatory Part A under the provisions for a port (facility) security plan. The port (facility) security plan “shall address procedures for facilitating shore leave for ship’s personnel or personnel changes, as well as access of visitors to the ship including representatives of seafarers’ welfare and labour organizations.” Unfortunately, the temporary interim rules issued by the Coast Guard do not reflect this ISPS requirement. Essentially, the agency has abdicated its responsibility to address the crucial shore leave problem. The temporary interim rule merely “encourages both the vessel and the facility operators to coordinate shore leave for mariners, as well as procedures for access through the facility by visitors, including port chaplains and union representatives.” The temporary interim rule places the responsibility on the vessel and facility owner/ operator to “ensure coordination of shore leave for vessel personnel or crew change-out, as well as access through the facility of visitors to the vessel, including representatives of seafarers’ welfare and labor organizations, in advance of the vessel’s arrival.” The Coast Guard does not require crew shore leave procedures to be included in the facility security plan, as stipulated in Part A of the ISPS Code. Therefore, the SIU urges the Coast Guard to include shore leave provisions as mandated in Part A of the ISPS Code as a required provision in the facility security plan final rule. Further, the SIU strongly recommends that the Coast Guard deny approval of a facility security plan if it does not include shore leave provisions and procedures. Area Maritime (Port) Security Committees: The SIU endorses the Coast Guard’s objective as articulated in the discussion of the temporary final rule with regard to area maritime security (USCG-2003-14733) that Port Security Committees established prior to the promulgation of this rule and established under the guidelines of Coast Guard Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 9-02 be considered Area Maritime Security (AMS) Committees. This determination provides the port and port community with a sense of continuity and further progression of the work initiated prior to the publication of a final rule. Moreover, in the discussion portion of this temporary interim rule, the Coast Guard enunciates its intent and lists specific groups that may be included in an Area Maritime Security Committee, including “…labor organizations, port managers, and vessel and facility owner/operator secuContinued on page 9 SIU Officials Discuss Maritime with Governor During last month’s meeting of the AFL-CIO executive council in Chicago, SIU President Mike Sacco (right) and SIU VP Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski (left) chatted with Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who formally addressed the executive board. The trio discussed the importance of maintaining and creating good jobs for the working families of Illinois and the crucial role that the U.S. Merchant Marine plays in America’s national and economic security. Seafarers LOG 5 �Winning Combination Alaskans, School Benefit from State’s Joint Efforts with Paul Hall Center Alaska and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, in conjunction with the SIU and its contracted employers, continue to help provide residents of America’s northernmost state with the opportunity to start careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Six years ago, the union began working with Alaska’s congressional delegation, the governor’s office and local officials to offer Alaska citizens an avenue to join the unlicensed apprentice program offered at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. More recently, the union and school partnered with Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski and his administration to recruit and train dislocated workers from Alaska for jobs in the merchant marine through a Ketchikan-based nonprofit agency called SEA Link. Additionally, a separate Anchorage-based program has helped Alaskans gain employment on “riding gangs” aboard SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company vessels taking North Slope crude to refineries on the West Coast. These efforts have been facilitated by the opening of the SIU hall in Anchorage, Alaska in May 1997. Since then, nearly 50 Alaskans have graduated from the unlicensed apprentice program, and many have returned to the Paul Hall Center to upgrade. Another 26 individuals currently are enrolled in different phases of apprentice training at the school, while three other Alaskans have Alaska native David Hammitt readies for the next hands-on exercise. completed the school’s program for military veterans. Through the program for displaced Alaska fishermen, which began only this year, 18 individuals have trained at Piney Point and subsequently shipped out aboard SIU-contracted vessels. A dozen more were ready to ship out as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. Further, as of late August, 21 Alaskans were training at the Paul Hall Center via the SEA Link program. A dozen more were scheduled to start training this month, and 10 others are slated to begin their schooling in October. “With more work coming to Alaska through the movement of cargo and oil on U.S.-flag ships, it’s appropriate that Alaskans have the opportunity to work on these vessels,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “Thanks to the cooperative work of the union, the school, the union’s contracted companies as well as government, these programs help give Alaskans the chance to travel to Piney Point and join others from around the country in learning what it takes to become a merchant mariner.” The apprentice program, substantially expanded in the 1990s, has been a staple of Piney Point training since the school opened in 1967. Trainees start with 12 weeks of basic seamanship schooling at the Paul Hall Center and then spend 90 days aboard a U.S.-flag ship alternately work- Eileen Lammers, the first Alaskan Indian female to graduate from the apprentice program, credits the school for encouraging and helping students. From apprentice training to upgrading, students from Alaska regularly take advantage of the vocational schooling opportunities available at the Paul Hall Center. Pictured above at the school are all the students from Alaska who were enrolled at Piney Point last month. ing in each shipboard department. Finally, they return to the school for another five weeks of safety and department-specific training. When Alaskans began entering the apprentice program in 1997, Alaska Senator Ted Stevens called it “a great opportunity for Alaskans to get the training they need for a maritime career. This program fills a void.” Harold Holten, SIU port agent in Anchorage, noted that Alaskans have flourished at the Paul Hall Center. “The individuals we’ve gotten from our recruiting efforts in Alaska have been exceptional,” he said. “They tend to be the leaders among their peers at the school.” He added, “This all started when Congressman Don Young (R-Alaska) visited a ship years ago while at port in Valdez and asked to speak to the Alaska hires. When the ship’s captain responded that there were no Alaskans on board and that he didn’t know of any crew members on other ships that were Alaskan, Congressman Young got the ball rolling with local marine businesses to sponsor schooling for Alaskans interested in seagoing jobs.” Since then, response from Alaskan students has been exceptionally positive. The remarks of Eileen Lammers, a recent graduate of the apprentice program, are very much representative of her follow Alaskans who have trained at Piney Point. “People at school want to help,” she said. “It’s tough love, but they really want us to succeed. I also was surprised by how much there is to learn. I started college when I was 17, was going into accounting but didn’t like it, and figured this (Piney Point) would be a way to figure out what I want. “I noticed a big difference right away,” she continued. “In college you’re in the books all the time. Here, if you need help, they take time out and show you how things are done. I see that with a lot of students here, including academics. In college, you’re on your own. Here, it’s more of a family organization. We help each other.” For more information about the Paul Hall Center, see pages 12-13. Gathering in the training and recreation center at Piney Point are the first displaced Alaskan fishermen to train at the Paul Hall Center. Joining them are (among others) SIU President Mike Sacco, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan and SIU Anchorage Representative Harold Holten. SIU of Canada President Examines Simulators SIU President Mike Sacco (left in both photos above) last month joined Roman Gralewicz (center in top photo, right in photo directly above), president of the SIU of Canada, on a tour and demonstration of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s state-of-the-art simulators. With the union presidents in the top photo is Deck Department Instructor Larry Malone. The school’s simulators offer comprehensive training for mariners in the deck and engine departments. Alaskan students participate in lifeboat training. 6 Seafarers LOG September 2003 �Delta Queen Crew Completes Safety Training Instructor Mike Daras (above, left) of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education recently conducted shipboard safety training for Seafarers and officers aboard the passenger vessel Delta Queen in New Orleans. From June 19-26, 104 students completed hands-on training in CPR, automated external defibrillators, blood-borne pathogens and more. Among those who participated were SIU Lead Deckhands Glen Gross (above, right) and Miles Souders (right). In cooperation with the operators, Paul Hall Center instructors regularly conduct training aboard Seafarers-crewed vessels. Daras was at it again last month, offering safety training aboard the American Queen. MCTF Opposes Efforts To Repeal Jones Act The Maritime Cabotage Task Force (MCTF), to which the SIU is affiliated, recently announced it strongly opposes efforts by U.S. Rep. Ed Case (DHawaii) to repeal the Jones Act. Bills introduced by Rep. Case in the House of Representatives on July 24 would provide Jones Act exemptions for all non-contiguous trades, including Hawaii; Hawaii alone; and Hawaii agriculture and livestock. In announcing its vigorous opposition to efforts to weaken or repeal the Jones Act, the MCTF noted that the highly competitive trade to Hawaii and other non-contiguous destinations will be further enhanced in the next year or so by the addition of new, state-of-the-art containerships and auto carriers. “The Jones Act and related cabotage laws form the cornerstone of U.S. maritime policy,” the MCTF noted. “The pacesetting Jones Act fleet supports the nation’s military and economic soundness. So efficient is the fleet that it moves 24 percent of the country’s domestic cargo for less than 2 percent of the nation’s freight bill. The national security importance of the Jones Act was demonstrated most recently during Operation Iraqi Freedom, as domestic vessels, crewed by American seafarers, provided support for U.S. troops engaged in the conflict.” The task force, founded in 1995, arguably is the most broad-based coalition the maritime industry has ever assembled. Its 400-plus members span the United States and represent maritime labor, ship and barge owners and operators, shipbuilders and repair yards, marine equipment manufacturers and vendors, trade associations, pro-defense groups and companies in other modes of domestic transportation. “These widespread but allied interests have come together for one purpose—to promote U.S. maritime cabotage laws,” the MCTF pointed out. “Nationwide, 37,000-plus vessels compete in the various Jones Act trades and annually carry more than 1 billion tons of cargo and 100 million passengers. The Jones Act fleet generates nearly 125,000 jobs, 80,000 of which are aboard vessels.” SOCP to Meet in Piney Point The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md., is scheduled to host the next meeting of the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP). The meeting dates are Oct. 7-8. In announcing the conference, the SOCP noted that U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta has been invited to address the group, and U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William G. Schubert is a con- firmed speaker. A panel presentation on “short sea shipping” initiatives as well as technical presentations on Automatic Identification Systems in the barge industry, intermodal freight opportunities on the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System and SE Michigan, GPS-based cargo tracking systems and cargo container advanced 3-D scanning will round out the first day’s agenda. The second day features updates on projects such as the SOCP’s mariner administrative card (MAC), ILO/IMO mariner credentialing activities, and more. More information is available at www.socp.org SOCP is a private/public partnership formed in 1993 to share resources and the application of technology to improve profitability, ship safety, training, and quality of operations, equipment reliability, productivity and competitiveness for its members. Welcome Home to a Hero UIW Member’s Son Returns from War in Iraq Life these days for Janet Thompson, a member of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW), is filled with joy. It is evident not only in the genuine smile she again wears on her face, but also in her outgoing cheerfulness, which for a spell was absent. The senior pension processor, who works in the Seafarers Pensions and Death Benefits office in Camp Springs, Md., has returned to “her old self” because her son James “Jamie” Thompson is safely home and out of harm’s way. The 21-yearold U.S. Army Specialist returned to his home base at Fort Benning, Ga. July 16 following a 192-day deployment in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He spent the following week home with his wife, Melissa, his mother and younger sibling Jeffrey. “I’m just so relieved to know that he is home and safe,” said Janet, who has been in the union for more than 20 years. “Now I don’t have to worry about him and whether or not he is all right. “We’re all so thankful that he returned uninjured,” she continued. “Our prayers go out to all the other families across America September 2003 and in allied countries who still have loved ones in Iraq. Our thoughts especially are with those who lost love ones during the hostilities.” A fire support specialist (aka artilliary forward observer), Thompson is assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. His job entails going on patrol, locating enemy forces and then calling back their positions to the main element along with requests for various types of indirect fire (artillery, mortars, close air support) to dislodge them. Jamie and his comrades arrived in Kuwait Jan. 8 and made final preparations for the mission at hand while other American and allied units (and equipment) arrived in theatre and established their predetermined positions. “We stayed in camps in various locations out in the desert when we first got in country,” recalled Thompson. On April 5, while sitting in the vicinity of the Karbala Gap, Thompson—along with thousands of his other brothers and sisters in arms—received the order they had been anticipating: Advance on Baghdad. Led by the 3rd Infantry Divi- sion, American and allied Forces spent the next four days moving toward Iraq’s capital city. They encountered major as well as minor battles along the way, paying for their advances with some loss of life and scores of casualties. “This was my first experience with combat,” Thompson shared. “In a word, it was interesting, but there were still many moments of sheer terror. I belong to a Field Artillery unit, but during combat operations, my platoon and I were attached to an infantry battalion—that we fought alongside—to provide fire support. During this time, we were a part of the Headquarters Company, which consisted of over 250 personnel. “We were all expecting it (Operation Iraqi Freedom) to be short like Desert Shield and Desert Storm,” Thompson continued, “but after the first couple of days we came to the realization that we were there for the long haul. We all were expecting a real fight . . . for the Iraqis to fight tooth and nail. That’s what we were expecting, but that’s not quite what we got.” American and allied troops SPEC James “Jamie” Thompson, center, met with SIU President Mike Sacco, left, and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez recently following his return to the United States from Operation Iraqi Freedom. Thompson, the son of UIW member Janet Thompson, served in Iraq for 192 days. entered Baghdad on April 5 and ultimately took control of the capital city on April 9 as all major resistance collapsed. Saddam Hussein’s control was broken and the Iraqi people at long last were free. “Once we were in Baghdad, it was kind of weird driving down the streets and having people cheer for you,” Thompson said. “Mothers were coming up and thanking you because their children could now grow up and live a normal life. “It felt great knowing that we actually helped the Iraqi people out of a tough situation,” he continued. “We got rid of a dictator that has been oppressing them for a long time.” Although he now is back at his home base, Thompson and his comrades likely will see duty again in Iraq. “It’s nice to be home, but I think I’ll eventually have to go back and participate in our ongoing peace-keeping mission,” Thompson said. “It’s natural for relatives back home to worry about their sons and daughters in uniform when war breaks out,” Thompson concluded, “but I look at it as doing the job that the Army has trained me to do. I’ve been in for three years now and have three more to go before my enlistment is up. At that time, I’ll probably reenlist and make the Army my career.” Seafarers LOG 7 �WWII-Era American Victory, Ready to ‘Relive History,’ Seeks Volunteer Crew The American Victory, an historic Victory class ship of the World War II, Korea and Vietnam eras, is nearly ready to sail again. Since the American Victory arrived in Tampa, Fla. in September 1999 from the James River (Va.) Reserve Fleet, thousands of volunteer hours and nearly $4 million in private money have helped to restore the vessel to a world-class seagoing maritime museum. The American Victory Mariners Memorial and Museum Ship (AVMM&MS), located on board the American Victory, honors the men and women who served the United States in times of war and peace and portrays the historical and economic significance of the maritime industry in the development of the Tampa Bay region. Volunteer crew members, many of whom served aboard the American Victory or other similar ships, will be available on the vessel to answer questions and share stories about life at sea during the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s. The goal of the AVMM&MS is to provide a first-class, interactive maritime educational experience for visitors of all ages. Additionally, it plans to sail the ship one weekend each month for a “Relive History” cruise. Each of these 7-hour day cruises on Tampa Bay will provide a chance for up to 800 passengers to experience what life at sea was like on board merchant vessels of that era. The American Victory, a restored merchant vessel, will provide a complete maritime educational experience for visitors of all ages. The cruises will feature mock aircraft attacks by vintage planes, big band music, buffet style dining and memorial services honoring the men and women who lost their lives building, sailing and defending America’s merchant fleet. The ship already has undergone successful sea trials and, pending final approval from the U.S. Coast Guard, the cruises will begin sometime this fall. II, the American Victory served as a seagoing “good will ambassador” for the United States under the Marshall Plan, supplying food, vehicles and manufacturing machinery to the war-torn countries of Europe and the Near East. During the Korean War and in Vietnam, the American Victory and other merchant ships transported cargo, fuel and ammunition from all over the world. History Seeking Volunteer Crew Members Slightly longer, wider, faster and stronger than the Liberty ships, which were easy prey for submarines, a new class of vessels was commissioned in 1942. The American Victory was one of 534 Victory ships built between mid-1944 and mid-1946 to replace the Liberty class of merchant vessel. Immediately after World War One of the goals of the AVMM&MS is to staff the American Victory with volunteer crew members. Interested retired Seafarers who still are certified should call (813) 228-8766. They also may e-mail their interest to amvic@aol.com or online at www.americanvictory.org. ‘Father Matt’ Siekierski, SIU Friend, Dies at 53 The Seafarers International Union and the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education lost a good friend with the passing of Rev. Fr. Matthew Siekierski. Father Matt, as he was known, was the pastor of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in LaPlata, Md. He died Aug. 3 after a heart attack at the age of 53. In 1996, Father Matt presided over the funeral of Joseph Sacco, the late executive vice president of the SIU. Three years later, he delivered the invocation at the dedication ceremony of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School in Valley Lee, Md. Pastor Siekierski was born in Goodman, Wis. He attended Sacred Heart Seminary in Oneida, Wis., St. Norbert College in DePere, Wis. and St. Mary’s College in Baltimore. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 14, 1977 at the Cathedral of St. Matthew in Washington, D.C. After several assignments in the Maryland area, Father Matt was named pastor at Sacred Heart in 1996. In 1989, he served a two-year term on the Priest Retirement Board; in 1999, he served three years as Dean, Charles County Deanery; and in December 2001, he was appointed Episcopal Vicar for St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert Counties. Father Matt delivers the invocation at the dedication of the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School in 1999. He also served as an adviser to Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, archbishop of Washington. Father Matt was in the news last year when he helped rally the residents of LaPlata to rebuild after a deadly tornado tore through their community. The tornado, which killed five people, leveled entire blocks in the downtown area, including Sacred Heart’s 500-student Archbishop Neal School. Pastor Siekierski, who was the school’s administrator, took part in groundbreaking ceremonies for a new facility, which is scheduled to open in January. Interment took place at Sacred Heart Church Cemetery in LaPlata. Helping celebrate Father Matt’s life was Archbishop McCarrick. Survivors include his parents, Anne and Matthew Siekierski of Goodman; a brother; two sisters; five nieces and four nephews. Migrant Smuggling Scheme Involved Fake Mariner IDs A federal grand jury in Miami on July 24 returned an indictment charging five individuals with migrant smuggling and the use of fake seafarer documents. Accused of conspiracy to commit offenses or to defraud the United States, as well as encouraging or inducting an alien to come to, enter or reside in the United States—all violations of Title 18 United States Code— were Maria Machado Diaz, Larry Milton, Guillermo Vidaurre, Delber Diaz and Marvin Joseph Jr. In addition to migrant smuggling, Joseph also was charged with fraud and related activity in connection with identification docu- ments and information. Maria and Delber Diaz also were indicted for making false statements. The announcement of the indictments jointly was released by Marcos Daniel Jimenez, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Rear Adm. Harvey Johnson, commander, Seventh Coast Guard District, U.S. Coast Guard; and Jonathan Sall, special agent in charge, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the defendants each face between five and 10 years’ imprisonment and Retired SUP Official Dooley Dies at 85 Jim Dooley, a retired official with the Seafarers-affiliated Sailors’ Union of the Pacific (SUP), passed away July 20 in Washington State. He was 85. Dooley started going to sea in 1935. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was aboard the USS Missouri from its commissioning through the Japanese surrender. After the war, he returned to the merchant marine. Dooley became a patrolman with the SUP in Seattle in 1949. He was transferred to Hawaii in 1956. During various points in the ensuing 10 years, he served as president of Honolulu’s Port Council of the Maritime Trades 8 Seafarers LOG Department and also as head of the AFL-CIO’s local committee on political education. Additionally, Dooley served as president of the local central labor council. From the mid-1960s until his retirement in 1988, Dooley worked as the SUP’s branch manager in Portland, Ore. He also served as president of the area central labor council. Dooley reportedly had been in failing health for a number of years. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Maureen. Funeral services took place at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Edmonds, Wash. multiple fines of $250,000 if convicted. Maria Diaz and her associates have been under scrutiny by the former agencies since October 2002. Undercover agents conducted frequent operations in which they kept tight surveillance on the subjects, purchased false mariner employment documents and obtained audio and video evidence on all of the suspects. Specifically, the indictment alleges that the defendants sent numerous letters to the U.S. government stating that certain aliens were guaranteed employment on ships docked in Miami. In each case, the aliens were not guaranteed employment on the vessels as stated by the defendants. All suspects arrested were placed in the custody of the United States Marshals. Maria Diaz is being held on a $50,000 corporate security bond. Milton and Vidaurre were both released on $50,000 personal security bonds. As of press time for the Seafarers LOG, Joseph Jr., and Delber Diaz were still fugitives. SIU President Welcomes AMMV SIU President Mike Sacco (above, left) last month addressed officials and members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) who visited the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The SIU president brought AMMV members up to date on the effort to reauthorize the U.S. Maritime Security Program. Among other topics, he also discussed the latest training opportunities for mariners at the Paul Hall Center, and recapped the U.S. Merchant Marine’s performance during the combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Introducing Sacco is AMMV National President Hank Cap. Pictured below are a few of the other AMMV guests. September 2003 �Truly Special Mission ‘Warrior Foundation’ Helps Families of Fallen Patriots Occasionally, an idea comes along that is so decent, logical and humanitarian, it makes one wonder why no one thought of it sooner. That’s arguably the case when it comes to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a 23-year-old non-profit organization dedicated to providing surviving children of Special Operations Forces (SOF) with the college education their fallen parent would have wanted for them. The concept is straightforward: not only helping the families of American patriots, but also not penalizing them for being part of an extended part of a high-risk force. Because of the SIU’s role as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense, Seafarers undoubtedly can appreciate both the importance of SOF missions as well as the risks involved. Further, in light of Operation Enduring Freedom—sometimes described by military officers as America’s first special operations war—the number of SOF personnel at risk inevitably will increase. In describing its mission, the foundation noted, “As the war on terrorism continues to unfold, Special Operations Forces will be facing new challenges all too frequently. In fact, there has never been a greater need for Special Operations Forces than right now—and Special Operations Forces will continue to be the force of choice time and time again during this tumultuous period. “Special Operations personnel are conducting more missions, in more places, and under a broader range of conditions than ever before. These missions entail high operational tempos, heavy and unpredictable deployment schedules, personal hardships and, by their very nature, inordinate casualties both in operations and training. Since the Iranian hostage rescue attempt in 1980, America’s Special Operations Forces have suffered casualties at more than 15 times the rate of conventional forces. Most of these casualties occur at an early age, at the beginning of their careers, thus leaving behind families who have yet to accumulate the resources to provide for their surviving children’s college education. “The Special Operations ‘Union Plus’ Offers Consumer Benefits Union Plus gives Seafarers and their families access to a number of cost-saving benefits programs. Union Plus (formerly Union Privilege) is a non-profit entity created in 1986 by the AFLCIO to provide union members and their families with valuable consumer benefits. Basically, the organization secures good rates for union members who are enrolled in the various programs, based on the potential collective purchasing power of all members of participating unions. In short, it’s a case of strength in numbers. The following is a list of Union Plus programs in which the SIU participates. For more information about a particular program, call the appropriate Union Plus telephone number or visit www.unionplus.org Credit Card Apply online at www.unionpluscard.com or call 1-800522-4000. Secured Credit Card Call 1-800-622-2580. Mortgage and Real Estate Call 1-800-848-6466. Life Insurance Call 1-800-899-2782. National Labor College Scholarship For more details, call 1-301431-5404. Loan Program Apply online at www.unionplusloan.com or call 1-888235-2759. Accidental Death Insurance Call 1-800-899-2782 or enroll online at www.unionplus.org. Family Savers Hotel Royal Plaza Call 1-800-248-7890. Car Rentals To find out more, visit www.unionplus.org; call Avis at 1-800-698-5685, ID# B723700 or Budget at 1800455-2848, ID# V816100. Union-Made Checks Call 1-888-864-6625. Flower Service Visit www.unionplus.org or call 1-888-667-7779 to place an order. North American Van Lines Call 1-800-524-5533. Health Savings Call 1-800-228-3523 for more details. Auto Insurance Program For comparison quotes, go to www.unionplus.org or call 1-800-294-9496 to apply. Your Credit Score For $11, you can get your credit score, credit report, and suggestions for improving your score. Visit www.unionplus.org. Education Services Vacation Tours Visit www.unionplus.org or call 1-877-881-1022. Call 1-800-590-1104 for more information. September 2003 Warrior Foundation strives to relieve Special Operations personnel of the one concern, their families, that might distract them from peak performance when they need to be—and when America needs them to be—at their very best.” Today, according to the foundation, more than 400 such deserving children exist who should not be denied the education their fallen parent would surely have wanted for them. With nearly 100 children eligible each year for college in the years 2003 through 2010, the Foundation’s estimated financial need through 2010 is $25 million. The foundation began in 1980 as the Col. Arthur D. “Bull” Simons Scholarship Fund. The Bull Simons Fund was created after the Iranian hostage rescue attempt to provide college educations for the 17 children surviving the nine men killed or incapacitated at Desert One. It was named in honor of the legendary Army Green Beret, Bull Simons, who repeatedly risked his life on rescue missions. Following creation of the United States Special Operations Command, and as casualties mounted from actions such as Operations “Urgent Fury” (Grenada), “Just Cause” (Panama), “Desert Storm” (Kuwait and Iraq), and “Restore Hope” (Somalia), the Bull Simons Fund gradually expanded its outreach program to encompass all Special Operations Forces. Thus, in 1995 the Family Liaison Action Group (established to support the families of the 53 Iranian hostages) and the Spectre (Air Force gunship) Association Scholarship Fund merged to form the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. In 1998 the Foundation extended the scholarship and financial aid counseling to also include training fatalities since the inception of the Foundation in 1980. This action immediately added 205 children who were now eligible for college funding. The forces covered by the Foundation are stationed in units throughout the United States and at overseas bases. Some of the largest concentrations of Special Operations Forces are at military bases at Fort Bragg, N.C.; Hurlburt Field, Fla.; Coronado Naval Station, Calif.; Dam Neck, Va.; MacDill AFB, Fla.; Fort Lewis, Wash.; Fort Stewart, Ga.; Fort Campbell, Kentucky.; Little Creek, Va.; Fort Carson, Col.; Royal Air Force Base Mildenhall, United Kingdom; and Kadena Air Base, Japan. To date, 48 children of fallen special operations warriors have graduated from college. Children from all military services have received or been offered Warrior Foundation scholarships, to include: 246 Army, 148 Air Force, 26 Navy, and 3 from the Marine Corps. As Fox News anchor John Wilson said in a recent commentary, “If you’re looking for a pressing need that will have real results in the future, there is no question that these children of fallen patriots deserve special help.” For more information, visit the web site www.specialops.org. U.S., China Resume Maritime Talks The United States and China on July 31 in San Francisco resumed ongoing talks on a new bilateral maritime pact. The previous such agreement between the two nations, which was finalized in 1988 and covered a 10-year period, expired in 1998. Captain William Schubert, U.S. Maritime administrator, led the U.S. delegation during the meeting, while Su Xiang, director general of the Department of Water Transport, headed the Chinese contingent. The San Francisco meeting marked the first time officials from the two nations had convened to discuss a new treaty since April. During the April summit, the two countries left several significant issues pertinent to a new agreement unresolved, but signed a memorandum of consultation that noted the progress of their previous negotiations and underscored their resolve to craft a new accord. “The resolution of all these issues in the context of a new package of commitments is the foundation of concluding a new maritime agreement,” the memorandum of consultation said in part. Among the matters unresolved that caused the U.S. concern, according to several sources, were restrictions imposed by China on carriers and nonvessel-operating common carriers (NVOCC), requirements that NVOCCs provide large financial deposits in China and the treatment of Chinese stateowned carriers under U.S. controlled carrier rules. As of press time for the Seafarers LOG, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) had not released any particulars about the latest talks. Communications officials indicated, however, that indepth information pertaining to the meeting is forthcoming. Union Plus Announces Promotion To Win Union-Made Car, Other Prizes Union members may win a new union-made vehicle from the Union Plus auto buying service. Union Plus is a non-profit entity founded by the AFL-CIO to help union families secure various services at low and discounted rates. Last month, the organization announced that it’s “Win a Union Car” promotion gives members a chance to win a new Ford Mustang, F-150 or Freestar. Additional prizes of Bose and Koss stereo equipment will also be awarded. There is no cost to enter the promotion. For more information, members may call toll-free 1-877-800-2924, or they may enter online at www.winunioncar.com. Winners will be announced on December 31, 2003. The Union Plus auto buying program is a free service designed to help members find a new or used car, van or truck. The auto buying service will even negotiate the best price for members. According to Union Plus, “The service uses an extensive, up-to-the-minute database of vehicles and a network of authorized car dealers. Plus, if members support fellow members by purchasing a new union-made car, they’ll save another $100.” The toll-free number for the auto program is the same one listed earlier: 1-877-800-2924. SIU Responds to MTSA’s Interim Rules Continued from page 5 rity representatives.” As noted, labor organizations are specifically identified as stakeholders for membership on the committee. However, Section 103.305 Composition of an Area Maritime Security (AMS) Committee does not follow suit but instead advances that members may be generally selected from among “…(5) maritime industry; (6) other port stakeholders having a special competence in maritime security….” The SIU believes that labor representation on these committees is absolutely critical to effective port security for the information and knowledge that they may impart and, therefore, recommends that Section 103.305 in the temporary interim rule be clarified to specifically articulate that seafaring labor organizations be seriously considered in the selection process for these committees. It is our view that seafaring labor organizations are in a unique position to ascertain and address the vulnerabilities of ports their vessels traverse and in which their union hiring halls and officials reside…. Crew Screening: The SIU fully supports Section 104.265 (e)(4) of USCG-2003-14749, Vessel Security. This provision basically acknowledges the sensitivity of screening and crew searches by barring other vessel personnel from performing such screening, unless security clearly requires it. The provision further requires that such screening take into account a seafarer’s human rights and basic human dignity. The SIU trusts that the basic principles articulated in this provision continue to be recognized and adhered to by company and facility operators/owners in the implementation of security measures. The SIU anticipates that the Coast Guard will give our comments due consideration as the agency moves forward to the promulgation of the final rule implementing specific provisions of the MTSA and the ISPS Code…(End of letter) Seafarers LOG 9 �At Sea And Ashore With the SIU Among those receiving medals from Vice Adm. Brewer were Chief Steward Robert Firth (left), who sailed on the William R. Butler, and Steward/Baker Shirley Adkins (below) from the USNS Soderman. Firth sails from the port of Mobile, Ala.; Adkins ships from Norfolk, Va. Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, USN, MSC commander, praised the nearly 1,400 commercial mariners assigned to 25 of MSC’s afloat prepositioning ships for their key role during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom at a ceremony honoring these mariners held at MSC headquarters June 20. The galley gang aboard the Seabulk Arctic enjoys working together. This photo was taken when the ship arrived in Tacoma, Wash. From the left are Steward/Baker Chris Amigable, GVA Carlos Madayag and Chief Cook Evelina Barnes. Harry Wessel (right), who works as an electrician in the crane department at the Horizon terminal in San Juan, P.R., receives a safety award for his work during the first quarter of 2003. The SIU was well represented at a recent birthday party for Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii). From the left are QMED Joey Canlas, Crowley Tug Captain Ed Brooks and his wife, Alice, Sally Dietz, SIU Hawaii Port Agent Neil Dietz, Abercrombie, Chief Cook Lloyd Lawrence and Pensioner Beltran Pino. Darryl Alexander shows the medal he was awarded recently for his service during Operation Enduring Freedom. Alexander sailed as an AB aboard the USNS Charlton. He ships from the port of St. Louis. 10 Seafarers LOG The crew aboard the USNS Soderman was happy to return to Jacksonville after working hard in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. From the left are Chief Engineer Ron Vondracheck, QMED Nasser Aljahmi, Steward/Baker Shirley Adkins and Bosun Lynn Mallis. September 2003 �Future Seafarer Victor (Little Vic) Nuñez Jr. joins his father, SIU Port Agent Victor Nuñez, at the Santurce hall in Puerto Rico. On this page, we share with our readers some of the special days in the lives of Seafarers around the world. If you have a family-related photo you would like to be included in the next family photo page, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photos will be returned, if so requested. If e-mailing digital images, please send them to dhirtes@seafarers.org. The higher the resolution, the better. SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox and his wife, Tausha, are the proud parents of Alexis Margaret. Born March 7, 2003, Alexis weighed in at 7 lbs. 8 oz. Congratulations to SIU member Carl E. Bridges, who graduated in August from Texas Southern University, where he majored in psychology (with a minor in African American history). Bridges shipped out of the Houston hall, sailing in the deck and steward departments as bosun, AB, steward and chief cook. He hopes to pursue a degree in admiralty law. Bridges says he is a “true union member for life.” Bosun Rick Bernard’s daughter joined him aboard the Cape Inscription during welcoming ceremonies in Long Beach, Calif. as Bernard and the other crew members were presented with Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals and certificates from Captain Paul Foran and Captain Frank Johnston, western regional director of MarAd. It was wedding bells for AB George K. Marfo and his bride, Lethina, when they tied the knot July 2, 2002 in Garapan, Saipan. Marfo last sailed aboard the 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez. Josh Taylor (left), 5, and his brother, Nick, 10, caught some catfish in the pond at the Paul Hall Center while vacationing there this past summer. Their mother, Donna Taylor, a graduate of the trainee program at Piney Point who now sails from San Francisco, was upgrading her steward department skills by taking the advanced galley course. September 2003 Seafarers LOG 11 �STCW Demonstration of Compe The Paul Hall Center’s unlicensed apprentice program is packed with practical training, both at the school and aboard ship (phase 2). A lot of that hands-on schooling is required by STCW 95. Among other skills, apprentices learn steering, cargo handling, and STCW Basic Safety. They train in all three shipboard departments. The school offers dozens of U.S. Coast Guard-approved upgrading courses, virtually all of which include substantial hands-on components. In addition to department-specific training, the Paul Hall Center conducts safety specialty classes open to all eligible students, including the heavily attended STCW Basic Safety Training (BST). HAN TRAIN F or all the complexities of the amended STCW convention, much of its essence boils down to requiring mariners to maintain or advance their endorsements through practical demonstrations of skills, rather than taking written tests. That marked a big overall change for the industry throughout the world. But, at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, such practical displays are nothing new. “Hands-on training and the practical demonstration of shipboard competencies—that’s what the school has been doing for 36 years,” said J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of training at the Piney Point, Md. facility. “It’s old hat to us, and that background undoubtedly helped the school as we modified our curriculums to comply with STCW requirements.” He added that, on one hand, writing and implementing the new courses, as well as modifying some existing ones, was a lot of work. At the same time, much of the critical content already was in place, simply because the school has emphasized hands-on training since day one. “The STCW competencies themselves are not new to us. They just have new titles,” Wiegman noted. STCW is part of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for mariners. The original convention was adopted in 1978. The amended convention (known as STCW 95), signed by the U.S. and 119 other nations, clearly affects the training and upgrading of mariners. It established minimum standards for masters, officers and watchkeeping 12 Seafarers LOG September 2003 �etency at the Paul Hall Center NDS NING personnel on seagoing merchant ships and aboard some smaller vessels operating in near coastal waters. For example, all mariners employed or engaged in any capacity aboard a seagoing vessel, with designated safety or pollution-prevention duties in the operation of the ship, must provide evidence of having achieved or retained (within the previous five years) the required standard of competency in personal survival techniques, fire prevention and fire fighting, elementary first aid and personal safety and social responsibility before they are assigned any shipboard duty. These standards are taught in the Paul Hall Center’s STCW Basic Safety Training course. Similarly, ratings forming part of a navigational watch are required to demonstrate competencies such as steering, knot tying and lifeboat handling, while ratings forming part of an engineering watch must show certain skills on the steam, diesel or gas turbine simulator. The Paul Hall Center’s STCW-related courses—all approved by the U.S. Coast Guard—include basic safety training, basic fire fighting, advanced fire fighting, STCW proficiency in survival craft, STCW crowd management, STCW crisis management, STCW medical care provider, AB (ratings forming part of a navigational watch), oiler (ratings forming part of an engineering watch), QMED junior engineer and many, many others. September 2003 Seafarers LOG 13 �Cable Ship Crew Memorializes Bosun Libby Recertified Steward Shawn Fujiwara submitted the following article along with accompanying photos. Bosun Libby passed away May 9, 2002. He was 74. Bosun Herb Libby spent most of his years with the SIU sailing aboard the Long Lines. Seafarers and officers aboard the cable ship Tyco Decisive remembered the late Bosun Herb Libby on May 9, the first anniversary of his passing, when they scattered his ashes to sea. It was hoped that his home of 30 years, the cable ship Long Lines, would make one final voyage (and would be utilized for the ceremony), but the vessel was retired before that was possible. Known simply as Libby to all who sailed with him, Bosun Libby joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1943, at age 15, because he wanted to be part of the war effort. He sailed in the North and South Atlantic, Pacific and Caribbean theaters. Libby was in two North Atlantic convoys, never losing a ship. He did see others go down, and said he was very fortunate. After the war, Libby joined the ranks of the SIU, becoming a bosun in 1951. Recertified Bosun Thor IMPORTANT NOTICE SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. As the flag flew at half mast, Seafarers and officers on the Tyco Decisive bid farewell to their friend and shipmate. Young recalls that when he and Libby sailed together aboard the Long Lines, “he told me that I was going to be a lifer. That was 15 years ago, and I’m still with the cable ships. Libby instilled in me pride in the union and taught me many of the practices that I still use today.” Bosun Libby and the Long Lines crew are featured in photographs at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. On Friday, May 9 at 1805 under dark clouds and setting sun, all hands gathered aboard the Tyco Decisive to pay their respects for a fallen shipmate. With the U.S. flag flying at half mast, Captain J.L. Sanders (who sailed with Bosun Libby on the Long Lines) gave last rites. Bosun Young reflected on their years of sailing with Libby, noting that he was a good shipmate and a great friend to all who knew him. All hands then joined in bidding Libby an eternal journey to the deep. With “Amazing Grace” playing, his ashes along with a small barley chain which came from the Long Lines were returned to the sea at 6 degrees 46.9N Lat 94 degrees 33.8W, followed by three short blasts of the ship’s whistle. Seafarers Are Active in Baltimore Continued from page 24 Baltimore last month was preparing for an important sea trial. Seafarers on the new cable ship Tyco Decisive were readying the 456-foot vessel for a practice run. Christened in Baltimore in June, the Decisive is a “Reliance Class” ship built and outfitted to provide outstanding undersea cable maintenance and new marine cable installations. A sister ship, the Tyco Dependable, was christened earlier this year in Honolulu. Overall, the port of Baltimore is vital to the local economy, generating an estimated $1.4 billion in annual revenue and employing nearly 126,700 Marylanders in maritime-related jobs. Pictured from left to right aboard the Tyco Decisive are (seated) AB Ruben Siclot, OMU Chris Corpuz, OMU Joselito Vicente, OMU Efren Redil, Chief Steward Dante Slack, Chief Cook Jorge Lanas, (standing) OMU Alfredo Mendoza, AB Harold Gierbolini, GUS Argelio Perez, AB Francisco Calit, SIU Port Agent Dennis Metz and OS Michael Widmark. Left: Chief Engineer Jim Varela, displaying his Piney Point class ring, says the Paul Hall Center helped him advance. AB Terrence Carmody (at wheel), Bosun Francisco Bravo USNS Denebola SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 14 Seafarers LOG Chief Cook John Cator signs a union report aboard the USNS Denebola as SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz distributes forms to the crew. Electrician James Demoui checks gauges aboard the Wright. A view from the U S N S Denebola in Baltimore GUDE Mark Canada says the Wright and its crew remain ready to answer the nation’s call and continue fulfilling their role as part of America’s fourth arm of defense. September 2003 �Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea JULY 16 — AUGUST 15, 2003 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 3 7 0 10 30 36 12 8 25 15 6 1 8 19 1 40 17 238 2 6 4 14 15 23 9 13 21 18 4 7 10 8 3 20 24 201 1 2 2 2 16 13 6 18 14 7 2 1 2 2 5 21 10 124 2 4 0 5 25 24 9 10 21 13 4 1 4 19 1 27 18 187 0 4 0 3 15 21 8 10 6 7 3 1 2 16 0 13 3 112 0 3 2 3 8 17 3 8 7 19 2 2 1 7 3 19 13 117 1 2 0 1 8 8 2 3 6 3 0 2 2 1 1 9 2 51 0 1 0 3 14 11 5 8 8 6 2 1 3 11 1 12 9 95 1 3 4 6 9 26 4 12 16 17 4 6 7 6 3 21 20 165 0 1 1 1 8 8 4 13 6 6 2 0 1 1 3 11 2 68 0 3 1 2 17 16 9 7 11 12 4 1 2 7 1 12 15 120 4 8 0 13 49 62 22 31 45 19 8 3 14 40 2 55 26 401 2 4 5 18 22 33 16 23 35 22 2 16 5 10 5 23 26 267 4 2 2 4 34 18 9 17 26 9 2 1 1 5 9 26 27 196 0 8 0 11 19 40 12 19 15 7 3 3 7 18 2 15 8 187 0 3 3 7 10 27 7 14 12 24 2 1 3 15 4 20 15 167 3 2 2 3 16 11 3 3 8 3 2 0 2 3 4 13 7 85 0 2 0 0 5 5 3 2 9 2 0 0 1 8 0 10 11 58 0 2 0 15 32 25 7 12 25 13 4 1 2 38 2 38 37 253 1 1 2 10 5 13 6 5 6 11 2 2 4 9 1 9 3 90 1 0 1 5 4 11 2 3 4 7 0 0 0 1 1 4 2 46 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs 0 4 1 3 8 13 3 3 9 9 1 2 0 0 0 15 8 79 0 0 1 1 5 1 0 2 1 3 0 2 0 0 0 3 1 20 October & November 2003 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Piney Point .............Monday: October 6, November 3 Algonac ..................Friday: October 10, November 7 Baltimore ................Thursday: October 9, November 6 Boston.....................Friday: October 10, November 7 Duluth .....................Wednesday: October 15, November 12 Guam ......................Thursday: October 23, November 20 Honolulu .................Friday: October 17, November 14 Houston ..................Monday: October 13, November 10 Jacksonville ............Thursday: October 9, November 6 Joliet .......................Thursday: October 16, November 13 Mobile ....................Wednesday: October 15, November 12 0 1 0 3 7 8 1 5 7 0 1 2 0 3 0 7 3 48 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: October 21, November 18 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: October 14 ................................Wednesday: November 12* ................................*(change created by Veterans Day holiday) New York................Tuesday: October 7, November 4 Norfolk ...................Thursday: October 9, November 6 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: October 8, November 5 Port Everglades.......Thursday: October 16, November 13 San Francisco .........Thursday: October 16, November 13 San Juan..................Thursday: October 9, November 6 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 5 22 15 3 5 16 7 3 3 1 29 0 25 14 148 0 1 1 5 3 6 3 1 2 10 2 2 2 6 0 3 5 52 0 1 0 3 4 4 0 5 4 6 0 0 0 0 1 4 2 34 0 1 0 8 11 17 5 3 13 6 2 3 3 20 0 17 10 119 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 4 2 5 0 2 5 0 0 0 4 7 0 1 3 33 3 2 4 10 17 14 3 7 27 4 2 9 4 15 0 15 8 144 1 7 0 6 15 18 2 8 30 11 1 10 1 5 2 19 11 147 0 0 0 3 3 4 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 1 23 2 2 2 2 10 9 5 5 23 2 2 11 3 9 0 10 3 100 0 4 0 3 2 8 2 1 8 10 1 14 0 3 1 6 6 69 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 4 2 6 1 2 4 0 1 0 5 8 0 7 5 47 1 3 4 21 25 24 7 12 42 7 2 14 3 23 0 38 12 238 1 4 0 15 37 31 4 14 54 16 3 11 2 11 1 33 20 257 Totals All Departments 531 514 356 424 380 178 226 888 762 584 Port 0 2 0 2 1 7 3 0 4 6 2 1 1 2 0 0 5 36 0 1 0 0 2 4 0 3 4 4 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 21 St. Louis..................Friday: October 17, November 14 Tacoma ...................Friday: October 24, November 21 Wilmington ...............Monday: October 20, November 17 ................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals BRETT NEWSOME (or anyone knowing his whereabouts) Michelle “Chelle” Chapman would like to get in touch with you. You may contact her at 800 West Michigan Ave., Pensacola, FL 32505; telephone (850) 438-4264. Or you may e-mail her at etherealpheonix@aol.com. ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2003 Celebrating 50 at Sea While at sea off the coast of Guam in June, a “50th birthday barbecue bash” was held on board the Horizon Enterprise to celebrate Recertified Bosun Roger J. Reinke’s special day. Enjoying the festivities are (from left) Messman/BR Hayel Omer, Reinke (festooned with leis), Recertified Steward Franchesca Rose and Chief Cook Alejo “Jun” Fabia. Seafarers LOG 15 �Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report JULY 2003 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 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 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 16½ 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 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals 3 10 6 15 3 9 4 50 3 0 4 2 0 2 1 12 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 5 4 1 2 11 2 6 2 28 0 0 1 0 0 5 0 6 4 0 0 3 0 0 0 7 Totals All Departments 3 1 3 4 3 3 2 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 16 5 8 0 12 2 43 7 8 7 27 3 29 40 121 12 0 4 6 0 21 14 57 0 7 9 6 0 0 6 28 0 4 1 1 1 9 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 6 5 4 1 1 0 10 0 21 0 4 7 15 3 29 26 84 0 1 1 13 0 4 9 28 1 20 3 10 0 0 6 40 1 2 1 3 0 10 0 17 1 3 2 4 1 35 8 54 1 0 2 8 0 10 5 26 0 1 3 11 0 6 2 23 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 2 2 3 6 2 6 1 22 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 0 0 1 2 8 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 5 0 4 0 7 2 18 0 3 0 8 0 14 3 28 0 4 0 5 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 6 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 7 2 4 0 3 1 17 2 10 3 15 0 132 3 219 19 6 4 19 0 66 15 129 4 5 11 43 0 11 20 94 118 50 21 50 8 14 98 478 240 185 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the LOG by pensioner Jack Curlew of Carson City, Nev. Both were taken aboard Waterman Steamship Lines’ Topa Topa in 1948. The photo (near right) was shot during the summer of that year. Curlew is in the front row on the right. The photo, he notes, “was taken during a break in the workday.” Jack Curlew, who last sailed in 1989 as a recertified bosun on the Sea-Land Patriot, is now 76. He says that “after sailing 45 years with the SIU, I retired to the high desert of Carson City, Nev. (alt. 4,620 ft.).” Below: In the winter of 1948, the deck members aboard the Topa Topa were standing by for a North Atlantic crossing. From the left are “Gus, Jack, Frenchy and Slim.” 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. September 2003 �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. DEEP SEA MATO ANZULOVICH, 65, started his career with the Seafarers in 1989 in Houston. Born in Yugoslavia, his first ship was the USNS Silas Bent. Brother Anzulovich worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills in 1989 and 2001 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed on U.S. Ship Management’s Sealand Pride. Brother Anzulovich lives in Houston. HERBERT ATKINSON, 71, launched his SIU profession in 1961 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Brother Atkinson first sailed aboard the Steel Rover. The engine department member was born in Florida and last worked on the USNS Capella. Brother Atkinson lives in Jacksonville. WILLIAM E. CASSEL, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1987 in the port of New York. Born in Gary, Ind., Brother Cassel is a U.S. Navy veteran. His first ship as an SIU member was the USNS Dutton. The engine department member upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2002 and is a resident of Edwards, Miss. Brother Cassel last went to sea on the Liberty Wave. RUDOLPH GRASSIA, 45, joined the Seafarers in 1976 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Grassia sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions, first working aboard a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. A frequent upgrader at the union’s training school in Piney Point, Brother Grassia shipped in the deck department. His last voyage was aboard American Hawaii Cruises’ Independence. Brother Grassia was born in Philadelphia. He now makes his home in Turnersville, N.J. RUSSELL LUTHER, 72, joined the Seafarers in 1988 in Detroit. Born in Pennsylvania, Brother Luther worked in the deep sea as well as the Great Lakes divisions. His first ship was the Liberty Sea, a September 2003 Liberty Maritime Corp. vessel. The deck department member upgraded his skills on four occasions in Piney Point, Md. Brother Luther now lives in Trenton, Mich. He last went to sea aboard the Cpl. Louis J. Hauge Jr. RAMLI B. MOHAMMED, 70, started his SIU profession in 1966 in the port of New York. Brother Mohammed initially sailed on the Montpelier Victory. Born in Singapore, he worked in the deck department. Brother Mohammed’s last vessel was the LNG Taurus. He is a resident of Palmdale, Calif. MANUEL RIVAS, 63, joined the Seafarers in 1988 in Houston. Brother Rivas worked in both the deep sea and inland divisions, first sailing aboard the Sea-Land Quality. The Cuban-born mariner shipped in the deck department and enhanced his skills in 2001 at the Paul Hall Center. A resident of Houston, he last worked aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. ALVIN SMITH, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1990 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Cape Florida. Brother Smith worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. He last went to sea aboard the SeaLand Motivator, a U.S. Ship Management vessel. Brother Smith calls Mobile home. PETER K. SCHULTZ, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1970. Brother Schultz initially went to sea aboard the J.T. Hutchinson, an American Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Germany, he worked in all three divisions and was a member of the steward department. Brother Shultz upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center, completing the steward recertification course in 1989. The Oregon, Ohio resident last went to sea on the Sea-Land Developer. INLAND PETER BENOIT, 63, joined the Seafarers in 1984 in New Orleans. The Louisianaborn mariner worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing and Salvage Co. He shipped in the deck department and makes his home in his native state. DIXIE W. DANIELS, 62, joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A native of North Carolina, Boatman Daniels initially worked aboard a Marine Oil Services, Inc. vessel. The deck department member shipped as a captain and last worked on an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel. Boatman Daniels lives in Wanchese, N.C. SAMUEL J. DIXON, 58, hails from Pennsylvania. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he joined the Seafarers in 1972 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Dixon initially worked aboard an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel. A resident of Philadelphia and a steward department member, he last sailed on a Maritrans Operating Co. vessel. WILLIAM C. DOUGHERTY, 63, began his career with the Seafarers in 1984 in the port of Philadelphia. A native of Pennsylvania, Boatman Dougherty worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Liner Services, Inc. The former deck department member calls Glenolden, Pa. home. JOSEPH A. ENNA, 56, joined the SIU in 1966 in New Orleans. Boatman Enna worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions. His initial voyage was aboard Delta Steamship Lines’ Southwest Victory. The Louisiana-born mariner shipped in the deck department and last worked on a Crescent Towing & Salvage Co., Inc. vessel. Boatman Enna resides in his native state. CARL FOSTER, 60, was born in North Carolina. He began his vocation with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A deck department member, he shipped as a captain. Boatman Foster upgraded his skills frequently at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. The Belhaven, N.C. resident last worked on an Express Marine Inc., vessel. KAIERIK HANSEN, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1972 in the port of Baltimore. Boatman Hansen initially worked aboard a Marine Towing & Transportation vessel. Born in Denmark, he shipped in the deck department as a captain. Boatman Hansen enhanced his skills in 1978 and 1981 at the Paul Hall Center. He last worked aboard a McAllister Towing of Philadelphia vessel. Liverpool, Pa. is his home. JOHN J. JOYCE, 58, began his SIU career in 1963 in the port of Philadelphia. A native of Pennsylvania, Boatman Joyce initially worked on a Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessel. He shipped in the deck department as a master. Boatman Joyce upgraded his skills frequently at the Seafarers training school, attending the institution seven times during his career. The Philadelphia resident last worked on a McAllister Towing vessel. WILLIAM R. McCORKLE, 63, hails from Philadelphia. Boatman McCorkle launched his career with the Seafarers in 1976. He worked in the inland as well as deep sea divisions, first sailing aboard the Overseas Aleutian. Boatman McCorkle last worked aboard a Crowley Liner Services, Inc. vessel. The deck department member now makes his home in Folcroft, Pa. CHARLES ROUGHTON, 64, launched his seafaring career in 1962 in the port of Norfolk, Va. after serving in the U.S. Air Force. A deck department mem- ber, he worked primarily aboard vessels operated by McAllister Towing of Virginia. Boatman Roughton lives in Chesapeake, Va. STEPHEN STRUVE, 62, was born in Kentucky. Boatman Struve joined the SIU in 1994 and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Orgulf Transport Co. A steward department member, Boatman Struve lives in his native state in the city of Florence. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, went on pension effective the dates indicated: Name Age EDP Albert Cox 62 June 1 Marciano DeGrace 65 July 1 Linwood Franklin 72 April 1 Mohamed Hafid 61 July 1 John Jacobson 75 June 1 Reginald Juzang 57 June 1 Horace Montgomery 66 June 1 James Pope 65 June 1 Bosun Las Sails into Retirement After 41 years with the union, Bosun/AB Ron Las (left) is ready for retirement. Last month, he stopped by the SIU’s new hall in Joliet, Ill. to submit his retirement papers—and was pleasantly surprised with a greeting from SIU President Mike Sacco (right) and SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. Brother Las sailed in both the deep sea and Great Lakes divisions. Seafarers LOG 17 �Final Departures DEEP SEA MILTON BEASLEY Pensioner Milton Beasley, 76, died May 13. Brother Beasley joined the Seafarers in 1945 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A U.S Army veteran, he shipped in the engine department, last sailing on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Sam Houston. The Alabama resident began receiving his pension in 1986. WILLIAM BLANKENSHIP Pensioner William Blankenship, 62, passed away April 21. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Brother Blankenship joined the SIU in 1963 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first voyage was aboard the De Soto, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Richland, Mo., he worked in the engine department. Brother Blankenship last sailed aboard the Horizon Pacific and began receiving retirement payments earlier this year. He lived in Missouri. JOSEPH BROADUS Brother Joseph Broadus, 62, died April 19. He joined the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Broadus first shipped aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. An Alabama native, he worked in the deck department. Brother Broadus’ final voyage was on the OMI Columbia. He made his home in Mobile. CARLOS H. CANALES Pensioner Carlos H. Canales, 65, passed away May 15. Brother Canales launched his career with the SIU in 1955 in Seattle. Born in Galveston, Texas, his first ship was the Del Mar. Brother Canales worked in the deck department and began receiving his pension in 1995. The Jacksonville, Fla. resident last sailed on the Mayaguez. CHARLES J. CLARK Pensioner Charles J. Clark, 78, died May 24. Born in Pennsylvania, Brother Clark was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He joined the Seafarers in 1948 in the port of New York. The deck department member began collecting stipends for his retirement in 1986. He last went to sea on the M/V Patriot. Brother Clark was a resident of Stoney City, Md. JAMES CUNNINGHAM Brother James Cunningham, 51, passed away May 9. Brother Cunningham started his career with the SIU in 1969 in San Francisco. His initial voyage was aboard the Sea-Land Long Beach. Born in 18 Seafarers LOG Lynwood, Calif., he shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Cunningham last worked on the Cape Johnson. He lived in Everette, Wash. DAMASS DeJESUS Pensioner Damass DeJesus, 89, died June 5. Brother DeJesus launched his career as a charter member of the SIU, having joined the union in 1939 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Yaka, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. A native of Fajardo, P.R., Brother DeJesus worked in the deck department. He began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1976. Brother DeJesus lived in Keystone Heights, Fla. and last sailed aboard the SeaLand Adventurer. a Waterman Steamship vessel. The Brooklyn, N.Y. native worked in the engine department and last shipped aboard the Sea-Land Developer. Brother Howison, who lived in Seattle, Wash., started receiving his pension in 1989. GEORGE ISRAEL Pensioner George Israel, 90, died May 8. Brother Israel began his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. The steward department member began receiving his pension in 1978. He called San Francisco home. GUSS A. JANAVARIS Pensioner Arlie Dillard, 68, passed away April 12. Born in Texas, Brother Dillard joined the Seafarers in 1962 in Houston. His first voyage was aboard the Cathy, a Sea Tramp Corp. vessel. Brother Dillard worked in both the steward and engine departments and lived in Houston. His last ship was the Overseas Anchorage. Brother Dillard began collecting his pension in 1999. Pensioner Guss A. Janavaris, 85, passed away May 23. He joined the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. Brother Janavaris initially went to sea aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel as a member of the deck department. He last sailed on the Delaware. Brother Janavaris began receiving his pension in 1970. Born in Indiana, he made his home in Albuquerque, N.M. ALEX FRANCISCO EMMONS KIRCHHARR Pensioner Alex Francisco, 91, died May 3. Brother Francisco started his profession with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of New York. Born in the Philippines, the steward department member began collecting stipends for his retirement in 1969. Brother Francisco lived in Metairie, La. Pensioner Emmons Kirchharr, 89, died May 30. Brother Kirchharr embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he worked in both the deep sea and inland divisions. A native of Alabama, Brother Kirchharr shipped in the steward department, last working on the Sea-Land Long Beach. He made his home in Bay Minette, Ala. and began receiving retirement stipends in 1981. ARLIE DILLARD FRANCISCO GONZALEZ Pensioner Francisco Gonzalez, 86, passed away May 14. Brother Gonzalez initiated his SIU career in 1943 in the port of New York. He first sailed for the Seafarers aboard the A.H. Bull operated Mariana. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Gonzalez shipped in the steward department and last went to sea aboard the Eagle Traveler. A former resident of New York, he started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1963. CYRIL A. HENNING Pensioner Cyril A. Henning, 72, died April 12. Brother Henning joined the Seafarers in 1952 in New Orleans. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Born in Louisiana, Brother Henning worked in the engine and deck departments and began receiving his pension in 1983. He made his home in Gretna, La. JAMES HOWISON Pensioner James Howison, 75, passed away April 27. A U.S. Army veteran, Brother Howison joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of New York. His initial voyage was aboard PHILIP LAMBIS Pensioner Philip Lambis, 62, passed away May 29. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he joined the SIU in 1952 in the port of Baltimore. The Pennsylvania-born mariner worked in the steward department and made his home in Livingston, Texas. He last sailed aboard the Overseas Harriette and started collecting his pension in 1992. RAYMOND LEONARD Pensioner Raymond Leonard, 80, died April 29. He launched his career with the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A U.S. Army veteran, Brother Leonard was born in Wake, N.C. He first sailed aboard A.H. Bull Lines’ Miscellaneo. Brother Leonard worked in the steward department and last went to sea aboard the HMI Defender. He lived in Henderson, N.C. and started receiving his pension in 1986. WILLIAM MCBRIDE Pensioner William McBride, 88, passed away May 24. Brother McBride initiated his SIU career in 1943 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Missouri, he worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions. The deck department member made his home in Potosi, Mo. Brother McBride last worked aboard the Sea Coral, a Hudson Waterways Corp. vessel. He started receiving his pension in 1974. JAMES McNICHOL Pensioner James McNichol, 87, died May 26. Brother McNichol started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. A member of the steward department, Brother McNichol began receiving his pension in 1968. He was a resident of San Francisco. KING SAW NG Pensioner King Saw Ng, 77, passed away April 25. Brother Ng started his career with the MC&S in 1968 in San Francisco. His first voyage was aboard the Santa Maria, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. Born in China, Brother Ng shipped in the steward department. He last sailed aboard an American President Lines vessel. Brother Ng made his home in San Francisco and began receiving his pension in 1991. ROBERT OVERTON Pensioner Robert Overton, 81, died May 10. Brother Overton launched his SIU career in 1955 in the port of New York. Born in Florida, his first voyage was aboard a Sprogue Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Overton sailed in the engine department and worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions. He last shipped on the Sea-Land Venture and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1987. Brother Overton lived in Tampa, Fla. SHANE PETSCHOW Brother Shane Petschow, 34, passed away June 8. Brother Petschow joined the Seafarers in 2002 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Born in Winona, Minn. he shipped in the deck department. Brother Petschow worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Dyn Marine Services of Virginia and lived in his native state. HAROLD STEEN Pensioner Harold Steen, 69, died April 16. Brother Steen embarked on his profession with the Seafarers in 1958 in the port of New York. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Brother Steen was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. His first ship was the R. Semmes, a CSX Lines vessel. The deck department member made his home in Jacksonville, Fla. He last went to sea aboard the PFC Dewayne T. Williams and began receiving his pension in 1987. WILLIAM TRICE Pensioner William Trice, 83, passed away May 24. Brother Trice began his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York. Born in Oklahoma, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army. The steward department member last went to sea on the Cove Liberty. Brother Trice started collecting retirement stipends in 1991. He resided in Big Spring, Texas. FLOYD J. VINCENT Pensioner Floyd J. Vincent, 74, died May 14. Brother Vincent launched his career with the Seafarers in 1949 in Galveston, Texas. Born in Lake Arthur, La., he was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He last sailed on the Sea-Land Quality. The deck department member made his home in Gueydan, La. He began receiving payments for his retirement in 1963. THOMAS VOTSIS Brother Thomas Votsis, 54, passed away April 29. He joined the Seafarers in 1980 in the port of Norfolk. Born in Greece, Brother Votsis sailed in the deep sea and inland divisions. A recertified bosun, he sailed in the deck department and first worked aboard an Allied Towing vessel. His final voyage was on the OMI Courier. Brother Votsis lived in Norfolk, Va. MELVIN R. WARD Pensioner Melvin R. Ward, 79, died May 6. Brother Ward joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Baltimore. His first voyage was aboard the Coeur D’Alene, a Victory Carriers Inc. vessel. Born in Kentucky, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Ward made his home in Seattle and began receiving his pension in 1986. SHERMAN WRIGHT Pensioner Sherman Wright, 81, passed away May 28. Brother Wright began his SIU career in 1951 in Galveston, Texas. Born in California, he initially worked aboard an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. Brother Wright shipped in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Sea-Land Voyager. The Whitten, Calif. resident began receiving his pension in 1986. GREAT LAKES DANIEL HULL Pensioner Daniel Hull, 73 died April 18. Born in Alpena, Mich., Brother Hull launched his SIU career in 1956. The deck department member worked primarily aboard vessels Continued on page 20 September 2003 �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.. ALLEGIANCE (Maritrans), June 29—Chairman Samuel L. Porchea, Secretary Samuel Raines, Deck Delegate Ray G. Johns, Engine Delegate James B. Long, Steward Delegate James E. Kelly Jr. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He also advised everyone to check expiration dates on STCW and shipping documents. No beefs reported. Deck department requested additional OT for extra work performed, and crew asked for tank-cleaning rates onand off-watch. Clarification requested on which level medical plan crew members have. New washing machine to be used for white clothing only. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. ATLANTIC FOREST (Waterman Steamship Corp.), June 22—Chairman Mark S. Downey, Secretary Dulip Sookhiram, Deck Delegate Washington H. Williams Jr., Engine Delegate John R. Parkhurst, Steward Delegate Mohamed Abdelfattah. Chairman announced arrival June 28 in New Orleans. He reminded crew members to check expiration dates on all necessary shipping documents and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center when possible. He asked those leaving ship in New Orleans to clean rooms for next person. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into pay raise. Request made for room fans. Steward department given vote of thanks for good meals and service. BRENTON REEF (Seabulk Tankers), June 29—Chairman Gregory A. Agren, Secretary William M. Simmons, Deck Delegate Richard W. Wittwer, Steward Delegate William M. Simmons. Chairman spoke about need for BST certificate when applying for STCW and advised everyone to make sure all papers are in order before going to Coast Guard. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to raise benefits for older pensioners to help subsidize cost of living expenses. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. EXPLORER (USSM), June 16— Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary William R. Burdette, Educational Director Jimmie M. Robles, Deck Delegate Milton F. Caballero, Engine Delegate Fadel A. Mohamed, Steward Delegate Jimmy L. Williams. Chairman stated Coast Guard not yet set up to begin processing new type of merchant mariner’s documents. Payoff to be held June 18 in Los Angeles after meeting with patrolman. Chairman advised crew to read newest information on the need for visas when going to China. Fortunately, the Explorer crew was issued shore passes in Shanghai and Kwang Yang. Educational director talked about opportunities for upgrading skills September 2003 at Paul Hall Center. He also noted that if anyone is is doubt about their STCW documentation, they should have it checked before amnesty period expires. Treasurer stated $357 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to check with patrolman regarding recent news about USSM and Maersk and to get e-mail address for SIU headquarters. Recommendation made to get copies of current events for SIU and maritime industry in order to get better handle of changes affecting the union. Next port: Oakland, Calif. GLOBAL MARINER (Transoceanic Cableship), June 29— Chairman Tony Sivola, Secretary Robert A. Brown, Educational Director Lucian Plesa, Deck Delegate John G. Salarda Jr., Engine Delegate Arthur Marshall, Steward Delegate Virginia P. Panoncillo. Chairman stated ship in layup in Charleston, S.C. Payoff scheduled July 1. He noted everyone pleased with outcome of company’s internal audit of safety management system. Secretary encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point and to keep union dues up to date. He warned crew members to take care when coming and going from vessel in yard. Deck delegate asked that hard hats be worn on deck at all times while in yard. Information on how shipyard is to handle garbage to be discussed at later date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about invalid BST documents. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food. INNOVATOR (USSM), June 29—Chairman Stephen R. Kastel, Secretary Mose Peacock Jr., Educational Director Christopher L. Earhart, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Steward Delegate Mostafa Loumrhari. Chairman announced pay raise effective July 1. Requested restriction to vessel be lifted in Shanghai since SARS now under control. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center and making sure union dues are current. Treasurer stated $1,121 in ship’s fund. Captain took $500 to purchase DVDs for crew. Request made for new DVD player for crew lounge as well. No beefs or disputed OT reported. ITB GROTON (USS Transport), June 29—Chairman Tony Carvalho, Secretary Gene Von Flotow, Educational Director Alex Koroteyev, Deck Delegate Joshua A. Mensah, Steward Delegate Romarico D. Hinayon. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 1 in Wilmington, Calif. Educational director encouraged crew members to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point facility. Fifty percent of time spent at the school will apply toward pension. Treasurer reported pay raise effective July 1. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck delegate requested clarification on pay when signing on and off vessel. Communications read regarding invalid BST certificates. Suggestion made for drug prescription card to eliminate need for paying up front. Thanks to steward department for being good feeder. Heading to ports in Washington and California. LIBERTY GRACE (Liberty Maritime), June 15—Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Terry J. Smith, Deck Delegate Jonathan D. Stringer III, Engine Delegate Roger D. Phillips. Chairman informed crew members of payoff June 19 in Houston and explained need for up-to-date shipping documents and STCW training certificate. Secretary posted letter from headquarters about new vacation days starting July 1. Educational director advised everyone to make use of educational opportunities available at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Requests made for new ice machine and mattresses and repair to salad bar. Everyone asked to return movies when finished with them. Vote of thanks from crew to steward department for job well done. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Lines), June 27—Chairman Sonny Pinkham, Secretary Roger G. Griswold, Educational Director James T. McParland, Deck Delegate Oliver M. Balico, Engine Delegate Adam Noor, Steward Delegate Melvin W. Hite. Discussion held about need for port reliefs, especially after long foreign voyage. RMU George Rose left on medical emergency following the death of his mother. Educational director stressed need for verification of STCW certificates earned at facilities other than Piney Point. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted in deck department. Recommendation made to increase pension and dental benefits. Discussion held about sailing board, collective bargaining agreement and mail. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good job. Next port: Elizabeth, N.J. PERFORMANCE (USSM), June 30—Chairman Jimmie L. Scheck, Secretary Charles B. Collins, Educational Director Michael C. Martykan, Deck Delegate Bart Bridges, Engine Delegate Ali S. Mohsin, Steward Delegate Monell N. Liburd. Chairman announced payoff July 1 in Houston. Five lounge chairs and VCR to be brought aboard at that time. Crew members getting off should make sure room is clean and with fresh linen. Educational director spoke about upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $75 in SIU emergency fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done and for cleaning up after barbecue. Next ports: Algeciras and Cadiz, Spain. QUALITY (USSM), June 27— Chairman Tony Beasley, Secretary Franklyn J. Cordero, Educational Director Paul P. Pagano, Deck Delegate Rivas Simeon, Engine Delegate Anthony M. Lieto, Steward Delegate Anselmo A. Lopez. Chairman announced ship out of yard and things getting back to normal. He thanked crew for working safely and helping keep main house clean. Educational director advised those members who received STCW training at schools other than Piney Point send certificates for verification. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase dental plan benefits for members and dependents. Vote of thanks given to steward department and relief cook for job well done. CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.), July 12—Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Miguel E. Vinca, Educational Director Thomas Koubek, Deck Delegate Cliff Lattish, Steward Delegate Ruben Ong. Chairman thanked everyone Life Aboard the USNS Pomeroy Left: ABs Chris Edyvean and Beverly Williams help apply non-skid paint to the stern section of the USNS Pomeroy. Right: Mark Coleman is the bosun aboard the Maersk Lines vessel. Left: Continuing to apply the non-skid paint are AB Tyler Laffitte and OS Rosita Livermon. Right: Steward department members recently took part in a day of survival suit training. Chief Cook Khaled Taffi and SA Beverly Stevens make it look kind of tricky. for great job cleaning cargo hold. He reminded crew members that when applying for vacation, be sure to include pay vouchers. Additionally, he advised them to keep STCW certificates up to date. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess hall clean and separating plastic items from regular garbage. He asked those getting off to make sure rooms are clean for next person. Educational director talked about upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. Beef reported in engine department; no disputed OT noted. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food, especially cookout. Next port: Houston. ENDURANCE (USSM), July 7— Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Jesse B. Natividad, Educational Director Grant W. Schuman, Deck Delegate Gerry A. Gianan, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter, Steward Delegate Thurman C. Johnson. Chairman announced smooth sailing from China on way to payoff in Los Angeles. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on certain aspects of shipping rules. 1st LT. ALEX BONNYMAN (Maersk Lines), Chairman Barry D. Hamm, Secretary Philip F. Lau, Educational Director John H. Westfall, Deck Delegate Lafe L. Fraley, Steward Delegate Marcus R. Rowe. Chairman thanked everyone for good job loading in Jacksonville and offloading in Kuwait. Secretary stressed number of issues: (1) crew members need to be sure union dues are up to date; (2) shipping documents should be renewed at least three months before expiration; (3) upgrading opportunities are available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Pay raise effective July 3. Request made that reliefs be available to those crew members whose time is up. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), July 6—Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary Franchesca R. Rose, Educational Director Joseph J. Egan, Deck Delegate Erowin C. Udan, Engine Delegate Charles Johnson, Steward Delegate Alejo Fabia. Chairman announced payoff July 11 in Tacoma, Wash. No one should leave until ship has cleared customs and immigration. A barge will load small amount of bunkers at that time. Chairman also announced SARS restrictions lifted in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Crew may now go ashore in those ports. Secretary asked that pillows not be put in dirty laundry baskets. New pillows are on order. When they arrive, old ones may be tossed. Room inspections to be conducted by captain June 10. Everyone asked to return ship’s movies by arrival in Tacoma. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade skills and posted Paul Hall Center class schedule on bulletin board. He advised everyone to save pay vouchers which will be needed when applying for vacation benefits. Discussion held about new cruise ship operations in Hawaii area. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications received regarding re-routing of LOGs to Tacoma and signing of ship’s minutes by delegates and committee members. Thanks given to steward department for three big barbecues held in past month. Turnout and food was fantastic. Vote taken on what to do with old VCR player from crew lounge. It was decided it should be returned to previous bosun, Robert Wilson, who donated most dollars toward its purchase. Next ports: Oakland, Calif; Honolulu; Guam. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Lines), July 10—Chairman Raymond Henderson, Secretary Thomas W. Milovich, Educational Director Donald D. Williams Jr., Deck Delegate Reuben M. Brown, Engine Delegate Frederick E. Petterson Jr., Steward Delegate Mario Clotter. Chairman read July headquarters report pertaining to new shipping rules. Secretary requested copies of both contracts. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point and not forget to renew z-cards. Recommendations made for company to enforce no smoking policy on bridge when pilot is on board and AB is in hard steering. Suggestion also made for there to be no working on watch. Juice machine needed for duty mess hall and ice machine for galley. Deck department was thanked for hard work, and vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. Next ports: Halifax, Canada; Newark, N.J.; Norfolk, Va. Seafarers LOG 19 �Final Departures Continued from page 18 operated by Inland Lakes Management. He began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1994. Brother Hull was a resident of Maple Ridge, Mich. NILES LOVEGROVE Pensioner Niles Lovegrove, 80, passed away June 2. After joining the Seafarers, Brother Lovegrove worked in the deck department. He started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1971. Born in Tennesse, Brother Lovegrove made his home in Elberta, Mich. ROBERT RADZIESKI Pensioner Robert Radzieski, 77, died April 16. Brother Radzieski started his career with the Seafarers in 1961 in Cleveland, Ohio. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he first sailed aboard a Great Lakes Associates, Inc. vessel. Brother Radzieski was a native of Ohio and worked in the deck department. His final voyage was aboard the Paul H. Townsend, an Inland Lakes Management, Inc. vessel. Brother Radzieski lived in his native state and began receiving his pension in 1991. INLAND JAMES BRATCHER Pensioner James Bratcher, 77, died June 1. Born in Florida, Boatman Bratcher joined the SIU in 1960. The U.S. Navy veteran initially sailed aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Bratcher worked in the inland as well as the deep sea division and shipped in the engine department. He last sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. The Houston resident began receiving his retirement pay in 1981. LARRY T. FULCHER Boatman Larry T. Fulcher, 57, passed away April 6. He joined the SIU in 1967. Boatman Fulcher was a member of the deck department and shipped as a captain. He last worked on a Maritrans Operating Co. vessel and lived in Willeston, N.C. RICHARD MOORE Pensioner Richard Moore, 81, died May 4. Brother Moore started his SIU career in 1971 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Ohio, Boatman Moore was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He shipped in the deck department and worked primarily aboard Moran Towing Co. of Maryland vessels. The Baltimore resident began collecting retirement stipends in 1987. 20 Seafarers LOG EDWARD PFRANG Boatman Edward Pfrang, 56, passed away May 9. He joined the Seafarers in 1975 in the port of Baltimore. A U.S. Navy veteran, Boatman Pfrang shipped in the engine department. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing Co. of Maryland. Born in Jersey City, N.J., Boatman Pfrang made his home in Owings Mills, Md. RICHARD SOUZA Pensioner Richard Souza, 70, died April 2. Boatman Souza joined the SIU in 1974 in the port of Philadelphia afte serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. The Massachusettsborn mariner shipped in the deck department and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Mariner Towing. Boatman Souza made his home in Westbrook, Maine. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1996. RAILROAD MARINE POWELL F. HUDGINS Pensioner Powell F. Hudgins, 89, died April 15. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1965 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Before joining the SIU, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard. Brother Hudgins was a member of the deck department and worked primarily aboard Pennsylvania Railroad/Norfolk vessels. He started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1970 and made his home in Matthews, Va. ATLANTIC FISHERMEN FRANK PALAZOLA Pensioner Frank Palazola, 91, passed away April 15. Brother Palazola started his career with the Atlantic Fisherman’s Union, an affiliate of the SIU before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. Born in Gloucester, Mass., the engine department member began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1976. He lived in Massachusetts. Know Your Rights Brother Demita launched his NMU profession in 1944. Sailing out of the port of New York, he initially went to sea on the Hawthorn. Brother Demita worked in both the steward and deck departments and last sailed on the Green Lake. He started collecting his retirement benefits in 1967. PHILIP ELDEMIRE Pensioner Philip Eldemire, 78, died June 6. Brother Eldemire started his vocation with the NMU in 1946. Born in the British West Indies, he initially shipped out of the port of Baltimore aboard the Carvale Victory. Brother Eldemire worked in the deck department and last went to sea on the Gulf Trader. He started receiving his pension in 1972. DAVID JOHNSON Pensioner David Johnson, 77, passed away July 15. The Hawaii-born mariner joined the NMU in 1945. Shipping out of the port of Honolulu, he initially went to sea aboard the Andree. Brother Johnson worked in the engine department and began receiving retirement pay in 1991. His final ocean voyage was on the Texaco Montana. MURVIN LANDRY Pensioner Murvin Landry, 71, died July 12. He commenced his NMU career in 1953. Brother Landry’s initial voyage was aboard the John Lykes. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the deck department. His final trip to sea was on the Marine Chemist. Brother Landry started collecting stipends for his retirement in 1984. JOHN McKELVY Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away: BENNIE ARKWRIGHT Pensioner Bennie Arkwright, 80 died June 24. Brother Arkwright joined the NMU in 1966. His first ship was the American Reporter. Born in Chatham County, Ga., Brother Arkwright sailed in the deck department. His final voyage was aboard the Shirley Lykes. Brother Arkwright began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1992. RALPH DEMITA Pensioner Ralph Demita, 79, passed away July 5. Born in Boston, Pensioner John McKelvy, 76, passed away July 3. Born in Abilene, Texas, his first ship was the Massachusetts. Brother McKelvy sailed in the deck department as a bosun and last worked on the Gulf Swamp. He began receiving his pension in 1968. LUIS SIERRA Pensioner Luis Sierra, 80, died July 13. Brother Sierra launched his career with the NMU in Puerto Rico, first sailing from the port of San Juan. Brother Sierra began receiving retirement stipends in 1972. FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. September 2003 �SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Engine Upgrading Courses Arrival Date Date of Completion Oiler September 8 November 3 October 17 December 12 Welding September 8 October 6 November 3 September 26 October 24 November 21 Engine Utility (EU) September 29 November 17 October 24 December 12 QMED Junior Engineer September 22 December 12 Course The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of the year. 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 Safety Specialty Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion November 3 November 7 Arrival Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* – (5-day course) Able Seaman September 29 November 10 October 24 December 5 Advanced Fire Fighting – (2-week course) September 1 September 12 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) September 8 October 27 September 12 October 31 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW GMDSS (Simulator) September 15 September 26 Lifeboatman/Water Survival September 15 October 27 September 26 November 7 Radar October 13 October 24 September 1 September 15 September 28 October 13 October 27 November 3 November 10 November 17 December 1 December 8 September 5 September 19 October 3 October 17 October 31 November 7 November 14 November 21 December 5 December 12 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) October 13 December 1 October 24 December 12 Government Vessels September 1 October 20 November 3 September 5 October 24 November 7 Tanker Familiarization October 6 December 1 October 17 December 12 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* November 17 November 21 Course (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have radar unlimited) Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most (*must have basic fire fighting) recently beginning August 18. 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Recertification Bosun October 6 November 3 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No 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? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ September 2003 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 9/03 Seafarers LOG 21 �Paul Hall Center Classes Engine Utility — Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 640 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 640. They are (from left, front row) Annie Walker, Stag Rye, Timothy Ross, Erick Toledo-Colon, Keith Smith, Kyle Byron, Eduardo Cruz, (back row) Damien Bautista, Robert Walter, Ryan Dauphin, Richard Nemanic, Joshua Kilbourn, Michael Fowler, Erik Bradley, Ricky Greenwood, Joseph Dupre and Donnlee Kivi. Completing the the engine utility class July 18 are unlicensed apprentices (in alphabetical order) Michael Harris, Regis Makowski, Carus Peet, Steven Ruppert, Nathan Slack, Justin Violanti, Edward Willis and upgrading Seafarers Isaac Diaz, Roger Nesbeth and Blas Robert. Their instructor, Ben Vernon, is at far left. Advanced Fire Fighting — Earning their advanced fire fighting endorsements Aug. 1 are (in alphabetical order) William Fontaine, Duane Givens, Judson Hand, Trinity Ippolito, Dvid James, Gregory May, Cameron Peterson, William Powell and John Zabielski. STOS and Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Receiving certificates for completion of the STOS course July 3 (above) are upgrading Alaskan fishermen (in alphabetical order) Gary Bell, Elpidio Caing, Rollin Crump, Calvin Edwards, Andrew Esteban, Sam Finley, Jeffrey Jenkinson, William Jones, Angel Manlunas, Kimberly Nathan, Robert Newcomb, Armando Olde, Laurence Ramirez and Thessolonian Smith. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, stands second from right. The same group completed the lifeboatman/water survival course (below) June 20. Able Bodied Seamen — Graduating from the AB course Aug. 1 are (in alphabetical order) Xavier Alfaro, Christopher Avila, Naomi Blount, Jonathan Eitz, Nathan Elliott, Eugene Evans, Charles Goodfellow, John Johnson, Denny Manns, Zacarias Suazo and Jerry Wilder. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Computer Lab Recent graduates of the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center pose with their certificates. In photo at left are Roger Nesbeth (left) and Raul Napoles. Their instructor, Rich Prucha, stands behind them. In photo at right are (from left, front row) Rere Paiti, Edward Aperto, Zein Achmad, (second row) Rich Prucha (instructor), Nathan Elliott and Robert Banks. 22 Seafarers LOG Any student who has registered for a class and finds— for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. September 2003 �Paul Hall Center Classes ARPA — Under the instruction of Mike Smith (right) are upgrading Seafarers who completed the ARPA course Aug. 1. They are (in alphabetical order) Johnie Chavis, Vessislav Dyoulgerov, Ernie Hudgins, Miles Janecka, Robert Knowlton, Philip Perry, Kelly Stanford and Mark Tilly. GMDSS — Radar — Completing the radar course July 25 are (in alphabetical order) Margarete, Johnie Chavis, Miles Janecka, Robert Knowlton and Philp Perry. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far left. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Completing the tanker familiarization/assistance cargo (DL) course June 13 are (in no particular order) Laurence Ramirez, Kimberly Nathan, William Jones Sr., Calvin Edwards, Kevin Russell, Robert Scrivens, Sam Finley, Gary Bell, Randolph Patterson, Chris Chikwere, Armando Olde, Elpidio Cainag Jr., Andrew Esteban, Thessolonian Smith and Robert Newcomb. With their instructor, Brad Wheeler (left), are July 11 graduates of the GMDSS course. They are (in alphabetical order) Janet Baird, Jaime Baretty, Paul Jagger, Robert Murray and Keith Williams. STOS — Receiving certificates for completion of the STOS class July 18 are (in alphabetical order) Brian Delatte, Alexander Dodoo, Andrew Eastman, Jerry Guglielmello, William Mele, Aurelian Moise, George Peters and Michael Vankuiken. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Another June 13 graduating class from the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course June 13 are (in no particular order) Arnold Neff Jr., John Shank, Eugene Perez Jr., David Denizac, Robert Funk, Gary Mann, David Turinski, Gary Ranne, Kenneth Lewin, Arnaldo Fernandez, Jeffrey Jenkinson, Gabriel Tomsah, Gabriel Arhin and Rollin Crump. Fast Rescue Boat — Under the instruction of Stan Beck (seated, right) are Seafarers who completed the fast rescue boat course July 25. They are (in alphabetical order) Brian Bowman, James Boyce Sr., Kevin DeLaittre, Reed Sarbou, William Shelley and William Travis. Celestial Navigation — Instructor Stacy Harris (right) poses with students who completed the celestial navigation course July 25. From the left are Bradley Burkart, Robert Boudreaux, Anthony Lowman, Leonard Lambert and Norman Skipper. September 2003 STCW — July 18: Faisal Abdo, Saleh Abdulrab, Darryl Bence, Alphonzo Berry, Glen Biddle, Victor Cooper, Bryce Flader, Harry Galdeira Jr., James Harris, John Henry, Gordon Hiltburner, Marjorie Mack, Homar McField, Walter Ott, Wilfredo Palacios, Steven Reed, John Regina, Sadig Saeed, Melvin Singletary, Jerome Slade, Saleh Soofi, Dwight Wuerth and Neil Warren. Seafarers LOG 23 �Volume 65 Number 9 September 2003 UNIONS BUILD A BETTER AMERICA Union Label Week Sept. 1-6 6, 2003 With Seafarers in Charm City SIU Members Undeterred by Summer Heat Around the port of Baltimore, SIU members are active aboard many different types of vessels. Cable ships, RO/ROs and a hospital ship are among the Seafarers-crewed vessels home ported in the town nicknamed Charm City. Earlier this summer, several shipboard ceremonies took place in Baltimore as SIU crews were honored by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) and the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) for their support of American and allied troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships Wright and Cape Washington After sailing with the SIU for nine years, John Fichter recently signed on aboard the U S N S Denebola as third engineer. and the hospital ship USNS Comfort were among those serving as backdrops for the ceremonies. Last month, on a more routine day, a visit to Maryland’s largest city found Seafarers steadily getting the job done despite very hot temperatures. Aboard the USNS Denebola, Chief Steward Julie Dvoroznak and Chief Cook John Cator cheerfully prepared lunch for their shipmates. Dvoroznak mentioned that she recently completed the chief cook course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. “It was great—very informative, and the instructors were terrific,” she stated. Dvoroznak isn’t the only person aboard the USNS Denebola who recommends upgrading at the Paul Hall Center. Chief Engineer Jim Varela graduated from the trainee program in 1979, and returned several times for additional training. He still possesses a Piney Point class ring. “I sailed as a wiper in 1979. The LNG Gemini was my first ship,” Varela recalled. “I went from the bottom all the way to the top, and I’d advise any young Seafarers to take advantage of the opportunities at Piney Point. As you pursue your career, education is so important.” Pictured aboard the USNS Denebola are (from left) SIU Port Agent Dennis Metz, Chief Cook John Cator, Bosun Francisco Bravo, Chief Steward Julie Dvoroznak, Wiper Antonio Perez, OS Tavell Love, Wiper Brian Lusk and AB Terrence Carmody. The SIU-crewed Cape Washington (foreground) and Cape Wrath, seen from the deck of the Tyco Decisive, remain docked in Baltimore following their respective deployments for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Supporting the Troops Bosun Francisco Bravo sailed on the USNS Denebola throughout the combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “It was okay,” he said. “The military people, they were good fellows, very friendly. We had restrictions, but I didn’t want to go ashore anyway.” On another Baltimore-based, SIUcrewed vessel, GUDE Mark Canada recalled his experience serving aboard the Wright during the war. “We went straight through the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf,” he said. “We were close to the action, but not too close.” Canada pointed out that because of the Wright’s important role as an aviation logistics support ship, “If another war happens, we’ll be there.” During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Wright was deployed for 145 days in support of U.S. troops. Its mission included transporting a helicopter platform, a complete repair shop, and equipment for fixed-wing and rotarywing aircraft. While the Wright just finished a big mission, another SIU ship in Chief Steward Julie Dvoroznak finishes preparing a tasty lunch on the USNS Denebola. Aboard the Tyco Decisive OMU Joselito Vicente Continued on page 14 Staying Current, Paul Hall Center Instructors Take Hands-On Approach with Shipboard Gear One way that instructors at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education help ensure that students receive the most up-to-date schooling is by staying familiar with the latest shipboard equipment. At left, Paul Hall Center instructor Tom Cessna examines fire fighting gear aboard the USNS Denebola last month in Baltimore as Bosun Francisco Bravo looks on. Cessna also checked out other safety equipment on the Denebola as well as aboard the Wright and Tyco Decisive. He then shared his findings with other instructors at the Piney Point, Md.-based school. The Paul Hall Center offers dozens of U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses, including numerous STCW classes. Chief Cook Jorge Lanas Chief Steward Dante Slack OMU Chris Corpuz OMU Alfredo Mendoza � 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 September 2003 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS CAN HELP PLAN CONTAIN MEDICAL COSTS SAFETY TEAM EXPLORES LATEST SECURITY, TRAINING ISSUES SIU FERRY CREWS COME THROUGH AGAIN JOLIET HALL SET TO OPEN NORTH STAR DELIVERED TO TOTE HORIZON HAWAII HELPS SAVE 3 ATLANTIC RESCUE TAKES PLACE IN ROUGH WEATHER JERSEY CITY MAYOR HOISTS MERCHANT MARINE EMBLEM SIU’S CORGEY, UIW’S ARMSTRONG ELECTED VPS OF TEXAS AFL-CIO SIU STANDS UP FOR MARINERS’ RIGHTS UNION BACKS MOST OF MTSA’S NEW REGULATIONS, BUT STRESSES NEED FOR FAIR RULES FOR SHORE LEAVE ITF’S COCKROFT: REEXAMINE ‘COZY CONTRACT’ BETWEEN TRAYLOR, LIBERIAN SHIP REGISTRY ALASKANS, SCHOOL BENEFIT FROM STATE’S JOINT EFFORTS WITH PAUL HALL CENTER MCTF OPPOSES EFFORTS TO REPEAL JONES ACT SOCP TO MEET IN PINEY POINT WELCOME HOME TO A HERO UIW MEMBER’S SON RETURNS FROM WAR IN IRAQ WWII-ERA AMERICAN VICTORY, READY TO ‘RELIVE HISTORY,’ SEEKS VOLUNTEER CREW ‘FATHER MATT’ SIEKIERSKI, SIU FRIEND, DIES AT 53 MIGRANT SMUGGLING SCHEME INVOLVED FAKE MARINER IDS RETIRED SUP OFFICIAL DOOLEY DIES AT 85 ‘WARRIOR FOUNDATION’ HELPS FAMILIES OF FALLEN PATRIOTS U.S., CHINA RESUME MARITIME TALKS UNION PLUS ANNOUNCES PROMOTION TO WIN UNION-MADE CAR, OTHER PRIZES STCW DEMONSTRATION OF COMPETANCY AT THE PAUL HALL CENTER CABLE SHIP CREW MEMORIALIZES BOSUN LIBBY WITH SEAFARERS IN CHARM CITY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 09/01/2003 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. 65, No. 9 2003 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/9724f99f272324a4472301dcdc169dfb.pdf 00893409d95aa7dfca07929e3068c4ae PDF Text Text Pgs1_5,8,11,16,24.qxd 9/26/2003 5:43 AM Page 1 Volume 65, Number 10 October 2003 SIU Fleet Welcomes More New Additions The SIU gained new shipboard jobs in September, with the delivery of an LMSR, the transfer of a fast combat support ship and the christening of a double-hulled barge that links with a tugboat. Joining the SIU fleet are the USNS Benavidez (left), the USNS Rainier (directly below) and the barge 550-3 (below, left), part of an ATB. Page 3. Hurricane Isabel Takes its Toll Labor Department To Honor Paul Hall Union’s 2nd President Named To U.S. Labor Hall of Fame (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia) Hurricane Isabel caused fatalities and widespread damage on the East Coast when it struck beginning Sept. 18. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education (right) sustained major damage to marinas and piers, among other difficulties. In photo at left, a passerby looks at a large navigation buoy that was beached by the winds and surf near Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach, Va. Page 4. The U.S. Department of Labor is scheduled to induct the late SIU President Paul Hall to its Labor Hall of Fame on Oct. 1 in Washington, D.C. Page 2. Seafarers Rally with Steelworkers Seafarers joined Steelworkers and other supporters Sept. 23 in Washington, D.C. for a rally aimed at maintaining tariffs that have benefited the industry since last year. Page 9. Boatmen Approve 5-Year Contract SIU Snapshots ANWR Update U.S. Mariners Deliver for Troops Page 3 Page 7 Page 11 Page 24 �Pgs1_5,8,11,16,24.qxd 9/28/2003 3:47 PM Page 2 President’s Report Politics—Why We Participate For more than a dozen years, it has been very rare that a month goes by without this newspaper reporting on significant gains for SIU members, whether it’s a new ship, a better contract, improved training opportunities or some other progress. As I’ve said many times, the consistently safe, reliable shipboard work performed by Seafarers is a foundation of every advancement we achieve. Another key part of that foundation is political action—and that’s something no Seafarer should ever forget. Michael Sacco Without an ongoing strong commitment to grassroots politics, our whole industry would go down the tubes. It’s as simple as that. I’m grateful that so many of you understand the reality and importance of that message. Your support of SPAD and your willingness to donate time to back pro-maritime, pro-worker candidates are commendable. And your support is never taken for granted. This is an area where we cannot afford to let up. A quick look at two vital maritime laws shows why. First the Jones Act, which requires that cargo moving from one domestic port to another be carried aboard U.S.-crewed, U.S.-flag, U.S.-built ships. It’s a sensible law that helps protect our national and economic security. Many other industrialized countries have laws that basically spell out the same requirements for their mariners and shipbuilders. Yet, the Jones Act is consistently is under attack by shippers and foreignflag interests. We fight back against those attacks through political action —educating congressmen and senators and other officials about the importance of our nation’s freight cabotage law. The SIU and our allies have been successful in this battle, and as a result, the Jones Act currently enjoys solid support from Congress and the administration. Another example is the U.S. Maritime Security Program, enacted in 1996. The MSP and its related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement are among the key measures keeping the U.S. flag flying on deep sea commercial vessels. It took several years of lobbying to secure the original MSP, and similar efforts have put us on the verge of a 10-year reauthorization of the program. Here again, without political action—without your support along with cooperative work throughout our industry—there would be no MSP. Those aren’t the only laws that are important to the U.S. Merchant Marine, but they illustrate why we must elect officials who understand and support our industry. And they underscore the fact that our fight never ends. On a larger scale, our brothers and sisters throughout the trade union movement understand, as we do, that grassroots political action is our greatest resource. During the year 2000 elections, business outspent labor by 15 to 1. Then, in the 2002 off-year elections, corporations spent more than $700 million, compared to about $62 million from working families. That gap probably won’t change anytime soon. But, by mobilizing and taking advantage of strength in numbers, the labor movement is making progress in the political arena. For instance, union households represented 26 percent of the vote in 2000, up from 19 percent in 1992. That jump is a direct result of a commitment by the AFL-CIO and its member unions to increase voter registration, education and mobilization. Support of voluntary political action funds remains an important part of that commitment. When it comes to the elections themselves, our approach never changes. You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again: We support those who support the U.S. Merchant Marine, regardless of political party. Our mission is “jobs, jobs, jobs” for you. And when the elections end, we don’t take shortcuts in educating the new representatives at all levels of government about our issues and industry. Paul Hall, our union’s second president, summed up the importance of political action with the saying “Politics is pork chops.” The message is simple but essential. By supporting SPAD and volunteering to assist pro-maritime candidates, you help preserve your jobs. More recently, rank-and-file Seafarers came up with a new saying to deliver the same point: “SPAD—It takes a four-letter word to be heard!” No matter how it’s phrased, the bottom line is that politics is fundamental to the SIU. And with your continued strong support, I’m confident that we’ll have no shortage of good news to report in the months and years ahead. Volume 65, Number 10 October 2003 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2003 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG New Study: Health Care Premiums Skyrocket The health care crisis in this country is not an isolated trend. Newly published surveys indicate employer-sponsored health care premiums already have risen by nearly 14 percent in 2003—the third consecutive year of doubledigit increases. Coupled with a sagging economy and many workers out of a job, these statistics are troublesome, making health care insurance an almost unaffordable luxury item for some. While the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is doing everything it can to help its membership maintain its comprehensive health care package, the continuing escalation of costs for health care premiums is making it increasingly difficult each time a contract is negotiated. The Plan is watching while governmental agencies, the private sector and other unions and companies ask their employees to pay a share of their health insurance premiums, a greater percentage of the final bill or require larger deductibles. In Madison, Wis., for example, the city is for the first time asking its employees in the four major labor unions to pay a share of their health insurance premiums and also is seeking a reduction in the compensation payments made to workers injured on the job. But the city of Madison is not alone. In fact, a new study indicates that in order to continue maintaining health care benefits at some level, 65 percent of employers increased the amount that employees pay for health insurance this year, 47 percent raised employees’ payments for prescription drugs, 34 percent increased deductibles and 34 percent raised co-payments for doctor visits. Deductibles and copayments, which were uncommon only a few years ago, have recently been adopted by many plans. The cost of prescription drugs is one of the chief reasons for the soaring health care rates. The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is aware of this fact and is trying to implement a prescription drug network in order to keep the costs in check (see the notice on this page). The Seafarers LOG will continue to keep the readership informed about ways the health and benefits plan is trying to keep costs down. Notice A Message from the Seafarers Plans Over the past few months, we have been reporting that the cost of health care has been rising at unprecedented rates. One of the most serious areas of concern is prescription drugs. Knowing that the cost of prescription drugs must be controlled, the Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan are considering implementing a prescription drug network as a two-year pilot program. Therefore, discussions with various Pharmacy Benefit Managers have begun. During these discussions, it became apparent that in order for a prescription drug program to work, we would need to review the eligibility requirement for the prescription drug benefit. Therefore, in order to proceed with these ongoing discussions, the Trustees of the Plan have instructed the Administrator to amend the eligibility requirement for the prescription drug benefit only. We repeat: The eligibility requirement for t he p rescription drug benefit only is being changed as follows: Once a participant accumulates 120 days of covered employment in a calendar year, then that participant and their eligible dependents will be entitled to participate in the prescription drug network for the entire following year. Additionally, if a participant accumulates at least 90 days of covered employment by September 30th of any year, then that participant and their eligible dependents would be covered from January 1st through June 30th of the following year. EXAMPLES: z Seaman Jones works from March 1 through May 31 (92 days) and from October 5 through December 15 (72 days) for a total of 164 days. Since he has more than 120 days employment in the calendar year, then he would have eligibility for prescription drugs the entire following year. z Seaman Smith works from March 1 through May 31 (92 days) however; he does not get any additional employment before the year ends. Since he has at least 90 days employment by September 30, then he would have eligibility for prescription drugs the first six months of the following year. z Seaman Johnson works from August 2 through December 3 (124 days). Since he has at least 120 days in the calendar year then he would have eligibility for prescription drugs for the entire following year. z Seaman Moore works from September 17 through December 20 (95 days). Although he has 90 days, those days were not accumulated prior to September 30 therefore he would need 120 days. Since he does not have 120 days he would not be covered for benefits. Once again, this change will affect eligibility for the prescription drug program only and is required so that in most cases the Plan will be able to forward eligibility lists on a timely basis to any pharmacy benefit manager. We realize that there will always be exceptions, which will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Also, please note that the initial eligibility rule of 75 days of covered employment for new participants will not change and therefore a new participant need only accumulate 75 days of employment in order to be covered for benefits. We hope that we might be able to contract with a Pharmacy Benefit Manager before the end of the year. We will keep you informed on the progress of these meetings and any other changes that will be required. Labor Dept. to Honor Paul Hall Paul Hall understood the importance of political activity and the difference it makes in the lives of Seafarers. Top photo: Hall welcomes President Richard Nixon to the SIUNA convention in the early 1970s. Below: Hall participates in a meeting with President Jimmy Carter in 1977. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is scheduled to induct the late SIU President Paul Hall to its Labor Hall of Fame on Oct. 1 in Washington, D.C. According to the DOL, “The Labor Hall of Fame honors posthumously those Americans whose distinctive contributions to the field of labor have enhanced the quality of life of millions yesterday, today, and for generations to come.” SIU President Michael Sacco will deliver the keynote remarks for Hall’s induction. “Obviously, this is a tremendous and welldeserved honor for Paul and for the SIU,” Sacco said. “I worked with Paul for many years, and it’s safe to say he was totally committed not only to improving the lives of Seafarers, but all working families. “It was under Paul Hall’s leadership that the SIU gained our reputation for assisting fellow trade unionists,” Sacco added. “He used to have a saying when people asked for our help: ‘We’ll be there— money, marbles and chalk.’ He literally helped thousands of working families, in organizing drives, on picket lines and however else he was needed.” The Labor Hall of Fame honorees include 26 individuals and the rescue workers from September 11 (inducted last year as one entity). Among the members are Samuel Gompers, the first president of the American Federation of Labor; George Meany, first president of the merged AFL-CIO; Cesar Continued on page 4 October 2003 �Pgs1_5,8,11,16,24.qxd 9/26/2003 5:57 AM Page 3 New Barge Christened for Intrepid Ocean Reliance Gets Counterpart in Double-Hulled ‘550-3’ Seafarers and SIU officials last month attended the christening of the double-hulled barge 550-3, the companion piece to Intrepid Ship Management’s tug Ocean Reliance. The ceremony took place Sept. 9 in Bellingham, Wash. Together, the SIU-contracted 9,280-hp Ocean Reliance and 155,000-barrel 550-3 form a state-of-the-art articulated tugbarge (ATB). The barge has an inert gas system as well as an enhanced cargo system and a fully redundant ballast system. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone and SIU Tacoma, Wash. Port Agent Bryan Powell represented the union at the christening. The ATB was built by The Manitowoc (Wis.) Company, Inc. It has a hinged connection system between the tug and barge, allowing movement in one plane in the critical area of fore and aft pitch. As previously reported, the new ATB tank vessel incorporates the latest advances in environmental protection and safety while addressing increased efficiencies in hose handling, anchoring, mooring, discharge and loading of product. The Ocean Reliance meets all SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and American Bureau of Shipping criteria, and has a foam-capable fire monitor; twin fuel-efficient reduced emission electronic diesel engines; a noise reduction package and other upgrades to increase crew comfort. The communication and navigation equipment is among the most technologically advanced in the industry today. CIVMAR Fleet Gains ‘Supply Class’ Vessel The tug Ocean Reliance and barge 550-3 form an ATB that is state-ofthe-art. Hannah Tugboat Pact Boosts Health Coverage Seafarers employed by OLS Transport (parent company of Hannah Marine) recently approved a new five-year contract that improves health care coverage and also raises wages in each year of the agreement. The contract was overwhelmingly approved in August by crew members who sail aboard the company’s 10 tug-barge units, which operate on the Great Lakes, Inland Rivers and in the Gulf Coast region. Approximately 50 Seafarers are covered by the agreement, which calls for an increase to “Plan G” health benefits—the top level offered through the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Other gains include the addition of five holidays, increased travel reimbursement, and better pension benefits. The boatmen transport asphalt, oil and cement, plus other cargoes. Members of the SIU’s Government Services Division welcomed new job opportunities as the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) last month accepted transfer of the USS Rainier in Bremerton, Wash. The Rainier is the third of four U.S. Navy “supply class” fast combat support ships to leave commissioned service “for an even more active role” with MSC, according to the agency. The vessel joins more than 30 civil service-crewed ships providing combat logistics services to the Navy fleets worldwide. MSC also noted that the Rainier’s crew will be accompanied by approximately 60 Navy personnel for communication support and supply coordination as well as supporting helicopter operations. “The transfer of Rainier and her sister ships, USNS Arctic and USNS Supply, and the future transfer of the fourth ship in the The USNS Rainier’s crew will consist of CIVMARS and Navy personnel. class, USS Bridge, in June of next year are part of the Navy’s continuing transformation to a more efficient and cost effective fighting force for the 21st century,” MSC noted in a news release. “According to a May 1998 Center for Naval Analysis study, the Navy will save a projected $76 million annually with the change. “The transfers also free up a total of 108 active duty Navy officers and 1,996 enlisted Sailors to return to war-fighting roles for which they were trained….” The Rainier is 754 feet long and has a top speed of greater than 25 knots. Newest LMSR Delivered The USNS Benavidez was delivered to the U. S. Navy Sept. 10 in New Orleans, signaling new steward department jobs for Seafarers. The Benavidez is the nineteenth large, medium-speed, rollon/roll-off ship (LMSR) built or converted at U.S. shipyards since the mid-1990s to transport and preposition U.S. combat equipment. The massive ships with their stern ramps, interior ramps and cavernous interiors are ideal for rapid loading and off-loading of tanks, trucks, humvees and other wheeled or tracked vehicles needed by U.S. military personnel. They are part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s (MSC) fleet. According to MSC, LMSRs are the Navy’s largest and most modern cargo ships. At more than 900 feet long, each ship is capable of carrying more than 300,000 square feet—the equivalent of nearly six football fields—of containerized cargo, wheeled, and tracked vehicles for the U.S. Department of Defense. The Navy’s 18 other LMSRs —all crewed by SIU members— played key logistical roles in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom by transporting millions of square feet of combat equipment to and from the Middle East. More than 2,000 SIU members, including mariners from the union’s Government Services Division, sailed during the war. Upon completion of the ship’s post-construction shipyard period in early December, the Benavidez will be placed in a reduced operating status in Corpus Christi, Texas, until it is activated to Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2003 for the observance of Veterans Day and Thursday, Nov. 27, 2003 for the observance of Thanksgiving Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. October 2003 The Benavidez is practically identical to the USNS Bob Hope, pictured at left. transport cargo in support of U.S. forces, the agency noted. Like most other LMSRs, the Benavidez is named in honor of a U.S. Army Medal of Honor recipient. The ship’s namesake, Master Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez, USA, of Cuero, Texas, was awarded the nation’s highest honor for his heroic actions on May 2, 1968, in the Republic of Vietnam. During an intense period of combat, then Staff Sgt. Benavidez overcame withering enemy fire and several severe injuries to help evacuate and save the lives of the soldiers pinned down by an overwhelming enemy force. MSC, the ocean transportation provider for the Department of Defense, normally operates more than 120 noncombatant, civiliancrewed ships, which increased to more than 210 ships during the height of Operation Iraqi Freedom in mid-March. Additional transport ships were chartered from private industry or activated from reduced operating status to carry the heavy volume of equipment for war fighters supporting OIF. From January to April, the command’s ships delivered 21 million square feet of cargo, 261 million gallons of fuel and 95,000 tons of ammunition to the Middle East. Much of this cargo belonged to the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry and 101st Airborne divisions, as well as the U.S. Marine Corps’ I and II Marine Expeditionary Forces. SS Great Land Gets Extension The union recently welcomed the news that Interocean Ugland Management is operating the SS Great Land in Hawaii. The long-term charter represents an extension for the Ponce-class vessel—and continued employment for Seafarers aboard the ship. Seafarers LOG 3 �Pgs1_5,8,11,16,24.qxd 9/26/2003 5:36 AM Page 4 Could Have Been Worse, But Isabel Still Takes Toll Late last month, people in the United States mid-Atlantic Region still were recuperating from the effects of Hurricane Isabel. The category two storm, which packed 105 mph winds and torrential rains, battered the U.S. East Coast beginning Sept. 18, leaving flooding, power outages, disruption and mass destruction in its path. At least 40 deaths have been blamed on the hurricane, 25 of them in Virginia. From coastal communities in North Carolina and Virginia, where people either evacuated their homes or buckled down with non-perishables and flashlights to wait out the storm, to Maryland and Washington, where the federal government shut down, virtually no one went unscathed. North Carolina, Vir- ginia, Maryland and Delaware were declared federal disaster areas, and President Bush visited Richmond, Va. to be briefed on the recovery efforts. Amazingly enough, the SIU headquarters and its ports, which are situated in cities along the hurricane’s path, fared unexpectedly well. Headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. closed down at noon Sept. 18 and remained closed through the weekend. Power remained off during the closure, but thanks to a back-up generator, the building opened up for managers and other essential personnel on Sept. 22. Power was fully restored around 4 p.m. Sept. 23, and headquarters returned to business as usual the following day. “Aside from the power outage, everything else was pretty much Isabel caused extensive damage to marinas and piers at the Paul Hall Center. Left: Thanks to some innovation—and a new twist on the term “headlight”—the power outage doesn’t deter Tina Corbin, who works in the port agent’s office in Piney Point, from completing her next task. intact in the aftermath of Isabel,” said Frank Eno, facility manager at SIU headquarters. “We had no structural damage to the main building or to our warehouse. We did have a lot of debris to clean up and our security gates sustained minor damage. “All in all, I think we really dodged the bullet on this one,” Eno concluded. “Things certainly could have been a lot worse.” The situation was almost identical at the port of Piney Point, Md. “We were wiped out as far as electricity is concerned,” said Piney Point Port Agent Edd Morris. “We lost power Sept 18 and did not get back on line until Sept. 24. We had no computer or fax capability here in the port office, so we relied on other departments at the school (Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training & Education) to help us out in this regard. It was kind of awkward doing business that way, but we carried on as best we could.” The ports of Baltimore, Brooklyn and Boston reported similar experiences. “Aside from the power outage, which forced us to close down early on Sept. 18 and remain closed a couple of days, nothing adverse happened to us here,” offered Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. Gerard Dhooge in Boston stated, “We did not have anything to speak of happen to us here as a result of Isabel. We did experience heavy showers a couple of days, but that’s about it.” New York Port Agent Bob Selzer said that power was lost at the hall for a couple of hours on Sept.18, but business was affected only minimally. “We did not have much activity at the port because many of the vessels that would have came through or tied up here were diverted to other locations because of the weather,” Selzer said. “Many of the companies were closed because of the storm and as a consequence not much shipping took place.” In the port of Norfolk, no dam- Retired SIU Port Agent Steve Troy Dies at 72 Steve Zubovich Troy, a former SIU port agent, patrolman, representative and consultant, died Sept. 12 in Tucson, Ariz., following a lengthy illness. He was 72. “Steve was a union man from the word go,” said Angus “Red” Campbell, retired VP Contracts. “He always put the SIU first and never hesitated to do what was asked of him. “He and I were great friends, both coming from Pennsylvania and being Steelers and Pirates fans,” Campbell continued. “I’ll miss him a great deal as will the SIU. Steve was one of the last great old-timers and he did many wonderful things for his union.” Born in Uniontown, Pa., Brother Troy donned the SIU colors in the mid-40s in Philadelphia. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II 4 Seafarers LOG and initially sailed under the Seafarers’ banner on an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. A member of the deck department, his final trip to sea was on the Penmar, a Calmar Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Troy came ashore in 1963 and worked as a patrolman in the ports of Philadelphia and Houston. In later years, he served as port agent in both Seattle and San Francisco. Brother Troy worked as an SIU consultant from 1972 to 1984. During that same period, he served as safety director for both the Maritime Safety Program and the SIU’s West Coast Region. He retired in 1985. “Steve was a good, hard working and dedicated union official,” offered retired SIU VP West Coast George McCartney. “He never hesitated to answer Steve Troy the call to duty in whatever capacity his union and his union brothers and sisters needed him. “I met Steve in the ’50s and worked with him in New York, Philadelphia and on the West Coast,” McCartney continued. “With his death, the union has lost a dedicated official and great advocate.” His wife, Sophie; two sons, Steven and Gary; and one daughter, Anita, survive Troy. Funeral services were held in Tucson. A number of trees at the Paul Hall Center fell during the storm, including this one which landed on a classroom building. age at all was sustained in the hall, but operations were shut down Sept. 17- 19, according to SIU VP Government Services Division Kermett Mangram. “We did crew up two vessels (the Regulus and Bob Hope) and moved them out of the port for safety reasons, but that was about it,” Mangram said. “A third vessel, the Cape Johnson, was crewed up to be moved, but it remained in port.” Hardest hit by Isabel was the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. In addition to losing power, some of school’s facilities suffered significant damage. According to Don Nolan, vice president for the center, waters rose to 8 feet above normal. Marinas and piers were damaged or destroyed, and approximately 80 trees were knocked down. Remarkably, only one tree landed on a building (a classroom used for first aid and CPR instruction). Waters rose to eight feet above normal at the school in Piney Point, Md. DOL Inducts Paul Hall Into Labor Hall of Fame Continued from page 2 Chavez, president of the United Farm Workers of America; and A. Philip Randolph, founder of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and a pioneer in advancing racial equality within the labor movement “Elevation to the Labor Hall of Fame is arrived at by a selection panel composed the Counselor to the Secretary, the Solicitor of Labor, the Assistant Secretary for Policy and the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management,” noted the DOL. “Honorees are chosen each year, and a formal induction ceremony is conducted at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C.” The Labor Hall of Fame is located in the North Plaza of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Frances Perkins Building, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. The most recent honorees are represented by a kiosk containing a portrait, photos and memorabilia. Paul Hall served as the SIU’s second president. His contributions to the U.S. maritime industry and the overall labor movement were numerous and farreaching. He died of cancer in When other unions needed help, Paul Hall (center) and the SIU quickly delivered. 1980, at age 65. Hall started shipping as a teenager in the early 1930s and later became a charter member of the SIU. He shipped mostly in the black gang as wiper and FOWT. He earned a second engineers license, but never sailed under it. In 1957, Hall became president of the Seafarers, a post he held until his death. In the same year, he became president of the AFLCIO Maritime Trades Department. Among his proudest accomplishments was the founding of the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. in 1967. The main campus was renamed in Hall’s memory in 1991. October 2003 �Pgs1_5,8,11,16,24.qxd 9/26/2003 2:39 AM Page 5 Senate Committee Examines Port Security While a great deal already has been done to protect port and maritime security since 9/11, efforts and accomplishments to date generally are seen by some as merely the first steps in the continuing war against terrorism. During a Sept. 9 hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee in Washington, D.C., several speakers and witnesses echoed this sentiment as they detailed not only what has been accomplished in the maritime security arena, but also what the future holds. Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) set the tone for the hear- ing following his opening remarks when he offered, “Maritime security, because of the immense volume of trade that must move through our nation’s ports, remains a daunting task. While the administration has taken action to implement the many important requirements of the Maritime Security Act of 2002, many in the maritime community still wonder who is in charge. They are confused by what in some cases appears to be competing requirements of the various agencies claiming responsibility for maritime security.” AFL-CIO’s Top Officials Will Seek Re-Election AFL-CIO President John Sweeney last month announced that he and Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson and Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka will seek re-election at the federation’s next convention, scheduled for the summer of 2005. “Eight years ago, we ran for office calling for an AFL-CIO that focused on changing and growing the labor movement and making workers’ voices heard in their workplaces, their communities, the nation and the global economy,” Sweeny said. “We’ve achieved a lot. We have made growth the number one priority of our movement, more unions than ever are focused on organizing and we are building a movement to defend workers’ freedom to form unions. We have created a political program for the labor movement that is second to none —a model imitated across the political spectrum. We are changing the debate about trade and globalization and we’re building power for workers in the capital markets. We have created a vibrant new labor movement at the grassroots, helped unite the union movement to stand up for immigrant workers’ rights, and brought thousands of young people into our efforts through Union Summer and campus outreach.” However, he also cautioned, “We have to escalate our efforts to confront America with its own human rights crisis, the destruc- tion of American workers’ freedom to form unions, and escalate our capacity at every level to help workers form unions. We must create a new industrial policy to stop the hemorrhaging of middle class manufacturing jobs that are the backbone of this country and we must work to extend quality, affordable health care to every man, woman and child in America. The fight for good jobs, secure, defined benefit pensions, civil and workers’ rights and workers’ freedom to form unions has never been more urgent.” Sweeney was elected president of the AFL-CIO in October 1995 and has been re-elected twice since then. At the time of his election, he was serving his fourth four-year term as president of Service Employees International Union. Chavez-Thompson became the highest-ranking woman in the labor movement when she was first elected to the new position of AFL-CIO executive vice president at the federation’s 1995 convention. Previously, she was vice president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and executive director of AFSCME Council 42. The youngest secretary-treasurer in AFL-CIO history, Trumka was first elected to the post in October 1995 at the age of 46. At that time, he was serving his third term as president of the Mine Workers. Coast Guard Aims To Ease ‘Creepy’ Effects of Renewals The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) on Aug. 26 issued a policy letter addressing the issuance of merchant mariner documents and how current procedures contribute to a phenomenon called “license creep.” Currently, mariners renewing credentials may apply for renewal up to a year before their existing papers expire. When renewal credentials are issued, the actual date of issuance is entered on the new documents and it becomes valid for a period of five years from that date. When the issuance date of the new credential is dated before the expiration date of the credential being renewed, mariners may not use the expiring credential for the full five-year-period. They lose the period of time measured from the date the new credential is issued to the expiration date of the expiring one. This period of time is commonly called license creep. Merchant mariner documents and certificates of registry also are subject to this condition. Since mariners incur user fees and other costs October 2003 Senator McCain continued, “Such confusion, not unique to the maritime industry, is compounded by the lack of agreements between the various agencies and departments responsible for transportation security. Transportation security is far too important to be placed in limbo due to needless agency turf battles.” Jeffrey Shane, Under Secretary of Transportation Policy, discussed the role of the Department of Transportation regarding security and its coordination with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “While much of the focus since Sept. 11 has been on aviation security, the department has also been doing a great deal of work with our DHS counterparts in assessing the vulnerabilities and improving the security of our other modes of transportation,” he said. Shane pointed out that the Maritime Administration has worked closely with the U.S Coast Guard and Transportation Security Administration to evaluate security at our nation’s ports and to disseminate two rounds of port security grants facilitating $262 million in security upgrades. The Federal Transit Administration, he added, has also shared its expertise by funding $30 million in vulnerability assessments and the security training of transit operators across the country. “Additionally,” he continued, “our research and special programs administration has worked closely with TSA to ensure that the transportation of hazardous materials fulfils both safety and security requirements.” Admiral Thomas Collins, commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, discussed the agency’s strategy to reduce maritime security risks through increasing maritime domain awareness, implementing preventative measures, securing borders and protecting infrastructure, and preparing to respond quickly if necessary. “We’ve been very, very busy in this area,” he said, “enhancing our ability to move toward that end state. And we’ve established a formal intel program in our organization. We’ve improved when they are issued credentials, some have noted that they are being financially penalized because they cannot use the credential for the entire fiveyear period. They have requested that changes be instituted to correct this situation. The NMC policy letter, which encourages regional examination centers (RECs) to reduce license creep to a minimum, is the result of their request. Specifically, the dispatch encourages RECs to establish tickler files and internal procedures to govern the issuance and mailing of renewed credentials at a future date after applications are approved. To be eligible for this service, mariners must request delayed issuance at the time their applications for renewal are submitted. Under this new approach, NMC officials believe that license creep will be reduced to a minimum. In part, the agency’s recent policy letter said, “…issuance of the renewed credentials should be as close as possible to the expiration date of the renewed credentials and in no case should exceed 30 days prior to expiration of the credentials being renewed. “This will result in the mariner having the use of the expiring credential for nearly all of the five-year period of validity and to receive the renewed credential before the expiring one becomes invalid for service.” our command control and communications capability, connectivity and interoperability. We’re requiring vessels entering our ports to provide 96-hour advanced notice of arrival and tracking and screening vessel arrivals, people cargo in vessels.” Commenting on the maritime security regime, Collins said the Coast Guard is pleased with the progress in implementing the terms and conditions of the Maritime Transportation Security Act. In a parallel effort, he continued, his agency helped guide through the International Maritime Organization a brand new international security regime for ports and ships. Admiral Collins pointed out that 13 of a total 55 port security assessments have been completed. “By the end of calendar year ’04 we’ll complete those formal port security assessments through the 55 ports, and we’ve increased information sharing at the national, state and local level with industry.” The Coast Guard commandant said that the regulatory impact of MTSA on the maritime industry will be significant, affecting more than 10,000 domestic and 20,000 foreign vessels, 5,000 maritime transportation facilities in 40 offshore platforms. He pointed out that the timeline for implementing the new requirement is exceptionally short—the regulation would be fully implemented by July 1, 2004. “We estimate the cost in industry to be $1.5 billion in the first year and $7.3 billion over the next 10 years,” Collins said. In conclusion, Collins said that the Coast Guard has a solid plan for maritime security and it is being executed. “All of our efforts, again, are designed to build the necessary authorities, the necessary capability, the necessary capacity and the necessary partnerships to mitigate maritime security risks to our nation,” he said. After discussing the integration of various agencies into the new bureau, Robert Bonner, commissioner, Customs and Border Protection, turned his attention to recent initiatives to enhance cargo security. “We use risk management techniques to identify and screen the relatively few high risk cargo containers of the millions—actu- ally, if you take sea containers, almost seven million containers that come into the U.S. annually,” he said. “But that said, if we go back two years ago, only 9 percent of all rail containers were inspected when they crossed the border into the U.S. That figure is now 22.6 percent. Two years ago, we inspected only 2 percent of the sea containers coming into the U.S. We now inspect 5.2 percent. “The truck inspections have increased from 10.3 to 15.1 percent over the last two years, and overall, if you look at all containers, no matter what the mode is, entering the United States, the Customs and Border Protection is inspecting currently approximately 12.1 percent of all cargo containers entering the United States. That’s up from 7.6 percent two years ago. But we’re doing it not just on a random basis but we’re doing on a targeted basis based upon advanced information we have to identify the high risk containers, because that’s the key.” Bonner said that inspection rates have gone up because, among other things, the U.S. has been able to deploy more sophisticated detection equipment like large-scale X-ray machines. Peter Guerrero, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, General Accounting Office, recommended that federal agencies involved in transportation security clearly define their roles and responsibilities through formal agreements. Margaret Wrightson, director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, General Accounting Office, noted that significant progress has been made in implementing the Maritime Transportation Security Act, but that five areas of concern remain: „ Only a limited number of ports are covered by the automatic identification system (AIS), „ Questions still exist about the scope and quality of port security assessments, „ Concerns exist related to foreign approval of security plans for foreign ships, „ Potential exists for duplication of maritime intelligence efforts; and „ Continuing inconsistencies with port security grant program requirements. International Solidarity SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz (second from left) and SIU International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Inspector Arthur Petitpas (far right) recently welcomed labor and government officials from Australia who were in the midst of business trip that included several stops in the United States. Pictured outside the SIU hall in Baltimore on Aug. 11 are (from left) Rick Newlyn, assistant national secretary, Maritime Union of Australia; Metz; Paul Noack, industrial relations liaison officer, Government of South Australia; Alex Gallacher, branch secretary, Transport Workers Union of Australia; and Petitpas. Seafarers LOG 5 �Pgs6,10,12,13,17_23.qxd 9/27/2003 9:08 PM Page 6 STCW Certificates Won’t List Basic Safety Training Dates Key Requirement Still Renewable Via Sea Service The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center recently announced that STCW certificates no longer will indicate the dates when mariners complete STCW Basic Safety Training (BST). In announcing the change, the Coast Guard noted that because BST is renewable via sea service, “the date of competency also changes and moves forward.” This situation had caused some confusion when mariners went to Coast Guard regional examination centers (RECs) to renew their certificates. BST is a key component of the amended STCW convention. As previously reported, according to National Maritime Center Policy Letter 12-01, “A mariner who has met the requirements for initial competency in BST and who is actively serving on seagoing ships will be considered as having demonstrated continuing competence in BST provided he or she completes at least one year of sea service within the past five years. This five-year period is a running calendar in which credit for competency in BST extends for five years beyond the critical date at which the mariner has completed one year of sea service. “To determine the critical date,” the letter continues, “review the mariner’s sea service starting with the current date and go backwards in time until one year of sea service is counted. The period of validity for continuing competence in BST is then five years from the date where the mariner has completed one year of sea service. For example, if on 1 October 2001, you count backward and determine the mariner completed one year of sea service on 1 June 2000, then the mariner is considered to be competent in the four elements of BST through 31 May 2005. “Using similar dates, if on 1 October 2001 a mariner completed one year of sea service on 1 June 1996, then the BST would have been valid until 31 May 2001. Because 31 May 2001 has passed (today’s date in this example is 1 October 2001), the mariner has not retained competency in BST.” The policy letter also notes that the “critical date” mentioned above will advance as a mariner continues serving on a seagoing vessel. Additionally, RECs may accept discharges or seaservice letters “prepared in accordance with current standards” as proof of sea service.” If a mariner cannot prove evidence of one year of sea service within the past five years, then he or she must complete a U. S. Coast Guard approved or accepted course “approved for revalidation of BST,” such as the STCW curriculum available at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Thousands of Seafarers have completed STCW Basic Safety Training at the Paul Hall Center. Retired APWU President ‘Moe’ Biller Dies at 87 Moe Biller, the American Postal Workers Union’s president emeritus, died Sept. 5 in New York. He was 87. The APWU’s third national president, Morris Biller, who preferred to be called “Moe,” led the union for more than 20 years. He also was a friend of the SIU and he served with Seafarers President Michael Sacco on the AFLCIO executive board. Biller retired in 2001. “Moe was the hero of the U.S. postal workers movement,” said William Burrus, Biller’s successor. “From his first job as a parttime clerk he devoted himself to the labor movement. During his rise to the top he worked tirelessly not just for the workers he represented, but for all those who deserved economic justice.” A native of New York City, Biller began his postal career in 1937, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. In an interview with The New York Times in 1980 (after being elected APWU president), he described his first postal job as a substitute clerk. He earned 65 cents an hour and received no vacation benefits or sick pay, he said. And if he wanted to use a bathroom, he had to leave the building. However, except for war-time service in the Army’s Adjutant General Corps, during which he served in Europe, Biller contin- 6 Seafarers LOG ued his employment with the Post Office, and always worked not just at his job, but to improve the lot of those around him, according to the APWU. A unionist from the beginning, he held numerous local positions, including chairman of the Membership Committee, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Executive Vice President. He was elected president of the ManhattanBronx Postal Workers Union (now called New York Metro APWU) in 1959. He was still at the helm in 1970 when the Great Postal Strike began with Post Office employees in New York City walking off the job. The strike spread to 30 major cities and more than 200,000 workers took part. The strike culminated in the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, in which Congress created the U.S. Postal Service and gave its workers the right to bargain with management over wages, benefits, and working conditions. Biller also served on the committee that brought about the merger in 1971 of the five postal unions that now compose the APWU. “He was a man of his times,” Burrus said. “He understood the importance of the social movements of his day. Moe was an early supporter of civil rights and a great advocate for women U.S. Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers 510 L Street, Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501-1946 Phone: (907) 271-6736 40 South Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 Phone: (410) 962-5132 455 Commercial Street Boston, MA 02109-1045 Phone: (617) 223-3040 196 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 724-7693 433 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: (808) 522-8264 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77017-6595 Phone: (713) 948-3350 2760 Sherwood Lane, Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-8545 Phone: (907) 463-2458 1001 S. Seaside Avenue, Bldg. 20 San Pedro, CA 90731-0208 Phone: (562) 980-4485 200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 1302 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-3297 51 SW 1st Ave, 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: (305) 536-6548/6874 9820 Lake Forest Blvd, Suite P New Orleans, LA 70127-3077 Phone: (504) 589-6183 Battery Park Building New York, NY 10004-8545 Phone: (212) 668-7492 6767 North Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 Phone: (503) 240-9346 1519 Alaskan Way South Seattle, WA 98134-1192 Phone: (206) 217-6115 Bldg. 14, Rm. 109, Coast Guard Island San Francisco Bay, CA 94501-5100 Phone: (510) 437-3092 1222 Spruce Street, Suite 8.104E St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 Phone: (314) 539-3091 420 Madison Ave, Suite 700 Toledo, Ohio 43604 Phone: (419) 418-6010 3 RRF Vessels Successfully Complete ‘Turbo Activation’ The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration reported in late August that three SIU-crewed Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels recently completed unannounced readiness activation exercises. The Seafarers-crewed ships activated for the successful exercises were the Green Mountain State, Gem State and Grand Canyon State. The latter two vessels are berthed in Alameda, Calif. while the Green Mountain State is berthed in Bremerton, Wash. U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert noted, “Readiness exercises such as these keep our ships in shape to provide the support our armed forces need. Forty ships of the RRF provided sealift for the Iraqi conflict, and they had an operational reliability record of 98 percent. Success like that comes with practice.” The exercises, known as turbo activations, are sponsored and monitored by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the U.S. Transportation Command. They are made without notice. During an exercise, RRF ships are directed to shift from a reduced operating status to a fully crewed status, with the quarters made habitable and cargo gear ready, within four or five days. Activations are often followed immediately by a sea trial. According the MarAd, the Grand Canyon State, Gem State and Green Mountain State were successfully delivered to the Military Sealift Command within their readiness time frames. The three ships are auxiliary crane vessels used to carry cargo. In addition, they can be used to load and unload other ships anywhere in the world and are particularly useful when port facilities have been damaged. Moe Biller workers.” “Moe was a leader—the leader—of the Great Postal Strike,” recalled APWU Vice President Cliff Guffey. “The strike began in his hometown and launched his national reputation as a crusader for economic justice.” In addition to numerous activities within the labor movement, Biller served on the boards of several charitable and civic organizations, including (among many others) the Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Way International, the National Advisory Council to the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, and the Federal Executive Committee of the Combined Federal Campaign. Survivors include two sons, two daughters-in-law, and two granddaughters. Funeral services took place Sept. 7 in New York. The Green Mountain State (above) and the Grand Canyon State fared well in the latest turbo activation, as did the Gem State. October 2003 �Pgs7,9,14,15.qxd 9/29/2003 10:14 AM Page 7 Administration: Opening ANWR Means ‘Well-Paying Jobs’ in U.S. Pointing to potential benefits that include many thousands of new jobs for Americans, the Bush administration last month repeated its support for opening the coastal plain of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) “to environmentally responsible oil and gas exploration and development.” The remarks were contained in a letter from U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham to a House-Senate conference committee on energy legislation (H.R. 6). Abraham described “a small part” of the coastal plain as the nation’s best onshore prospect for oil. “We applaud the House for providing for the exploration and development of 2,000 acres in the 19 million acre ANWR using the newest available technology and toughest environmental standards ever imposed on this kind of project,” Abraham wrote. “The House bill requires all activities to halt if they produce any significant adverse effect on the fish, the wildlife or the environment of ANWR…. Opening the ANWR is not only key to increasing domestic production and reducing dependence on foreign oil, but also to creating thousands of new well-paying jobs for American workers.” ANWR covers 19 million acres, more than half of which are designated as wilderness. The refuge is located in the northeastern corner of Alaska, edged by the Arctic Ocean on the north, the Prudhoe Bay oil field on the west and Canada on the east. The northern rim of ANWR, 1.2 million acres, was segregated by Congress for resource evaluation because of the potential for crude oil deposits beneath its surface. This area is called the coastal plain. Proponents of exploring ANWR—including the SIU— point out that the U.S. imports far more than half of the nation’s petroleum. For instance, two years ago, the U.S. imported 60 percent of its petroleum needs, at a cost of more than $100 billion. According to the coalition Arctic Power, “These oil imports robbed tens of thousands of steady, high-paying jobs from American workers.” The coalition also points out that more than 20,000 foreign supertankers (most single-hulled) offloaded oil at east, west and gulf coast refineries in 2001. Studies of ANWR’s coastal plain indicate it may contain between 6 and 16 billion barrels of recoverable oil. With enhanced recovery technology, ANWR oil could provide an additional 30 to 50 years of reliable supply. Natural gas, produced with the oil, could be reinjected or added to a new gas pipeline originating in Prudhoe Bay. Early this year, during meetings of the executive board of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) and Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski outlined how ANWR exploration potentially offers substantial benefits for the entire nation. “If we get ANWR, we will have, in fact, developed more merchant marine jobs than any other time in the last 25 years, ever since we built the pipeline,” stated Young, who chairs the House Resources Committee as well as the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Young said that ANWR exploration would not impact the “pristine area in Alaska. We have 147 million acres now that are still pristine and will always be pristine—and we’re talking about 2,000 acres (for potential exploration, all of it essentially and arc- tic desert). That will deliver us 1 million barrels of oil for the next hundred years. That’s the same amount of oil we’re buying from Saddam Hussein right now. And the idea that we’re thinking that we can’t drill there, yet people will say, All right, we’ll go there and take the oil from Iraq, is ridiculous.” Young added, “As our economy grows, we’ve got to have a good transportation system in place. Because without that, the economy will not grow and all those programs that everybody talks about—Social Security, prescription drugs, education—none of them can succeed because the economy shrivels.” Safe development of ANWR’s coastal plain offers many benefits for Americans, not the least of which is new jobs. On the Job in San Francisco Seafarers from the Ready Reserve Force vessel Cape Horn recently were honored in San Francisco upon returning from deployment in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The SIU crew is pictured above. Pictured at left at the ceremony are (from left) SIU Representative Archie Ware, Military Sealift Command Representative Linda Harman, MSC Pacific Representative Eugene Dawydiak and MEBA Representative John Anderson. October 2003 Clockwise from top left: QMED David Castro aboard the Eric G. Gibson; the SIU-crewed containership Eric G. Gibson; Bosun Inocencio Desaville paints the spare anchor aboard the tanker Allegiance; and SIU Representative Archie Ware (left) and Alaska Tanker Company Representative Andrew Loomis are pictured after meeting with crew members aboard the Kenai. Seafarers LOG 7 �Pgs1_5,8,11,16,24.qxd 9/28/2003 4:16 PM Page 8 Inquiring Seafarer With SIU Tug Crews . . . At ports throughout the U.S., SIU boatmen help provide vital ship-docking services as well as transporting cargoes. Their work is important to the nation’s commerce and to the security of port operations from coast to coast. Pictured here are SIU tug crews on the job in four different states. The photos were taken in September. What was your previous ship, and what do you remember about it? Asked of Seafarers in Baltimore in late August Jeff Johnson — Oiler I was on the Lt. Calvin P. Titus for four months. We took a partial load over to the Gulf and then just sat there, waiting (because of the situation involving Turkey). After a month, MSC gave orders to go load at the Kuwait naval base. Wes Abell — AB/Master The Crowley tug Patriarch, which is an oceangoing tug. We had a good crew. We towed 730-foot barges from Puerto Rico to Philadelphia. The weather was rough—you’ve got to hold on tight on those babies. Julie Dvoroznak — Chief Steward The Fidelio. We delivered tanks to northern Europe. It was a nice run, but we didn’t get enough time in port. That ship is a worker…. I guess people liked the food, because they just ate and ate and ate! John Cator — Chief Cook I was on the Yano for six months. During the war, it was smooth, no problems at all. We discharged military vehicles in Kuwait and then went back to South Carolina. Francisco Bravo — Bosun I was on the Overseas Joyce for three months. It’s a car carrier, and we went from Japan to New York and back, then to Jack- sonville, Baltimore and New York. Everything was good. We got lots of overtime, working hard, bell to bell. Terrence Carmody — AB The Tyco Decisive. It was kind of exciting, being on board a new ship when it’s christened. You can really see the progress of the SIU fleet. Before that, I was on the Algol and we made two runs to Kuwait. James Demoui — Electrician I sailed on the Gopher State—mainly in Guam, but we also went to Thailand and South Korea. It’s a crane ship and it has a lot of equipment. Captain Kerry Wright (left) stays alert aboard Crescent Towing’s tug New Orleans (right) in St. Rose, La. Top: Pictured aboard Crescent’s Angus R. Cooper are Deckhand Jason Bryan (left) and Engineer Bobby Milan. Below: Inside the boat, the same two Seafarers (this time with Milan on the left) catch up on the latest union news. Mark Canada — GUDE I’ve been on the Wright for four years, but before that I was on the Global Mariner. We put in some very long hours on that ship. With cablelaying operations, you can go a long time without seeing land. We’d lay cable off the coasts of England and New York, and then the Long Lines would come in and attach it. AB Jeff Davis opens the tug Wyoming at the Great Lakes Towing dock in Ecorse, Mich. Dante Slack — Chief Steward The USNS Prevail. It’s a T-AGOS ship and I’m not allowed to talk about it. Left: In Theodore, Ala., Seafarers gather for a photo aboard the Donald C. Hannah. Pictured from the left are OS Will Williams, AB/Utility Hillario Rochez, A/E Glenn Dome, AB Phil Lambeth and Hannah Marine Port Agent Jim Collum. CWA Settlements with Verizon Meet Key Goals The Communications Workers of America last month announced a tentative five-year collective bargaining settlement with Verizon Communications that meets the union’s key goals of protecting members’ job security rights, health care and other benefits and provides fair wage and pension improvements. The agreement, subject to member ratification, covers 60,000 workers in the company’s Northeast and Mid-Atlantic operations in 12 states and the District of Columbia. A similar settlement was announced by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers representing another 18,000 Verizon employees. The two unions bargained in coordination and worked closely in member mobilization activities. Also last month, the CWA reported a tentative contract settlement for Verizon Wireless technicians who maintain the net- 8 Seafarers LOG Cook Lawrence Wilbanks reviews highlights of the new contract with OLS Transport on board the Mary E. Hannah in Whiting, Ind. work for the New York City area. The five-year agreement gives the workers seniority rights for the first time in determining the order of layoffs and job recalls, which was “one of our major goals in these talks,” said CWA District 1 Vice President Larry Mancino, who heads the union’s New York, New Jersey and New England region. Under terms of the contract covering the 60,000 members, health care premiums remain fully paid by the company for both active workers and retirees, which was another major CWA goal, the union reported. The agreement calls for some increases in deductibles and co-payments for medical care and prescription drugs, but as a percentage of Verizon’s total health care costs, employees’ contributions will be the same or slightly less by the end of the contract. Taking part in a rally for Verizon workers Aug. 13 on Staten Island, N.Y. are (left photo, from left) Seafarers Charlie DiCanio, Ed Doruth and George DiCanio and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. Below, workers gather outside a Verizon office to demand a fair contract. October 2003 �Pgs7,9,14,15.qxd 9/28/2003 12:43 AM Page 9 Fast Rescue Boat Course Stresses Practical Training A little more than a year has passed since the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education started offering fast rescue boat training. The U.S. Coast Guard-approved course continues to be well-received by students at the Piney Point, Md. facility, who may use it to satisfy the requirements of Table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code. As with nearly all other courses available at the Paul Hall Center, the fast rescue boat curriculum blends hands-on training and classroom instruction. Students receive practical assessments each day and must also pass a 50-question test. The center’s fast rescue boats are jet-driven (like those carried aboard ship), and the absence of propellers helps ensure safety during the class. The boats have rigid hulls and can stop very quickly— from 30 knots to a complete stop in one boat length. The course’s hands-on components include familiarization with the boats, pivot turns, sector searches (utilized when there’s evidence of mishap, such as a capsized boat) and expanded-square searches (embarked upon when mariners essentially are making a “best guess” about the possible location of someone in distress). Other practical training involves approaches to the training vessel Osprey, under way at 6 to 8 knots, and securing a line from the vessel that keeps the boat alongside (as may be done when transferring people). Students are required to swim two boat lengths, and each mariner takes a turn as the “man overboard.” The other members of the class then simulate different types of rescues—“direct” for an unconscious victim, indirect for one who’s conscious. The latter technique uses a rescue line. The fast rescue boat course helps students meet some of the requirements of the STCW Code. The schooling includes transferring personnel from the rescue boat to the training vessel Osprey. Hands-on training, a key feature of the fast rescue boat course, has been a staple at the Paul Hall Center since the school opened in 1967. Steelworkers Urge Continuation of Tariffs The United Steelworkers of America (USWA) last month staged a half-dozen rallies and also launched television and radio ads urging President Bush to keep his commitment to workers and the steel industry by maintaining tariffs that have benefited the industry since last year. Seafarers participated in the USWA’s rally Sept. 23 in Washington, D.C. Three days earlier, the Steelworkers conducted demonstrations in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota and Alabama. The tariffs are supposed to run through 2005, but the International Trade Commission’s mid-session review (due late last month) may recommend an earlier end to the program. USWA President Leo Gerard said the program has led to billions of dollars in new investments, productivity gains and innovative labormanagement partnerships that have brought new health to the industry. In recent years, steel has battled unfair foreign competition that has cost more than 50,000 jobs, forced dozens of steel firms into bankruptcy and cost 200,000 retirees their health care coverage. “Our message to the Bush administration is clear,” said Gerard. “Our union and the integrated steel companies have kept our pledge to streamline the industry. We’ve negotiated breakthrough agreements to make that consolidation possible. Now the president needs to stand his Seafarers march in support of their brother and sister trade unionists from the Steelworkers. The demonstration took place last month in Washington, D.C. At the rally in D.C., U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) voices support for the domestic steel industry. October 2003 ground against the unfounded claims of our foreign competitors and hold to his original commitment by keeping the steel tariffs in place until 2005.” The ads make the case that the president’s steel program is working. Since the tariffs were put in place 18 months ago, billions have been invested, companies are consolidating and labor and management are creating innovative partnerships to secure productivity gains. Steel prices in the U.S. are among the lowest in the world and steel is readily available. This is vastly different to the situation facing this vital manufacturing industry before the president acted in early 2002. More than 30 American steel companies were forced into bankruptcy and 17 had to liquidate, wiping out nearly 50,000 manufacturing jobs, threatening tens of thousands more jobs and eliminating health care coverage for more than 200,000 steelworker retirees. While the industry has made good progress, significant work remains over the next 18 months, Gerard noted. The sweeping changes made possible by the tariffs are in the process of being implemented. More consolidation needs to occur and the industry’s financial health must be restored, he said. Ending the tariffs or scaling them back would jeopardize this manufacturing industry’s recovery just as it is getting under way. The ads feature President Bush’s message on Labor Day that “one way to make sure that the manufacturing sector does well is to send a message overseas…we expect there to be a fair playing field when it comes to trade.” The ads underscore “that’s what President Bush’s three-year steel program is all about: helping a vital manufacturing indus- Bill Klinefelter, director of USWA’s Washington legislative office, speaks to rally participants Sept. 23 outside the U.S. Department of Commerce. Boxes of petitions favoring steel tariffs are to his right. try recover from years of illegal trade,” Gerard said. The ads highlight President Bush’s statement: “See, we here in America believe we can compete with anybody, just so long as the rules are fair, and we intend to keep the rules fair.” In addition to Seafarers and USWA members and officials, the rallies drew participation from federal, state and local elected officials and steel company representatives. SOCP to Meet in Piney Point The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md., is scheduled to host the next meeting of the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP). The meeting dates are Oct. 7-8. In announcing the conference, the SOCP noted that U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William G. Schubert will address the group. At press time, other confirmed speakers included (among others) SIU President Michael Sacco; Rear Admiral Thomas Gilmour, USCG, assistant commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Environmental Protection; Alaska Tanker Co. CEO Anil Mathur; U.S. Coast Guard Captains Ernie Fink and William Abernathy; and Captain Tom Bushy of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. A panel presentation on “short sea shipping” initiatives as well as technical presentations on Automatic Identification Systems in the barge industry, intermodal freight opportunities on the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence Seaway System and SE Michigan, GPS-based cargo tracking systems and cargo container advanced 3-D scanning will round out the first day’s agenda. The second day features updates on projects such as the SOCP’s mariner administrative card (MAC), ILO/IMO mariner credentialing activities, and more. More information is available at www.socp.org SOCP is a private/public partnership formed in 1993 to share resources and the application of technology to improve profitability, ship safety, training, and quality of operations, equipment reliability, productivity and competitiveness for its members. Seafarers LOG 9 �Pgs6,10,12,13,17_23.qxd 9/29/2003 5:41 AM Page 10 Around the Port of Wilmington . . . The USNS Sisler recently docked at the old Long Beach Naval Station. SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox and SIU Rep. Nick Rios held a shipboard meeting after the vessel cleared customs and immigration. The crew then went to work readying the vessel for unloading, after which the Maersk Line LMSR headed to the shipyard in Portland, Ore. Showing off one of the cleanest galleys around are steward department members aboard the USNS Sisler. From the left are Recertified Steward Susan Bowman, Chief Cook Adry Libra and ACU Kimberly Strate. From left, AB Dragi Okak, Mate Wayne Berry, Mate Ed Brooks, AB Herman Monigka and AB John DiMeglio operate and work aboard Crowley tugs in the port of Los Angeles. Showing off her hard-earned 3rd engineers license is Electrician Ramona Gayton. With her are (from left) Patrolman Jesse Solis, Port Agent John Cox and SIU Rep. Nick Rios. Welcoming the SIU reps aboard the Crowley tug Tioga are Mate Wayne Berry (left) and AB John DiMeglio. . . . and at the Labor Day Parade Seafarers showed their colors during the Sept. 1 Labor Day Parade in Wilmington. Marching with the SIU banner are Seafarers and their families, including Nick Rios, Tausha Cox, Jeff Turkus, Sonny (the dog), Jesse Solis, Louis Diaz, Carey Heinz, Steve Bradfute, Dominic Nonato, Varney Milner, Vince Ippolito, Robert Starcevich and John Cox. It was a great day for a parade! In photo above left, Patrolman Jeff Turkus (and dog Sonny) join SIU Rep. Nick Rios on the parade route. In photo above right, Turkus poses with Wilmington Port Agent John Cox during a pause in the day’s events. 10 Seafarers LOG Participating in the Labor Day Parade are (from left) AB Varney Milner, SA Robert Starcevich and AB Vincent Ippolito. October 2003 �Pgs1_5,8,11,16,24.qxd 9/29/2003 9:52 AM Page 11 OMU Samuel Garrett sent along these three photos, taken aboard the Liberty Sun. From the left: Bosun Greg Jenkins prepares for arrival in port; AB Eddie Ebanks, AB Mark Butler and Unlicensed Apprentice Kerri Curtin keep up on the necessary maintenance work aboard ship; DEU Anthony Burrell (far right) waits for supper from the galley gang, (from left) Chief Steward Jerry Tucker, Chief Cook Teofilo Blanco and GSU Julio Zapata. Snapshots from the Membership Right: AB Jesse Toves, who recently returned to Guam from England, stopped by the union hall to register and check out the job situation. He is planning to spend some quality time with his family before returning to work. Here, he points to the federal laws that protect him and his family. He says everyone should know their rights—the rights for which the union has fought so hard. Left: Ian Allison, a retired Seafarer and president of the North Bay Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, donates a mariner’s chart to the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. The chart, which now hangs in the Drozak Building hallway near the deck department classrooms, includes detailed information about different types of sailing vessels. David Martin, an instructor from the Paul Hall Center, recently conducted on-site training aboard the USNS Dahl in Newport News, Va. Topics covered included damage control, environmental awareness and CBR-D training. Above, crew members pose on the ship’s deck. At left, Bosun Klaus “Whitey” Tankersley patches a pipe with the help of another crew member. John Hetmanski, executive chef at the Paul Hall Center (second from left) and Romeo Lupinacci, corporate executive chef at the Paul Hall Center (third from left) attend a dinner for members of the prestigious culinary organization, the Honorable Order of the Golden Toque. With them are Robert Norgrad, the grand commander, and Phillip Bucci. Putting out some great meals aboard the Overseas Joyce are steward department members, from left, Unlicensed Apprentice Michael Henry, GSU Hernan Sanga, Chief Steward James Willey and Chief Cook Julito Crodua. Henry is the first trainee to come aboard the Overseas Joyce who would like to remain a galley gang member. October 2003 When Wilmington Safety Director Jeff Turkus (right) was at Piney Point in August for a meeting of the safety directors, he presented a plaque of appreciation to the manpower office on behalf of the port of Wilmington. Accepting the plaque are, from the left, Ginger Bagwell, Giselle Viohl, Bonnie Johnson and Janice Geisz. Tony Colon-Rios (left), chief cook aboard the Horizon Challenger, is presented with the vessel’s annual award for outstanding seamanship by Captain Donald Isler (right). Looking on is Bosun Roy Williams. The “Goodman” award is given to the person who exhibits the finest qualities of workmanship and professionalism, along with an unselfish attitude and an unwavering dedication to the welfare of everyone on board. A retirement party was held for Captain Jim Pruitt on board the tug Baltimore in the port of Philadelphia. Seated from the left are Roger Campbell, chief operating officer, Express Marine; Captain Jim Pruitt and Port Engineer Pierre Daigle. Standing from left are AB Ottis Foster, Chief Engineer Sammy Edwards and Mate Guy Pruitt. Seafarers LOG 11 �Pgs6,10,12,13,17_23.qxd 9/26/2003 2:35 PM Page 12 SIU’s Progress Ev The North Star (shown in photos above and below) is one of two new Orca Class RO/ROs to join TOTE’s SIU-crewed fleet this year. The Tacoma, Wash. area is one of the busiest in the nation for Seafarers, as illustrated by a recent look at that port and its surroundings. A snapshot of the SIU in Tacoma also highlights some of the union’s recent gains. In late August, the new TOTE ship North Star arrived in Tacoma and was greeted by SIU representatives. During the ensuing shipboard meetings, members and officials discussed important current events affecting the industry. They also recognized the native Alaskans sailing aboard the new vessel and celebrated the ship’s completion and delivery. More recently, Seafarers welcomed Intrepid Ship Management’s new ATB Ocean Reliance—the fourth in a series of new builds. Christened in Bellingham, Wash. and based in Long Beach, Calif., the Ocean Reliance has an accompanying double-hulled barge. Meanwhile, Seafarers aboard Alaska Tanker Co.’s fleet continue to help set safety records. In early August, ATC tankers collectively reached four million man hours without a lost-time injury. A month earlier, company one year w anywhere During jointly pre well-recei will be pa available, where the Additio number o fresh pain The po ping term ufacturing than 28,00 jobs in W The po marine ca Alaska. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and SIU VP Gulf Coast cuss union and maritime industry issues with crew members abo the vessel just prior to christening in Bellingham, Wash. on Sep Left Rela (left Wes Mar Sea Tons Ore Seafarers and SIU officials attending the Ocean Reliance christening included (from left) Captain Georg Coast Dean Corgey, Second Mate Peter Funk, SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell, Chief Mate Tony Brendan Sadler and VP West Coast Nick Marrone. 12 Seafarers LOG October 2003 �Pgs6,10,12,13,17_23.qxd 9/26/2003 2:36 PM Page 13 vident in Tacoma any and crew members celebrated the completion of ear without any of ATC’s ships spilling any oil to sea, here. ring recent shipboard meetings, SIU and ATC officials y presented details about payroll changes that were received by Seafarers. The alterations mean ATC crews be paid more often. Electronic deposits are more readily able, and there is greater flexibility concerning how and e the crews receive their pay. ditionally, the SIU hall in Tacoma has undergone a er of modest but useful upgrades—everything from paint to décor to expansion of the administrative area. e port itself covers 2,400 acres that are used for shipterminal activity and warehouse, distributing, and manuring. Port activities reportedly account for more 28,000 jobs in Pierce County, Wash. and 101,000 n Washington State. e port also handles more than 70 percent of the ne cargo moving between the lower 48 states and ka. Chief Cook Valonder Alford prepares to serve lunch aboard the Overseas Washington. Left: SIU Representative Joe Vincenzo (right) assists AB Leroy Williamson at the service counter in Tacoma. The North Star’s crew list features several Seafarers from Alaska, including those pictured above. Standing left to right are SIU Representative Trebion Dixon, Bosun John Glenn, GUDE Eileen Lammers, AB Matel Romney and SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell. oast Dean Corgey (second from left) diss aboard the ATB Ocean Reliance aboard Sept. 9. Left: ATC Labor Relations VP Bill Cole (left) and SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone meet with Seafarers aboard the Tonsina in Portland, Ore. GUDE Eileen Lammers is one of several native Alaskans sailing aboard the North Star. Pictured with her aboard the ship are TOTE President and CEO Bob Magee (left) and SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell. OS Jose Laranjo paints aboard the Overseas Washington. eorge Sadler, VP Gulf Tony Cataldo, GUDE October 2003 The SIU and Alaska Tanker Co. recently conducted joint meetings aboard several ATC ships to implement and explain the company’s new payroll system and to review maritime issues. Pictured on the Overseas Washington are (from left) ATC Crewing Manager Jim Hall, SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell and Overseas Washington Captain David Arzt. Seafarers aboard the Tonsina have helped ATC achieve one safety milestone after another, including a current fleet-wide run of more than 4 million “man hours” without a lost-time injury. Pictured with the crew is SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (kneeling, sixth from left). Seafarers LOG 13 �Pgs7,9,14,15.qxd 9/28/2003 12:58 AM Page 14 College Tuition Rates on the Rise Start Working on Your Scholarship Application Paying for college can be one of the largest financial investments a family will make, and many college-bound students and their parents will have to dig a lot deeper to find the money to pay tuition as well as room and board. Tuition increases have risen well past the rate of inflation and are expected to be the largest in 30 years—many in double digits. Many students secure some sort of financial aid, but much of that money is in the form of loans—which eventually must be repaid—and only puts a student deeper in debt. But this fall, six students who were awarded scholarship monies Receiving a scholarship packet at the new SIU hall in Joliet is Niky Las, from the Seafarers Health and daughter of AB/Bosun Ron Las (right). With them are SIU Vice Benefits Plan in 2003 walked President Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski (standing left) through the doors of colleges and and SIU Joliet Port Agent Don Thornton. universities to start or, in some cases, continue their quest for education at a higher level. These received, applicants should then check the eligistudents took advantage of the unique benefit bility information and, if they are eligible, should available to them as members of the Seafarers start collecting some of the other paperwork International Union or as spouses and dependent which must be submitted along with the full children of SIU members and pensioners. application by the April 15, 2004 deadline. Eight scholarships are being offered in 2004 These items include transcripts and certificates from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. of graduation. Since schools ar often quite slow in Three of the scholarships are reserved for SIU handling transcript requests, the sooner the members. One is in the amount of $20,000 for requests are made, the better. study at a four-year college or university. The Another part of the application package other two are for $6,000 each and are intended as includes letters of recommendation solicited from two-year awards for study at a post-secondary individuals who know the applicants character, community college or vocational school. The personality and career goals. A photograph of the other five scholarships will be awarded in the applicant as well as a certified copy of his or her amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and birth certificate also need to be included. dependent children of Seafarers. The selection committee looks at the high Now is a great time to begin the application school grades of all applicants and also checks the process. The first step is sending away for the scores of either their Scholastic Aptitude Tests Seafarers Scholarship Program booklet. To (SAT) or American College Tests (ACT). receive a copy of this guide, fill out the coupon at Therefore, arrangements should be made to take right and return it to the address listed on the these exams no later than February 2004 to ensure form. Or, like Niky Las, in the photo above, pick the results reach the committee in time to be evalup a copy of the booklet at your nearest SIU hall. uated. Once the scholarship booklet has been Those Seafarers and dependents who previous- 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 or via e-mail, contact: kclements@seafarers.org. HOME ADDRESS FORM 10/03 (Please Print) Name: __________________________________________________________________ Phone No:________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ______ / __________ ‡ Active SIU ‡ Pensioner Book No.: ___________ ‡ 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. 14 Seafarers LOG ly have applied for a Seafarers scholarship and were not selected are encouraged to apply again this year, provided they still meet all the eligibility requirements. Don’t let the steadily increasing costs of a college education stop you from reach your goals. The Seafarers Scholarship Program can make a difference. Send Away for Your Program Booklet Today! P lease send me the 2004 SIU Scholarship Program booklet which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form. 10/03 Name ________________________________________ Mariner’s Social Security Number __________________ Street Address ________________________________ City, State, Zip Code ____________________________ Telephone Number______________________________ This application is for: † Self † Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. IMPORTANT NOTICE SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 October 2003 �Pgs7,9,14,15.qxd 9/28/2003 1:10 AM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea AUGUST 16 — SEPTEMBER 15, 2003 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 5 2 5 25 38 14 29 25 14 4 2 9 22 3 28 19 244 0 2 5 3 14 30 9 22 20 21 1 3 11 11 2 22 20 196 1 2 1 2 15 12 2 10 8 5 3 1 0 5 4 21 13 105 0 5 0 4 23 29 13 14 11 12 1 0 7 12 1 23 11 166 0 0 3 5 15 21 7 14 8 15 0 5 4 4 3 16 9 129 0 1 0 1 8 6 2 7 2 6 0 0 0 0 3 8 5 49 0 1 0 0 10 17 3 2 5 3 3 1 2 10 0 8 8 73 3 7 2 13 42 58 19 35 52 23 9 3 15 37 4 54 29 405 1 5 6 12 19 35 14 25 36 23 3 14 12 14 3 25 35 282 2 3 3 5 30 20 5 16 25 5 5 2 1 8 8 29 24 191 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 6 2 6 13 15 6 9 11 9 4 1 1 8 1 18 6 116 0 3 1 5 9 20 7 4 9 12 4 1 0 6 3 13 5 102 0 0 0 1 11 2 0 3 7 2 1 1 0 2 1 5 4 40 0 4 2 8 11 27 2 11 17 13 5 5 0 18 3 9 27 162 1 1 3 3 2 4 3 6 7 12 0 5 0 5 1 2 3 58 0 0 0 1 1 3 0 2 5 6 0 0 2 1 1 3 2 27 0 0 0 6 12 21 2 5 10 3 4 1 1 12 0 13 21 111 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 5 3 2 1 1 5 0 1 0 2 3 0 3 1 27 3 2 2 13 12 21 5 9 35 11 3 3 5 10 1 13 5 153 2 1 1 6 14 21 1 7 21 8 2 7 1 6 0 16 7 121 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 5 0 1 2 14 1 2 1 4 5 5 4 6 16 7 3 1 2 9 0 9 2 77 Totals All Departments 549 509 293 377 312 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs 0 5 0 5 7 25 6 9 3 3 0 0 7 7 0 7 2 86 0 2 1 0 3 13 3 3 3 12 1 0 3 6 2 8 4 64 1 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 1 6 0 17 0 1 0 2 1 11 1 2 3 3 0 1 4 1 0 13 1 44 0 7 2 10 23 24 8 17 20 13 6 3 2 17 1 23 8 184 0 4 3 9 12 29 10 10 17 17 4 2 0 13 5 24 14 173 1 1 2 1 21 11 1 6 12 2 2 1 0 3 1 9 8 82 0 1 0 2 2 10 2 0 5 2 0 0 2 2 0 4 8 40 0 6 2 14 25 29 4 15 29 18 3 6 0 38 3 31 37 260 1 1 2 7 6 8 7 5 8 17 0 7 3 5 1 6 5 89 0 0 0 5 5 4 0 5 7 10 0 0 2 1 2 3 2 46 Port 1 3 0 2 6 7 0 0 4 5 1 6 2 2 0 12 3 54 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 4 5 0 3 8 0 1 0 4 5 0 5 4 47 3 1 3 22 27 33 6 12 47 11 1 16 6 18 1 32 11 250 2 2 1 13 26 37 3 19 55 15 2 9 0 10 1 25 16 236 133 157 896 794 555 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 4 1 13 Algonac ..................Friday: November 7, December 12 Baltimore ................Thursday: November 6, December 11 Boston.....................Friday: November 7, December 12 Duluth .....................Wednesday: November 12, Dec. 17 Guam ......................Thursday: November 20 ................................Friday: December 26* ................................*(change created by Christmas holiday) Honolulu .................Friday: November 14, December 19 Houston ..................Monday: November 10, December 15 Jacksonville ............Thursday: November 6, December 11 Mobile ....................Wednesday: November 12, Dec. 17 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: November 18, December 23 New Orleans ...........Wednesday: November 12* ................................Tuesday: December 16 ................................*(change created by Veterans Day holiday) New York................Tuesday: November 4, December 9 Norfolk ...................Thursday: November 6, December 11 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: November 5, Dec. 10 Port Everglades.......Thursday: November 13, December 18 San Francisco .........Thursday: November 13, December 18 San Juan..................Thursday: November 6, December 11 ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2003 Piney Point .............Monday: November 3, December 8 Joliet .......................Thursday: November 13, December 18 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 1 2 3 1 8 1 5 4 3 1 0 1 7 1 2 1 42 November & December 2003 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters St. Louis..................Friday: November 14, December 19 Tacoma ...................Friday: November 21, December 26 Wilmington ...............Monday: November 17, December 22 ................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals SUMPTER GAULT Anyone knowing the whereabouts of former NMU member Sumpter Gault may contact his nephew Billy F. Gault by email at BillFGault@aol.com, by phone at (501) 241-1083, or by mail at 4504 Pennpointe Place, Jacksonville, AR 72076. Correction Editor’s Note: The August 2003 Welcome Ashore Column carried a retirement announcement on Brother Leon T. Jekot. That piece contained some erroneous information. It is being reprinted with the correct information. LEON T. JEKOT, 61, joined the SIU in 1960 in San Francisco. Brother Jekot first went to sea aboard the Ocean Alice, a Maritime Overseas Corp. vessel. A native of Philadelphia, he shipped in the deck department as a bosun. He upgraded his skills often at the union’s training school in Piney Point, Md. and completed the bosun receritifcation course in 1980. Brother Jekot lives in St. Augustine, Fla. He last worked on the USNS Capella. Seafarers LOG 15 �Pgs1_5,8,11,16,24.qxd 9/28/2003 4:47 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report AUGUST 2003 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 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 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 7 5 5 8 2 18 1 46 1 1 1 2 0 0 0 5 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 5 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 7 7 0 14 0 31 10 11 8 20 2 32 0 83 9 1 4 7 0 20 0 41 0 7 9 6 0 0 0 22 2 3 1 3 0 9 0 18 1 5 8 13 2 14 0 43 3 1 2 14 0 40 0 60 0 3 3 10 0 0 0 16 0 1 2 1 0 8 0 12 1 5 2 4 2 11 0 25 0 0 4 8 0 8 0 20 0 1 3 11 0 0 0 15 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 1 2 5 0 7 1 18 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 3 Port Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals 3 1 2 9 0 1 0 16 1 2 0 4 1 2 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 3 0 3 2 2 0 11 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Port 5 0 1 2 1 1 0 10 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Harvey, LA New York Norfolk San Pedro Tacoma Totals 1 3 2 3 0 2 0 11 0 1 0 3 0 7 0 11 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 3 5 0 3 0 17 3 12 4 15 0 62 0 96 19 5 0 18 0 52 0 94 4 7 8 44 0 0 0 63 Totals All Departments 86 19 12 37 3 3 78 244 215 116 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the LOG by pensioner Joseph Bertie Fruge of Sulphur, La. It was taken in December 1962 at the docks in Texas City, Texas. Fruge, who sailed in the deck department, is chatting with the chief mate. Both were working on the Cities Service Miami, seen in the background. Now 69, Fruge states: “Those were the good old days! I’m proud to say I am a member of the Seafarers International Union. It has been good to me all these years. I’m retired now, but I remember lots of good times at sea, and the men I worked with, good 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. WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG October 2003 �Pgs6,10,12,13,17_23.qxd 9/29/2003 5:42 AM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA ROYCE BARRETT, 66, began his career with the SIU in 1990 after serving in the U.S. Navy. He joined in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first ship was Interocean Management Corp.’s Meteor. Born in Callahan County, Texas, Brother Barrett worked in both the deck and engine departments. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 2000 and 2002. The Westminster, Calif. resident last went to sea aboard the Overseas Joyce. VIRGILIO CASILDO, 65, was born in Honduras. Brother Casildo joined the Seafarers in 1991 in Houston. His first ship was the USNS Capella. Brother Casildo worked in both the engine and steward departments and enhanced his skills on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center. His last voyage was aboard the Overseas New Orleans. Brother Casildo makes his home in Houston. DONNA CLEMONS, 64, began her seafaring career in 1984 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Sister Clemons first sailed aboard the USNS Kane. Born in California, she shipped in the steward department. She was a frequent upgrader at the union’s training school in Piney Point, Md., completing the steward recertification program in 1992. She last sailed on the SL Challenger. Sister Clemons calls Las Vegas home. JOSE A. DE LOS SANTOS, 59, launched his SIU career in 1964 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother De Los Santos first worked on the Rio Grande, a Rio Grande Transport, Inc. vessel. The steward department member last sailed on the Horizon Challenger. Brother De Los Santos lives in his native commonwealth. VINCENT FLORES JR., 52, joined the Seafarer ranks in 1982 in San Francisco. His first ship was the Lurline, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. Born in the Philippines, Brother Flores worked in all three shipboard departments. He upgraded October 2003 his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1994 and resides in Pinole, Calif. ROBERT GARCIA, 60, began his career with the SIU in 1969 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. His first voyage was on the Steel Artisan, an Isco Inc. vessel. Born in Washington, D.C., Brother Garcia shipped in the deck department as a bosun. He upgraded his skills on nine separate occasions at the Paul Hall Center, completing the bosun recertification course in 1979. Brother Garcia last worked aboard the SL Patriot. He lives in Encinitas, Calif. JOSEPH A. OSARIO, 64, started his career with the Seafarers in 1968 in New Orleans. His initial voyage was aboard the Sabine. Brother Osario shipped in the deck department as a bosun. He completed the bosun recertification course in 1989 at the Paul Hall Center. His last vessel was Interocean Management Corp.’s El Morro. Brother Osario was born in New Mexico; he now calls Toa Baja, P.R. home. ARDEN L. SELLICK, 64, embarked on his SIU career in 1963 in Seattle. Brother Sellick initially went to sea aboard an Isco Inc. vessel. The Oregon native shipped in the engine department and last sailed on the Walter Rice. Brother Sellick is a resident of Portland, Ore. KLAUS TAMMLER, 66, was born in Germany. He joined the SIU in the port of Honolulu. Brother Tammler’s first ship was the Overseas Valdez. The deck department member last worked on the SL Explorer. Brother Tammler is a resident of Carson, Calif. GREAT LAKES ERVIN EARLEY, 64, hails from North Carolina. He started his seafaring career in 1973 in Frankfort, Mich. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Brother Earley’s first SIU vessel was the William Roesch. The deck department member was a frequent upgrader at the Seafarers training school, attending the Piney Point, Md.-based institution on four occasions. Brother Earley resides in Asheville, N.C. He last worked aboard American Steamship’s Indiana Harbor. The Indiana-born mariner shipped in the deck department as a captain. He makes his home in Baltimore. CLINTON D. ROSS, 62, launched his career with the Seafarers in 1975 in Duluth, Minn. Born in Wisconsin, Brother Ross worked primarily on Great Lakes Towing Co. vessels. He shipped in the deck department and upgraded his skills in 1993 and 1995 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Ross makes his home in South Range, Wis. WILLIAM KRUGER, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1977 in New Orleans. Born in Louisiana, Boatman Kruger is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He worked primarily aboard Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. vessels. Boatman Kruger shipped in the deck department and enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1978 and 1980. He makes his home in New Orleans. INLAND DONALD E. GLASS, 65, hails from Pennsylvania. He began his career with the SIU in 1975 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Glass worked in all three divisions, initially sailing on a Maritrans vessel. The deck department member is a resident of Algonac, Mich. Boatman Glass last sailed on American Steamship’s Buffalo. STEVEN HARDIN, 56, joined the SIU in 1971 in the port of Baltimore. Boatman Hardin worked mainly aboard McAllister Towing Co. vessels. WILLIAM LEWIS, 62, was born in Milwaukee. He joined the Seafarers in 1996 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Lewis worked primarily aboard vessels managed by Maritrans Operating Co. The deck department member calls King of Prussia, Pa. home. SALVADOR MACALUSO, 65, began his seafaring career in 1981 in New Orleans. Born in Louisiana, Boatman Macaluso shipped in both the engine and deck departments. He worked chiefly aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. Boatman Macaluso lives in his native state in the city of Gretna. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG 1949 An SIU-backed bill to guarantee that 50 percent of the military supplies shipped to noncommunist nations will be shipped on American vessels, manned by American seamen, was passed in Congress last week. This is the second victory for the SIU this year in the legislative arena. Earlier this session, the battle waged by the union and other maritime organizations resulted in the passage of a law requiring the government to send at least 50 percent of Marshall Plan goods on American-flag ships. To promote the bill, Secretary-Treasurer Paul Hall warned the Congress that “the critical condition of the United States merchant marine” made the guarantee imperative. Unless it was enacted, he warned, the U.S. merchant fleet would continue to dwindle. ROBERT SMITH, 65, launched his SIU career in 1978 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. A native of Harrisburg, Pa., he sailed in the inland as well as deep sea divisions. Boatman Smith first worked aboard the Manhattan Island, a NATCO vessel. A member of the deck department, Boatman Smith makes his home in Green Cove, Fla. Editor’s Note: The following brother, a former member of the NMU and a participant in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. GERALD NORDSTROM, 65, started his career with the NMU in 1980. Brother Nordstrom first went to sea aboard the M/V Uncatena. Born in Norwood, Mass, he shipped in the deck and steward departments. His final voyage was on the M/V Martha’s Vineyard. In addition to the member listed above, the following NMU brothers went on pension effective the dates indicated. Name Age EDP Paul Fuller 66 Aug. 1 Mariano Lacayo 65 Mar. 3 Hussain Saleh 63 Sept. 1 Organization (IMCO) and the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Europe during the months of September and October where recommendations are being formulated on international maritime safety standards and training. The delegates to these conference sessions are working out proposals which may eventually become part of international maritime law. It is very important that the SIU participate in these forums to ensure that the unlicensed seaman’s rights and jurisdiction are not invaded or eliminated. This Month In SIU History 1975 SIU Vice President Earl Shepard, as an official U.S. representative, attended conferences of the Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative 1990 Seafarers aboard the 1st Lt. Alex Bonnyman, a prepositioning ship stationed in Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, were among the first civilian mariners to reach the Persian Gulf area as part of Operation Desert Shield. Along with the PFC James Anderson and the CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr., the Bonnyman received orders to proceed to Saudi Arabia. Docking 90 miles south of Kuwait, they were greeted by the Navy ship USS LaSalle, the command center for U.S. operations in the Persian Gulf conflict. Seafarers LOG 17 �Pgs6,10,12,13,17_23.qxd 9/29/2003 7:56 AM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JAMES BOLAND Pensioner James Boland, 77, died June 26. Born in Pennsylvania, he joined the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of Philadelphia after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Boland shipped in the deck department as a bosun and last worked aboard the Overseas Alice. He lived in Carson City, Nev. and began receiving his pension in 1987. LUIS CENTENO Pensioner Luis Centeno, 69, passed away May 16. Brother Centeno began his SIU career in 1959 in Puerto Rico. His first ship was the Beauregard. The Puerto Rico-born mariner worked in both the engine and deck departments and began receiving retirement stipends in 2000. San Francisco was his home. PAUL G. DAILEY Pensioner Paul G. Dailey, 78, died May 2. Brother Dailey was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps. Born in Pennsylvania, he joined the SIU in 1978 in San Francisco. Brother Dailey initially sailed aboard Delta Steamship Lines’ Santa Mariana. The steward department member lived in San Bernardino, Calif. and began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1990. He last went to sea on the M/V Patriot. in China, he worked in the steward department. Brother Louie started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1974. He resided in San Francisco. KAZUO MATSUDA Pensioner Kazuo Matsuda, 85, passed away June 22. Born in Hawaii, he began his career with the MC&S in 1965 in San Francisco. The steward department member was a resident of Honolulu. He began receiving his pension in 1978. WILFREDO MAURICIO Pensioner Wilfredo Mauricio, 89, died June 6. Brother Mauricio embarked on his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. The Philippine-born mariner sailed in the steward department and started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1975. Brother Mauricio made his home in San Francisco. HENRY McKINNEY Pensioner Henry McKinney, 78, died June 4. Brother McKinney joined the SIU in 1945 in New Orleans after serving in the U.S. Army. His first ship was the Transatlantic. The Wauchula, La. native worked in the deck department and went on pension in 1981. Brother McKinney last sailed on Delta Steamship Lines’ Del Viento. He was a resident of Springfield, La. LESTER FREEBURN JAMES MELENDES Pensioner Lester Freeburn, 78, passed away June 3. Born in Oklahoma, he began his career with the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. The U.S. Navy veteran first sailed aboard the Overseas Rose. Brother Freeburn was a member of the deck department and sailed as a bosun. He lived in San Bernardino, Calif. and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1991. Brother Freeburn last went to sea on the SL Pacific. Pensioner James Melendes, 86, passed away May 9. A member of the steward department, he joined the MC&S in San Francisco. Brother Melendes was born in Hawaii but called Santa Rosa, Calif. home. He began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1970. WAH C. GOO Pensioner Wah C. Goo, 93, passed away May 8. Born in Hawaii, he launched his profession with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. Brother Goo sailed in the steward department and began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1973. He resided in his native state. KIM O. LOUIE Pensioner Kim O. Louie, 76, passed away May 20. Brother Louie began his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Born 18 Seafarers LOG JACOB RAMELLI Pensioner Jacob Ramelli, 95, died May 21. Brother Ramelli was born in Massachusetts and commenced his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. He started receiving his pension in 1969 and lived in Santa Rosa, Calif. ANDREW REASKO Pensioner Andrew Reasko, 76, passed away June 19. Brother Reasko joined the Seafarers in 1949 in the port of Baltimore after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Reasko’s first ship was the Robin Locksley. Born in Pennsylvania, he shipped in the steward department as a recertified steward. Brother Reasko’s last ship was the SL Enterprise. He was a resident of San Francisco and began receiving his pension in 1988. ANGEL ROJAS Pensioner Angel Rojas, 79, died May 22. He joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Rojas worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions. The steward department member went on pension in 1989. He resided in his native commonwealth and last shipped on a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. ROBERT SULLIVAN Pensioner Robert Sullivan, 80, passed away July 28. Brother Sullivan joined the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of New York. Born in Mounds, Ill., he shipped in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Maine. Brother Sullivan began receiving retirement stipends in 1985 and lived in Ullin, Ill. NICKOLAS SUSHKO Pensioner Nickolas Sushko, 86, died June 21. He joined the SIU ranks in 1944 in the port of New York. The Yonkers, N.Y.-born mariner worked in the engine department and started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1972. Brother Sushko was a resident of Forked River, N.J. ily aboard American Steamship vessels during his career, including the Sam Laud and the Adam E. Cornelius. The engine department member made his home in his native state in the city of Cottellville. JOHN KNOPF Pensioner John Knopf, 78, passed away May 27. Brother Knopf began his career with the Seafarers in 1967 in Duluth, Minn. An engine department member, Brother Knopf worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Associates, Inc. including the Joseph Morrow and Kinsman Enterprise. The Bayfield, Wis. resident began receiving his pension in 1992. HENRY KOZLOWSKI Pensioner Henry Kozlowski, 80, died June 7. He joined the SIU in 1960 in Detroit after serving in the U.S. Army. The Cleveland native worked in the engine department and initially sailed on the G.A. Tomlinson. Brother Kozlowski lived in Seven Hills, Ohio and last sailed on the American Republic. He started receiving his pension in 1986. INLAND JACK FARMER Pensioner Stewart Swords, 91, passed away July 6. Brother Swords was a charter member of the SIU, having joined the union in 1939 in the port of Savannah, Ga. Born in Tift, Ga., he sailed on many vessels including the Robin Gray, the Ponce and the Alcoa Master. The engine department member made his home in Thunderbolt, Ga. and started receiving his pension in 1971. Pensioner Jack Farmer, 84, died June 24. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Boatman Farmer joined the Seafarers in 1979 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. The California-born mariner shipped in the engine department. Boatman Farmer began receiving pension stipends in 1991 and made his home in Las Vegas. RALPH TROTMAN WOODROW FOSHEE Pensioner Ralph Trotman, 80, died July 4. He launched his seafaring career in 1968, first sailing aboard the Western Comet. Born in St. Michaels, Barbados, he shipped in the steward department. The Brooklyn, N.Y. resident last sailed on Tyco’s Long Lines. He began collecting stipends for his retirement in 1992. Pensioner Woodrow Foshee, 84, passed away June 22. Boatman Foshee was born in Rosepine, La. and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He started his SIU career in 1963 in Port Arthur, Texas. The engine department member started receiving pension payments in 1981 and called DeRidden, La. home. STEWART SWORDS GUM WONG Pensioner Gum Wong, 76, passed away June 5. Brother Wong joined the MC&S in San Francisco in 1957. Born in China, the steward department member lived in San Francisco. He last sailed on Matson Navigation Co.’s Mokihana and began receiving his pension in 1998. GREAT LAKES JESSE HERNANDEZ Brother Jesse Hernandez, 58, died May 17. Born in Port Huron, Mich., he joined the SIU in 2001 in Detroit. Brother Hernandez worked primar- CLAUDE NEWMAN Pensioner Claude Newman, 76, died May 5. A native of Memphis, Tenn., he launched his career with the Seafarers in 1963 in Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Newman shipped in the deck department as a captain. The Lake Charles, La. resident began receiving his pension in 1988. ANTHONY VIOLANTE Pensioner Anthony Violante, 79, passed away June 9. Boatman Violante joined the Seafarers in 1952 in the port of New York and worked in the inland as well as deep sea divisions. His initial voyage was aboard the Steel Flyer, an Isco Inc. vessel. Boatman Violante shipped in the engine and deck departments. A resident of Galveston, Texas, he started collecting retirement stipends in 1987. ATLANTIC FISHERMEN PAUL HOLLORAN Pensioner Paul Holloran, 86, passed away May 11. Brother Holloran started his career with the Atlantic Fisherman’s Union, an affiliate of the SIU before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. A native of Boston and a U.S. Navy veteran, Brother Holloran sailed in the steward department. Brother Holloran lived in Gloucester, Mass. and started receiving his pension in 1981. FRANCESCO LOGRASSO Pensioner Francesco Lograsso, 84, died July 31. He started his career with the Atlantic Fisherman’s Union in 1967 in Gloucester, Mass. Born in Italy, Brother Lograsso shipped in the deck department. He began receiving pension payments in 1981 and made his home in Gloucester. JAMES REED Pensioner James Reed, 67, passed away June 10. Brother Reed embarked on his profession with the Atlantic Fisherman’s Union in 1975. A native of Gloucester, Mass., Brother Reed was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He shipped in the steward department, last sailing aboard the Cape May. Brother Reed lived in his native state and started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1997. RAILROAD MARINE JAMES LYNCH Pensioner James Lynch, 76, passed away June 6. Brother Lynch commenced his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of New York. Born in Jersey City, N.J., he worked primarily aboard vessels operated by the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Co. The deck department member began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1972. Brother Lynch was a resident of Parlin, N.J. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away: BIENVENIDO BLANCO Pensioner Bienvenido Blanco, 77, passed away Aug. 16. He joined the NMU in 1961. Brother Blanco’s initial voyage, which departed from San Francisco, was on the Hans Isbrahdtsen. The Philippine-born mariner worked in the engine department and began receiving his pension in 1987. His last ship was the Louise Lykes. Continued on page 20 October 2003 �Pgs6,10,12,13,17_23.qxd 9/29/2003 7:47 AM Page 19 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. ALLEGIANCE (Maritrans), July 28—Chairman Samuel L. Porchea, Secretary Samuel Raines, Deck Delegate Inocencio M. DeSaville, Engine Delegate Charles L. Jensen, Steward Delegate Sherman Harper. Chairman announced payoff that day. Educational director spoke about upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and about importance of contributing to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about getting overtime hours. Request made for new washer and dryer to be used for good clothing. Suggestion made for 100 percent dental coverage. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. CAPE HORN (Marine Transport Lines), July 6—Chairman Winfred Itima, Secretary Clark S. Williams, Educational Director Robert Nelson, Deck Delegate Charles K. Jackson. Chairman spoke about donating to SPAD and thanked crew for job well done. Secretary encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Piney Point and urged everyone to check expiration dates on shipping documents. Educational director stated crew members must remain aboard ship until properly relieved and reminded them that 120-day shipping rule has been waived during current crisis. Treasurer noted large-screen TV recently purchased along with VCR, movies and CDs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new furniture in crew lounge and that e-mail be available to all. Suggestion made for lump sum payment on pension and establishment of 401(k) plan. DEFENDER (USSM), July 27— Chairman Robert S. Wilson, Secretary Louis Nicoud, Educational Director Olie E. Webber, Deck Delegate Benedicto P. Miranda, Engine Delegate George Lockett, Steward Delegate Jim Saxton. Chairman stated room inspection went well and reminded those getting off to leave rooms ready for next person. He urged everyone to keep current on new requirements needed to sail aboard military vessels. Educational director reminded crew members of importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point. “The school is the key to your future.” Some disputed OT reported in deck department. Steward department given vote of thanks for good job. Ship heading to Los Angeles and Oakland before sailing to Yokohama, Japan. EXPLORER (USSM), July 20— Chairman James L. Carter, Secretary William R. Burdette, Educational Director Mario G. Paquiz, Deck Delegate Milton F. Caballero, Engine Delegate Fadel A. Mohamad, Steward Delegate Fernando C. Onativa. Chairman announced arrival in Los Angeles July 23. Payoff to follow meeting with boarding officials. During SARS epidemic, crew members were restricted to ship in China. This is no longer the case. Additionally, visas are no longer needed for entry to China. Educational director talked about opportunities for upgrading available at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $661 October 2003 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to all crew members, with special kudos to steward department, for job well done this trip. Brother Caballero reminded everyone that union is looking for input regarding suggested changes to next contract. Ten members’ signatures are required on every motion for change. Next ports: Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif. EXPRESS (USSM), July 13— Chairman George H. Perry Jr., Secretary Ronald V. Lupinacci, Educational Director Lawrence A. Banks II, Steward Delegate Kenneth W. Clark. Chairman spoke about need to send STCW certificates to Piney Point for verification if training was received at schools other than Paul Hall Center. He noted fans received aboard ship but not yet issued. Disputed OT reported by deck delegate; no beefs noted. Suggestion made to include reference to carpeting in contract (regarding bridge sanitary). Recommendation made to increase current travel expense amount from ship to airport. New mattresses and pillows requested as well as U.S.-grade food. HORIZON EXPEDITION (Horizon Lines), July 20—Chairman Jeffery P. Libby, Secretary Brenda M. Kamiya, Deck Delegate Peter Koucky, Educational Director Shawn L. Clark, Engine Delegate John D. Lange, Steward Delegate Thomas M. Kelly. Chairman announced payoff July 25 in Tacoma, Wash. Clarification requested about claiming compensation for working aboard ship carrying certain types of cargo. Educational director spoke about training/upgrading opportunities at Piney Point and other locations. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about rotary shipping. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), July 13—Chairman David I. Murray, Secretary Edward P. Herrera, Educational Director Roy S. Frett Jr., Deck Delegate Macario I. Torre, Engine Delegate Therman E. Ames III, Steward Delegate Arturo Lopez. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Jacksonville. Secretary reminded those crew members filing for vacation to be sure to bring discharges and pay vouchers. Educational director urged everyone to check expiration dates on shipping documents and take advantage of Paul Hall Center to upgrade skills and job ratings. No disputed OT reported. Engine delegate requested clarification of port time pay. Everyone thanked for doing good job. Special expression of gratitude given to steward department for great meals and service. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), July 31—Chairman Ralph W. Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Educational Director Prescilo Zuniga, Engine Delegate Randolph P. Llanes, Steward Delegate Maria S. Enriquez. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 1 in Tacoma, Wash. He thanked everyone for following safety procedures, especially wearing hard hats during ship operations. He reminded crew members to stay off deck during rough seas and advised those going ashore in any port to carry z-cards with them. Secretary noted next stores to be loaded in Oakland, Calif. Educational director recommended Seafarers upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and advised them to check that all shipping documents are current. Treasurer stated $65 remains in movie fund after purchasing new tapes last trip. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for good food and clean mess hall. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland; Honolulu; Guam. ITB NEW YORK (USS Transport), July 29—Chairman Nathaniel Leary, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox Jr., Educational Director John K. Bimpong, Deck Delegate Edward Tennyson, Engine Delegate Anthony Sanchez, Steward Delegate Breon Lucas. Chairman announced payoff July 31 in Port Everglades, Fla. Steward delegate expressed appreciation to crew for cooperation in keeping mess hall and common areas clean. Educational director urged members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about tour limits and bidding on short relief jobs. Steward department given vote of thanks for good food. MIDNIGHT SUN (IUM), July 27—Chairman Fadel N. Saleh, Secretary Scott A. Opsahl, Educational Director Christopher W. Cunningham. Chairman announced payoff July 30 in Tacoma, Wash. He thanked crew for outstanding team effort in bringing this new vessel out of shipyard. Midnight Sun to dock across from TOTE for repairs before getting back on schedule. Secretary requested crew to use proper sinks in laundry room for washing dirt and grease off hands. He asked those getting off to be sure relief has new linen and that room is clean before arrival in port. Educational director reminded crew members to keep up to date on union news by reading Seafarers LOG each month. He also encouraged them to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and keep all necessary shipping documents and beneficiary information up to date. Additionally, he stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to adjust pension to keep up with high cost of living. Crew thanked steward department for great job. Next ports: Tacoma; Anchorage, Alaska. MOTIVATOR (USSM), July 19— Chairman Michael Brewley, Secretary Matthew Scott, Educational Director Oswald N. Bermeo, Deck Delegate Raul L. Guerra Jr., Engine Delegate David Vega. Chairman announced payoff July 20. He thanked everyone for job well done. Secretary stressed need to keep all documents up to date. He requested clarification on whether shipping rules were back in effect. Educational director spoke about upgrading opportunities available at union’s affiliated school in Piney Point and about paying union dues on time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to raise pension and include cost of living increases. Request made for new furniture for crew lounge. SEALAND FLORIDA (USSM), July 25—Secretary Robert T. Seim. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 4 in Houston. New LOGs will be brought aboard at that time. Secretary noted ship’s fund is held by captain, who is taking suggestions from crew members on ways to spend the money. Educational director advised everyone about importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point facility. Deck delegate reported beef/disputed OT in his department. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into better dental plan for membership and that rotation be changed to six months. Vote of thanks for great teamwork by all members. USNS FRED W. STOCKHAM (Amsea), July 17—Chairman Andrew B. Barrows, Secretary July 16—Chairman Glenn P. Baker Sr., Secretary Susan K. Bowman, Educational Director Thomas P. Arthur, Deck Delegate Godofredo F. Milabo III, Engine Delegate Ronald Kitlas, Steward Delegate Adry Libra. Bosun thanked everyone for good safety record, steward department for great food—especially extra work with troops aboard—and engine and deck departments for hard work offloading in Kuwait. He informed members about the prescription discount and reminded them of importance of contributing to SPAD. Secretary asked crew to Job Well Done Aboard the USNS Gordon Following a voyage to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, crew members aboard the USNS Gordon return to Norfolk, Va. for a payoff. Members of the galley gang include, from left, Chief Cook Marie Mitchell, SA Mohamed Mohamed and Recertified Steward Roderick Bright. Stephen M. Avallone, Educational Director Charles W. Clackley Jr., Deck Delegate Robert J. Butler, Engine Delegate Alan H. Nelson, Steward Allen Van Buren. Chairman talked about upcoming schedule and ports of call. He asked everyone to remain on board until properly relieved. Educational director said shipping may slow down after Iraq war and suggested Seafarers take time to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $2,400 in ship’s fund and indicated that money should be spent in U.S. ports. Suggestions from crew include purchase of 2 VCR/DVD units, gym equipment, sewing machine, movies and books for ship’s library. No beefs or disputed OT reported. E-mail communications received and read regarding filing for vacation benefits. Recommendation made for contracts department to look into upgrading benefits during next round of contract negotiations and have alternate plan made available as retirement benefit. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Wilmington, N.C. USNS LOYAL (Maersk Lines), July 6—Chairman Christopher E. Brady, Secretary Robert C. Langdon, Educational Director Richard A. Kucharski, Engine Delegate Lance K. Cutchember. Chairman talked about upcoming shipyard period and about each person’s responsibility as a member of the SIU. He explained various forms currently on board ship which members can use for vacation, upgrading, etc. He also spoke about importance of keeping U.S. Coast Guard discharges, TRBs and other union documents safe. Educational director urged Seafarers to take advantage of upgrading classes at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about recent delays and problems with mail delivery to ship which, hopefully, will be solved when ship arrives in U.S. Next ports: Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C. USNS SISLER (Maersk Lines), see her if they need union information or forms. Educational director reminded everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and stay abreast of new seafarers ID program. Information given out about bonus checks from MSC. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Sasebo, Japan; San Diego, Calif. COMMITMENT (USSM), Aug. 3—Chairman Frank Lyle, Secretary Jerome Jordan, Educational Director Louisa Santiago, Deck Delegate John A. Ellias Jr., Engine Delegate Gregory T. Johns. Chairman announced Aug. 4 payoff in Houston. He thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted in deck department. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into retirement benefits after 20 years’ service. Request made for penalty rates when working cargo holds and meal hour. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. HORIZON CHALLENGER (Horizon Lines), Aug. 5—Chairman Roy L. Williams, Secretary Brandon D. Maeda, Educational Director Chester W. Preston, Engine Delegate Robert T. Norris, Steward Delegate John L. Foster. Bosun announced payoff Aug. 7 in Houston. He informed crew that reliefs are not entitled to extra day vacation pay. Secretary reported vacation applications must be submitted with original copies of company payoff vouchers and Coast Guard discharges. Educational director urged all crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for contracts department to look into lowering age required for pension, increase retirement pay, improve dental coverage and raise vacation benefit to day for day. Minute of silence stood in memory and in honor of departed military brothers and sisters killed or wounded in Iraq war. Seafarers LOG 19 �Pgs6,10,12,13,17_23.qxd 9/28/2003 4:26 PM Page 20 Letter 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.) The following letter, written by SIU member Ricky Goodman, appeared in the Tybee Breeze, a local publication in his hometown of Tybee Island, Ga. From Tybee To Kuwait My name is Ricky Goodman. I’d like to share with you my role in Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom. I am a merchant seaman with the Seafarers International Union. I had the patriotic pleasure of assisting our troops in this adventure to oust the evil Saddam Hussein. I joined the MARAD/MSC vessel M/V Cape Wrath in Baltimore, Md. in January. I sailed as a GVA 3rd cook aboard the 697-foot Cape Wrath with 25 other merchant seamen. Our eight decks hold 295,958 sq. ft. of cargo with two fixed vehicle stern ramps permitting roll-on/rolloff operations. We loaded, wheeled and tracked vehicles in Charleston, S.C., along with three Army personnel and set sail on Valentine’s Day to Rota, Spain, where we picked up 12 Army personnel from the 4th I.D. as a security force for the rest of our voyage. It was supposed to be a nine-day trip to Turkey to offload our cargo. We learned that Turkey decided to deny the use of their ports for our operation. This forced us into a holding pattern in the Mediterranean for 23 days while we awaited orders to join a convoy through the Suez Canal. I am pleased to say that our stores of food were Final Departures Continued from page 18 Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away: BIENVENIDO BLANCO Pensioner Bienvenido Blanco, 77, passed away Aug. 16. He joined the NMU in 1961. Brother Blanco’s initial voyage, which departed from San Francisco, was on the Hans Isbrahdtsen. The Philippine-born mariner worked in the engine department and began receiving his pension in 1987. His last ship was the Louise Lykes. WILLIAM McPHERSON Pensioner William McPherson, 105, died Aug. 14. Brother McPherson embarked on his profession with the NMU in 1941. His first voyage was from the port of New York aboard the Concord. Born in Henderson, N.C., Brother McPherson worked in the steward department. He began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1969. MIGUEL MELENDEZ Pensioner Miguel Melendez, 89, passed away July 26. Brother Melendez was born in San Juan. He joined the NMU in 1938 and first went to sea aboard the Mariana. The steward department member’s final voyage was on the SS United States. Brother Melendez began receiving his pension in 1970. 20 Seafarers LOG Know Your Rights sufficient to keep our crew and troops happy. We did make a stop in Souda Bay on the Isle of Crete, Greece for fresh fruits and vegetables. The passage through the Suez Canal was a welcome sight and quite an adventure. The Egyptian Army guarded the shores the entire 100 miles. There were 42 vessels in our convoy. We had air and sea support from the U.S., Spanish and Canadian navies through such places as the Strait of Gibraltar, The Strait of Hormuz and the Red and Arabian seas. We felt quite safe as we made our journey to our final destination in the port of Shuiaba, Kuwait. There is always a factor of fear when venturing into a hostile area of the world. I was able to witness a moonlit U.S. submarine firing 10 Cruise missiles from about 20 miles away at the stroke of midnight while in the Arabian Sea. That sight brought a fiery sense of reality to our missions. Our voyage took us through beautiful waters and awesome sunsets. I must say that I felt for the soldiers who were anxious to join their Company after 34 days at sea. Their spirits were high, and we gave them all of our effort to make them at home on the Cape Wrath. The ship boasts a swimming pool and sauna as well as a complete weight room. We had barbecues on the upper deck to break the monotony. We shared our full video and book library with the soldiers. Their appreciation was well shown as we said heartfelt farewells in Kuwait. I am very proud to be a part of our nation’s willingness to stand up to the tyrants of the world, wherever they may be. In all, the U.S. merchant fleet carried over 13,000,000 sq. ft. of cargo for the military’s effort to free the people of Iraq. I brought with me issues of the Tybee Breeze as well as pictures of my Tybee family. Of the 105 days at sea, 83 were spent on board without touching ground. And, after 20,000 nautical miles, I am happy to be home with all of you. Thank you for your support. The letters and care packages are what make going to sea seem normal. Ricky Goodman Tybee Island, Ga. JOSE A. MORALES Name Age DOD Pensioner Jose A. Morales, 73, died Feb. 16. Brother Morales started his NMU career in 1947. His maiden voyage was out of the port of Baltimore aboard the Fort Meigs. Born in Yauco, P.R., he shipped in the engine department. Brother Morales upgraded his skills in 1962 and started receiving his pension in 1986. He last went to sea on the Fortaleza. Acevedo, Francisco Appley, Willard Arthur, Ivan Beatty, James Bee, John Blanco, Raul Britton, Harold Broughton, Maxie Brown, William Byes, Eldridge Carney, William Chan, Chocolate Charles, Clifton Cohen, Stanley Collazo, Ferdinand Danielsson, Erik Davis, Foster DeJesus, Angel Ebanks, Laurie Farmbry, Wesley Figueroa, Jose Figueroa, Victor Gladwin, Kenneth Goodrich, Kerry Hadley, Louis Hanan, Eldon Hawkins, Stephen Hervas, Hector Horan, Joseph Howell, Mario Jackson, Alvin James, Harold Jarvis, G. Johnson, T. Jordan, Donald Judah, Franklin Kearns, John Liebe, Dorothy Lukans, Henry Malave, Luis Malm, Gordon McCollum, Lynn McCormick, John Milbrook, James Mouton, David Nakahara, Clarence Ng, Henry Oliver, Jesse Papafote, Giacomo Perez, Ricardo 81 96 78 78 77 89 65 87 75 72 87 89 83 89 74 79 69 91 83 76 91 100 79 64 74 78 77 71 76 77 73 83 91 68 80 70 80 99 59 78 65 87 80 92 88 93 82 75 94 89 Aug. 13 June 23 July 6 June 29 July 20 July 5 Feb. 12 Aug. 5 July 5 Aug. 26 July 17 July 6 July 27 July 25 Mar. 3 July 28 July 23 July 1 Apr. 13 June 29 June 7 Aug. 3 July 7 July 2 Aug. 1 Apr. 13 July 23 Mar. 26 July 20 Aug. 11 July 10 Aug. 10 July 24 July 30 June 29 Feb. 11 Aug. 2 July 17 Aug. 6 July 9 Aug. 3 June 15 June 2 Mar. 26 May 6 June 29 June 13 May 29 Jan. 12 Aug. 5 Polit, Jose Pyszka, Richard 78 75 July 12 May 28 Quest, Albert Rainey, Edward Ramirez, Romero Reyes, Raymond 80 78 81 78 July 1 July 7 Aug. 26 July 22 BERNARDO RIOS Pensioner Bernardo Rios, 87, passed away Aug. 26. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Rios joined the NMU in 1946. A member of the steward department, Brother Rios’ first trip to sea was aboard the Samuel Samuels. He started receiving retirement stipends in 1969 and last sailed aboard the SS Constitution. FRANCISCO TORRES Pensioner Francisco Torres, 78, died July 13. Born in New York, he joined the NMU in 1943. Brother Torres worked in the engine department and sailed aboard many vessels during his career, including the Baton Rouge. He upgraded his skills in 1947 and started receiving retirement compensation in 1987. In addition to the foregoing, the following NMU brothers and sisters, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated: FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. October 2003 �Pgs6,10,12,13,17_23.qxd 9/28/2003 5:29 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of the year. 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 Engine Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Oiler November 3 December 12 Welding October 6 November 3 October 24 November 21 Engine Utility (EU) November 17 December 12 Marine Electrical Maintenance October 20 December 12 Safety Specialty Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* – (5-day course) November 3 November 7 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW October 13 October 27 November 3 November 10 November 17 December 1 December 8 October 17 October 31 November 7 November 14 November 21 December 5 December 12 Government Vessels October 20 November 3 October 24 November 7 Tanker Familiarization October 6 December 1 October 17 December 12 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* November 17 November 21 (*must have basic fire fighting) Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Able Seaman November 10 December 5 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* October 27 October 31 Lifeboatman/Water Survival October 27 November 7 Radar October 13 October 24 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman October 13 October 24 December 1 December 12 (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) (STOS) (*must have basic fire fighting) Academic Department Courses Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning September 29. Recertification Bosun October 6 November 3 General education and college courses are available as needed. In addition, basic vocational support program courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to the AB, QMED Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ October 2003 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 10/03 Seafarers LOG 21 �Pgs6,10,12,13,17_23.qxd 9/26/2003 2:25 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 641 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 641 (in alphabetical order) Jeremy Abbott, Michael Alexander, Isaac Colwell, Clayton Coulter, Carlo Johnson, Christopher Paul, Justin Perry, Christopher Ryan, Jonathan Scurry, Damar Shaw, Leonard Simecki, Patrick Stafford, Oscar Swangin Jr., Michael Henry, Jim Farmer, Andrea Mercado, Trevon Johnson and Carlos PerezArroyo. Able Seaman — Receiving their certificates for completion of the AB class ending Sept. 12 are upgrading students (in alphabetical order) Munassar Ahmed, Erica Andrews, Justin Bowe, Donald Cooper, Douglas Hemphill, Karen Laycock, Jimmy Orr, William Ray, Nathan Rippey and Raymond Searles. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Lifeboatman/ Water Survival — Earning their lifeboatman/water survival endorsements Aug. 15 are (in alphabetical order) Warren Barney, Albert Bharrat, Donald Cooper, Douglas Hemphill, David James, Karen Laycock, Nestor Montano, Roger Nesbeth, Ron Schexnayder, Raymond Searles and William Yore. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, stands in center. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Unlicensed apprentices graduating Aug. 1 from the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course are (in alphabetical order) Francis Dundas, Leroy Flores, Sergio Gonzalez, Gregory Grove, Todd Keith, Edward Majesky, Brian McBride, James Osborne, Henry Rivera-Rodriguez, Ryan Strick, Jared Taylor and Brett Wilson. Their instructor, Herb Walling, is at far right. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Engine Utility— Graduating Aug. 11 from the engine utility course are (in no specific order) Ramli Sulaiman, Thomas Leong, Rigoberto Beata, Neil Warren, Sergio Gonzalez, Henry Rivera, Brett Wilson, Brian McBride, Ryan Strick, Leroy Flores and Gregory Grove. Their instructor was Ben Vernon. Upgrading Seafarers completing the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course Aug. 1 are (in alphabetical order) Charles Bennett, Clinton Cephas, Alfonza Davis, Roberto Flores, Frank Guido, Lowell Jones, George Lammers, Russell Luther, Mark Maduro, Robert Mong, Walter Ott, Richard Owusu, John Regina, Winston Restauro, Jerome Slade, Jeffry Stuart, Crescencio Suazo, David Wakeman, Neil Warren, Emmett Wattigny, Keith Williams and Nevis Williams. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Computer Lab Classes Recent graduates of the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center pose with their certificates. In photo at left, graduating Aug. 22, are (front row, from left) Frank Guido, Ron Schexnayder, Tyler Laffitte, Ian Ferguson, Nestor Montano, (second row) Rick Prucha (instructor), Randy Clark, Michael Moore, Johnie Chavis and Vessislav Dyoulgerov. In photo at right are Seafarers who received their certificates of achievement Aug. 15. Seated from left are Jonathan Eitz and Cassandra Burdett. Their instructor, Rich Prucha, is standing behind them. 22 Seafarers LOG October 2003 �Pgs6,10,12,13,17_23.qxd 9/26/2003 2:26 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Any student who has registered for a class and finds— for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Radar — Under the instruction of Mike Smith (far left) are Seafarers who completed the radar course Sept. 3. From the left are Smith, Ian Ferguson, Michael Moore, Alexander Fyodorovykh, John Gilston, Jose Boza and Anthony Simon. GMDSS — Completing the GMDSS course Aug. 15 are (in alphabetical order) Darryl Alexander, Johnie Chavis, Vessislav Dyoulgerov, Tom Grose, Frank Guido, Paul Hanley, Jerry Sobieraj and David Turinski. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is at far left. Tankerman (PIC) Barge — Graduating Aug. 29 from the tankerman (PIC) barge course are (front row, from left) Mitch Oaklay (instructor), Bill Yore, Bill Madden, Michael Blizzard, Sherman Sakatani, Jim O’Meara, (second row) William Charnock, Donnie Collins, John Harvard and Thomas Pelfrey. Specially Trained OS — Members of the specially trained OS class, graduating Sept. 5, are (from left) Joseph Jesnes, Greg Tojong, Carlos Grillasca, Jose Blanco Amayo and Nieves Guerrero-Mariano. Government Vessels — Upgrading Seafarers who took part in the government vessels course Aug. 48 include (in no specific order) Joseph Jesnes, Ryan Strick, Francis Dundas, John Johnson, Cassandra Burdett, John Regina, Jonathan Eitz, Roberto Flores, Richard Owusu, Eugene Evans, Russell Luther, Naomi Blount, Christy Goodfellow and Neil Warren. (Note: not all are pictured.) Fast Rescue Boat — Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — Aug. 15: Endang Abidin, Abdulhakim Aljahmi, Edward Aperto, James Barrett, Steven Biles, Angel Bruno, Randy Clark, Rodney Clark, James Crosby, Richard Dobbyn, Eugene Evans Jr, Christy Goodfellow II, Marco Guevara, Mary Hancock, Christopher Heath, Brenda Kamiya, Tyler Laffitte, Eduardo Olaes, James Roy, Paul Stinglew III, Reynaldo Telmo, Gary White, Joseph Willett, Leroy Williamson and Phil Yaros. October 2003 Aug. 25 was graduation day for members of instructor Stan Beck’s recent fast rescue boat course. They included Jonathan Eitz, Jawaid Pardesi, David Martin, Gordon Scott, Karl Mayhew and Leonard Lambert. STCW — Aug. 29: Gary Loftin, Glenn Barnes, Theodore Smith, Tran Luu, Mark Pesola, Delfino Castro, Todd Homer, Ron Schexnayder, Nestor Montano, Linnell Coleman, Dennis Riley, Ali Abdulla, Conrad Burke, Rudolph Daniels, Mark Chalmers, Robert Snow, Thomas Kelton, Natividad Zapata, Ramon Castillo, David Gardner, Ramont Jackson, Bridgett McIntosh and John Dail Jr. Seafarers LOG 23 �Pgs1_5,8,11,16,24.qxd 9/26/2003 5:59 AM Page 24 Volume 65 Number 10 October 2003 P i t t t s t a f o o e s b t S H P S p 1 R V t U b a S Fourth Arm of Defense Delivered During Iraqi Freedom S The Cape Edmont discharges military cargo in Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Cape Knox is in the background. U.S. Marines land on a crane aboard the SP5 Eric G. Gibson en route to the Middle East. ealift remains a vital component in the formula that protects our country’s national security. Just as was the case during colonial times, and during our country’s periods of global crisis since then, a significant chunk of the national security responsibility proudly has been accepted and performed by the U.S. Merchant Marine. Most recently, merchant mariners answered their country’s call to duty during the just-completed combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. An estimated 5,000 merchant mariners–including more than 2,000 Seafarers who sailed aboard more than 100 SIU–crewed ships—helped transport and supply coalition forces as the U.S. and our allies removed Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq. Mariners transported a myriad of critical cargo including Apache helicopters, multiple launch rocket systems, wheeled vehicles including HUMVEES and fuel tankers, bulldozers and other combat engineer equipment, and ammunition to our forces. Without a doubt, the former cargo made a huge difference; ultimately the difference between victory and defeat. Merchant mariners justly deserved the thanks and honors which came their way at the war’s end. U.S. Department of Transportation Chief of Staff John A. Flaherty, during a May 28 U.S. Maritime Administration-sponsored ceremony in Alameda, Calif. to honor merchant mariners said, “The maritime community has served America with great distinction during every major crisis in our nation’s history, and the mariners who crew the ships are the cornerstone of this effort. From the Revolutionary War, through both World Wars, the Korean War and up to today, our mariners have willingly defended and served this nation with enthusiasm and valor.” Air Force Gen. John W. Handy, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, during a similar ceremony June 16 in Baltimore praised members of the nation’s fourth arm of defense for “the incredible job you’ve done in support of this nation. You make all the difference in the world, and I salute your dedication, patriotism and excellence. Victory was made possible by America’s dedicated merchant mariners.” Vice Admiral David L. Brewer, commander U.S. Military Sealift Command, also spoke during the June 16 event in Baltimore. In his praise to mariners Brewer noted, “We have prevailed because you answered your nation’s call. You built a steel bridge of democracy from the USA to the Coast of Kuwait.” Norman Mineta, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, summed up the valuable sealift role mariners played during the war May 22 during his National Maritime Day 2003 remarks. On that occasion, Secretary Mineta noted, “The role of the U.S. Merchant Marine once again proved critical to victory in 2003. President Bush, Vice President Cheney and the American people are indebted to every merchant mariner.” Seafarers and military personnel are pictured aboard the Wright. LMSRs such as the USNS Watkins helped sustain U.S. troops during the war. The U.S. military contingent aboard Northern Lights worked well with crew members. At times, gas masks were the norm aboard the Northern Lights while the vessel was docked in Kuwait. Seafarers in the crew mess don’t seem to mind. � 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 October 2003 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NEW STUDY: HEALTH CARE PREMIUMS SKYROCKET LABOR DEPT. TO HONOR PAUL HALL NEW BARGE CHRISTENED FOR INTREPID OCEAN RELIANCE GETS COUNTERPART IN DOUBLE-HULLED ‘550-3’ CIVMAR FLEET GAINS ‘SUPPLY CLASS’ VESSEL HANNAH TUGBOAT PACT BOOSTS HEALTH COVERAGE NEWEST LMSR DELIVERED COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE BUT ISABEL STILL TAKES TOLL DOL INDUCTS PAUL HALL INTO LABOR HALL OF FAME SENATE COMMITTEE EXAMINES PORT SECURITY AFL-CIO’S TOP OFFICIALS WILL SEEK RE-ELECTION COAST GUARD AIMS TO EASE ‘CREEPY’ EFFECTS OF RENEWALS STCW CERTIFICATES WON’T LIST BASIC SAFETY TRAINING DATES 3 RRF VESSELS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE ‘TURBO ACTIVATION’ RETIRED APWU PRESIDENT ‘MOE’ BILLER DIES AT 87 ADMINISTRATION: OPENING ANWR MEANS ‘WELL-PAYING JOBS’ IN U.S. CWA SETTLEMENTS WITH VERIZON MEET KEY GOALS FAST RESCUE BOAT COURSE STRESSES PRACTICAL TRAINING STEELWORKERS URGE CONTINUATION OF TARIFFS SOCP TO MEET IN PINEY POINT SIU’S PROGRESS EVIDENT IN TACOMA SEALIFT REMAINS VITAL TO U.S. SECURITY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 10/01/2003 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. 65, No. 10 2003 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/578c49fef504ff886dc9e21e4d8b8178.pdf 93c2d43e79591277250823ebfe369c75 PDF Text Text 20117_P1,2,4,6,18.qxd 10/26/2003 3:27 PM Page 1 Volume 65, Number 11 November 2003 Car Carrier, Prepositioning Ship Signal New SIU Jobs The newly reflagged car carrier Freedom (below) and the refurbished prepositioning ship USNS Roy Wheat (right) last month joined the Seafarers-contracted fleet. Page 3. Matson Ship Arrives in Hawaii Paul Hall Honored by DOL SIUNA’s 2nd President Enters Hall of Fame The new Matson vessel Manukai arrived last month in Honolulu on its inaugural voyage. Page 7. The U.S. Department of Labor on Oct. 1 inducted the late SIUNA President Paul Hall into its Hall of Fame, along with two other individuals. U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao (second row, center) chaired the ceremony, while SIU President Michael Sacco (standing to Chao’s immediate left) spoke on behalf of Hall and the union. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (standing to Chao’s immediate right) and Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan (directly behind Heindel) were among many other union and school officials in attendance. Students from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education provided the color guard. Page 3. Strikes Driven By Health Care Page 2 LNG Libra Crew Rescues 2 Page 4 ITF Progresses In FOC Campaign Page 24 �20117_P1,2,4,6,18.qxd 10/23/2003 7:52 PM Page 2 President’s Report Taking a Stand In the ongoing debate over U.S. health care, so many statistics are reported in the media, it can be tough sometimes to see the forest for the trees. But if the general public and our representatives remember only one figure, here’s a revealing one: 80,000. That’s the approximate number of union members across the country who were on strike late last month—on strike mainly because of health care issues. It’s also a number that speaks volumes about how serious and widespread America’s health care crisis has become. Michael Sacco The average person who’s never been in a union probably can’t appreciate just how serious and difficult it is for workers to go on strike. Make no mistake, it is an absolute last resort—a powerful and occasionally needed tool, but also one that’s very rarely used. Most union members go through their whole careers without a strike. Usually, it’s an agonizing decision, and it comes with no guarantee of success. Without question, the right to withhold one’s labor is a basic human right that should exist all over the world. Equally without question, it’s not something that workers do on a whim. That’s why the respective job actions involving our brothers and sisters from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union and the Amalgamated Transit Union drive home the desperation being felt by patients all across the nation. The striking (and locked out) union members and their families have reached the point where the sacrifices and uncertainty of hitting the bricks appear less painful than accepting the unfair burden of costlier or reduced health benefits. In many cases, they previously have given up wage increases to maintain their benefits. Now, those benefits are threatened anyway. So, in essence the workers have said, “Enough!” And who can blame them? Who in this country hasn’t been affected by health care costs that are out of control? Who isn’t concerned about getting or maintaining affordable, decent coverage? Just last month, several new studies shed even more light on this situation. Amid the sea of statistics, a few jumped out. If you’ve followed this issue, you probably know that almost 44 million Americans have no health insurance. What may come as a surprise is that the average yearly out-of-pocket costs for employees of large companies have more than doubled during the past five years. The average employer contribution has dropped to 70 percent from 75 during that same period. In just the past three years, the average amount that workers pay toward their premiums for family coverage increased by almost 50 percent. During that same time, employees’ out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs jumped by as much as 71 percent. One figure that particularly surprised me is that only about four percent of large employers still pay 100 percent of the premiums for family coverage. That’s a giant drop from what workers enjoyed a decade ago. So that I don’t fall into that forest-for-the-trees trap, I’ll repeat the most revealing statistic: 80,000. That’s 80,000 union members who are taking a stand for every worker, whether or not they belong to a union. It’s also 80,000 families who are on those picket lines— spouses, children, parents. And it’s 80,000 people who are experiencing the fastest-growing trend in contract negotiations. In many contract talks, health care has become the number one issue, ahead of wages and everything else. That’s the case for the UFCW and ATU workers, as it was for the United Auto Workers members who last month approved a contract in which health benefits played a dominant role. The same was true for union workers at General Electric who went on strike earlier this year because of health care issues. I believe it’s no exaggeration to say that health care very well may be the top issue in next year’s national elections. At the very least, it’ll be up there with the war on terrorism, the overall economy and employment. Ten years ago, the need for viable and affordable health care was front-page news, inspiring a long, heated debate. National leaders put a bandage on this problem and hoped it would go away. Today, the bandage has fallen off. We no longer have a scab, but an infected wound. Today, America needs more than a bandage. Let’s hope that the national debate over health care that takes place between now and the elections provides not a bandage, but real treatment and cures for all Americans. The courageous actions of our brothers and sisters who are on strike may be the wake-up call that starts righting the ship. Volume 65, Number 11 November 2003 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2003 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Health Care Costs Drive Transit, Grocery Strikes Nearly 80,000 trade unionists —most of them members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)—either were on strike or were locked out in several states as this issue of the LOG went to press. An estimated 70,000 UFCW members were walking picket lines in California, Missouri, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. In Southern California, roughly 2,200 mechanics who are members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) were on strike, while some 6,000 drivers and train operators in that region who also are ATU members walked off the job in solidarity. Also, some Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies reportedly engaged in “sick-outs” in a show of unity with the ATU and to protest burgeoning health care costs. In fact, out-of-control health care costs are at the heart of the disputes. “Our nation is facing a health care crisis of colossal proportions. The tens of thousands of workers who are on strike for quality, affordable health care are taking a stand for all American working families who are being squeezed beyond their limits by our broken and inadequate health care system,” stated AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. “We commend the grocery store workers and Los Angeles transit workers who are exercising their unified voice on this issue through their respective unions and insisting that they will not sacrifice affordable health care.” Although the details vary from contract to contract, the dilemma faced by Kroger workers in Charleston, W. Va. is representative of the problems caused by continually growing health care costs. There, workers are striking in part because of a company proposal that either would cut their health benefits or cost them up to $100 more per week—per worker —to maintain their current coverage. The story is similar at other grocery stores where workers are on strike or are locked out, including Kroger Company’s Ralphs, Safeway Inc.’s Vons, Albertsons, Shop ’n Save, Schnucks, and Dierbergs. In San Diego, for example, the Albertsons chain pays $3.78 into the workers’ insurance fund for each hour an employee is on the job. UFCW members there turned down a proposal to reduce contributions for new hires to $1.35 an hour—a reduction that the union noted would weaken the overall fund to 50 percent of its current value. “Nearly every major labor action this year has been the result of runaway health care costs and employers’ attempts to foist those skyrocketing costs onto workers,” Sweeney noted. The federation president pointed out that between the years 2000 and 2002, the premiums paid by workers for family health insurance in the most widely used type of health plan soared by 20 percent, while employers have been cutting the benefits families get from their health plans. SIU St. Louis Port Agent Becky Sleeper (far right in photo above, second from right in bottom photo) delivers water to appreciative members of UFCW Local 655, who are on strike. Nearly 44 million Americans were uninsured in 2002, an increase of 3.7 million over 2000. Many of those who have lost health care still have jobs—80 percent of the uninsured live in working households—but can’t afford the employer-provided coverage. “When employers shift costs to workers, entire communities suffer because they are expected to pick up the tab for the increased public health care costs,” Sweeney said. “Both employers and workers need relief from high costs. “The legislation recently enacted in California to develop strategies to do this is a welcome start and other states, as well as the federal government, would be welladvised to follow California’s lead in finding long-term solu- tions to moderating health costs. In the meantime, pushing the bill for increasing health costs off on workers is no solution.” Health care costs are hurting workers in other ways. Ron Blackwell, the federation’s director of corporate affairs, recently told the Associated Press, “In some cases, workers could have probably gotten higher wages (in their contracts) had they not had to bargain for health benefits.” On average, employees nationwide pay approximately 16 percent of the cost of single coverage and 27 percent of the cost of family coverage. According to news reports, the University of California next year will charge employees who cover two-adult households double the premium paid by single-employee households. Notice Documentation of STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) As previously reported, because STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) is renewable via sea service, the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center recently announced that STCW certificates no longer will indicate the dates when mariners complete BST. SIU members who hold STCW certificates that don’t list BST expiration dates should carry documentation verifying their most recent 12 months’ sea time. This is vital because when renewing BST via sea service, the renewal date is a “running calendar” in which credit for competency in BST extends for five years beyond the date at which the mariner has completed one year of sea service. For instance, if on October 1, 2003, you count backward and determine the mariner completed one year of sea service on June 1, 2002, then the mariner is considered to be competent in the four elements of BST through May 31, 2007. The mariner’s documented sea time is proof of that competency. Members who carry STCW certificates with BST expiration dates should carry documentation of their most recent year’s sea time once the expiration date is reached. The union is developing a computer program for the registration/shipping system that will automatically calculate sea time and issue a verification letter. Once developed, the union will submit a proposal to the NMC for approval. November 2003 �20117_P3,5,7,15,16,17.qxd 10/23/2003 8:28 PM Page 3 SIU Gains Car Carrier, MSC Ship October brought more new job opportunities for Seafarers, as the union welcomed the reflagged car carrier Freedom and the prepositioning vessel USNS Roy Wheat. The Freedom is the fifth ship in American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier’s (ARC) fleet of U.S.-flag car carriers. It previously traded as the Takamine and was scheduled to reflag American Oct. 30 during a ceremony in Baltimore. Pacific-Gulf Marine (PGM) is managing and operating the Freedom, built in 1997. The 623foot ship has a total capacity of 5,890 cars (or 803 trucks) and is ideally suited for roll-on/roll-off, project and “heavylift” cargoes. A sister ship to the Tanabata, the vessel will be deployed in ARC’s service between the U.S. East Coast and Northern Europe. “This is great news for the union, and we look forward to providing the unlicensed crews for the Freedom and the USNS Wheat,” noted Seafarers Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. “The reflagging of the car carrier and the addition of the prepositioning ship also signals good news for national security, because it helps maintain a strong pool of trained, loyal U.S. mariners.” PGM Chief Executive Officer Todd B. Johnson stated, “We are looking forward to performing the ongoing management and operation of the Freedom. This is an exciting project for PGM and a welcome addition to the U.S.-flag fleet.” Earlier in the month, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) conducted a naming ceremony for the 864-foot USNS LCPL Roy M. Wheat, a new addition to the agency’s afloat prepositioning fleet. U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (DMiss.), a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine; Lt. Gen. Martin R. Berndt, USMC, Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Atlantic; and Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, USN, Commander, MSC, delivered remarks at the Oct. 7 ceremony at Blount Island Command in Jacksonville, Fla. “Our civilian mariners are essential to our nation’s strength and the readiness of our armed forces,” Brewer noted. “They have served in every conflict, car- The prepositioning ship USNS Wheat has a total cargo capacity of 200,000 square feet and can sustain speeds of more than 20 knots. Renamed the Freedom and reflagged under the Stars and Stripes, the newest SIU-contracted car carrier offers new job opportunities for Seafarers. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003 for the observance of the Christmas day holiday (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. November 2003 Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, USN, said the prepositioning ship USNS Wheat will improve our nation’s combat readiness. U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) thanks the Wheat family for Roy Wheat’s heroism. Lt. Gen. Martin R. Berndt, USMC, said the USNS Wheat’s crew “will take Wheat’s name around the world in defense of freedom.” rying combat gear and supplies for America’s war fighters.” Lance Cpl. Wheat was the only Mississippian to receive the nation’s highest military honor during the Vietnam War. He died in combat on Aug. 11, 1967 after diving on an exploding anti-personnel mine in order to protect fellow Marines. Wheat posthu- mously was awarded the Medal of Honor. Operated by Keystone Shipping, the vessel named in Wheat’s memory will preposition materiel for the U.S. Marine Corps, enabling quick transport to trouble spots as Marines sail or are flown into theater. The USNS Wheat is one of about three dozen MSC prepositioning ships, most of which are located in the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean and in the Western Pacific. The U.S. Navy purchased the Ukrainian-built former Soviet auxiliary ship in 1997. The vessel originally was 746 feet long, but gained an additional 118 feet through refurbishment. Labor Department Inducts Paul Hall into Hall of Fame The Seafarers International Union received a tremendous honor Oct. 1 when the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) inducted the late SIU President Paul Hall into its Hall of Fame. Active and retired Seafarers, as well as members of Paul Hall’s family, attended the induction ceremony at the DOL offices in Washington, D.C. “Paul Hall fought for good pay and benefits for American mariners, and he also fought for their education,” noted U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “It’s fitting that the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education today is instrumental in ensuring that young people have the opportunity to pursue careers at sea.” SIU President Michael Sacco addressed the audience of approximately 200 people, which also included past and present SIU officials and students from the Paul Hall Center—the SIU’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. “Today, we honor the memory of a man who was totally committed to the rank-and-file Seafarer,” Sacco stated. “I think it’s worth noting that through his unwavering support of the U.S. Merchant Marine, he also was dedicated to the national and economic security of the United States. Not only that, he was also a great champion of many, many other workers throughout the trade union movement.” Two other individuals were inducted: Steve Young, former national president of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP); and Milton Hershey, founder of Hershey Foods Corporation as well as the M.S. Hershey Foundation. “The leaders we honor today were visionaries of courage, conviction, and service. Their ideals made a positive and lasting impact in improving the lives of working Americans,” said Chao. In announcing the selections, the DOL noted that the Labor Hall of Fame was founded in 1989 to honor posthumously those Americans whose distinctive contributions enhanced the quality of life for America’s workers. Open to the public, the hall itself is composed of kiosks of memorabilia and is located in the North Plaza of the Department of Labor on Constitution Avenue. Paul Hall served as the second president of the Seafarers International Union of North This painting of Paul Hall America. He contribis part of his display in the uted significant and farreaching aid to the U.S. U.S. Labor Hall of Fame. SIU President Michael Sacco recalls some of Paul Hall’s many accomplishments as U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao enjoys the remarks. U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao says it is fitting that the Paul Hall Center keeps alive the memory of the SIUNA’s second president. maritime industry. Hall was known by several U.S. Congressmen as the “father of the American Merchant Marine” for his role in the passage of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. “I worked with Paul for many years,” Sacco told the crowd. “He was tough and demanding and not always easy to work for. But he was 100 percent devoted to improving the lives of Seafarers and all workers, and he would accept nothing less than a 100 percent commitment from everyone around him. Paul was a man who wouldn’t ask you do to anything that he wouldn’t do himself. Ultimately, that’s a big reason why people worked so hard for him.” He added, “What really set Paul apart was his foresight. Though he came from poverty and didn’t complete much schooling, he was a true visionary and was very much ahead of his time.” Among Hall’s proudest accomplishments were securing good benefits for Seafarers and their families, and founding the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. in 1967. The main campus was renamed in Hall’s memory in 1991. He died of cancer in 1980, at age 65. Seafarers LOG 3 �20117_P1,2,4,6,18.qxd 10/26/2003 3:32 PM Page 4 LNG Crew Rescues Filipino Fishermen Filipino fishermen Marcelo Corrales and Ronnie Natinga owe their lives to the captain and crew of the Seafarers-contracted LNG Libra. The vessel on Aug. 20 saved the duo from certain doom some 85 nautical miles north northeast of Kandi Sulawesi in the Celebes Sea. According to AB Eduardo Morre, who regularly sails on the vessel, the Libra lookout spotted two fishermen drifting in their 13-foot fishing boats and signaling that they were in distress. The word was passed to Libra Captain Thomas S. Laird who altered his course and maneuvered into position to render assistance. The Libra at the time was on course to Bontang, Indonesia. Once in position, Libra crew members extracted the fishermen from their boats. Aside from being hungry, thirsty and tired following their rescue, Natinga and Corrales were in relatively good medical condition. They were clothed, fed and questioned about how they had managed to get themselves into such a precarious situation. The duo revealed that they, along with fishermen in three other small vessels, had departed Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines during the early morning hours of Aug. 16. Once in the open sea, however, they lost contact with their comrades and drifted some 200 miles south of their original location. Having exhausted all means for requesting assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard/Indonesian Search and Rescue authorities over the next four days, they were left at the mercy of the sea. At the time of their rescue, Natinga and Corrales had no food or water remaining on their boats. ‘The example of professionalism, teamwork and generosity speaks highly of the crew . . .’ —Thomas S. Laird Captain, LNG Libra Following the rescue, Libra crew members set the fishermen’s vessels adrift, and the captain resumed his course. Meanwhile, Natinga and Corrales rested for two nights and three days. After arriving in Bontang, Captain Laird made arrangements to repatriate the two fishermen back to their country. The captain also thanked everyone for their efforts in the successful rescue. “The example of professionalism, teamwork and generosity speaks highly of the crew of the LNG Libra on voyage 481,” Laird said. “I know that Mercelo, Ronnie, and their families and loves ones will always be very grateful for the kindness and compassion that was shown by all. “Being good shipmates and watching out for one another do not apply only on board our vessel,” the captain concluded. “Aug. 20 showed that it applies to everyone at sea as well.” Seafarers aboard the Libra at the time of the rescue were: Bosun Frank Hedge, ABs David W. Collins, Eddie R. Ponteres, Richard T. Spence, Pedro Ramos, Rodolfo C. Antonio and Osmond Raji; QMEDs Richard E. Wilson, Jose A. Quinones and Leonides B. Bacal; GUDE Julian L. Lacuesta; Chief Steward Abraham M. Martinez; Chief Cook Paul F. Diesner, and Steward Assistants Monty E. Smith, Carlos D. Boiser Jr. and Roserlina A. Commager. Those involved in the actual rescue included Bosun Hedge; ABs Ponteres, Antonio and Raji, GUDE Lacuesta Jr.; and SAs Boiser and Commager. The LNG Libra maneuvers alongside the small boats of Marcelo Corrales and Ronnie Natinga to commence rescue operations. Members of the LNG crew join the rescued fishermen for a lighthearted moment. From left to right are AB Rodolfo Antonio, AB Eddie Ponteres, Third Mate Don Bridenstine Jr., rescued fisherman Ronnie Natinga, SA Roserlina Commager, Capt. Thomas S. Laird, rescued fisherman Marcelo Corrales, Bosun Frank Hedge, and AB Osmond Raji. Crowley Tug Crew Does ‘Excellent Job’ Towing Car Carrier The SIU-crewed Crowley tug Sea Cloud on Sept. 13 came to the aid of the Sunbelt Dixie, a car carrier that was stranded some 190 miles offshore from the port of Long Beach/Los Angles, according to Jim Penny, Crowley vessel operations manager. “We got a call that the Sunbelt Dixie was broken down as a result of some maintenance problems,” Penny said. “The car carrier had left San Diego and was en route to some place in the Far East … Japan, I believe. We were asked to get a crew together and get out to her Contract Department News The union’s contracts department is reporting wage increases and other gains for members at a number of SIU-contracted companies. Seafarers employed by Dyn Marine will receive a three percent increase in total labor costs (wages, vacation benefits, etc.), retroactive to Sept. 17, 2003. Seafarers sailing aboard the Maersk Rhode Island also will receive a three percent increase in 4 Seafarers LOG total labor costs, retroactive to Sept. 1, 2003. Members employed on Maritrans tankers will receive a three percent increase in total labor costs, retroactive to June 1, 2003. And, SIU members employed aboard Sealift, Inc.’s Bennett and Merlin are scheduled to receive a three percent increase in total labor costs retroactive to Oct. 1, 2003. The Crowley tug Sea Cloud tows the Sunbelt Dixie, a car carrier, toward port after the latter vessel broke down about 190 miles offshore near the port of Long Beach/Los Angeles. as quickly as possible.” Not long after receiving the call, a crew had been assembled and the tug Sea Cloud departed port. “The tug and its crew got under way at 1430 hours on Aug. 13,” said Penny. “They went out to the location of the Sunbelt Dixie, fitted her with an emergency tow bar and then brought her home. The Sea Cloud returned at 1700 hours on Aug. 16.” Those aboard the Sea Cloud during the towing operations were Captain Wayne Byrd, Chief Mate Ed Brady, Second Mate Benny Guillot, Engineer Bob Bouton, and ABs Mike Restivo and George Siegel. “The crew did an excellent job in dealing with this quick response situation,’ said Penny. “They were very efficient as well as professional in their approach and actions. The customer was very happy.” Flu Shots Offered at Tacoma Hall As offered in the past, the Tacoma union hall will have an on-site nurse from the port clinic giving out flu shots to eligible members and dependents. The shots will be available Thursday, Nov. 20, 2003 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. To find out if you or your dependents are eligible for this benefit, please contact the Seafarers Health & Benefits Plan at (800) 252-4674. Massachusetts WWII Mariners Eligible for $300 Veterans Bonus All U.S. veterans received a $300 bonus (as well as other benefits) at the end of World War II—all, that is, except for members of the U.S. Merchant Marine. In 1988—42 years after the war, most merchant mariners were given official status as veterans. Ten years after that, another victory was secured when the mariners’ cutoff date for veterans’ status was changed to match the date used by the armed forces. Now, 57 years from the end of the war, the question of the $300 bonus is being addressed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Anyone who sailed in the U.S. Merchant Marine at any time from Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946 and who lived in Massachusetts for six months before entering the Merchant Marine is eligible for the $300 bonus. Applications must be for those veterans still alive, not their heirs. For application information, call the Massachusetts treasurer’s office at (617) 367-3900, ext. 543, and ask about the Massachusetts veterans bonus. No fewer than 6,795 merchant mariners were killed during the war; more than 460 of them were from Massachusetts. November 2003 �20117_P3,5,7,15,16,17.qxd 10/26/2003 3:24 PM Page 5 Union Presidents Stand Up for Jones Act Maritime Cabotage Task Force Also Reiterates Support The presidents of five maritime unions recently wrote to U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) to convey their unified, strong opposition to legislation that would gut the Jones Act. SIU President Mike Sacco; Masters, Mates & Pilots President Tim Brown; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association President Ron Davis; American Maritime Officers President Mike McKay; and International Longshore & Warehouse Union President James Spinosa in early October urged Young—the chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure—to join them in opposing bills introduced by U.S. Rep. Ed Case (DHawaii) that would repeal the application of the Jones Act to the carriage of cargo in the U.S. noncontiguous domestic trades. The legislation (H.R. 2845, H.R. 2846 and H.R. 2847) would allow foreign-built and foreignflag vessels that are owned by subsidiaries of foreign corporations to operate between American ports. “We recognize that the proposed legislation would require that American citizens be employed aboard the foreign-flag vessels that are given a coastwise endorsement to operate in the domestic trades,” the letter states. “In fact, we believe that one of the important lessons learned from Operation Iraqi Freedom is that our country must have a sufficient number of trained American citizen maritime personnel to crew the government-owned and -chartered and private commercial vessels called into service during time of war or other emergency. “However, notwithstanding this clear recognition of the important role that American sea- faring personnel play in our nation’s commercial sealift capability planning, it is contrary to the overall defense policy of our nation to allow foreign-owned and foreign-flag vessels to capture control of America’s domestic trades.” Under Case’s legislation, U.S. citizens working aboard these foreign-flag ships would be robbed of the protections of American labor laws and other regulations covering U.S. crews on American-flag ships. Additionally, the letter notes, “Equally important, by allowing foreign-flag vessels to operate between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Alaska without having to comply with all U.S. standards and without having to pay U.S. taxes, existing U.S. vessel operations in these trades will be severely threatened and the investments made by these companies in U.S.-built, U.S.-flag ships will be lost. “Notwithstanding what the opponents of America’s cabotage laws contend, the implications for our national security are great if America loses American-owned domestic shipping companies. If this occurs, the U.S. will be forced to rely instead on the good will of foreign companies to make their foreign-flag vessels available to provide the sealift sustainment capability needed by the Department of Defense to supply American forces overseas.” Meanwhile, the Maritime Cabotage Task Force (MCTF), a broad-based coalition to which the SIU is affiliated, recently wrote to Case detailing the numerous economic and security benefits of the Jones Act, which requires that cargo moving between U.S. ports be carried on U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built vessels. “The Jones Act is widely recognized as an important component of U.S. national security,” states the MCTF letter. “The Jones Act has been supported by all modern Commanders in Chief, from President Carter to President George W. Bush. Similarly, the Jones Act has been supported by the U.S. military’s top transportation officials. For example, the November 2003 The following year, Pfeiffer began his long association with Matson and its parent company, Alexander & Baldwin. He became vice president and general manager of Matson Terminals, Inc. in 1960, where he was instrumental in helping negotiate an historic labor agreement that made containerization of cargo the standard method of shipping, thereby transforming the maritime industry. Two years later, he was elected president of Matson Terminals, and he continued to rise through the ranks, eventually being named CEO and chairman of the board at Alexander & Baldwin. He retired in 1999 and served as chairman emeritus, continuing to attend meetings and keeping regular office hours at Matson headquarters in San Francisco until shortly before his death. Pfeiffer was widely respected by both labor and management, and he earned many accolades over the years, including three honorary doctorates. One measure of respect shown to him while he was still living was the naming of a Matson ship in his honor. The SIU-crewed R.J. Pfeiffer went provided vital support to military operations,” the MCTF letter continues. “This support included use by the Defense Department of a Jones Act roll-on/roll-off vessel from the Alaska trade to transport military equipment to the Persian Gulf, as well as the efforts of hundreds of American civilian seafarers to crew the 40 ships activated from the U.S. Government’s Ready Reserve Fleet to aid in the sealift effort.” Seafarers Back Maersk Application Thousands of Seafarers last month submitted letters to the Department of Transportation (DOT) supporting a request by SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) to directly operate their vessels that are enrolled in the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). At SIU membership meetings across the country, Seafarers eagerly signed the letters after reading and hearing about the issue. The letters were mailed to the DOT docket clerk ahead of the Oct. 24 deadline for public comments. “Our members deserve credit for understanding the issue and supporting the position that benefits not only their job security, but also U.S. national security,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “Seafarers realize that Maersk’s application is consistent with existing law. Congress also is positioned to approve MSP reauthorization legislation that would allow the exact same arrangement as proposed by Maersk Line, Limited.” A letter detailing the issue was signed by Sacco; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association President Ron Davis; and Masters, Mates & Pilots President Tim Brown on Oct. 3 and then circulated among the respective memberships. In part, the letter pointed out that MLL is based in Norfolk, Va. and was incorporated in the United States in 1947. The company is independently controlled by a board of directors composed entirely of U.S. citizens including two retired Admirals from the U.S. Navy. MLL also is the largest sealift contractor with the U.S. Department of Defense. “Our duty to our respective members dictates that we preserve your jobs,” the union presidents noted. “Accordingly, we ask that you not be tricked into believing that you will lose your jobs or be looked upon as un-American (if you support MLL’s position). Instead, know with certainty that when MLL takes over direct control of the MSP vessels you will keep your job, be sailing on an Americanflag vessel as a U.S. Merchant Mariner and be working for a U.S. company.” The presidents also pointed out that the DOT’s Maritime Administration “has already ruled that MLL is an eligible transferee of the MSP Operating Agreements should MLL desire to become the MSP contractor.” The letters signed by Seafarers read in part, “It is important to U.S.-flag shipping, national security, and the stability and reliability of defense sealift for the Maritime Administration to approve the MLL’s request…. Transferring the vessel operating agreements to MLL provides the long-term certainty about crewing and the future of the vessels in the program that are critical to the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine and national defense sealift. “MLL is a respected commercial operator that provides vital assets and systems needed to meet defense sealift requirements, including employment opportunities for seafarers. The SIU is proud to provide unlicensed crew to many Maersk ships performing defense missions, not just those in MSP. Allowing Maersk to directly operate these ships, instead of through a middle-man like USSM, is the best way to ensure our jobs and the future of the program.” Study: Unions’ Gains Benefit All Workers Former Matson Chairman/CEO Robert J. Pfeiffer Dies at 83 Robert J. “Bobby” Pfeiffer, a well-respected leader in the maritime community and chairman and CEO of Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Co. and its corporate parent, Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., succumbed to cancer Sept. 26, 2003 at his home in Orinda, Calif. He was 83. Pfeiffer, who was born in Fiji in 1920 and grew up in Hawaii, came from a long line of sea captains. When he was 12, he began working summers as a deckhand on a harbor tug. Within four years, he had a master’s license for small vessels and later served as a captain on interisland ships, working full-time for Inter-Island Steam Navigation after his graduation from high school. He served in the Navy during World War II and remained in the Naval Reserve until 1965, retiring with the rank of commander. He returned to InterIsland Steam Navigation, where by 1950 he had risen to the position of executive vice president. He then moved to Alhambra, Calif. in 1955 to become vice president and general manager of Pacific Cut Stone and Granite Co. former heads of the Defense Department’s U.S. Transportation Command, General Walter Kross, USA, and General Charles T. Robertson, USAF, each characterized the Jones Act as ‘a proven performer that supports both our nation’s military security and economic soundness.’ “During Operation Iraqi Freedom, U.S.-flag domestic operators, shipyards, and American seafarers from Jones Act ships Robert J. “Bobby” Pfeiffer into service in 1992. The only commercial vessel built in a U.S. shipyard since 1984, it was the last containership built for the Hawaiian trade in the 20th century and the last new build to enter the Matson fleet. (Since then, the SIU-crewed Manukai has joined the Matson fleet, to be followed in mid-2004 by the Maunawili.) His leadership skills also extended to charitable and community causes. Pfeiffer’s wife, Mary, whom he met in the Navy, died in 2002 after 57 years of marriage. He is survived by three daughters, a son, and nine grandchildren. Memorial services were held Oct. 16 in San Francisco. A new report by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) details the benefits unions provide for both unionized and unrepresented workers. Titled “How unions help all workers,” the report notes that employees with collective bargaining agreements have a substantial advantage over nonunion workers, as union wages are approximately 20 percent higher. Overall union compensation (wages and benefits) is about 28 percent higher. Unionized workers also are more likely to receive paid leave. They are up to 28 percent more likely to have employer-provided health insurance and up to 54 percent more likely to participate in an employer-provided pension plan, according to the study. “Unions are instrumental in establishing and enforcing an extensive array of labor laws, including protections that give workers unemployment insurance, Social Security, safety and health standards in the workplace, and extra pay for overtime,” the EPI noted when announcing the report. “Unions educate their members on their rights and protections under the law, and encourage them to exercise their rights and participate in programs that are open to them. When union members exercise their rights, unions act to limit employer reprisals, correct disinformation, provide resources to make a claim, and negotiate solutions to disputes on behalf of workers.” The EPI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research group based in Washington, D.C. The study points out that in unionized industries or regions, the better pay and benefits that unions have won for their members raises the standard that nonunion employers frequently follow. According to the report, “Generally, unions have set norms and established practices, like fringe benefits and grievance procedures, which have become widely accepted practice, thereby improving pay and working conditions for the entire workforce.” “The research evidence clearly shows that the labor protections enjoyed by America’s entire workforce can be attributed in large part to unions,” said EPI President Lawrence Mishel. Seafarers LOG 5 �20117_P1,2,4,6,18.qxd 10/23/2003 7:52 PM Page 6 SOCP Tackles ‘Short Sea Shipping’ The Short Sea Shipping initiative (SSS) and how it potentially will be impacted by ongoing maritime security practices took center stage of the agenda Oct. 7-8 during the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (SOCP) Conference at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Principal speakers during the program’s packed slate included U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William G. Schubert; Rear Adm. Thomas H. Gilmour, assistant commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, U.S. Coast Guard; and Raymond Barberesi of the U.S. Maritime Administration. SIU President Michael Sacco also was featured on the agenda. On day one of the program, he welcomed conference attendees to the Paul Hall Center on the occasion of their 10th anniversary meeting and congratulated the entire SOCP for its success in U.S. Coast Guard Captain Ernie Fink addresses the audience. promoting a strong U.S.-flag Merchant Marine. “As the name of your organization indicates,” President Sacco said, “cooperation throughout our industry is key. We’re all in this together.” Speaking specifically about the conference site and providing some background about its reputation, Sacco noted, “The Paul Hall Center is recognized as a model of labor-management cooperation. It (the school) is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when we work together…a great place for people to begin their careers as merchant mariners.” In addition to providing entrylevel training for merchant mariners, Sacco told conference attendees that the school is a hub where mariners can return to hone and expand their skills. “The school also is designed for continued vocational training, so students can come back and advance all the way from the entry ratings to becoming officers,” Sacco pointed out. “And we offer academic support, too. Students can earn a GED here at Piney Point…and receive college credits for many of our vocational classes, which are part of our degree-granting status for an Associate of Arts degree in Nautical Science or Marine Engineering.” Barberesi provided a detailed explanation on current and future cooperative efforts involving SSS, which aims to encourage cargo movements by water. After noting that the initiative became a SOCP is a private/public partnership formed 10 years ago to share resources and the application of technology to improve ship safety, training and other aspects of the maritime industry. ` Lakes Boatmen Get the Job Done SIU Port Agent Don Thornton recently met with SIU boatmen employed by Great Lakes Towing, including AB William Hermes (top photo) and Deckhand Steve Rodziczak (at left) aboard the tug Indiana in Green Bay, Wis. 6 Seafarers LOG SIU President Michael Sacco welcomes SOCP attendees for their conference in Piney Point, Md. focal point after Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta assumed his post, Barberesi told those in attendance that the SSS, which will increase water transportation while also easing truck highway congestion, also will: „ Result in lower surface transportation improvements and maintenance costs, „ Reduce the amount of hazardous materials moving on the nation’s surface system, „ Improve the overall security and safety of the nation’s transportation system and „ Create industry opportunities through the Jones Act and cabotage laws. Barberesi also stressed the importance of international cooperation, noting the necessity of working closely with the Canadian, Mexican and European communities. During a question and answer session following his presentation, Barberesi was asked how new and possibly confusing and/or conflicting SSS licensing requirements and federal regulations will be handled. His response was that he was not ex- pecting anything different from what we currently do. “I don’t think short sea shipping will necessitate the need for any new licensing or regulations.” On this issue of whether or not the trucking industry is opposing SSS, Barberesi said dialogue is the key. He noted that the more discussion that takes place, the more concerned parties would realize that the initiative would complement truckers’ interests. Admiral Gilmour addressed the impact of maritime security on SSS during his remarks and noted that “Safety and security are two sides of the same coin.” The admiral said numerous situations have presented themselves since 9/11 in which the Coast Guard had to make determinations whether issues were related to possible terrorist activities or safety concerns. “Ports and maritime are both valuable and vulnerable to terrorists attack,” he said while emphasizing that maritime security must be a global effort. Gilmour said it was critical that the Coast Guard continue its practices of dual inspections, which address both safety and security. “The task is daunting; failure is not an option,” he said. The admiral concluded his presentation by highlighting efforts to combat marine invasive species as well as current work on ballast water standards. Captain Schubert reaffirmed his commitment to the continued success of the SCOP and making SSS a reality. “While the Department of Transportation serves the nation as an advocate of safety and pioneers in transportation,” he said, “the SCOP plays an integral role in assisting DOT to improve the competitiveness of U.S. vessel operation. This in turn, leads to a more productive transportation network overall.” Schubert emphasized the importance of educating the nation’s youth about the vital role the maritime industry plays in the U.S. and outlined programs which his agency—along with the Departments of Labor and Education— are developing that are geared toward initiating merchant marine vocational training programs. “Within the Maritime Administration, with help from the U.S. Coast Guard, other federal agencies and the industry, I see programs developing that show much promise for serving the maritime community,” he said. At the top of the list, Schubert said, are workforce development and the Maritime Career initiatives that are either currently in the works or have been implemented over the past few years. Alaska Tanker Company President Anil Mathur (standing) discusses shipboard safety on the first day of the SOCP meetings. Pictured from the left at the table are Captain Tom Tomasovic, Captain Tom Bushy and Todd Ripley of MarAd. AFL-CIO Study Documents Wal-Mart’s ‘Race to the Bottom’ on Health Coverage Wal-Mart exemplifies the harmful trend among America’s large employers to shirk health insurance responsibilities at the cost of their workers and the community, according to a new report by the AFLCIO. With reduced coverage and increased workers’ premium fees, Wal-Mart—the largest private employer in the U.S.—sets a troubling standard, according to the federation. Fewer than half of WalMart workers are insured under the company plan (46 percent). This rate is dramatically lower than the 66 percent of workers at large private firms who are insured under their companies’ plans, according to a new Commonwealth Fund study released Oct. 21, which documents the growing trend among large employers to drop health insurance for their workers. Wal-Mart’s workers also pay an exceptionally large proportion of health plan coverage, the AFLCIO pointed out. The typical employee at large companies pays 16-25 percent of total health plan premiums, according to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation report. The AFL-CIO’s study reports that Wal-Mart requires its workers to make unusually large contributions to health care costs—42 percent of the total cost of the plan. “As 70,000 grocery store workers are on strike to keep affordable health care, Wal-Mart’s role as the force driving the race to the bottom in health care benefits has risen to center stage,” the federation said in a news release announcing the study. “The grocery store workers striking with the UFCW are taking a stand for all American working families who are being squeezed beyond their limits by our broken and inadequate health care system,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. “As WalMart continues to leech off communities, forcing taxpayers and workers to pick up health care costs, it does tremendous damage as it drives other companies to do the same.” While historically providing good health benefits to their employees, the supermarkets now argue that they must shift greater costs onto workers in order to counter the cutthroat competition they face from Wal-Mart. Workers who do not receive health coverage on the job and cannot afford the rising cost of private plans seek out health care from the public system, or go without, according to both studies. “This downward spiral translates into even greater demands on public health care programs, and ultimately our nation must find a policy and legislative solution to take this burden off working families and communities,” said Gerald Shea, the AFL-CIO’s director of governmental affairs. Shea pointed out that the state of California recently passed a health care bill that mandates employers to cover their employees. “This policy attempts to end the cost shifting onto its public health care system by employers. Federal policy to moderate rising costs of private health care is also needed,” Shea said. November 2003 �20117_P3,5,7,15,16,17.qxd 10/23/2003 8:29 PM Page 7 New Matson Ship Arrives in Hawaii The Seafarers-crewed containership Manukai arrived last month in Honolulu on its inaugural voyage. Matson Navigation Company’s new 712-foot vessel is the first new containership built for Hawaii in the 21st century and is the first new build to enter the Matson fleet since the R.J. Pfeiffer in 1992. The ship has the capacity to carry 2,600 containers and will be deployed in the company’s Hawaii service between Long Beach, Calif. and Honolulu. The Manukai is the first of two new Matson containerships being built at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc. The second vessel, the Maunawili, is scheduled to be delivered in mid-2004. Bosun Mike Wittenberg sailed on the Manukai when it was brought out of the yard. “We just took it down the Delaware River, up and down the East Coast. Went as far south as mouth of Chesapeake, as far north as north Jersey,” he noted. “It’s brand new, of course, so it’s nice and clean, with beautiful staterooms.” Wittenberg pointed out that because of the ship’s newness, crew members had a very full schedule in preparing it to sail. “First, we had to prove to the Coast Guard that we could handle any situation—fire drills, things like that,” the bosun stated. “All that equipment was new, so we had to get everything organized —fire fighting gear, oxygen tanks. They were still in the original boxes. We had to get everything out and test it. We had to put up a lot signs, too. “The cargo holds had to be painted, and the Coast Guard spent a lot of time with me testing the anchors,” he continued. “Top to bottom, it was a lot of work. The crew was very cooperative.” The vessel is equipped with enough generator capacity to support the refrigerated container requirements of the Hawaii trade. Other features include a fuel-efficient diesel engine, modern shipboard technology and a number of environmentally friendly design elements. Crew members sailing aboard the Manukai during sea trials included (from left) AB Troy Mack, Chief Cook Hazel Johnson, SA Ali Alnassiry, Chief Steward Kris Hopkins, AB Daniel Cruz, Bosun Mike Wittenberg, SA Erik Marlowe and SA Wilson Peniston. With Seafarers on the Atlantic Forest Pictured below are SIU members who were part of the first crew that sailed Waterman’s Atlantic Forest from Russia to the U.S. after the ship reflagged American. The Atlantic Forest is a LASH vessel. Kvaerner Philadelphia is building a second new ship for Matson, due in mid-2004. CC Gerardo Frederick AB Armando Medina QMED Robert Scrivens CE Frank Quebedeaux Bosun Burlin Pinion and AB Finn Jacobson GUDE Wayne Watts BREC Eugene Grantham 2 More RRF Ships Complete Exercise U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert in late September announced that two Seafarers-crewed Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships successfully completed readiness activation exercises. The two activated ships were the Flickertail State and the Cornhusker State, both berthed in Newport News, Va. and operated by Interocean Ugland Management. Schubert said, “Readiness exercises such as these keep our ships in shape to provide the support our armed forces need. Forty ships of the RRF provided sealift for the Iraqi conflict, and they had an operational reliability record of 98 percent. Success like that comes with practice.” “Turbo Activations,” sponsored and monitored by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the U.S. A 22-year member of the SIU, Bosun Mike Wittenberg helped bring the new vessel out of the shipyard. Transportation Command, are made without notice. During an exercise, RRF ships are directed to shift from a reduced operating status to a fully crewed status, with the quarters made habitable and cargo gear ready, within four or five days. Activations are often followed immediately by a sea trial. The Flickertail State and the Cornhusker State were successfully prepared for delivery to the U.S. Military Sealift Command well within their readiness time frames. They were supposed to be ready in five days but in fact were ready in four days, 23 hours and 50 minutes, according to MarAd. The two vessels are auxiliary crane ships used to carry cargo. In addition, they can be used to load and unload other ships anywhere in the world and are particularly useful when port facilities have been damaged. MarAd maintains the RRF, which is a fleet of 68 militarily useful ships. This fleet, located throughout the country, is maintained in a reserve status in the event that the Department of Defense needs these ships to support the rapid, massive movement of military supplies and troops for a military exercise or large-scale conflict. The Flickertail State (right) and Cornhusker State (left) are part of the RRF—a civilian-crewed fleet that helped supply U.S. troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom. November 2003 Seafarers LOG 7 �20117_P8_14,19-24.qxd 10/24/2003 7:25 AM Page 8 Phase 2: An Invaluable Experience With assistance from Chief Steward James Willey (left), Unlicensed Apprentice Michael Henry learns how to retrieve recipes from the computer and prepare a menu. The Unlicensed Apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. is based on the philosophy that every new person coming into the maritime industry needs certain basic skills and knowledge. It consists of three phases of instruction. The first is a 12-week vocational curriculum focusing on maritime organization, basic seamanship, emergency action and social responsibility. Phase 2 involves 12 weeks of actual training aboard ship, serving in each department (deck, engine and steward) for four weeks. The apprentice then returns to the Paul Hall Center for the third phase, which consists of specific training based on the student’s choice of departments. Take Michael Henry, for example. A graduate of unlicensed apprentice class 641, Henry recently completed his Phase 2 training aboard the Overseas Joyce. The photos on this page show Henry during his rotation in the steward department—learning the ropes by studying, listening and on-the job training with help from more seasoned crew members. . . . checking the proper temperature of a pork roast. . . . practicing his stir-fry technique. . . . cleaning a shower under the watchful eyes of GSU Hernan Sanga. After watching Chief Cook Julito Crodua make pizza dough (above), Michael Henry tries his hand at it (below). Left: In his spare time, Michael Henry takes time to study a cookbook about spices, seasonings and cooking terms. Decorated birthday cakes are a great morale builder aboard ship. Here, Michael Henry gets pointers from Chief Steward James Willey on frosting a cake. Left: GSU Hernan Sanga (right) observes the young trainee as he perfects his hospital corners. Eating Well on the Overseas Joyce Chief Steward James Willey is famous for his decorated birthday cakes which he recently presented to celebrants (from left) AB Anton Tunjic, AB Anthony Antonio and Electrician Anton Popescu. 8 Seafarers LOG Steward/Baker Jack Hart shows off one of his specialities—baked flounder stuffed with shrimp and crabmeat. November 2003 �20117_P8_14,19-24.qxd 10/24/2003 7:26 AM Page 9 ABOARD THE RHODE ISLAND: (from left) AB John Carr and the crew of the tanker Rhode Island take lifeboat drills very seriously; Readying the stern lines in Sicily are AB John Mensah, AB John Carr and 3rd Mate Kelvin Eagleton; Chief Cook Gloria Baker and Chief Steward W. H. Watson III make final preparations for dinner aboard ship. Seafarers at Sea and Ashore SIU member Rafael Alvarez (below) writes a column reviewing books about the sea for Professional Mariner magazine. Anyone with suggestions on books to be reviewed—classics or brand new, fiction or non-fiction—is welcome to contact Brother Alvarez at (410) 327-5254 or through r@alvarezfiction.com Newly retired Seafarer Jake Joyce (center) picked up his first pension check during the October membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Joyce joined the union in 1960 in Philadelphia and spent his whole career sailing in the inland division, most recently as a tugboat captain for McAllister. He also served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. A frequent upgrader who was one of the first Seafarers to earn a license through the Paul Hall Center, Joyce lives in Philadelphia. He was greeted at the membership meeting by (from left) SIU Executive VP John Fay, SIU President Mike Sacco, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Seafarers aboard the USSM vessel Developer helped the vessel earn U.S. Ship Management’s “Best in Fleet” award for 2003. AB Kadir Amat (third from left, with other Seafarers) sent this photo to the LOG. The deck department gang on the Major Stephen W. Pless pose on deck for a group photo. Standing (from left) are AB Harold Dome, AB Ed Huntley, AB Ed Sosa, AB Paul Laborde and AB Alton Glapion. Seated (from left) are Bosun Robert “Red” Hagood and AB Curtis Newman. Steward department members aboard the Capt. Steven L. Bennett put out some great food. They include SA Charlie Drumm, Chief Steward Gary Favalora and Chief Cook Curtis Pollard. Seafarers were busy when the Gus Darnell pulled into the port of Norfolk. From the left are AB Adolofo Majica, AB Joe Merriweather, Recertified Bosun Stanley Daranda, QEP Todd Moreland and AB William Dukes. Steward department members on the Gus Darnell include (from left) SA Eddie Urbina, SA Rafael Borja and Steward/Baker Exxl Ronquillo. Right: After earning the chief steward’s position aboard the Rhode Island, W.H. Watson III was presented with a certificate of excellence by Captain R. Cook (left) and Chief Mate S. Marchant. November 2003 The Major Stephen W. Pless recently held a payoff at the Atlantic Marine Shipyard in Mobile, Ala. Those responsible for some of the great meals and service aboard ship include (from left) Steward Mike Pabon, SA Robert Weeks, Chief Cook Linda McPhetridge, Third Cook Fred Gilbert and BR Phillip Parisi. Seafarers LOG 9 �20117_P8_14,19-24.qxd 10/24/2003 7:26 AM Page 10 Snapshots from The Great Lakes AB Charles Lamb hoses down the cargo hold of the Adam E. Cornelius at the Ajax Stone Dock in River Rouge, Mich. Abdul Said is the gateman on the American Mariner, which was in Essexville, Mich. when this photo was taken. Left: Operating the boom on the American Mariner is AB Art Beauchamp. Second Cook Carolene Vitek (left) and Bosun Charles Neigebauer complete paperwork during a servicing visit to the St. Clair at the DTE energy plant in St. Clair, Mich. DEU Christopher Mermuys rows the workboat to shore to pick up Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak and Patrolman Chad Partridge so they can board and service the Adam E. Cornelius in River Rouge, Mich. Filling out some forms in the galley of the Adam E. Cornelius are Second Cook Marine Lawrence (left) and SA Steve Lukowski. Bosun Al Brzezinski operates the hatch crane aboard the American Mariner. Crane Training Aboard Regulus Seafarers and members of the American Maritime Officers recently completed crane operations training aboard the USNS Regulus in Norfolk, Va. Paul Hall Center instructor Greg Thompson conducted the course Oct. 68 aboard the fast sealift ship. Crew members from the USNS Denebola (operated by AMSEA, as is the Regulus) also completed the training. The following mariners (most are pictured above, on the Regulus) finished the course: Bosun Larry Ambrous, Bosun Francisco Bravo, AB Josephus Willis, AB Rafael Clemente, OS Gary White, OS J. Smith, Electrician Ken Ennenga, Second Engineer Rick Pritchard and Third Engineer George Eldemire. 10 Seafarers LOG November 2003 �20117_P8_14,19-24.qxd 10/24/2003 7:27 AM Page 11 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, EIN 51-6097856, Plan No. 001, for the period January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $1,227,712. These expenses included $218,684 in administrative expenses and $1,009,028 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 1,078 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 $8,507,070 as of December 31, 2002, compared to $9,758,591 as of January 1, 2002. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $1,251,521. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a negative income of $(23,809) including realized loss of $(184,274) from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $384,856 and unrealized depreciation of assets of $(224,391). 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) Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 4) Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan; and 5) Financial information and information on payments to service providers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees of MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $6.00 for the full annual report or 15 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 (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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN This is a summary of the annual report of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, EIN 13-5557534, Plan No. 501, for the period January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Board of Trustees has committed itself to pay all claims incurred under the terms of the plan. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $11,397,458 as of December 31, 2002, compared to $19,670,283 as of January 1, 2002. During the plan year the plan experienced an decrease in its net assets of $8,272,825. This decrease 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 $59,500,353 including employer contributions of $58,023,561, realized gain of $75,076 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $968,768, other income of $72,530, and unrealized appreciation of assets of $360,418. Plan expenses were $67,773,178. These expenses included $5,982,176 in administrative expenses and $61,791,002 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. You 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) Transaction in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and 4) Financial information and information on payments to service providers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.15 for the full annual report, or 15 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 the 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 (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. Request to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, N1513, Employee Benefits Security 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 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $627,910. These expenses included $217,944 in administrative expenses and $409,966 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 10,810 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 $16,163,494, as of December 31, 2002, compared to $13,723,415 as of January 1, 2002. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $2,440,079. 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 assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $3,067,989 including employer contributions of $3,807,803, employee contributions of $59,744, earnings from investments of $325,870 and unrealized (depreciation) of assets of $(1,125,428). Your Rights to Additional Information You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual November 2003 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 the plan assets; and 4) Financial information and information on payments to service providers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call Board of Trustees of Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.25 for the full annual report or 15 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 at 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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR GREAT LAKES TUG & DREDGE PENSION PLAN 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, 2002 through December 31, 2002. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $1,433,580. These expenses included $231,267 in administrative expenses and $1,202,313 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 264 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 $22,634,736, as of December 31, 2002, compared to $24,217,068 as of January 1, 2002. During the plan year the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $(1,582,332). This decrease 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 negative income of $(148,752) including employer contributions of $140,740, realized losses of $(808,854) from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $921,050, unrealized depreciation of assets of $(401,688). 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) Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 4) Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan; and 5) Financial information and information on payments to service providers. 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 charge to cover copying costs will be $4.20 for the full annual report or 15 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 (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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20210. Apply Now for Scholarship Students are facing doubledigit tuition increases at some colleges and universities this fall, and those figures are expected to continue to rise in the coming years. Financial aid is not easy to get, and many students who are able to secure a loan must eventually repay the sum. As in past years, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is offering eight scholarships to Seafarers and their spouses and dependent children to help offset the rising tuition rates. Three of the scholarships for 2004 are reserved for SIU members. One of those is in the amount of $20,000 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 community college or vocational school. The other five scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. The deadline for submitting the application and other required paperwork is April 15, 2004. That leaves five months from now in which to send away for the program booklet and start working on collecting the items needed for inclusion with the application (such as transcripts, certificates of graduation, letters of recommendation, a photograph and certified copy of birth certificate). Applicants should also arrange to take either the SAT or ACT no later than February 2004 in order to ensure the results reach the selection committee in time to be evaluated. Anyone who truly wants to continue his or her education beyond the high school level should be able to do so—and the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is trying to help. Apply now! P lease send me the 2004 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______________________________ This application is for: † Self † Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 11/03 Seafarers LOG 11 �20117_P8_14,19-24.qxd 10/27/2003 10:48 AM Page 12 ` Jobs, J S SIU Fleet Makes A R I D s 2003 nears its end, the SIU steadily keeps adding to its fleet of contracted vessels. That has been the case throughout the year, although the union’s progress in securing work aboard new and newly contracted ships was justifiably overshadowed by the role Seafarers played in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Still, SIU members say they’ve noticed the gains. Since January, the union has welcomed no fewer than 15 new vessels, including a passenger ferry. Some are outright additions to the Seafarers-contracted fleet, while others signify renewed or extended contracts or replacement tonnage. But the most important common attribute among the new ships is that they represent job opportunities for SIU members. “It’s wonderful,” said AB Arnaldo Avila at the SIU hall in New Orleans. “The union has a job for each member, and I know the officials are looking out for us. They’ve done an excellent job.” At the union hall in Tacoma, Wash., QMED Jason Powell pointed out an additional benefit to the newer vessels. “I took the Midnight Sun out of the yard, and I’d say the newer ships offer a better atmosphere, better accommodations,” he said. “People were happy to be on a new ship, learning new things.” AB/Oiler James Buckowski, speaking in the Norfolk, Va. hall, observed, “We’re gaining a lot of jobs and a lot of ships. It’s awesome. Mr. (Mike) Sacco and all the other leaders of the union are doing a damn good job. “I also think that the gains show SPAD works,” Buckowski added, referring to the union’s voluntary political action fund. In January, Seafarers and SIU officials in c Honolulu took part in a ceremony tended a strong year for the union comed Transoceanic Cable Ship built Tyco Dependable, a 495-foo based in Hawaii. A new sister ship, the Tyco De entered service a few months late Also early in the year, the SIU Government Services Division g when the National Oceanic and A Administration (NOAA) commis former U.S. Navy ship Oscar E. Honolulu. The ship will help ass tect the region’s fisheries and liv resources for NOAA. Even as thousands of Seafarer U.S. mariners sailed in support o who ultimately toppled Saddam regime, the union also upheld its to protect the jobs and job securi membership as well as fulfill its cial sector. Before spring arrived aboard TOTE’s new trailership M Keystone’s newly added tanker D Additionally, Alaska Tanker C ing for the Alaskan Frontier, the tankers being built for ATC on th Interesting possibilities for job sector surfaced with Norwegian in April that it had purchased the S.S. Independence—the latter cre Seafarers. The company said it p to a state-of-the-art cruise ship an U.S.-flag fleet. The potential add a fifth vessel in NCL’s U.S.-flag by the company. Summertime sa TOTE christened t sister ship to the M new ships is 840 fe capable of carrying 53 feet in length. T marine technologie Tacoma to Anchor New vessels we boatmen at Starligh voted to join the un Buffalo Industrial D The Delaware R second SIU-contra RiverLink service Camden, N.J. The McGovern Marine crew and needs six ries its maximum n It is more modern a J P 12 Seafarers LOG November 2003 �20117_P8_14,19-24.qxd 10/27/2003 10:48 AM Page 13 Jobs, Jobs! R s Great Gains in 2003 mony that porunion. They welShip Co.’s newly 95-foot vessel F co Decisive, hs later. e SIU’s ion gained jobs and Atmospheric mmissioned the ar E. Sette in p assess and prond living marine afarers and other port of U.S. troops dam Hussein’s ld its commitment ecurity of the ll its obligations in the commerrived, Seafarers were sailing hip Midnight Sun and on nker Delaware Trader. ker Co. announced the keel layr, the first of four double-hull on the West Coast. or job opportunities in the cruise gian Cruise Line’s announcement d the S.S. United States and the er crewed for many years by d it plans to convert “The Big U” hip and add her to its planned l addition of the Independence as -flag operation is being evaluated ny. me saw continued good news as ned the new RO/RO North Star, the Midnight Sun. Each of the two 840 feet long, 118 feet wide and rrying highway trailers as large as gth. They employ the latest in ologies and sail in TOTE’s chorage service. ls weren’t the only additions, as arlight Marine in San Francisco the union, as did mariners at trial Diving Company. are River Port Authority added a ontracted passenger ferry to its vice between Philadelphia and The Freedom ferry, operated by arine, has a minimum four-man ds six crew members when it carmum number of passengers (600). dern and better equipped than its D predecessor. Also during the summer months, Matson christened the containership Manukai at Kvaerner Philadelphia. The Manukai is 712 feet long and can carry 2,600 containers. It’s part of a two-ship contract between the company and the shipyard. The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) accepted delivery of the USNS Benavidez, part of the Bob Hope class of LMSRs which proved so valuable during the war. Built at Avondale Shipyard, the Benavidez is 950 feet long. Seafarers also gained or maintained jobs on the Observation Island, MSC’s lone missile range instrumentation ship; the MV Virginian, a 480-foot freighter; and the 688-foot Chemical Pioneer, which features 48 cargo tanks. There has been no letup in the fall. The Government Services Division again welcomed new jobs recently as the USS Rainier transferred to MSC from the Navy. It’s the third of four Navy supply class fast combat support ships to leave commissioned service “for an even more active role” with MSC. The new double-hulled barge 550-3, companion to Intrepid’s tug Ocean Reliance, was christened in Washington. IUM’s long-term charter of the Great Land in Hawaii signaled an extension for the Ponce-class vessel and continued employment for Seafarers. E S At the end of last month, Seafarers and SIU officials participated in the christening of the new car carrier Freedom in Baltimore. S B November 2003 Seafarers LOG 13 �20117_P8_14,19-24.qxd 10/24/2003 7:27 AM Page 14 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR WELFARE FUND OF THE NMU PENSION AND WELFARE PLAN This is a summary of the annual report of the Welfare Fund of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, EIN 13-6700827, Plan No. 501, for the period January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) Insurance Information The plan has contracts with Connecticut General Life Insurance Company to pay medical claims incurred under the terms of the plan. The total premiums paid for the plan year ending December 31, 2002 were $481,186. Because they are so-called “experience-rated” contracts, the premium costs are affected by, among other things, the number and size of claims. Of the total insurance premiums paid for the plan year ending December 31, 2002, the premiums paid under such “experience-rated” contracts were $470,798 and the total of all benefit claims paid under these “experience-rated” contracts during the plan year was $315,440. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $13,512,967 as of December 31, 2002, compared to $21,694,222 as of January 1, 2002. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $8,181,255. This decrease 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 $7,461,514 including employer contributions of $6,126,687, realized gains of $274,725 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $1,056,570. Plan expenses were $11,145,172. These expenses included $1,636,979 in administrative expenses and $9,508,193 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, SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR NMU PENSION TRUST OF THE NMU PENSION AND WELFARE PLAN or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: 1. an accountant’s report; 2. financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. assets held for investment; 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; and 5. insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write the office of the administrator: Mr. William Dennis, Board of Trustees of Welfare Fund of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; or telephone (212) 337-4900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.80 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 Welfare Fund of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001) 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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR NMU PENSION PLAN AND ANNUITY PLAN 401K PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the NMU Pension Plan and Annuity Plan 401K Plan, EIN 13-6592643, Plan No. 002, for the period January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through insurance and through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $266,525. These expenses included $266,525 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 1,063 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 $2,331,419 as of December 31, 2002, compared to $2,571,889 as of January 1, 2002. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $240,470. This decrease 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 $26,055 including employee contributions of $358,070 and earnings from investments of $(348,175). 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. financial information; 3. assets held for investment; 4. insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 5. information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write the office of the administrator: Mr. William Dennis, Board of Trustees of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plans, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; or telephone (212) 337-4900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $1.90 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 NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001) 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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. NMU SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS 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. financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. assets held for investment; 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 5. insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; 6. information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates; and 7. actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write the office of the administrator: Mr. William Dennis, Board of Trustees of NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; or telephone (212) 3374900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $8.30 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 NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001) 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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. This is a summary of the annual report of the NMU Vacation Plan, EIN 13-6700828, Plan No. 501, for the period January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 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 $2,103,859 as of December 31, 2002, compared to $1,463,692 as of January 1, 2002. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $640,167. 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 $6,826,332 including employee contributions of $6,771,349 and earnings from investments of $54,983. Plan expenses were $6,186,165. These expenses included $707,553 in administrative expenses and $5,478,612 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. financial information and information on payments to HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. Seafarers LOG Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $34,693,050. These expenses included $2,574,251 in administrative expenses and $32,118,799 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 9,728 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 $322,332,229 as of December 31, 2002, compared to $357,980,940 as of January 1, 2002. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $35,648,711. This decrease 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 $(955,661) including employer contributions of $938,959, realized losses of $10,728,719 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $7,982.189. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR NMU VACATION PLAN IMPORTANT NOTICE SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE 14 This is a summary of the annual report for the NMU Pension Trust of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, EIN 13-6592643, Plan No. 001, for the period January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) service providers; 3. assets held for investment; 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write the office of the administrator: Mr. William Dennis, Board of Trustees of the NMU Vacation Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; or telephone (212) 337-4900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.20 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 of the NMU Vacation Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001) 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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 November 2003 �20117_P3,5,7,15,16,17.qxd 10/23/2003 8:30 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea SEPTEMBER 16 — OCTOBER 15, 2003 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 4 0 10 31 29 11 15 25 13 7 0 7 15 0 26 20 214 2 4 3 6 19 32 7 16 20 16 2 12 6 9 7 23 12 196 1 3 4 1 19 10 2 10 12 10 0 7 1 1 4 12 12 109 3 9 1 6 23 24 10 10 20 5 2 1 7 16 0 20 18 175 1 2 2 5 15 17 5 7 12 11 1 8 4 4 6 16 10 126 0 4 1 0 5 4 2 2 2 3 0 2 2 2 2 9 5 45 1 3 0 3 7 13 5 1 6 3 0 0 5 5 1 12 8 73 1 3 1 14 45 56 17 36 48 26 11 2 10 37 4 55 32 398 2 7 6 11 19 43 14 28 37 29 2 13 16 19 3 32 33 314 3 3 5 4 30 24 5 21 24 11 4 7 1 6 7 30 28 213 1 2 0 4 1 5 3 0 1 1 0 1 0 6 2 10 2 39 0 12 2 10 23 32 10 17 21 12 7 2 5 18 1 25 9 206 1 3 1 13 13 30 6 15 14 18 6 7 1 13 6 24 15 186 2 3 2 3 18 14 2 8 12 5 1 3 1 3 1 8 11 97 0 0 0 3 4 7 0 2 5 2 1 0 1 6 0 7 5 43 1 5 1 15 28 25 7 18 26 14 4 6 0 47 1 26 32 256 0 1 2 8 7 8 9 5 9 14 1 10 1 7 1 4 8 95 0 0 0 2 3 4 2 3 7 9 0 1 0 1 1 7 2 42 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 8 1 7 14 24 8 7 11 4 5 3 5 7 3 13 8 128 2 1 0 8 5 14 5 10 9 8 2 5 1 8 2 11 10 101 1 2 2 2 7 5 1 3 4 5 0 2 2 2 1 3 6 48 1 2 0 14 17 10 6 9 13 5 2 3 0 26 0 21 18 147 0 1 0 4 2 8 7 3 5 10 2 5 1 4 0 1 5 58 0 1 0 1 0 3 3 0 5 5 0 2 0 0 0 4 2 26 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs 0 3 0 6 10 14 6 3 4 4 3 3 2 4 3 13 6 84 1 3 1 4 2 10 6 4 8 10 0 0 0 5 1 8 7 70 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 2 1 1 0 12 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port 0 2 1 8 10 12 2 5 12 8 2 2 0 13 2 17 13 109 0 1 0 0 0 6 3 3 1 11 1 0 2 4 0 2 2 36 0 1 0 1 0 2 1 1 3 5 0 1 2 0 0 0 2 19 Piney Point .............Monday: December 8, January 5 Algonac ..................Friday: December 12, January 9 Baltimore ................Thursday: December 11, January 8 Boston.....................Friday: December 12, January 9 Duluth .....................Wednesday: December 17, January 14 Guam ......................Friday: December 26* ................................Thursday: January 22 ................................*(change created by Christmas holiday) Honolulu .................Friday: December 19, January 16 Houston ..................Monday: December 15, January 12 Jacksonville ............Thursday: December 11, January 8 Joliet .......................Thursday: December 18, January 15 Mobile ....................Wednesday: December 17, January 14 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: December 23, January 20 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: December 16, January 13 New York................Tuesday: December 9, January 6 Norfolk ...................Thursday: December 11, January 8 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: December 10, January 7 Port Everglades.......Thursday: December 18, January 15 San Francisco .........Thursday: December 18, January 15 San Juan..................Thursday: December 11, January 8 St. Louis..................Friday: December 19, January 16 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 10 4 2 1 0 2 1 0 0 1 4 0 9 3 37 0 0 2 6 19 24 1 6 30 9 0 13 1 10 1 23 10 155 1 3 1 6 15 20 2 4 25 4 0 28 3 7 1 17 12 149 0 0 0 3 3 4 1 1 6 0 0 0 3 4 0 5 1 31 0 0 1 4 10 13 2 6 17 7 0 4 2 3 1 12 3 85 0 1 1 4 1 11 0 2 6 4 1 17 1 5 0 3 1 58 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 4 3 0 1 4 1 1 0 1 5 0 8 6 46 2 1 3 22 29 37 5 10 45 11 1 18 4 23 1 31 17 260 3 3 1 13 37 39 4 15 55 10 1 17 2 12 2 37 26 277 Totals All Departments 526 510 332 399 317 134 155 906 855 629 *“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 2003 December 2003 & January 2004 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Tacoma ...................Friday: December 26, January 23 Wilmington ...............Monday: December 22 ................................Tuesday: January 20* ................................*(change created by Martin Luther King holiday) ................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH BETTY SMITH Betty Smith, who recently retired from the Paul Hall Center, would like keep in touch with the membership. Anyone wishing to write her may send their letters to Betty Smith, P.O. Box 314, Piney Point, MD 20674. LOUIS MASTROTOTARO JR. Please contact Louis Sr. at (702) 658-9983. Todd and the Teddy Bear Eric Manley and his wife, Noime, are the proud parents of their first born son, Todd Eric (who is about the same size as his teddy bear). Born Aug. 20 in Silverdale, Wash., Todd weighed in at 7 lbs. 11 oz. and was 21 inches long. Manley is working as chief steward on board the Green Mountain State. Seafarers LOG 15 �20117_P3,5,7,15,16,17.qxd 10/23/2003 8:30 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report SEPTEMBER 16 — OCTOBER 15, 2003 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 0 5 3 7 10 1 1 7 34 0 1 3 2 1 0 1 3 11 0 2 2 5 0 0 0 5 14 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 2 3 1 0 0 2 8 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 5 0 7 8 2 13 0 0 3 33 0 28 17 17 47 3 17 22 151 0 4 3 2 11 0 10 7 37 0 14 6 12 11 0 9 3 55 0 1 1 0 5 1 0 0 8 0 14 11 7 19 3 10 9 73 0 4 6 1 8 0 7 4 30 0 23 15 9 15 0 3 0 65 1 3 1 0 3 0 0 1 9 0 7 9 9 17 5 2 9 58 1 3 1 4 8 0 5 4 26 0 7 10 4 10 0 1 2 34 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 2 3 4 2 1 2 5 19 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 4 0 1 6 2 0 0 0 1 10 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 4 4 7 11 3 3 10 42 0 3 2 5 6 0 2 2 20 0 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 2 4 3 1 4 17 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 4 7 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 2 5 Port 0 3 2 3 8 0 0 2 18 0 1 0 2 2 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 ENTRY DEPARTMENT NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Totals All Departments 70 22 32 80 19 9 52 282 93 157 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Seafarers LOG PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the LOG by Lloyd “Doug” Richardson, 82, the oldest active Seafarer in the SIU. He is registered for employment in the port of Norfolk, Va. The photos were taken in 1948 aboard the Anna Dickinson, which was en route to Korea. Richardson has been sailing for 67 years, having begun his career at 15 aboard tugs and barges hauling coal along the East Coast. His deep sea career commenced when he was 22 years old, sailing as an OS aboard the Alexander G. Bell. His last tour of duty was as an AB aboard the SPC5 Eric G. Gibson. When asked what prompted him to go to sea, Richardson replied, “I love the water.” When asked why he continues to sail, he said, “It’s all I know.” 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. November 2003 �20117_P3,5,7,15,16,17.qxd 10/23/2003 8:31 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA MOHAMED ABOBAKER, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1979. His first ship was the Cape Mohican. Brother Abobaker sailed in the engine department and enhanced his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. in 1986. He last went to sea on the Sea-Land Producer. Brother Abobaker makes his home in Malla Aden, Yemen. SAIF AZOOKARI, 64, hails from Yemen. He started his SIU career in 1966 in Detroit. A member of the deck department, Brother Azookari worked in the deep sea as well as Great Lakes divisions. His final vessel was the Kinsman Enterprise. Brother Azookari lives in his native country. SEBASTIAN BERMUDEZ, 65, joined the SIU in 1967 in New Orleans. His initial trip was aboard the Transhudson. Brother Bermudez worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Liberty Wave. New Orleans is his home. JOHN G. BRIGGS, 65, initiated his SIU career in 1970 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Virginia, Brother Briggs shipped in the steward department. He enhanced his skills in 1983 at the Seafarers training school. Brother Briggs’ last ship was the USNS Prevail. He calls Clinton, N.C. home. ARMANDO BUSTAMANTE, 66, began his career with the SIU in 1990 in the port of Honolulu. Brother Bustamante’s first ship was the S.S. Independence. Born in the Philippines, he sailed in the steward department. Brother Bustamante lives in San Leandro, Calif. He last went to sea on the Maersk Arizona. SALVADOR CORDERO, 65, was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Cordero joined the ranks of the SIU in 1969 in the port of New York. He first worked aboard the American Pride. The deck department member enhanced his skills in 1975 and 1976 at the Seafarers training school. Brother Cordero makes his home in Rome, N.Y. He last worked aboard the Pride of Texas. ROBERT CASTILLO, 59, joined the SIU in 1978 in the port November 2003 of New York. His first voyage was aboard the Cantigny, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. Born in Chile, Brother Castillo sailed in the steward department. He upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., including in 1993 when he completed steward recertification training. Brother Castillo makes his home in San Francisco. He last went to sea aboard the SeaLand Developer. ROBERTO FELICIANO, 57, joined the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard Mayflower Steamship Corp’s Mayflower. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Feliciano sailed in the deck department. He upgraded his skills in 2000 at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Feliciano resides in his native commonwealth. He last sailed on the Horizon Discovery. NORMAN J. FOX JR., 64, commenced his career with the SIU in 1960 in Detroit. Brother Fox worked in both the deep sea and Great Lakes divisions during his career. He initially went to sea aboard A.H Bull’s Edith. Born in Ohio, he worked in the engine department. Brother Fox last sailed aboard the J.J. Boland. EDWARD GOOCH, 64, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1967 in Seattle. Brother Gooch was born in the Philippines and worked in the deck department. A resident of Seattle, he last worked on the Northern Lights. BLANTON JACKSON, 64, hails from Marion, S.C. He started his career with the SIU in 1963 in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was the Fanwood, a Waterman Steamship vessel. The Knoxville, Tenn. resident sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Jackson last went to sea on Westchester Marine’s Ultramax. LINDMORE KUBECKA, 65, began his career with the Seafarers in 1954 in the port of New York. The Baltimore-born mariner initially sailed on the Santore, an Ore Navigation Corp. vessel. Brother Kubecka sailed in the engine department and makes his home in Baltimore. THEODORE KUBECKA, 65, started his SIU career in 1954 in the port of New York. Brother Kubecka first sailed on the President Taylor. Born in Baltimore, he shipped in the engine department. Brother Kubecka makes his home in Baltimore. MELVIN LAYNER, 55, joined the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Layner’s first ship was the Sea-Land Pacer. Born in Parkersburg, W.Va., he shipped in the engine department. He upgraded his skills on four separate occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Layner last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Patriot. He resides in his native state. JAMES M. NOLAN, 57, began his SIU career in 1974 in San Francisco. Brother Nolan first went to sea on the Santa Magdalena, a Delta Steamship Lines vessel. He worked in the steward department and enhanced his skills on four separate occa- sions at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Nolan calls Tacoma, Wash. home. He last worked on the Kauai, a Matson Navigation Co. vessel. THOMAS SCHROEDER, 70, joined the SIU in 1982 in the port of Honolulu after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Schroeder’s first ship was the S.S. Independence. He worked in the engine as well as deck departments during his career and last went to sea aboard the Horizon Kodiak. Born in Hawaii, Brother Schroeder now calls Tacoma, Wash. home. GARY D. SMITH, 64, started his seafaring career in 1967 in San Francisco after serving in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Coast Guard. The deck department member makes his home in Paradise, Calif. He last went to sea aboard the Horizon Navigator. INLAND KENNETH ALBAUGH, 62, launched his career with the SIU in 1968 in the port of Philadelphia after serving in the U.S. Army. The Pennsylvania-born mariner sailed in the deck department. Boatman Albaugh is a resident of Cherry Hill, N.J. FLOYD BERTRAND, 62, began his SIU career in 1996 in the port of Houston. Boatman Bertrand worked primarily aboard Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1951 After many months of building preparations, the SIU moved into its new headquarters over the weekend of November 17. The building at 675 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 members assisting…. It is only a little more than seven years since the move from the small and dingy office at 2 Stone Street near South Ferry in downtown New York which used to house the headquarters of the union. vessels operated by Higman Barge Lines. The Louisiana-born mariner shipped in the deck department as a captain. He makes his home in Lake Arthur, La. RICHARD L. BLOODSWORTH, 49, joined the Seafarers in 1972 in the port of Philadelphia. The deck department member upgraded his skills on three occasions at the Piney Point, Md. training facility. Boatman Bloodsworth is a resident of Princess Anne, Md. IVEY BROWN, 63, was born in Panama City, Fla. He commenced his SIU vocation in 1975 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Boatman Brown worked in the inland as well as deep sea divisions during his career, first working on Delta Steamship Lines’ Del Monte. The deck department member upgraded his skills on six occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Brown last worked on a Maritrans operated vessel. He lives in Youngstown, Fla. GREAT LAKES JAMES FISHER, 61, hails from Toledo, Ohio. He joined the SIU in 1979 in the Port of Algonac, Mich. after serving in the U.S. Army. The deck department member honed his skills in 1995 when he upgraded at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Fisher still liqves in Ohio and was last employed aboard a Higman Barge Lines vessel. 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. This Month In SIU History 1962 The latest in a series of important advances to assure all Seafarers the best possible food and food service aboard ship is now under way at SIU headquarters with the launching of a new refresher school for SIU chief stewards as part 1989 Four officials of the independent trade union Solidarity (Solidarnosc in Polish) looked to the SIU and the Lundeberg School for ideas that can be adapted in Poland. The Polish trade unionists were brought to the United States last month as guests of the AFL-CIO, the federation of national and international unions in the United States. In a meeting with SIU Executive Vice President Joseph Sacco, the four union activists discussed how a trade union can protect its members’ job security. Of particular interest to the Solidarity officials was the concept of the hiring hall. Seafarers LOG 17 �20117_P1,2,4,6,18.qxd 10/23/2003 7:53 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA PERCIVAL BELGRAVE Pensioner Percival Belgrave, 87, died Aug. 24. Brother Belgrave started his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. Born in Panama, he worked in the steward department. Brother Belgrave made his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1973. TERRY COWAN Brother Terry Cowan, 57, passed away July 1. He joined the SIU in 1969 in Seattle after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Cowan’s first ship was the Vantage Progress. Born in Ronan, Mont., he sailed in the engine department. Brother Cowan lived in Dixon, Mo. He last worked aboard the Sea-Land Voyager. HENRY CROCKERHAM Brother Henry Crockerham, 54, died Jan. 27. The New Orleans-born mariner began his SIU career in 1966 in Seattle. The deck department member last worked on the Sea-Land Commerce. Brother Crockerham resided in the Philippines. VIRGE DIXON Pensioner Virge Dixon, 76, passed away Dec. 29, 2002. Brother Dixon started his career with the MC&S in 1959 in San Francisco. Born in Texas, Brother Dixon shipped in the steward department. He worked primarily aboard American President Lines’ vessels, including the President Grant and the President Cleveland. A resident of San Francisco, he began receiving payments for his retirement in 1989. JOSEPH DONOVAN Pensioner Joseph Donovan, 82, died June 3. Brother Donovan joined the Seafarers in 1953 in the port of New York. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he first sailed aboard the Ft. Hoskins. The Boston native worked in the deck department as a bosun and made his home in Massachusetts. Brother Donovan started receiving retirement compensation in 1986 and last sailed on the Sea-Land Pioneer. REGALADO FIGUERA Pensioner Regalado Figuera, 78, passed away July 23. Brother Figuera began his seafaring career in 1968 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first ship was the USNS Maury. Born in the Philippines, Brother Figuera worked in all three shipboard departments. The Delano, Calif. resident last sailed on the SeaLand Pacific. Brother Figuera started receiving his pension in 1993. his pension in 1991 and resided in Lenoir, N.C. JOHN GENTRY Pensioner John Gentry, 87, died July 1. Brother Gentry started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Born in Arizona, he worked in the steward department. Brother Gentry began receiving his pension in 1977. He lived in Pleasanton, Calif. GILBERT GONZALES Pensioner Gilbert Gonzales, 72, passed away July 15. Brother Gonzales joined the Seafarers in 1951. A native of San Antonio, Texas, he worked in the steward department. Brother Gonzales last worked on the Sea-Land Performance. He began receiving his pension in 1989 and made his home in Texas. SIMON GUTIERREZ Pensioner Simon Gutierrez, 82, died Aug. 12. Brother Gutierrez launched his career with the Seafarers in 1951. His first ship was the Cantigny. Born in Texas, Brother Gutierrez sailed in the steward department and last worked aboard the OMI Charger. He started receiving pension payments in 1984. He made his home in Houston CLARENCE HEMBY Pensioner Clarence Hemby, 77, died July 9. Brother Hemby joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Army. The engine department member last went to sea aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Stonewall Jackson. Brother Hemby lived in Melbourne, Fla. and began receiving his pension in 1990. AH HO Pensioner Ah Ho, 89, passed away Aug. 1. Brother Ho started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Born in China, he worked in the steward department. The San Francisco resident started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1970. JULIUS FRANCUM JEFFREY MATEER Pensioner Julius Francum, 73, died July 17. Brother Francum joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of Baltimore after serving in the U.S. Army. The Caldwell, N.C. native worked in the deck department and shipped in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He last sailed on the OMI Missouri. Brother Francum began receiving Brother Jeffrey Mateer, 45, died July 10. He started his seafaring career in 1990 in Seattle. Brother Mateer initially went to sea aboard the USNS Pollux. The Texas native shipped in the deck department and last sailed on the Horizon Trader. Brother Mateer made his home in Tahoe Pines, Calif. 18 Seafarers LOG CHARLES J. MILES Pensioner Charles J. Miles, 75, passed away July 8. Brother Miles embarked on his SIU career in 1964 after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Miles’ first voyage was on the Fair Port. A native of Mobile, Ala., he worked in the steward department. Brother Miles started receiving his pension in 1994. He last shipped aboard the Charles L. Brown and made his home in Alabama. JAMES O’MARA Pensioner James O’Mara, 67, died July 30. A native of Buffalo, N.Y., he started his career with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Army. The deck department member lived in Tacoma, Wash. and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1996. ROBERT SULLIVAN Pensioner Robert Sullivan, 80, passed away July 28. Brother Sullivan joined the Seafarers in 1955 in the port of New York. Born in Mounds, Ill., Brother Sullivan shipped in the engine department. He last sailed on the Maine. He began receiving retirement stipends in 1985. Brother Sullivan lived in Illinois. STEWART SWORDS Pensioner Steward Swords, 91, passed away July 6. Brother Swords was a charter member of the SIU, having joined in 1939 in the port of Savannah, Ga. Born in Tift, Ga., he sailed on many vessels including the Robin Gray, the Ponce and the Alcoa Master. The engine department member made his home in Thunderbolt, Ga. and started receiving his pension in 1971. Seafarers in 1961 in Houston after serving in the U.S. Army. Boatman Allemond worked primarily aboard vessels operated by National Marine Service. Born in Plaquemine, La., he shipped in the deck department as a pilot. He began receiving his pension in 1984 and resided in the city of his birth. Pensioner Thomas Blackmon Sr., 73, died June 22. He embarked on his seafaring career in 1967 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Blackmon shipped in the engine department and worked primarily aboard Dravo Basic Materials Co. vessels. The Range, Ala. native and resident began receiving his pension in 1992. WOODROW BURNHAM ALFREDO MORALES THOMAS BLACKMON SR. Pensioner Woodrow Burnham, 89, passed away June 21. Boatman Burnham joined the Seafarers in 1974 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He shipped as a member of the engine department. Born in Walton County, Fla., he was a resident of Freeport, Fla. Boatman Burnham started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1979. WILLARD GRIFFITH Pensioner Willard Griffith, 88, died July 30. Boatman Griffith began his SIU career in 1956 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in Alabama, the deck department member lived in his native state. He started receiving his pension in 1979. ATLANTIC FISHERMEN FRANCESCO LOGRASSO Pensioner Francesco Lograsso, 84, passed away July 31. He started his career with the Atlantic Fisherman’s Union in 1967 in Gloucester, Mass. Brother Lograsso, who was born in Italy, shipped in the deck department. He began receiving pension payments in 1981 and made his home in Gloucester. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away: LOUIS T. BROWN Pensioner Ralph Trotman, 80, died July 4. He joined the SIU in 1968. Brother Trotman first sailed aboard the Western Comet. Born in St. Michaels, Barbados, he shipped in the steward department. The Brooklyn, N.Y. resident last sailed on the Long Lines. He began collecting stipends for his retirement in 1992. Pensioner Louis T. Brown, 66, passed away Sept. 29. Brother Brown started his career with the NMU in 1963. Born in Missouri, he worked in the engine department as an electrician. Brother Brown began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1994. INLAND Pensioner Lionel Joubert, 61, died Sept. 21. Brother Joubert joined the NMU in 1961. Born in Louisiana, he first sailed from the port of Baltimore aboard the General Heart Vandinburg. Brother Joubert worked in the steward and engine depart- Pensioner Antoine Allemond, 79, passed away Aug. 28. Boatman Allemond launched his career with the ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ Pensioner Alejandro Martinez, 85, passed away Sept. 15. Brother Martinez began his NMU career in the port of New York. He first went to sea in 1955. Born in Puerto Rico, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Martinez last worked aboard the American Trader and began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1981. RALPH TROTMAN ANTOINE ALLEMOND ments and began receiving his pension in 1997. LIONEL JOUBERT Pensioner Alfredo Morales, 88, died Sept. 3. Brother Morales embarked on his NMU career in the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard the America. The engine department member started collecting retirement stipends in 1980. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following NMU brothers and sisters, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. Name Age Bennett, Tom 78 Carbajal, Nicolas 90 Dancy, Austin 87 Diaz, Emiliano 76 Ebanks, Lester 84 Fugate, Gene 75 Giddings, John 87 Gray, Ovid 93 Hall, Joseph, Jr. 83 Hilton,Thomas 79 Idoyaga, Isadoro 79 Jackson, James 76 James, Charles 76 Lee, Mose 90 Little, Mack 78 Maynard, Edward 84 Millet, Davis 90 Myatt, Hilary 78 Neamonitos, Demetrios 77 Nommik, Johannes 82 Pack, Walter 79 Perpall, Rupert 86 Sanchez, Evangelista 90 Sanchez, Luciano 90 Sanchez, Roberto 82 Santinac, Warren 61 Schumate, Clarence 94 Skriba, John 87 Swaby, Hedley 98 Winton, Clifford 77 DOD Aug. 30 July 1 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Aug. 26 Aug. 30 Sept. 22 Sept. 23 Sept. 10 Aug. 29 Sept. 14 Aug. 13 Sept.4 Sept. 13 July 7 Sept. 8 Aug. 27 Sept. 2 Sept. 10 Aug. 25 Aug. 29 Aug. 31 Aug. 23 Sept. 3 Sept. 13 Aug. 27 Sept. 20 Sept. 8 Sept. 2 Sept. 27 NMU’s Oldest Retiree, William McPherson, Dies On October 2, 2003 a memorial celebration service was held for William G. “Mac” McPherson at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Harlem, N.Y. McPherson was the NMU Pension Plan’s oldest pensioner; he would have been 106 years old this November. He died in New York on Aug. 14. For those who knew him, the length of his life was no more remarkable than the dignity and strength of his character. He was a highly competent seafarer and good shipmate. He first sailed in 1928 and joined the NMU in 1941. He served in the steward department, rising to the position of headwaiter and chief steward, primarily on Moore McCormack vessels. He retired in 1969. His last vessel was the S.S.Independence. In the autumn of 1997, McPherson addressed NMU members at the New York hiring hall, where a 100th birthday celebration was held in his honor. He gave a spirited talk expressing his great devotion to strong trade unionism, the Merchant Marine and civil rights. Throughout his 30-plus years as an NMU pensioner, he contributed monthly to the union’s political action group. The major theme emerging from McPherson’s memorial service was of a man who was universally respected and who gave respect to everyone he met. William Mc Pherson is survived by his daughter, Barbara Shelton of Las Vegas; two nieces; and two nephews. November 2003 �20117_P8_14,19-24.qxd 10/24/2003 7:27 AM Page 19 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. GREAT LAND (IUM), Aug. 24— Chairman Benedict B. Born, Secretary Antoinette M. Spangler, Educational Director Azeem A. Modak. Chairman announced vessel heading for shipyard Sept. 3. He advised everyone to carry shipping documents at all times and wear hardhats and reflective vests while walking in TOTE terminal areas. He also spoke of possible check for contraband and noted no visitors allowed on board and no walking or biking allowed in discharge area. He asked that passageways be kept quiet. Those leaving ship asked to clean rooms for next person. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer noted purchase of additional refrigerators for unlicensed personnel rooms. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman led discussion on rising medical costs and how that might affect next contract. Request made for plugs and cables for individual rooms as well as ice machine for crew and mattress for electrician. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. GREEN POINT (Central Gulf Lines), Aug. 24—Chairman Michael R. Hester, Secretary Victor J. Wolf, Educational Director Rodolfo M. Menchaca, Deck Delegate Norman Hancock, Steward Delegate Robert Harris. Chairman thanked deck department for hard work and cooperation during difficult voyage due to missing man. “Hats off” to VP Contracts Augie Tellez and his office for resolving question of missing man wages. Secretary reminded crew members to fill out official SIU ship’s crew list for headquarters. Educational director advised mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. He thanked everyone for helping keep ship’s library squared away and noted that Green Point’s book-of-the-month selection is Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea.” Treasurer discussed purpose and uses of ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked crew for compliments and support. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Port Hueneme, Calif. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), Aug. 24—Chairman Billy G. Hill, Secretary Edward P. Herrera, Educational Director Roy Waiting for Payoff Bosun Michael Sinclair and SA Ingra Maddox pose on deck prior to the shipboard meeting aboard the SP5 Eric G. Gibson. November 2003 S. Frett Jr., Deck Delegate Macario Torre, Engine Delegate Therman Ames, Steward Delegate Vincent Igneri. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. and noted return of Capt. G.L. Gimble. He stated safety is first priority aboard ship and reminded crew of no smoking rule on deck due to nature of HAZMAT cargo. Educational director encouraged crew members to take advantage of upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center, donate to SPAD, make sure shipping documents are current and bring discharges and pay vouchers when filing for vacation. Crew members asked to help keep laundry room clean. Some disputed OT reported in all three departments. Discussions held about rotary shipping, burial fees for spouses and children and extra day on vacation check for safety work. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. INDEPENDENCE (USSM), Aug. 10—Chairman Teodulfo A. Alanano, Secretary Thomas W. Milovich, Educational Director Randall C. Firestine. Chairman announced ship is still on 70-day payoff cycle with one day off for 60. Smooth sailing reported to ports in Kuwait and Oman but weather extremely hot and humid. Secretary advised crew to make sure necessary shipping documents and training requirements are up to date. He warned everyone to be aware of effects of heat and keep hydrated at all times. Educational director spoke about training and upgrading skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman and secretary to start ship’s fund for purchase of movies, etc. Clarification requested on day off and imposed curfews in port. Requests made for cool water on board ship for drinking and showers, and as per posted heat caution, light-colored work uniforms. INDUSTRIAL CHALLENGER (PGM), Aug. 8—Chairman Kyle F. Schultz, Secretary Norman S. Bush, Educational Director Glenn A. O’Leary, Steward Delegate Clarence Robinson. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 12 in Houston. He requested patrolman meet with company reps on issues not covered in agreement and clarification of STCW issues. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. He also spoke of benefit allowing Seafarers and families to spend up to two weeks summer vacation at that facility. He advised everyone to keep all shipping documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into better benefit package as well as reduce seatime needed for retirement to 20 years, regardless of age. Requests also made for deepfat fryer and drinking fountain. ITB GROTON (USS Transport), Aug. 8—Chairman Sidney L. Wallace, Secretary Brenda C. Grays, Educational Director Pedro J. Santiago. Chairman spoke about importance of contributing to SPAD and commented on goals of ITF. Secretary stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point school. Treasurer noted $200 available each month for purchase of movies. Anyone going ashore can buy videos for ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made that tank cleaning, a dirty and potentially hazardous job, should be compensated for. Clarification requested in writing regarding portion of shipping rules. Request made for new microwave oven. Thanks given to Bomarico Hinayon for good job filling in for steward. Crew also welcomed Brenda Grays to ship. ITB NEW YORK (USS Transport), Aug. 31—Chairman Nathaniel Leary, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox Jr., Educational Director Ronald Miller, Deck Delegate Ronald Webb, Engine Delegate Anthony Sanchez and Steward Delegate Breon Lucas. Chairman announced arrival Sept. 3 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Patrolman expected to address disputed OT issues at that time. Secretary asked crew to help keep laundry area clean when DEU stands cargo watch and is unable to do his regular sanitary work. Educational director reminded everyone of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center and to check expiration dates on all shipping documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported in Engine and steward departments; some disputed OT noted by deck delegate. LYKES MOTIVATOR (Marine Transport), Aug. 10—Chairman Raynaldo G. Ramirez, Secretary Margie L. Leite, Deck Delegate Charles V. Sneed, Engine Delegate William Vargas, Steward Delegate Henry Richardson. Educational director spoke about applying for upgrading courses at Piney Point and of making sure STCW and other shipping documents are kept current. Ship’s fund contains $2,697. Suggestion made to obtain satellite dish. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for curtains in rooms and mess hall be cleaned or replaced and for clarification of shipping rules regarding vacation. Chief cook asked to be excused after muster has been taken. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Lines), Aug. 19—Chairman John A. Coleman Jr., Secretary Lloyd C. Hall Sr., Educational Director Walter S. Filleman Jr., Engine Delegate Carlos Castillo. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 24 in Houston. Secretary thanked crew members for helping keep ship clean and noted thank-you letter received from SIU President Michael Sacco for good job. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Galley to get new freezer; ice machine now in galley will be moved and installed on main deck. Fumigation needed aboard ship to exterminate insects (due to carrying grain). Requests also made for new washer and dryer for crew laundry, fans in each state room and repair of elevator. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Lines), Aug. 26—Chairman Thomas W. Grosskurth, Secretary John G. Reid, Educational Director Donald D. Williams Jr., Deck Delegate Reuben M. Brown, Steward Delegate Victor M. Acevedo. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 1 in Newark, N.J. He thanked everyone for good, safe trip and asked those getting off to clean rooms for next person. He also requested everyone’s help in keeping ship clean and reminded them to renew expiring z-cards early. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills and work safely. Beef reported in engine department with clarification requested on rotary shipping. Requests made for repair of VCR and purchase of heavy-duty ice machine and coolers of potable water for use especially when in hot climates. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. SEALAND ACHIEVER (USSM), Aug. 10—Chairman Herbert Charles, Secretary Ekow Doffoh, Educational Director Seller T. Brooks, Deck Delegate Frank L. Thompson. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep crew lounge and mess hall neat and clean. Educational director advised members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center both for personal advancement and to keep union strong. No beefs or disputed OT reported. On behalf of crew, chairman thanked steward department for job well done in providing tasty food. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Houston. reported. New furniture requested for crew lounge. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), Sept. 7—Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Donald F. Dwyer, Deck Delegate John T. Emrich, Engine Delegate Gregorio Abalos, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Chairman announced ship out of yard and back on “pineapple run”—Los Angeles to Honolulu to Oakland. Payoff to take place Sept. 9 in Oakland. Secretary noted new washer installed and everything running smoothly. All’s Well on the Eric G. Gibson When the SP5 Eric G. Gibson arrived in the port of San Francisco recently, crew members indicated the voyage was a good one. From the left are AB Bill Powell and AB Robert “Mango” Hinkley. The Gibson, A RO/RO vessel, is operated by Osprey Ship Management, Inc. USNS IMPECCABLE (Maersk Lines), Aug. 16—Chairman James Gregory, Secretary Grady C. Ingram III, Educational Director Kanin T. Bennett, Deck Delegate Luqman A. Ali, Engine Delegate Leportre L. Jasper. Chairman requested clarification of time obligations of both licensed and unlicensed crew. Secretary suggested company reserve crane and get stevedore assistance during extremely difficult on-loading of provisions for overseas missions. He also would like company to provide second SA during underway periods to help with galley workload. Educational director asked for new books, magazines, games and for satellite TV and phone access. Next ports: Key West, Fla.; San Diego, Calif. USNS SUMNER (Dyn Marine Services), Aug. 9—Chairman Samuel Duah, Secretary Eriberto B. Bulalacao, Educational Director Charles G. Sadler, Deck Delegate William Joquin, Engine Delegate Jun Labrilla, Steward Delegate Brenda Jackson. Chairman announced arrival in Hawaii Sept. 11. Educational director urged members to upgrade skills at Piney Point; applications available on board ship. Movies received monthly aboard Sumner; magazines, every two months. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun Duah apprised unlicensed crew of change in overtime to 3 hours per day (21 hours per week). CLEVELAND (Sealift Inc.), Sept. 16—Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Miguel E. Vinca, Deck Delegate Cliff Lattish, Engine Delegate Marco Rodriguez, Steward Delegate Ruben Ong. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 20 in New Orleans and thanked everyone for good job cleaning cargo hold. He reminded crew to make safety top priority. Secretary informed crew members of room inspection by chief mate before payoff. He thanked them for helping keep mess hall clean and asked that they return all movies, clean room for next person and turn in key. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to check LOG for schedule of upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT Educational director urged crew members to utilize Piney Point facility for upgrading skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked for great food and barbecues. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), Sept. 3—Chairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director Prescilo P. Zuniga, Deck Delegate David Smolen, Engine Delegate Randolph Clans, Steward Delegate Dana Washington. Chairman reported smooth trip with payoff Sept. 6 in Tacoma, Wash. Blanket relief available for crew that day. He stated $25 in ship’s fund. Chairman thanked everyone for donations to purchase fresh tuna in Guam. Secretary asked those leaving ship to clean room and leave fresh linen for next person. He thanked members for helping keep ship clean. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. INNOVATOR (USSM), Sept. 7— Chairman Dirk W. Adams, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Jim Meyers, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Mohamed M. Mohamed, Steward Delegate Kristen M. Swain. Chairman thanked all departments for maintaining safety and cleanliness of ship, both inside and outside house. He announced payoff Sept. 10 in Los Angeles. Ship will then dry dock next trip in Nantong, China. He reminded crew to lock quarters at all times when in dry dock. He also stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Secretary thanked hard-working bosun, all ABs, engine department, unlicensed apprentice and riding gang for help in keeping all areas clean, especially dining halls. He thanked Chief Cook Swain for super cooking. Educational director advised seafarers to upgrade skills at Piney Point for better jobs and more pay. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into increase in living allowance in pension benefits during retirement. Thanks given to steward department for good food. Seafarers LOG 19 �20117_P8_14,19-24.qxd 10/24/2003 7:38 AM Page 20 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.) Need for Single-P Payer Universal Health System I read the August issue of the Seafarers LOG on the U.S. health care situation with interest. It just reinforced my belief that our system, in which benefits are dependent upon an individual having a job that provides coverage (employment-based), is ineffective and morally wrong. The statistics you quoted are incredible. I believe we need to implement a single-payer, universal health coverage system. Even though I have good coverage as an SIU member, I believe the unions must work for what is best for all of us. And the fact that only about 13 percent of U.S. workers are in unions shows that we must organize together with others who lack or have poor medical coverage. Our benefits are imperiled in the current system. The biggest objections to a single payer system are that it is too expensive and that the government is inefficient. But how can we afford NOT to invest wisely in our best resource, the American people? As for inefficiency, our current system takes the cake in that regard! We should be debating how generous we can be with our benefits and ways to maintain vigilance so that a single-payer system is run effectively. But the solution itself is a no-brainer to me. Mark S. Lance Chico, Calif. Irish Mariner Warns Seafarers To Protect Union and Jobs I am writing as a retired seafarer of 42 years. I remember starting on 60-year-old rat-infested tramp steamers. Since starting, I was always a member of the Seafarers Union of Ireland. I decided to take a trip down memory lane recently to re-visit Rotterdam Holland. I stayed at the Maritime Hotel Seamen’s Club. The facilities were excellent. The reason I am writing this is to say that while the club was full, there was not, to my knowledge, one member of a union there. In my days, a majority of the seamen, no matter what nationality, were all union members. Unfortunately, the Irish merchant marine has disappeared due to very negligent management, despite a strong fight put up by the union. My best wishes to all American seamen. I am familiar with the seafaring scene, thanks to regularly receiving the Seafarers LOG. I would advise all your members to be ever vigilant to protect their union—and their jobs. 20 Seafarers LOG Walter Karlak Woodside, N.Y. 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. Frank Gaughan County Dublin, Ireland Thanks to Paul Hall Center For Aid During Hurricane The clients and staff of the Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center sincerely thank Don Nolan, vice president of the Paul Hall Center; Howard Thompson, hotel manager; and the entire staff at the TRC for their outstanding services and accommodations to us during our recent stay with them due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Isabel. Their efforts had significant positive impact on the recovery process of our clients and allowed for uninterrupted therapeutic service to our membership. We can be proud of their aid, efforts and contributions to our fellow Seafarers in this time of hardship. Once again, thank you for your hospitality and a job well done. John M. Gallagher Director, Seafarers Addiction Rehabilitation Center Saving the Plans Money On Prescription Drugs After reading the article in the September issue of the LOG concerning medical costs, I’d like to write of my experiences with prescriptions drugs. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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 Also, I have my prescriptions filled at Eckerd (Genovese). Recently, I read the results of a survey taken of pharmacists in the New York area and the prices being charged. Genovese turned out to be the least expensive. Other SIU members may wish to adopt these two cost-saving measures. I have needed to use prescription drugs over the past 17 years for many medical conditions. Often, I will get a prescription filled, only to go back for my next visit and have the prescription changed. I get angry since I still have so many pills left. What I am doing now is asking the doctor to prescribe half the amount, if possible. Otherwise, it’s a waste of the Plan’s money. 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 November 2003 �20117_P8_14,19-24.qxd 10/24/2003 7:28 AM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of the year. 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 Arrival Date Date of Completion Able Seaman November 10 December 5 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman December 1 December 12 Engine Upgrading Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Oiler November 3 December 12 Welding November 3 November 21 Engine Utility (EU) November 17 December 12 Safety Specialty Courses Course Arrival Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* – (5-day course) November 3 November 7 Basic Fire Fighting/STCW November 3 November 10 November 17 December 1 December 8 November 7 November 14 November 21 December 5 December 12 Government Vessels November 3 November 7 Tanker Familiarization December 1 December 12 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* November 17 November 21 (*must have basic fire fighting) (STOS) (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses Academic Department Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning October 27. 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ November 2003 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 11/03 Seafarers LOG 21 �20117_P8_14,19-24.qxd 10/24/2003 7:28 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 642 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 642 (in alphabetical order) Brannon Adams, Tranell Bordley, Richard Caceres, Jaime Diaz, David Guthrie, Christopher Hodder, Ramsey Ingram, Ryan Krom, Joe Legree, Joseph Lynch, Lance McFarland, Robert Patterson, Xavier Rivera-Valentin, Henry Sanchez Jr., Gregory Scott, John Selman Jr. and William Tuer. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Advanced Fire Fighting — Completing the advanced fire fighting course Sept. 12 are (in alphabetical order) Ehtesham Ahmed, Eric Bridges, Johnie Chavis, Theodore Cooke, Armando Evangelista, Frank Guido, Robert Leija, Anthony Lowman, Jeffrey Mangler, Glen McCullough, Robert Minor, Thomas Minton, Carl Montoya, James Morris, Oscar Palacios, Jawaid Pardesi, Charles Pomraning, Ovidio Santos, Ron Schexnayder, Charles Walker and William Yore Jr. Welding — Certificates of graduation for completion of the welding course were given Sept. 26 to (front row, from left) Daniel Rhodes, Christopher Zaucha and Floyd Ellis. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is in the back row. Government Vessels — Upgrading Seafarers and unlicensed apprentices who took part in the government vessels course ending Sept. 26 include (in no specific order) Michael Sanchez, Dorian Edwards, William Boardman III, Douglas Lowry, Richard Reynolds, Jose Quinones, Marc Simpson, Kevin Koch, Pedro Ocampo, Rubio Ramiro, Tess Flickinger, Miguel Baerga, Raul Colon, Jector Serrano, Jay Pierce, Anthony Mohler, Michael Merrell Jr., Edward Tanaka, Carl Williams, Curtis Tobey, Steven Richards, Edward Boyd, Raymond Searles II, Scott Martin, Prescillano Gamboa, Karen Laycock, Donald Cooper, Ron Schexnayder, Carlos Grillasca, Nicholas Smithing, Daniel Caballero and Munassar Ahmed. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Fast Rescue Boat— Oct. 3 was graduation day for members of instructor Stan Beck’s recent fast rescue boat course. They are (front row, from left) Robert Bakeman, Basil D’Souza, (second row) Stan Beck (instructor) and Jennifer Senner. Computer Lab Classes Recent graduates of the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center pose with their certificates of achievement. In photo at left, graduating Oct. 3 are (seated, from left) Alejandro Mejia and Floyd Ellis, who both completed the Computer Basics/Windows Operating System course. Instructor Rich Prucha is standing in both photos. In photo at right are Christopher Bosado (left) and Virgilio Rosales, who received their certificates Sept. 26. 22 Seafarers LOG Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Earning their lifeboatman/water survial endorsements Sept. 26 are (in alphabetical order) Julio Alvarez, Agustin Arriaga, Jose Blanco, William Born, Scott Bowmer, Theodore Cooke, Armando Evangelista, Mariano Guerrero, Stephen Hammelman, DeCarlo Harris, Eric Kjellberg, Rudy Lopez, David Miller, Jose Reyes, Jason Simon, Joseph Slater, Milan Taigan, Patrick Tucker, Abel Vazquez and Delmar Webster. Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. November 2003 �20117_P8_14,19-24.qxd 10/24/2003 7:29 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes ARPA — ARPA — Graduating from the ARPA class Sept. 12 are (from left) Mike Smith (instructor), Jose Boza, Michael McErlean, Ian Ferguson, James O’Meara, John Mullen, David Flatter, Kendall Diehl and John Gilston. Allied Towing mariners who upgraded their deck skills in the ARPA class, which ended Oct. 3, are (from left) Lance Riggs, Neil Johnson and George Urban III and their instructor, Mike Smith. Medical Care Provider — Graduating Sept. 19 from the medical care provider course are (front row, from left) Jawaid Pardesi, James Bond, Carlos Grillasca, Ron Schexnayder, (second row) Frank Guido, Barry Freeman, Jonathan Eitz, Johnie Chavis, Jennifer Langford (instructor), Anthony Lowman and Carl Montoya. GMDSS — Completing the GMDSS course Sept. 26 are (from left) Ian Ferguson, Robert Minor, Emiddio Massa, James O’Meara and Michael Moore. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is at far right. Specially Trained OS — Alaskan fishermen who completed the STOS course Sept. 26 are (front row, from left) Erin O’Toole, Brack George, Melvin Gruelle, John Harper, (second row) Roy Nathan, William Farmer, Christen Christensen, Jeffery Perez, Christopher Boyd and David Hays. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — Social Responsibility Class: King Scott, Sam Baffoe, Celso Ordonez, James Coleman, Michael Lawson, Gilberto Padilla and Daluz Celestino. STCW — Sept. 19: John Barrett, Donald Cooper, Robert Davis, Roert Easley, Vernon Edwards, Michael Fay, Greg Lynch, Terry Murley, Lorance Pence, Charles Pomraning, Mark Poor, Micah Sanders, Ramond Searles, Edward Tennyson, Michael Valencia, Sven Vilborg and Steven Westfall. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STCW — Sept. 5: Christopher Boyd, Chris Christensen, William Farmer, Brack George, Mel Gruelle, John Harper, David Hays, Roy Nathan, Erin O’Toole, Jeff Perez and Carlos Majao. November 2003 STCW — Oct. 3: Roosevelt Allen, Charles Archie, John Bumgarner, Henry Cook, Jerome Davis, Steven Hynes, Kenneth Kramlich, Margie Leite, Brian Murgotten, Gregory Noble, Virgilio Rasales, and Wallace William. Seafarers LOG 23 �20117_P8_14,19-24.qxd 10/24/2003 7:29 AM Page 24 Volume 65, Number 11 November 2003 A S P R P M L S P &D T H P P &B P P P 1 F &A R P o t i F N P 4 &W P N P &W P P T N V 1 N o t P P N F Federation Secures Back Wages, Contracts for Many Crews Runaway-Flag Registries The following 28 countries have been declared flag-ofconvenience registries by the ITF’s Fair Practices Committee (a joint committee of ITF seafarers’ and dockers’ unions), which runs the ITF campaign against FOCs: Antigua and Barbuda Bahamas Barbados Belize Bermuda Bolivia Burma/Myanmar Cambodia Cayman Islands Comoros Cyprus Equatorial Guinea German International Ship Register Gibraltar Honduras Jamaica Lebanon Liberia Malta Marshall Islands Mauritius Netherlands Antilles Panama São Tomé and Príncipe St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sri Lanka Tonga Vanuatu T he International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in late September issued a 50-page report packed with details about its ongoing campaign against flag-of-convenience shipping, also known as runaway flags. The SIU, an ITF affiliate, strongly supports the fight against runaway flags. “We may be closer to seeing fundamental changes to the flag-of-convenience system than at any time in the last 50 years,” stated ITF General Secretary David Cockroft and Special Seafarers’ Department Secretary Stephen Cotton in the report’s co-authored introduction. “Governments are being forced by the events of September 11, 2001 to pay much greater attention to the lack of transparency in world shipping and the ease with which flags of convenience can be used not just by bad employers but also criminals and even terrorists. The lack of effective control in shipping was demonstrated once again by the sinking of the oil tanker Prestige off the coast of Spain in November 2002.” The report later notes that the Prestige flew the Bahamian flag, was Greek-owned through a shell company based in Liberia, chartered by a Russian/Swiss company and classified by an American entity. “It took skilled researchers several weeks to uncover this information,” the federation reported. Based in London, the ITF ITF Contracts Prove Key In Fight vs. Runaway Flags One of the main goals of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section—of which SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel is vice chairman—is ending the scandal of runaway-flag shipping. With that in mind, ITF inspectors across the globe help crews of such ships and work to ensure that the shipowners are held accountable. Because the federation realizes that eliminating runaways won’t happen overnight, one of its immediate goals is bringing such ships under ITF contract. That part of the campaign has been particularly successful, as more than 6,500 vessels are covered by ITF agreements. By signing on with the ITF, crews of runaway-flag ships have some recourse against the shipowners. They are protected by a written contract that establishes wage rates meeting international standards; provides for overtime and holiday pay and manning according to ITF policy; and includes clauses covering medical attention, sick pay, death benefits, disability insurance and other benefits. The federation doesn’t limit its work to flags of convenience. The ITF assists as many crews as possible that need help, whether or not their vessels are runaway-flag ships. Mariners on the Liberian-flag tanker Merlin were among those assisted by the ITF in 2002. SIU ITF Inspector Enrico Esopa (seated at left in group photo) obtained $105,000 in back wages for the Filipino crew of the runaway-flag ship. comprises more than 600 unions representing a combined 5 million workers. Among the many notable items reported by the ITF in its yearly report: „ Federation inspectors (including those from the SIU) recovered $32.4 million in unpaid wages for crews in 2002. „ Approximately 6,500 runaway-flag ships are covered by ITF contract or other agreements which the federation deems acceptable. „ There are 137 ITF inspectors and coordinators in 123 ports in 43 countries. They made 8,886 reported inspections last year, of which 7,375 were on FOC vessels. (The ITF’s Seafarers Support Team handles cases in ports lacking a permanent federation presence.) „ As of the end of last year, 28 registers were formally designated FOCs by the ITF’s Fair Practices Committee. Three countries were added to the list in 2002 (Comoros, Jamaica and Tonga), while four were removed (Aruba, the Canary Islands, the Cook Islands and Tuvalu). „ Through joint negotiating forums, the ITF continues to illustrate that its campaign “builds good relationships with good employers. It targets bad ones to isolate them politically and to get their signatures on agreements covering working terms and conditions.” „ Citing the Prestige disaster and other incidents, the federation pointed out that some ship officers unfairly are being made scapegoats in pollution cases. The Prestige’s captain was held for four months—and released only after ITF intervention. “Seafarers continue to face criminal proceedings when unseaworthy ships founder or run aground on uncharted rocks,” the report notes. “By contrast, there are few, if any, instances of the arrest of an owner or charterer who places seafarers in danger by putting a substandard ship to sea.” In Denmark, the work of an ITF inspector led to a Russian shipowner getting a six-month prison sentence and a $4,000 fine, after he had directed thugs to attack mariners who had complained about unpaid wages. Cockroft and Cotton also noted, “Even if FOCs were to be eliminated entirely, it wouldn’t guarantee that seafarers were well treated everywhere. Bad shipowners will always try to exploit seafarers, and there will still be a need for the global network of union solidarity represented by the ITF.” FOCs at a Glance A flag-of-convenience ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than the country of ownership. More than 50 years ago, U.S. maritime unions dubbed them runaway registers, or runaway flags, because of their use as a device for shipowners to pay a 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. Their avoidance often is further insulated with dishonest managers and registries, making it difficult for authorities to hold the shipowners accountable for mistreating crews and operating unsafe ships. When such conditions are discovered, it’s usually quite difficult to pinpoint who is responsible—even for lawyers, government agencies and other professionals who have the resources to investigate such matters. The ITF believes there should be a genuine link between the real owner of a vessel and the flag the vessel flies, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). There is no genuine link in the case of FOC registries. Some of these registers have poor safety and training standards, and place no restriction on the nationality of the crew. Sometimes, because of language differences, seafarers are not able to communicate effectively with each other, putting safety and the efficient operation of the ship at risk. � 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 November 2003 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES CAR CARRIER, PREPOSITIONING SHIP SIGNAL NEW SIU JOBS HEALTH CARE COSTS DRIVE TRANSIT, GROCERY STRIKES SIU GAINS CAR CARRIER, MSC SHIP LABOR DEPARTMENT INDUCTS PAUL HALL INTO HALL OF FAME LNG CREW RESCUES FILIPINO FISHERMEN CROWLEY TUG CREW DOES ‘EXCELLENT JOB’ TOWING CAR CARRIER CONTRACT DEPARTMENT NEWS MASSACHUSETTS WWII MARINERS ELIGIBLE FOR $300 VETERANS BONUS UNION PRESIDENTS STAND UP FOR JONES ACT MARITIME CABOTAGE TASK FORCE ALSO REITERATES SUPPORT SEAFARERS BACK MAERSK APPLICATION FORMER MATSON CHAIRMAN/CEO ROBERT J. PFEIFFER DIES AT 83 STUDY: UNIONS’ GAINS BENEFIT ALL WORKERS SOCP TACKLES ‘SHORT SEA SHIPPING’ AFL-CIO STUDY DOCUMENTS WAL-MART’S ‘RACE TO THE BOTTOM’ ON HEALTH COVERAGE NEW MATSON SHIP ARRIVES IN HAWAII 2 MORE RRF SHIPS COMPLETE EXERCISE PHASE 2: AN INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE SIU FLEET MAKES GREAT GAINS IN 2003 ITF REPORTS PROGRESS IN FOC FIGHT Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 11/01/2003 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. 65, No. 11 2003 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/55e6c9218a6edaa68e2e0f543b0d0306.pdf 543110f8fa9ffeba71f11f656902c0c2 PDF Text Text 20528_p01_4,6,10.qxd 11/25/2003 3:08 PM Page 1 New MSP Delivered! ________________________________________Page 3 Volume 65, Number 12 December 2003 SEASON’S GREETINGS Beck Notice ________Page 6 More New Jobs _________Pages 3,4 �20528_p01_4,6,10.qxd 12/1/2003 7:33 AM Page 2 President’s Report Special Delivery Just in time for the holidays, our union and our industry got some of the best news we could imagine. On November 24, President Bush signed the Defense Department Appropriations bill which, among many other provisions, contains a 10year extension and substantial expansion of the U.S. Maritime Security Program, better known as the MSP. That means lots of new shipboard job opportunities for Seafarers. I won’t describe it as an early Christmas Michael Sacco present, because too many people worked too hard for the MSP’s passage to call it a gift. But the timing certainly makes for a more enjoyable holiday season, a period when we typically count our blessings. That’s because the reauthorized MSP is a tremendous victory—not just for the U.S. Merchant Marine, but truly for the entire nation. The new program is a significant boost to the U.S.-flag fleet and seagoing labor. It increases the MSP fleet from 47 ships to 60 commercial vessels that are capable of supporting military sealift operations. It also offers greater incentives for ship operators to apply for enrollment in the program. It’s worth noting that both the existing program and the reauthorized MSP have received overwhelming support from the highest levels of government and industry, including the White House, the House and Senate, the Department of Defense and the Department of Transportation, among others. The MSP’s backers understand that a competitive, privately owned commercial fleet will help ensure that our country continues to have trained U.S. mariners and other assets available to support military sealift. Without question, the new MSP stands to help America improve the nation’s commercial sealift capabilities and provide jobs for our dedicated, well-trained U.S. mariners. That is a winning formula, one that helps improve national security. From the SIU’s perspective, of course, the most important thing about the new MSP is that it represents an opportunity for additional shipboard jobs and continued job security for the membership. And on that note, I must say to my fellow Seafarers that your consistent, outstanding work on the vessels helped make the new MSP possible. Your courage and reliability during Operation Iraqi Freedom also helped deliver the new program for the president’s signature, although efforts to pass a reauthorized MSP started long before the war. As often happens at moments like this one, it’s practically impossible to acknowledge everyone who supported the expanded MSP. But I do want to thank President Bush, Congressmen Duncan Hunter and Ike Skelton and U.S. General John Handy (commander of TRANSCOM) for expressing their solid backing of both the MSP and the U.S. Merchant Marine in general. I also thank our rank-and-file Seafarers for understanding the importance of political action, for continuing their voluntary support of SPAD, and for living up to the tradition of the nation’s “Fourth Arm of Defense.” Now, we look forward to moving on to the new MSP and expanding job opportunities for our members on new, modern U.S.-flag ships. Season’s Greetings To all SIU members and retirees and their families, I extend my warmest wishes this holiday season and throughout the New Year. I know it has been said before, but the SIU really is one big family, and this is a time of year when spending time with loved ones is extra meaningful. When it comes to the SIU family, I’m proud to be a part of it and I’m truly grateful for your solid support. I also offer my respect and prayers to our armed forces still serving in Iraq, as well as to the Seafarers who continue sailing in support of U.S. military operations around the world. May you all return home safe and sound. Happy holidays! Volume 65, Number 12 SIUNA Welcomes AMO As Autonomous Affiliate The Seafarers International Union of North America last month issued a charter to its newest affiliate, the American Maritime Officers (AMO). This affiliation returns the AMO to its roots—it was originally chartered in 1949 under the direction of former SIU President Paul Hall as the Brotherhood of Marine Engineers, then an SIUNA affiliate. Like the 12 other SIUNA affiliates, the AMO will remain an autonomous union that elects its own officials, negotiates its own contracts and participates in its own pension and medical plans. Additionally, it will continue to operate under its own constitution and bylaws, shipping rules and job dispatch system. In accordance with the SIUNA constitution, the AMO will have one vice president on the SIUNA executive board. “The affiliation of the American Maritime Officers with the SIUNA is good news for the entire U.S. Merchant Marine and for all of America’s working families,” said SIUNA President Michael Sacco, who also serves as a vice president of the AFL-CIO executive council. “This affiliation lets U.S. mariners speak with a more unified voice and helps ensure that our organizations can work together to make the U.S.-flag fleet stronger. It also strengthens the ranks of the AFL-CIO—the greatest ally of the American worker.” AMO President Michael McKay pointed out that the affiliation “benefits not only our membership, but America’s national and economic security. As we saw most recently during Operation Iraqi Freedom, our country’s interests are best-served by a strong U.S. fleet. This affiliation will help in the ongoing fight to revitalize the U.S. Merchant Marine and, by extension, help boost national security.” McKay noted that AMO’s 10year effort to rejoin the AFL-CIO has now been realized. The union lost its link to the AFL-CIO when it withdrew from another organization in 1994. It has sought to regain standing in the labor feder- ation ever since. The SIUNA provides 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. The affiliation agreement “represents a real advance toward the ideal of one union representing all licensed and unlicensed U.S. merchant mariners,” stated McKay. “It also establishes a formal connection between the most powerful licensed and unlicensed seagoing unions, strengthening a friendship that has endured for generations.” Chartered in 1938 by the AFL, the SIUNA is now the parent organization of 13 different unions, each one autonomous. These unions represent a combined 84,000 members in such varied occupations as mariners, government employees, manufacturers, daycare workers and more. Maritime unions under the banner of the SIUNA include the Seafarers International Union-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/ National Maritime Union; the American Maritime Officers; the Marine Firemen’s Union; the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific; the Seafarers International Union of Canada; and the Seafarers International Union of Puerto Rico, Caribe and Latin America. Crowley Pact Approved Contract Maintains Benefits, Boosts Wages Numerous gains highlight a new four-year contract that last month was approved by Seafarers employed by Crowley Towing and Transportation. According to SIU Assistant Vice President of Contracts George Tricker, the new pact maintains the highest levels for medical benefits, prescription drug coverage for members and dependents and pension and death benefits. The contract also calls for wage increases in the second, third and fourth years. Retroactive to July 1, 2003, the contract covers members who work at Crowley operations in Jacksonville, Fla; Lake Charles, La.; Philadelphia; San Diego; and Wilmington, Calif. “This is a good contract for all parties concerned,” said Nicholas Conway, a member of the SIU negotiating committee. “Overall, I’d say that we (SIU members) are winners all the way around because we did not lose anything, especially in terms of health benefits or pensions. “When you consider the fact that health care costs are escalating all over the country and that it’s a key issue at every bargaining table these days,” he continued, “we did extremely well. I can’t say enough about the job members of the negotiating team did during the negotiations, especially George (Tricker) and the port agents. There were quite a few tough issues that we had to deal with and they hung in there with us every step of the way. Every Seafarer who works for Crowley owes them a debt of gratitude.” Also representing the SIU during the bargaining meetings at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., and at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. were Seafarers Robert Bergman, Wayne Barry, Steven Mitchell, Todd Smith, Michael Stein, Roger Stewart and Gary Hallenback. Joining them were Tricker, Philadelphia Port Agent Jim Malone, New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, Jacksonville Port Agent Tony McQuay, and Wilmington Port Agent John Cox. Crowley provides diversified transportation services in domestic and international markets by means of four operating lines of business: liner services; ship assist and escort services; oil and chemical distribution and transportation services; and energy and marine services. Crowley’s land-based facilities and equipment include terminals, warehouses, tank farms, office buildings, trucks, trailers, containers, chassis, cranes and other specialized vehicles. NY Port Council Honors 3 December 2003 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2003 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The Maritime Port Council of Greater New York & Vicinity hosted its annual awards dinner Oct. 18 in New York City. More than 500 people attended the event, during which the port council presented awards to individuals and entities for their respective contributions to the U.S. maritime industry. This year’s honorees are Ernie Whalen, business manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 25; U.S. Senator Jon Corzine (D-N.J.); and Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard. Pictured from the left are SIU President Mike Sacco; John Graykowski, senior VP and general counsel of Kvaerner Philadelphia; Joseph Soresi, president of the port council and SIU Atlantic Coast VP; and Whalen. Pictured at right is SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, who presented an award to Graykowski. December 2003 �20528_p01_4,6,10.qxd 11/25/2003 3:30 PM Page 3 President Signs New MSP Defense Bill Includes 10-Year Extension, Expands Fleet A 10-year extension of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP), included in the FY 2004 National Defense Authorization Act, was signed into law Nov. 24. President Bush put his signature on the Defense bill during a ceremony at the Pentagon. The reauthorized MSP will cial assistance to construct five begin immediately as the cur- newly built tankers in the United rent program expires, in 2005. States that are capable of carrying The U.S. Senate last month voted military petroleum products dur95-3 to adopt the conference ing a war; establishes a 30-month report on the National Defense period to replace older ships with Authorization Act; the U.S. newer Defense DepartmentHouse of Representatives earlier approved and militarily useful in the month cleared the confer- ships; and increases the annual ence report by a vote of 362-40. payment to ship operators from “This is a tremendous victory $2.1 million per year to $2.6 milfor our entire industry, and it is a lion for the first three years of the major step toward continued job program, increasing to $2.9 milsecurity for Seafarers. It’s also lion in FY 2009, and increasing to quite clearly a great boost to $3.1 million for the remaining America’s national security,” stat- four years of the program. The ed SIU President Michael Sacco, new program begins on October who had testified before Congress 1, 2005 and ends on September in favor of the extended MSP and 30, 2015. who personally thanked President The MSP has been a key eleBush at the signing ceremony. ment of America’s economic and “The people who supported defense security since its enactthe expanded MSP all deserve ment in 1996. The original 10credit, from President Bush to the year program provides limited House and Senate, from maritime funding for 47 U.S.-flag commerlabor to the military,” Sacco con- cial vessels, particularly containtinued. “There is no way to over- erships and roll-on/roll-off vesstate the importance and effec- sels, which are available to the tiveness of this program.” Department of Defense in times The new MSP increases the of war or national emergency. number of participants from 47 A cost-effective program, the ships to 60 ships; provides finan- MSP delivers many benefits to SIU Lakes Fleet Gets Big Addition The newest SIUcrewed addition to the Great Lakes fleet isn’t hard to spot. More than 1,000 feet long, the George A. Stinson signifies new shipboard job opportunities for Seafarers. The vessel last month entered service under the banner of American Steamship Company. Seafarers crewed up the George Stinson last “This is additional month. tonnage and we’ve worked very hard on SIU members crewed up the bringing the ship under the Great Stinson Nov. 9 in Superior, Wis. Lakes standard contract,” said The ship sailed the next day for SIU Vice President Great Lakes Two Harbors, Minn., where it Tommy Orzechowski. “I’m very loaded iron ore to be delivered to proud of the entire staff on the Conneaut, Ohio. Great Lakes, and the company is The ship mainly will transport completely satisfied with the SIU iron ore for steel production, norshipboard personnel who crewed mally loading in Two Harbors the ship on short notice, in less and unloading in Detroit. than 24 hours. The Stinson expands American “This represents a bold move Steamship’s SIU-crewed fleet to for the SIU moving into the year 11 vessels. The ship has a beam 2004—more new jobs, and the of 105 feet and a capacity of first major piece of equipment 59,700 tons. It is equipped with a that has been delivered under the 260-foot self-unloading boom standard agreement on the Lakes and diesel engines with 16,000 in many years.” BPH. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Thursday, Jan. 1, 2004 for the observance of the New Year’s Day holiday (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. December 2003 SIU President Michael Sacco (left) presents a joint statement to Congress on behalf of four U.S. maritime unions. Joining him last year at a hearing before the House Special Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine are (from left) MEBA President Ron Davis, MM&P Executive Assistant Mike Rodriguez and AMO President Michael McKay. The statement urged an extension of the U.S. Maritime Security Program and an expansion of the MSP fleet. our nation. It helps maintain a pool of skilled American mariners who are needed to crew not only the MSP ships, but also the U.S. government-owned strategic sealift and Ready Reserve Force vessels, both in peace and war. The MSP helps our nation maintain a presence in interna- tional commerce—keeping the U.S. flag on the high seas. And, ultimately, the program gives the Defense Department access to program participants’ infrastructure, terminals, communications networks and more. Support for the program has been widespread, including from the top levels of government and the military. In October 2000, President Bush noted, “In time of war or national emergency, the U.S. military depends on shipping and seafarers drawn from the U.S.-flag commercial fleet to deploy our military overseas and, once deployed, to transport the supplies necessary for them to fight, and win anywhere in the world…. Programs . . . that guarantee intermodal cargo lift and management services when needed in times of crisis or conflict, such as the Maritime Security Program, should be maintained.” U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (RCalif.), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, conducted hearings on the reauthorized MSP through the committee’s Merchant Marine Panel. In April 2001, he stated, “The MSP has proved very successful. Today, 47 U.S.-flagged commercial vessels, crewed by U.S. citizens, participate in the MSP program. These vessels are engaged in the foreign commerce of the Continued on page 10 Car Carrier Reflags U.S. Seafarers welcomed new job opportunities with the renaming and reflagging of the car carrier Freedom at a ceremony Oct. 30 in Baltimore. SIU President Michael Sacco served as keynote speaker. Also addressing the crowd of more than 200 industry representatives were Lieutenant General Gary H. Hughey, deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command; U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert; Kathleen Broadwater, deputy director of the Maryland Port Administration; Raymond Ebeling, chairman and CEO of American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC); and retired Congresswoman and Federal Maritime Commission Chairperson Helen Bentley. “Our security is enhanced by building a manpower pool of qualified seafarers,” Sacco stated. “Many of these same crew members who are crewing the Freedom as it enters the U.S. fleet may someday use their skills to deliver vital cargo to U.S. troops overseas. A lot of the training and skills that they need to operate the Freedom also can be used on other RO/ROs and on tankers and containerships and crane ships.” Schubert noted, “The additional roll-on/roll-off capacity the Freedom brings to the U.S.-flag fleet is important in increasing our commercial presence in the international trades and the military utility of roll-on/roll-off vessels was certainly proven during Operation Iraqi Freedom.” Hughey called the reflagging “a significant event for ARC, our merchant marine and this great nation. America’s dedicated merchant mariners are sailing on U.S.-flag ships to ensure victory in the global war on terrorism.” He also cited the merchant Pictured near the newly reflagged Freedom are Lt. General Gary H. Hughey, deputy commander of TRANSCOM (in uniform); U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. Bill Schubert (fourth from left); SIU President Michael Sacco (to Hughey’s immediate right); SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz (far right); Randy Senatore of the Paul Hall Center (second from right); and unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center. marine’s role in Operation Iraqi freedom as further proof of the merchant marine’s importance. “The legacy of the U.S.-flag fleet in Iraqi operations cannot be overstated,” Hughey asserted. “A steel bridge of vessels was maintained by our mariners, who sail into harm’s way and stand ready to repeat that Herculean accomplishment.” Ebeling stressed the significance of maintaining and strengthening policies that boost the U.S. fleet, including cargo preference. Ebeling, Hughey and Schubert also warmly acknowledged the dozen unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center in attendance, calling them the industry’s future. Aboard ship, spirits were high as Seafarers prepared for the Freedom’s first voyage under the Stars and Stripes, which was to include stops in Charleston, S.C. and Savannah, Ga. Chief Steward Stephen Bird said the Freedom is “an excellent vessel. It’s nice and clean, with good accommodations. The crew seems very upbeat.” “So far, so good, from what I’ve seen,” added QMED Gary McDonald. “We’re ready to go.” Bosun John Grayson said the car carrier “is a nice ship and we’re all learning. I also sailed on the double eagles (tankers) when they were new, and when you’re a Seafarer, you can do the job aboard any ship. Some of the job details may be a little different, but it’s basically the same.” Additional photos of the Freedom and crew will be published in an upcoming issue of the Seafarers LOG. Seafarers LOG 3 �20528_p01_4,6,10.qxd 11/24/2003 7:34 PM Page 4 NY Waterway Christens New Ferry NY Waterway’s fleet of passenger ferries keeps growing. The SIU-contracted company on Oct. 29 christened the Admiral Richard E. Bennis, a 79-foot, bow-loading catamaran built in Alaska. The highspeed boat can carry 149 passengers. NY Waterway also christened two more ferries, the Bayonne and the Jersey City, this past summer. “NY Waterway’s commitment to safety is an important component of their success and expansion, and the SIU of course is pleased with the delivery of more new jobs aboard the ferries,” said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. The Bennis honors the former Coast Guard captain of the port of New York/New Jersey who directed the waterborne evacuation of Manhattan after the attacks of September 11, 2001. The ferry also pays tribute to all the men and women of the Coast Guard. “Our NY Waterway crews are on the water with these dedicated (Coast Guard) people every day, and we were honored to work with them on September 11, a day which was both our darkest moment and our finest hour,” said NY Waterway President Arthur Imperatore Jr. September 11 wasn’t the only time that Seafarers on NY Waterway vessels assisted passengers in an emergency. Most recently, Seafarers who crew NY Waterway passenger ferries provided transportation for commuters in the New York region during the Aug. 14 power failure which forced the evacuation of office buildings, stranded thousands of commuters and inundated some hospitals with people who fell victim to the heat. NY Waterway had 50 vessels in service immediately following the blackout. Captains and crews worked extended hours to accommodate as many commuters as possible. Despite the fact that many would-be passengers waited in line for more than two hours—a result of sheer volume—NY Waterway vessels and crews still got the job done. In the end, 200,000 people were ferried off the island, 40,000 more than the company accommodated during September 11. SIU-crewed NY Waterway ferries provide more than 60,000 passenger trips per day—16 million trips per year—on 21 routes between New Jersey and Manhattan, and between Rockland and Westchester counties. The company also offers a variety of leisure and sightseeing cruises in the New York area. Prescription Plan Will Reduce Costs The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is about to enter into an agreement with Prescription Solutions, a national pharmacy management company, to provide pharmacy benefits to all eligible participants. Under this agreement, the cost of prescribed drugs will be greatly reduced, resulting in a savings to the Plan and to participants. According to Seafarers Plans Administrator Lou Delma, eligible members and dependents participating at Plan Level G will pay only small co-payments for certain prescribed name brand drugs. In addition, maintenance drugs will be available through a mail order arrangement. The program will provide coverage for new as well as refill prescriptions filled at participating retail pharmacies and through the Prescription Solutions Mail Services Pharmacy beginning Jan. 1, 2004. To use the program, members need only present their Prescription Solutions ID cards—which will be provided by the Plan—to any participating pharmacy. Using Participating Pharmacies When filling or refilling prescriptions at participating pharmacies, pharmacy workers will enter members’ ID numbers and other pertinent information into their computer system. This information automatically will be sent to Prescription Solutions, which will verify coverage and instruct the pharmacy to collect applicable copayments from those having prescriptions filled. No additional claim forms or paperwork will be required. Mail Service Pharmacy For those who elect not to have their prescriptions filled at participating pharmacies in their areas, Prescription Solutions offers the Mail Service Pharmacy. Members’ out-of-pocket costs will be less and/or the supply of medication will be greater if they chose to receive their covered medications through Prescription Solutions’ Mail Service Pharmacy. What’s more, medications—generally up to a 90-day supply with lower co-pay—will be sent directly to participants’ homes. As an added service, pharmacists at the mail service facility will check each medication for possible drug interactions and duplicate therapies just as pharmacists at local pharmacies do. Additional information on using the 4 Seafarers LOG mail service pharmacy is available by calling Prescription Solutions’ Mail Service Customer Service at 1-800-562-6223. Cost of Medications The cost of prescribed drugs will be greatly reduced under this new program with Prescription Solutions. The end result will be savings to the Plan and to the participants. As of Jan. 1, 2004, the following co-pay rates will apply to all eligible members and dependents when using participating pharmacies: Retail Service—for generic or brand when generic is not available, members will have a $.00 co-payment. For brand when generic is available, the co-payment amount will be $20. Mail Service (minimum 90day supply)—for generic or brand when generic is not available, members will have a $.00 co-payment. For brand when generic is available, the co-payment amount will be $10. Maintenance drugs (for example, blood pressure or diabetes medications)—the fourth time a prescription is presented at retail pharmacy for a 30-day supply, the following will apply: for generic medications, members will have a $15 co-payment. For brand, the copayment amount will be $30. Those with questions about this new prescription drug plan, or needing assistance in locating a participating pharmacy, may call Prescription Solutions Customer Service at 1-800-797-9791, Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Pacific Standard Time. About the Company Prescription Solutions is a comprehensive pharmacy and medical management company that provides pharmacy management services to managed care organizations, employer groups, union trust funds, Medicare and Medicaid populations. The company currently serves approximately 5 million members and administers more than 2,100 plan benefit designs. Prescription Solutions manages over 68 million annual prescription claims, 3.3 million annual mail service claims and $2.1 billion in annual prescriptions drug expenditures. The business dispenses prescription drugs to members through a network of more than 55,000 retail pharmacies and through its own state-of-the-art mail service facility. Deckhands Mike Leon (left) and Mohamed Gouda are among the first Seafarers to crew up NY Waterway’s newest ferry, the Admiral Richard E. Bennis. The Bayonne and the Jersey City joined the fleet earlier this year. Top Medical Benefits Highlight Higman Pact The preservation of medical plan benefits at the highest level (Plan G) for SIU members and their dependents is among the main features of a newly ratified three-year contract with Higman Barge. According to SIU Assistant Vice President Gulf Coast Jim McGee, members and their dependents will continue to enjoy the Capt. Grayson Skaggs (left) same levels of medical coverage they were entitled to under the pre- and SIU Asst. VP Gulf Coast vious agreement. The new accord also calls for the maintenance of Jim McGee served on the SIU pension contribution by the company as well as pay hikes in each negotiating committee. year of the contract, McGee said. The union was represented by Seafarers Capt. Grayson Skaggs and Tankerman Fred Forsythe during the contract negotiations. They were joined by SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and McGee. “In my view, negotiations went very well this time around,” said Skaggs, who donned the SIU colors some eight year ago. “Although a number of tough issues came to the forefront during our talks,” he continued, “both sides exhibited flexibility…and that was good because we did not have to go down to the last hour before hammering out an agreement which addressed the concerns of both sides. Crew members aboard the Marrero “I can’t say enough about the role which the union leaders congratulate Capt. Grayson Skaggs, in this region (Corgey and McGee) played in the negotiation left, on a job well done. From the left process,” Skaggs concluded. “They were with us all the way are Utility Tankerman Leon Morvant, Relief Captain John Primeaux and and fought hard to get this new agreement through.” The new contract—retroactive to Oct. 30—will remain in Pilot Mickey Killian. force through Oct. 30, 2006. Capt. Grayson Skaggs, left, joins Seafarers in the galley of the Miss Cynthia. With Skaggs, are, from the left, Relief Captain Walter Evans, Utility Tankerman William West and Capt. James Campbell. Pictured on board the George Thomas are, from the left, Pilot David Keill, Tankerman Juan De Los Santos, Utility Tankerman Brad DeRouen, Capt. Calvin Hatfield and Capt. Grayson Skaggs. Aboard the Mark Flynn are, from the left, Capt. Darrell Daigle, Utility Tankerman John E. Webb, and Capt. Grayson Skaggs. Pleased with the new contract aboard the Capt. Jack Higman are, from the left, Utility Tankerman Fred Forsythe, Utility Tankerman Glynn Whittington, Pilot Michael Campbell, Relief Captain Ross Burton and Capt. Roy Golden. Port of New Orleans Safety Director Chris Westbrook congratulates Capt. Chris Spivey on the new contract. Giving the thumbs up sign aboard the Jesse B. Gunstream Jr. for the new contract are, from the left, Utility Tankerman Albert Shelton, Capt. Grayson Skaggs and Pilot Perry Robottom. December 2003 �20528_P5,7,11_14,16,20.qxd 11/24/2003 7:38 PM Page 5 IBF Announces ‘Win-Win’ Global Pact for Mariners A new global agreement covering the wages and working conditions of more than 50,000 mariners was concluded Nov. 13 in San Francisco by the International Bargaining Forum (IBF). The IBF consists of the Joint Negotiating Group (JNG) representing global shipowners and ship managers, and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) representing mariners. The agreement, which now goes for final endorsement by the policymaking bodies of both groups, follows a year of intensive negotiations in different parts of the world. “This is excellent news for crews who sail on flag-of-convenience (FOC) ships covered by ITF agreements,” noted SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who serves as vice chairman of the federation’s Seafarers’ Section and who participated in the negotiations. “The new agreement means better wages and benefits and more flexibility.” The package moves away from the single “benchmark” for an AB’s wages, which for many years has marked the minimum standards set by the ITF for FOC ships, to a wider set of wage and social benefits—including important improvements in compensation for disability or death. It also gives greater flexibility for national negotiations within a global set and verified framework. Based on a “model ship” with 23 crew members, the new agreement provides an increase in the minimum levels of the existing ITF Total Crew Cost (TCC) agreement of $2,173 a month— equivalent to two extra days’ leave and subsistence. There also will be a further increase of $1,247 related to the cost of improvements in medical and sickness benefits and death and disability compensation. The agreement further provides new provisions ensuring that mariners will not face pressure to carry out cargo handling or other work normally done in port by skilled and qualified dockworkers. The agreement provides a number of concrete benefits for IBF members that will not be available to other companies covered by ITF acceptable agreements, let alone for those without any such agreements. The maximum percentage of the total wage package that can, by local agreement, be allocated to social educational or training benefits for seafarers is increased from 10 to 15 percent; a new shipboard disputes procedure to resolve problems that arise for IBF members’ ships has been established; and the ITF will issue a “Green Certificate” to IBF members and will ensure that its worldwide network of inspectors concentrate most of their attention on nonIBF ships. The ITF also has agreed that 5 percent of the contributions made by IBF members to its Seafarers’ International Welfare Assistance and Protection Fund will be paid Participating in the negotiations are (from left) Paddy Crumlin, president of the Maritime Union of Australia; Brian Orrell, chairman of the ITF Seafarers’ Section; Stephen Cotton, secretary general of the ITF Special Seafarers’ Department; David Heindel, vice chairman of the Seafarers’ Section and secretary-treasurer of the SIU; and David Cockroft, ITF general secretary. into a special account jointly administered by the ITF and the JNG and that will be used exclusively for mariners employed on the ships covered by the IBF agreement to provide benefits such as on-board welfare facilities, crew communications and assistance or for crew members’ families. “This is a unique step forward SIU Crew Members Honored During AOTOS Ceremony Four SIU crews are recent recipients of United Seamen’s Service (USS) “Honored Seafarers Awards.” The honors were bestowed on the mariners Nov. 7 during the 34th annual Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) in New York. More than 800 industry leaders, including SIU President Michael Sacco, attended the outing that has been dubbed the maritime industry’s most prestigious honor. The event took the form of a dinner and dance and held at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers. Receiving recognition were SIU members who on specific dates were aboard Pacific Marine’s Faust, Matson’s Mokihana, Interocean Ugland Management’s Northern Lights and the Military Sealift Command’s USNS Concord. The crews from the Faust, Mokihana and Concord were recognized for heroism during rescues at sea while those aboard the Northern Lights garnered laurels for bravery in the performance of their duties during Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Faust on Dec. 7, 2002 saved five passengers, including a 15-year-old boy, who were aboard a 54-foot fishing boat off the coast of Hampton, Va. On July 19, 2002, the crew and officers on the Mokihana rescued six Japanese fishermen off Wake Island in the Pacific Ocean. The crew and officers from the Northern Lights, from March 2022, were on a Military Sealift Command charter in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the port of Kuwait. The vessel’s crew included 26 civilian mariners plus a 12-man security detachment of U.S. Marines. Secured in an area at high risk for terrorist and SCUD-NBC missile attacks with an ammonia plant and a chlorine plant at either end of the terminal, the crew and port workers and Marines were subject to 12 SCUD alerts and one SCUD attack that December 2003 occurred without warning. The impact of this attack rocked the ship at its moorings. On several occasions, SCUD alerts came while crew members were performing duties that could not be immediately abandoned without risk of damage to the ship. At these times the crew continued with the work at hand until the vessel was secure, despite the obvious risk to their personal safety. Through the entire ordeal no one complained of fatigue or danger. The ship also provided shelter, food and hospitality for hundreds of military personnel in the area. The crew and officers from the combat stores ship Concord on June 24 rescued 27 mariners from the Egyptian-flagged cargo ship Green Glory off the coast of Oman. The Green Glory was half submerged and rolling heavily from side to side—the result of an engine fire—when the Concord arrived at its location. In addition to the foregoing honors for mariners, several other awards were presented. The USS 2003 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award was given to Chuck Raymond, chairman, president and CEO of SIU-contracted Horizon Lines, the largest American-flag liner service ocean carrier and Jones Act trade transportation provider. Horizon is the renamed CSX Lines, which descended from Sea-Land Service. A Special AOTOS award was presented to the U.S. Military Traffic Management Command (MTMC) for its extraordinary role in the nation’s ability to project and sustain combat power that enabled freedom for the Iraqi people. Much of the success of the operations, in both Iraq and Afghanistan, has been attributed to the bonds that MTMC has forged with the industry. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Ann Dunwoody, MTMC commander, accepted the award on behalf of MTMC. AOTOS award recipients U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Ann Dunwoody, MTMC commander, and Chuck Raymond, chairman, president and CEO of SIU-contracted Horizon Lines, are flanked by U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. Bill Schubert (left) and U.S. Gen. John W. Handy, commander, U.S. Transportation Command. in establishing minimum conditions in what has become the world’s first global industry,” said ITF General Secretary David Cockroft. “Following long and intense negotiations, the result is a win-win situation. The seafarers covered by the agreement will have better social and health benefits as well as better wages, and the national ITF affiliates will have more flexibility to negotiate conditions which match local circumstances.” Seafarers’ Section Chair Brian Orrell, who led the ITF negotiating team, said “We have achieved a major change in the way this industry operates. For the companies which are members of the IBF, there is an atmosphere of trust and confidence which allows us to concentrate the attention of our inspectors on bad ship operators who make money by employing seafarers under substandard conditions and often then abandoning them.” The JNG, which includes the International Maritime Employers’ Committee and the International Mariners Management Committee of Japan also welcomed the result. Houston Hall Gets an Overhaul Over the past couple months, the SIU hall in Houston has been given a face lift. The interior of the facility has been scrubbed clean and given a fresh coat of paint. New, comfortable seating has been installed with a partitioned section for those wishing to watch TV. Additionally a new, large counter has been put in place to more efficiently help the membership interact with the port officials. Seafarers LOG 5 �20528_p01_4,6,10.qxd 11/24/2003 7:34 PM Page 6 Getting Out on the Great Lakes Wiper Ronald Hackensmith Presque Isle, in Gary, Ind. DEU Mike LaFoille stands on the deck of American Steamship Co.’s Buffalo at the CSX dock in Toledo, Ohio. AB John Stolberg J.A.W. Iglehart Steward Daniel Dillabough Paul H. Townsend BECK NOTICE Seafarers LOG Justin Vonsprecken J.A.W. Iglehart Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak (right) reviews the crew list of the Mackinac Express as Captain Paul Allers pilots the vessel. Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act The Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU 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/NMU 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/NMU. 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/NMU 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 $400.00 (four hundred dollars) per year or $100.00 (one hundred 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 AB Trevor Robinson Paul H. Townsend Left: Oiler Eugene Hayes J.A.W. Iglehart Bosun Herbert Schiller J.A.W. Iglehart 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 2002 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 69.71 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $278.84 (two hundred seventy-eight dollars and eighty-four cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2004 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2003 and November 30, 2004 will have this calculation applied to their 2004 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2005, your objection must be received by December 1, 2004. 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/NMU, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2002. 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/NMU, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 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 2003 �20528_P5,7,11_14,16,20.qxd 11/24/2003 7:38 PM Page 7 ‘We Stand on the Shoulders of Giants’ Recertification Course Proves Worthwhile for Bosuns Six seasoned Seafarers last month became the union’s newest recertified bosuns, following their completion of the month-long class at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Addressing fellow members and SIU officials at last month’s membership meeting in Piney Point, the bosuns offered strong support for their union—along with even stronger encouragement to the unlicensed apprentices at the school. Graduating from the Paul Hall Center’s top deck-department curriculum were Tony Beasley, Jim Bishop, Samuel Duah, Richard Lewis, Ken Steiner and Norman Tourtellot. The course itself, like most others at the Paul Hall Center, blends practical training with classroom instruction. The bosuns completed fire fighting and other safety and health training; utilized the school’s stateof-the-art crane simulator; and helped apprentices with handson training aboard the Osprey. They also extensively reviewed the mechanics of contracts, met with SIU headquarters staff to brush up on the workings of the union’s communications department and those of the Seafarers Plans, and examined various international maritime conventions. Norman Tourtellot said he found the recertification course very worthwhile. Pictured after last month’s membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. are (from left) Seafarers Plans Deputy Administrator Ambrose Cucinotta, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Seafarers Plans Administrator Lou Delma, Recertified Bosuns Jim Bishop, Norman Tourtellot, Tony Beasley and Samuel Duah, SIU President Mike Sacco, Recertified Bosun Richard Lewis, SIU Assistant VP Contracts George Tricker, Recertified Bosun Ken Steiner and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Among other activities, the Seafarers also completed computer training and reviewed various policies and procedures associated with the manpower, recruiting and admissions offices, respectively. “This course will help us greatly on the ships,” said Steiner, a 1979 graduate of the trainee program and a frequent upgrader. He noted the school’s progress and urged the apprentices to be good shipmates and also participate in union activities. Steiner, a third-generation union member, also took note of the SIU’s history. “We all stand on the shoulders of giants—the men and women who came before us and led the way to better shipboard conditions, wages and benefits,” he stated. “We owe them a lot. The SIU is the greatest maritime union in the world and will only get better.” Like Steiner, Beasley, whose son is an unlicensed apprentice, also graduated from the entry program in 1979. He found the computer training particularly helpful during the recertification class and credited all of the instructors “always getting better and doing a wonderful job, with patience and commitment.” Beasley added that the SIU Several Seafarers including Jim Bishop (sitting) cited computer training as a highlight of the class. Instructor Rich Prucha (standing) offers guidance. December 2003 “changed my life by offering school programs for advancement in a field that I really enjoy. I will never give it up!” He encouraged the apprentices to “work together as a team and do not delay asking questions. Stay involved with ship operations, safety meetings and current events with the SIU.” Yet another 1979 Piney Point graduate, Bishop said he “found the information about union procedures and rules very useful. The trips we made to headquarters and the talks we had with SIU leadership were very enlightening. This is an important side of our union that some members never see, so I am going to do my best to pass along what I have learned.” Duah, who joined the union in 1992 in New Orleans, said that this was his first time upgrading—but it won’t be his last. “I hope everyone comes to the Paul Hall Center and experiences it,” he said. I love this place and I recommend it. The instructors are the best—friendly and good people.” With a nod toward the apprentices, he noted, “There are a lot of opportunities in our organization where you can advance, but you must be willing to apply yourself.” The longest-tenured Seafarer, Lewis, who joined in 1969 in New Orleans, said the union “helped me when I needed help. There were times when I was young that I had no job and no prospect of getting a job. The SIU was a godsend to me. It still is.” Speaking from experience—he has upgraded more than a dozen times—Lewis told the apprentices, “The school is here for you, so take advantage of it. The SIU and Piney Point offer a real chance at a real life. Upgrade as often as you can. There is no limit to how far you can go with the SIU.” He also advised, “If you have a problem on board the ship, take care of it down below. Stay out of the mate’s room. If you can’t take care of it on the ship, contact headquarters and they will take care of it. It’s their job. They do it well.” Tourtellot, who signed on with the SIU in 1990 in San Francisco, said he enjoyed “learning how the union works at the highest levels. I will pass what I learned along to my fellow seamen.” He also commended the school’s staff and instructors for helping him get the most out of his time in Piney Point. Richard Lewis (at wheel) and Ken Steiner hone their skills aboard the Osprey. Samuel Duah said that upgrading at the Paul Hall Center is a smart move for all Seafarers. Seafarers LOG 7 �20528_P8,9,15,17_19,21_23.qxd 11/24/2003 7:43 PM Page 8 Chemical Pioneer Crew Upgrades at Piney Point Thirteen Seafarers who most recently sailed aboard the Chemical Pioneer completed safety courses last month at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. For most of the mariners, it marked their first trip to the school. “It’s outstanding,” remarked AB Vladimir Filip. “It’s a beautiful school with nice people and great facilities. Everybody tries to help you. It’s everything we need.” The group’s curriculums included fire fighting, hazardous materials training, tanker safety, first aid, CPR and other safety training. The mariners also met with SIU officials and with company representatives from U.S. Ship Management, which operates the Chemical Pioneer. Filip—who, like many of his classmates, belonged to the old NMU before that union merged with the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District—said that experiencing the school and meeting with SIU officials reinforced his belief Above: SIU President Mike Sacco (center) and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (left) discuss some of the key issues affecting the U.S. fleet with crew members from the Chemical Pioneer. that the merger was a smart move. “I think it should have been done 20 years ago,” he stated. “We’re a better union now and much stronger. We have unbelievable leadership under SIU, very truthful and very forward.” Joining Filip in completing the safety training at the Paul Hall Center were Grant Bazile, Claudell Blakely, Kelvin Cherington, Francis Dover, Edward Fore, Joseph Holloman, Kevin Jones, Donald Melonson, Carl Motley, Leonel Rivas, Joseph Sam and Larry Sambo. Seafarers from the Chemical Pioneer who completed safety training last month at the Paul Hall Center included (in alphabetical order) Grant Bazile, Claudell Blakely, Kelvin Cherington, Francis Dover, Vladimir Filip, Edward Fore, Joseph Holloman, Kevin Jones, Donald Melonson, Carl Motley, Leonel Rivas, Joseph Sam and Larry Sambo. Monthly Membership Meetings Keep Seafarers Informed Attending monthly membership meetings, which are held in each SIU hall around the country, is one way to keep track of all the news affecting the lives and livelihoods of Seafarers. The meetings are a forum to keep SIU members abreast of any and all issues of importance to them. Below is the schedule of meetings for 2004. Each issue of the Seafarers LOG also lists the dates for the next two meetings scheduled in each port. Above and at right: Training at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, students benefit from hands-on instruction. Membership Meetings in 2004 Port Traditional Date January February March April May June July August Piney Point Monday after first Sunday 5 2 8 5 3 7 6* 2 7* 4 8 6 New York Tuesday after first Sunday 6 3 9 6 4 8 6 3 7 5 9 7 Wednesday after first Sunday 7 4 10 7 5 9 7 4 8 6 10 8 Baltimore Thursday after first Sunday 8 5 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12* 9 Norfolk Thursday after first Sunday 8 5 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12* 9 Jacksonville Thursday after first Sunday 8 5 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12* 9 San Juan Thursday after first Sunday 8 5 11 8 6 10 8 5 9 7 12* 9 Algonac Friday after first Sunday 9 6 12 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 12 10 Boston Friday after first Sunday 9 6 12 9 7 11 9 6 10 8 12 10 Houston Monday after second Sunday 12 9 15 12 10 14 12 9 13 11 15 13 New Orleans Tuesday after second Sunday 13 10 16 13 11 15 13 10 14 12 16 14 Mobile Wednesday after second Sunday 14 11 17 14 12 16 14 11 15 13 17 15 Duluth Wednesday after second Sunday 14 11 17 14 12 16 14 11 15 13 17 15 Thursday after second Sunday 15 12 18 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 18 16 Port Everglades Thursday after second Sunday 15 12 18 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 18 16 Joliet Thursday after second Sunday 15 12 18 15 13 17 15 12 16 14 18 16 St. Louis Friday after second Sunday 16 13 19 16 14 18 16 13 17 15 19 17 Honolulu Friday after second Sunday 16 13 19 16 14 18 26 13 17 15 19 17 Wilmington Monday after third Sunday 20* 17* 22 19 17 21 19 17* 20 18 22 20 New Bedford Tuesday after third Sunday 20 17 23 20 18 22 20 17 21 19 23 21 Guam Thursday after third Sunday 22 19 25 22 20 24 22 19 23 21 26* 23 Friday after third Sunday 23 20 26 23 21 25 23 20 24 22 26 24 Philadelphia San Francisco Tacoma September October November December *Piney Point changes created by Independence Day and Labor Day holidays; Baltimore, Norfolk, Jacksonville and San Juan changes created by Veterans’ Day holiday; Wilmington changes created by Martin Luther King’s birthday, Presidents Day and Paul Hall’s birthday holidays; and Guam change created by Thanksgiving Day holiday. 8 Seafarers LOG December 2003 �20528_P8,9,15,17_19,21_23.qxd 11/24/2003 7:44 PM Page 9 Seafarers at Sea and Ashore . . . Realizing the importance of a solid education, Unlicensed Apprentice Matthew Whitmore (center) studied for his GED at the Paul Hall Center, and his hard work paid off. At the November monthly membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., Whitmore is congratulated by SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and VP Contracts Augie Tellez for completing his studies. Carrying on a proud family tradition is Tony Beasley Jr. (left), who is in phase 1 of the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center. He recently was present at the school when his father, Tony Sr., graduated from the bosun recertification training course. This was voyage 001 for Matson’s newly christened Manukai, and members of the steward department are thrilled to work in a brand new galley with shining equipment. From the left are Chief Cook Richard Walker, Recertified Steward Carl Poggioli and Assistant Cook Mary Lou Lopez. Left: Recertified Bosun Dirk W. Adams takes time to teach two SIU unlicensed apprentices from class #642 how to splice an eye on a mooring line aboard the Sealand Innovator. From the left are Adams, UA John Selman, UA Will Tuer and AB Nasir Isa. Ian T. Allison (left), a retired Seafarer and CEO of the North Bay Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans, recently met with Congressman Bob Filner (D-Calif.) to discuss the Merchant Marine’s “Just Compensation” bill. Cong. Filner is currently the second-ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Veterans Affairs—and pledged to help the merchant marine veterans in obtaining compensation for the equal opportunities denied to them for many years. . . . and Aboard the Great Land The RO/RO Great Land has been chartered by Matson Navigation Co. to speed up the flow of vehicles from the West Coast to Hawaii. With a capacity of 950 automobiles and 100 containers on chassis, the vessel runs a regular triangle between Oakland, Calif. and the Hawaiian ports of Honolulu and Kahului. OMU James Donohue checks the compressor. Sougeeing the console is Wiper Omar Almaklani. Right: Ali Monassar is an SA aboard the Great Land. Left: SIU Rep Archie Ware (right) meets with Tim Fitzgerald, the Great Land’s bosun. AB Peter Bean stands gangway watch. In the Great Land’s engine department are Electrian Azeem Modak and 3rd A/E Michael Okley. December 2003 Bosun Tim Fitzgerald (left) and his chief mate inventory paint aboard the RO/RO ship. It’s breakfast time aboard the Great Land. Above, Chief Cook Mose Peacock flips some pancakes while, at right, Steward/Baker Jill Prescott scrambles up the eggs. Seafarers LOG 9 �20528_p01_4,6,10.qxd 11/24/2003 7:35 PM Page 10 CIVMAR News Flexible Spending Accounts A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a new benefit that allows federal workers to set aside pre-tax money from their paychecks to pay for certain eligible expenses—namely, nonreimbursable health care costs or dependent care. There are two types of FSAs. One is a Health Care Flexible Spending Account, and it covers eligible health care expenses not reimbursed by any medical, dental or vision care plan the employee or his dependents may visit. The other FSA is known as a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account. It covers eligible dependent care expenses incurred so an employee can work (such as child care); or if the employee is married, so the worker and spouse can work; or an employee’s spouse can look for work or attend school fulltime. Eligible employees may participate in either, or both, of the FSAs. The most that may be earmarked for non-insured health costs is $3,000, while the maximum for dependent care is $5,000—or half that amount for a married worker who files a sep- Notice 75-Day Rule Change New participants in the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan who have acquired 75 days’ covered employment between January 1 and June 30 of a calendar year will be eligible for medical and prescription coverage during July 1 through December 31 of that year. New participants acquiring their 75 days after July 1, but before December 31 during that calendar year, will be eligible for medical and prescription benefits for the remainder of that calendar year plus the following year. With the exception of prescriptions, all new participants covered under the 75-day rule will need 1 day in the last six months prior to the date of any claim in order to receive medical benefits in the following year. arate tax return. Much more information is available online at: www.fsafeds.com or by calling toll-free at 877FSA-FEDS. ‘Open Season’ Mariners working for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Army Corp of Engineers and the Military Sealift Command (MSC) have a chance to review their health benefit coverage and change to a new provider. The “open season” runs through Dec. 8, 2003. The effective date of the open season change is the first day of the first full pay period in January 2004. According to some estimates, health insurance premiums will increase by an average of 10.6 percent next year for federal workers and retirees. Retirees also face an increase of 13.5 percent for their Medicare “Part B” premium, which covers doctor services, outpatient care and medical equipment. The Office of Personnel Management web site contains a great deal of information to help make this very important decision. It can be found at: http://www.opm.gov/insure/04/in dex.asp TSP Update The Thrift Savings Plan is a retirement savings plan both for civilians employed by the U.S. government and for members of the uniformed services. In 2004, federal workers in the Federal Employees Retirement System may contribute as much as 14 percent of their base pay, while those in the Civil Service Retirement System may put in as much as 9 percent. Also, the tax-deferral limit increases next year to $13,000 (a $1,000 increase). Extension of MSP Included in Defense Bill Continued from page 3 United States and are enrolled in DOD’s Emergency Preparedness Program to ensure that such vessels and associated worldwide intermodal transportation and management assets are incorporated into DOD sealift plans and programs, and are immediately available to meet military sealift requirements. Without the MSP the cost to DOD would be substantial—approximately $800 million annually would be required by DOD to provide similar sealift and related system capacity on its own for the rapid and sustained deployment IMPORTANT NOTICE SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. of military vehicles, ammunition and other equipment and material.” A year ago, the head of the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) urged Congress to reauthorize the MSP. U.S. Gen. John W. Handy told Congress, “I wholeheartedly support reauthorization of MSP beyond expiration of the current authority on September 30, 2005. The MSP is a vital element of our military’s strategic sealift and global response capability. As we look at operations on multiple fronts in support of the war on terrorism, it is clear that our limited defense resources will increasingly rely on partnerships with industry to maintain the needed capability and capacity to meet our most demanding wartime scenarios. That makes MSP reauthorization even more important as we look toward the future.” The need to maintain a strong U.S Merchant Marine —a goal greatly aided by the MSP—again was evident during the combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, when U.S. crews sailed into harm’s way to deliver vital materiel to American and allied troops. At least 3,000 civilian mariners— including more than 2,000 SIU members—mobilized for the war. SIU members crewed more than 100 vessels that delivered the troops, tanks, fuel and other materiel that helped coalition forces achieve swift and decisive victory in removing Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s regime. Vice Admiral David Brewer, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) and another proponent of the MSP, stated, “The U.S. Merchant Mariner has played a vital role in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Most of the tanks, Army helicopters, trucks and vital ground equipment were delivered via ships manned by these great Americans. Operation Iraqi Freedom would not have happened without them.” Another strong supporter of the MSP, U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert, described the merchant marine’s performance in Operation Iraqi Freedom as “the most impressive sealift in history. The men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine have performed superbly and have once again made us proud.” Apply Now for College Scholarship; Deadline Is April 15, 2004 P lease send me the 2004 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 ____________________________________________ This application is for: Self Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 12/03 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 10 Seafarers LOG Tuition costs at the nation’s public colleges rose more rapidly last year than at any time in the past three decades, according to a report recently issued by the College Board. Add room and board to that figure, and the average student now pays $10,636 to attend a public university in his or her own state—and about $26,854 to attend a private university. What’s a student to do? Financial aid is not easy to get, and any loans secured must be paid back, often with interest. As in past years, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is offering eight scholarships to Seafarers, their spouses and dependent children to offset some of the costs. Three of the scholarships for 2004 are reserved for SIU members. One of those is in the amount of $20,000 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 postsecondary community college or voca- tional school. The other five scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. The deadline for submitting the application and other required paperwork is April 15, 2004. That leaves four months from now in which to send away for the program booklet and start working on collecting the items needed for inclusion with the application (such as transcripts, certificates of graduation, letters of recommendation, a photograph and certified copy of birth certificate). Applicants should also arrange to take either the SAT or ACT no later than February 2004 in order to ensure the results reach the selection committee in time to be evaluated. Anyone who truly wants to continue his or her education beyond the high school level should be able to do so—and the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is trying to help. Apply now! December 2003 �20528_P5,7,11_14,16,20.qxd 11/24/2003 7:39 PM Page 11 Paul Hall Center School Supplement This handy version of the Paul Hall Center’s catalog is printed in the Seafarers LOG as a convenience to SIU members. Please keep it for reference. Note: Prerequisites for all upgrading courses in the SHLSS catalog include being 18 years old, holding a U.S. Merchant Marine Document, passing a physical exam, and English language proficiency in accordance with 46 CFR. 2004 Paul Hall Center Course Guide S ince opening in 1967, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education constantly has been progressive, forward-thinking – and busy. On average, about 4,000 students take courses at the Piney Point, Md. facility each year. From 1972 through October of 2003, some 123,551 people trained at the Paul Hall Center. The year 2004 promises to be typically full of activity for the school, which is a leading provider of vocational training for U.S. Merchant Mariners. The Paul Hall Center also offers academic support, including degree programs and college-credit recommendations. In short, the Paul Hall Center’s training tools, staff and environment are second-tonone. 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 Seafarers LOG for the most upto-date class listings. Schedules also are available on the web site www.seafarers.org, in the Paul Hall Center section. 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. Some courses have other specific requirements. 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) 994-0010. DECK Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman Applicants completing our Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman program satisfy: (1) the training, sea-going service, and assessment requirements of 46 CFR 12.053(c) and Section A-II/4 of the STCW Code, Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Certification of Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch;—AND—(2) if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, the written examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-9 for the “Deck General & Navigation General” and “Deck Safety & Rules of the Road” exam modules for any Able Seaman endorsement and the practical (knot tying) examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-9 for any Able Seaman endorsement PROVIDED that all other requirements of 46 CFR Subpart 12.05, including sea service, are also met. The course 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. Prerequisites: Sea service, Water Survival (Lifeboatman), STOS Special: 12 months’ service on deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master, the OIC of the navigational watch, or a qualified rating (STCW) Limited: 18 months’ service on deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master, OIC, or qualified ratings Unlimited: 3 years’ deck , 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master or OIC Bridge Resource Management Applicants completing our 30-hour Bridge Resource Management course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the requirements of Section BVIII/ 2, Part 3-1 of December 2003 tons (domestic); OR (2) Any license restricted to service upon inland or Great Lakes waters; OR (3) Any Able Seaman endorsement PROVIDED that the applicant has at least 6 months of actual sea service that can be credited toward an Able Seaman endorsement. Prerequisites: 120 days of sea time as an AB Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) the STCW Code. Bridge Resource Management-Unlimited is designed for persons with significant shipping experience who hold or are seeking a U.S. Coast Guard license. This course fulfills the training requirements of effective bridge teamwork as set forth in STCW 95, A-II/1, A-II/2, and B-VIII/2 and 46 CFR 10.25 and 10.209. Prerequisites: Radar Unlimited, ARPA, License of 200 Gross Tons or greater OR seeking an original third mate or limited license Bridge Resource Management (1600 Tons or less) Applicants completing our 26-hour Bridge Resource Management (1600 Tons) course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the requirements of Section B-VIII/2, Part 3-1 of the STCW Code. THIS APPROVAL IS LIMITED TO SERVICE UPON VESSELS OF NOT MORE THAN 1600 GROSS TONS (DOMESTIC). Prerequisites: Radar Unlimited, ARPA, License of 200 gross tones or greater OR in the process of getting license Celestial Navigation Applicants completing our 126-hour Celestial Navigation course with a passing grade of at least 80% satisfy the Celestial Navigation training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). In conjunction with this course, any approved instructor is authorized to sign-off for a successful demonstration on the students’ “Control Sheets” for the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-11A; OICNW-1-1B; OICNW-1-1C; OICNW-11D; OICNW-1-1E and OICNW-1-1F. The 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 amplitude and azimuth, star identification, and care and use of the sextant. Prerequisites: ARPA. Radar Observer, Scientific calculator skill, time/speed/distance formula Crisis Management & Human Behavior Applicants completing our 7-hour Crisis Management & Human Behavior course satisfy: (1) the Crisis Management & Human Behavior training requirements of Table A-V/2 and Paragraph 5 of Section A-V/2 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Ships;—AND—(2) the Passenger Safety training requirements of Paragraph 4 of Section A-V/2 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than RO/RO Passenger Ships. This course is designed for any person responsible for the safety of passengers in an emergency on passenger ships. The training includes organizing the safe movement of passengers when embarking and disembarking, organizing shipboard emergency procedures, optimizing the use of resources, controlling responses to emergencies, controlling passengers and other personnel during emergency situations, and establishing and maintaining effec- tive communications. Prerequisites: No additional Crowd Management Applicants completing our 4-hour Crowd Management course satisfy: (1) the Crowd Management training requirements of Paragraph 1 of Section A-V/3 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Vessels;—AND—(2) the Safety Training requirements of Paragraph 3 of Section A-V/3 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than RO/RO Passenger Vessels. This course profiles the required knowledge and applicable skills for crowd management including controlling a crowd in an emergency, locating safety and emergency equipment on board a vessel, complying with ships’ emergency procedures, effective communications during an emergency, and demonstrating of the use of personal life-saving devices. Prerequisites: No additional Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (ECDIS) Applicants completing our 35-hour Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (ECDIS) course are considered to have successfully demonstrated the competencies “Plan and Conduct a Passage and Determine Position: Thorough Knowledge of and Ability to Use ECDIS” of Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code AND “Determine Position and the Accuracy of Resultant Position Fix: Position Determination Using ECDIS With Specific Knowledge of its Operating Principles, Limitations, Sources of Error, Detection of Misrepresentation of information and Methods of Correction to Obtain Accurate Position Fixing” of Table A-II/2 of the STCW Code. The course provides training in the basic theory and use of electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) for those who will be in charge of a navigational watch on vessels equipped with ECDIS. Students learn to use, update, and verify electronic chart information. The training comprises all safety-relevant aspects and aims beyond the use of operational controls. All theoretical aspects and major characteristics of ECDIS data, such as data contents, system integration, information layers, and data updating, are covered in depth. Prerequisites: General Admission requirements; ARPA certificate; Radar certificate; Terrestrial Navigation training for license preparation; USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course Fast Rescue Boat Applicants completing our 30-hour Fast Rescue Boat course satisfy the requirements of Table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code, Specification of the Minimum Standard of Competence in Fast Rescue Boats. Prerequisites: Basic Safety, Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than fast rescue boats Fundamental Concepts of Navigation Applicants completing our 70-hour Fundamental Concepts of Navigation course and who presents our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center WITHIN 5 YEARS of the completion of training, receive 20 days’ sea service credit that may be used—ONLY—for the following: (1) Any license restricted to service upon vessels of not more than 200 gross Applicants completing our 70-hour Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) course with a passing grade of at least 75% satisfy the GMDSS training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(n) and Table A-IV/2 of the STCW Code. Applicants for this 70-hour course must hold a 200-ton or great license, or show a current U.S. Coast Guard approval letter indicating they are eligible to sit for a license greater than 200 tons. The class is designed to meet the requirements set forth in Table A-IV/2 of the amended STCW convention. Topics include principles of the global marine distress and safety system communications, distress alerting and operational procedures for VHF DSC, INMARST-C, MF/HF, NAVTEX, EPIRB, SART, and VHF (SCT). The course blends classroom instruction and practical exercises. Prerequisites: 1 year experience as a member of navigational watch on the bridge of an ocean going vessel OR licensed radio officer or engineer Government Vessels This 3-week class is open to Seafarers sailing in any department. The course is structured as three 1-week, 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.) Prerequisites: No additional Radar Observer (Unlimited) Applicants completing our 5-day Radar Observer (Unlimited) course, including successful demonstration of all practical assessments, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480 for an endorsement as Radar Observer (Unlimited) and the radar training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). In conjunction with this course, any approved instructor is authorized to sign-off for a successful demonstration on the students’ “Control Sheets” for the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-2B; OICNW-1-2C; OICNW-3-1A; OICNW-3-1B; OICNW-3-1C; OICNW-3-1D; OICNW-3-1E; OICNW-3-1F; OICNW-3-1G; OICNW-3-1H; OICNW-3-1I; OICNW-3-1J; and OICNW-3-1K. This 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 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. Prerequisites: (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation) Radar Observer Recertification Applicants completing our 1-Day Radar Observer Recertification course satisfy the Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 11 �20528_P5,7,11_14,16,20.qxd 11/24/2003 7:39 PM Course Guide Continued from page 11 requirements of 46 CFR 10.480(d) for renewal of any Radar Observer endorsement. This course does not satisfy any training or assessment requirements of the STCW Convention and STCW Code. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.) Prerequisites: No additional Radar Observer Refresher Applicants completing our 3-Day Radar Observer Refresher course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480(d) for renewal of any Radar Observer endorsement. This course does not satisfy any training or assessment requirements of the STCW Convention and STCW Code. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.) Prerequisites: Radar Observer ARPA Applicants completing our 32-hour Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) course, including successful demonstration of all practical assessments, satisfy the ARPA training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC) and of 46 CFR 10.205(m)(1). The practical assessments conducted in this course are equivalent to the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-3-2A; OICNW-3-2B; OICNW-3-2C; OICNW-3-2D; OICNW-3-2E; OICNW-3-2F; OICNW- 3-2G; OICNW-3-2H; OICNW-3-2I; OICNW-3-2J; OICNW-3-2K; OICNW-3-2L; and OICNW-32M. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.) This course of instruction incorporates the use of ARPA simulation equipment to operate, observe, and use the radar plotting aids. Students gain an understanding of the limitations of the aids as well as their performance factors, sensor inputs and malfunctions and gain knowledge of tracking capabilities, processing, operational warnings, and target acquisition. Prerequisites: Radar Observer Medical Care Provider Applicants completing our 21-hour Medical Care Provider course satisfy the Medical First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/4 and Table A-VI/4-1 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 12.13-1. This course is designed for mariners who are employed or may be employed on U.S.-flag ships. It meets STCW requirements. Students successfully completing this course must take a refresher course within 5 years or provide information to the U.S. Coast Guard documenting maintenance of medical skills. Cardiopulmonary (CPR) certification must be renewed annually. Training as a Medical First Aid Provider is the second level of medical training required by STCW. Topics include a review of cardiac and airway management, rescuer safety, body structure, examining trauma victims and medical patients, treating head and spinal injuries, burns, musculoskeletal injuries, rescued persons. Also included are obtaining radio medical advice, administering medication, and sterilization techniques. Prerequisite: Candidates for the course must possess current certification from the American Red Cross for CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent certification issued through a similar authorizing agency Prerequisites: CPR for the Professional Rescuer Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (Including Sea Service) Applicants completing our entire Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch Program, INCLUDING the 360 days of seagoing service: (1) receive 720 days’ sea service credit toward a license as Third Mate of Ocean or Near Coastal Steam or Motor Vessels of Any Gross Tons. Applicants must present evidence of not less than 1 year of qualifying seagoing service obtained AFTER enrollment in the OICNW program, including at least six months performing bridge watch-keeping duties under the supervision of the master or a qualified officer. Applicants must have previously completed our entire “Unlicensed Apprentice Program,” and sea service awarded for completion of the “Unlicensed Apprentice Program” may NOT be used to meet the service requirements for OICNW and Third Mate;—AND—(2) Satisfy the training and assessment requirements of 46 CFR 10.910 and Section AII/ 1 and Table A-II/1 12 Seafarers LOG Page 12 of the STCW Code, Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence for Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Ships of 500 Gross Tonnage or More, PROVIDED that they have also completed the following Coast Guard approved courses within five years of completion of the OICNW program: a) Basic Safety Training; b) Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting; c) Medical Care Provider; d) Proficiency in Survival Craft; e) Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids); f) Celestial Navigation (STCW); g) Radar Observer (Unlimited); h) Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA); i) Bridge Resource Management; j) Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS); and k) Visual Communications. Prerequisites: ARPA, Basic/Adv. Fire Fighting, BRM, Celestial Nav. First Aid, GMDSS, Medical First aid Provider, Proficiency in Survival Craft or Water Survival, Radar Observer, Tanker Familiarization, Visual Communication, BST, sea time for 3rd Mate and OICNW Oil Spill Prevention and Containment This 1-week course consists of classroom and practical training exercises. Topics include oil types and petroleum products’ behavior on water; pollution prevention regulations; hazardous materials training; spill prevention; absorbents, suction equipment, skimmers, and their proper use; and small boat operations. Students also receive instruction in spill containment booms, boom towing configurations, and anchoring operations. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Hazmat Recertification This 1-day class includes a regulatory overview of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements, 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. Prerequisite: 24- or 40-hour Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) courses Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities Applicants completing our 4-hour Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(l)(4) and Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-4 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code. Prerequisites: No additional Personal Survival Techniques Applicants completing our 12-hour Personal Survival Techniques course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the Personal Survival training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/1-1 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(1). Prerequisites: No additional Proficiency in Survival Craft/ Personal Survival Techniques (Lifeboatman) Applicants completing our 37-hour Proficiency in Survival Craft/Personal Survival Techniques course satisfy: (1) the Survival Craft training requirements of Section A-VI/2 and Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code;— AND—(2) the training requirements of 46 CFR 12.10-3(a)(6) for any endorsement as Lifeboatman, PROVIDED that sea service requirements are also met;—AND—(2) if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, the written and practical examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.10-5 for a Lifeboatman endorsement (exam module 481xx) and the written “Survival Craft” examination requirements for service on vessels not equipped with lifeboats (exam module 441xx or 706xx),—AND—(3) the Personal Survival Techniques training requirements of Section AVI/1 and Table A-VI/1-1 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(1). This course helps students develop the required knowledge and application skills for water survival including launch, use and recovery of survival craft, and the proper use of survival equipment. Additionally, students learn the procedures necessary to take charge and maintain a survival craft and protect embarked personnel while on board. Prerequisites: No additional Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) Applicants completing our 70-hour Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the training requirements for service as a Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman AND the training and assessment requirements of Table A-II/4 of the STCW Code, “Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence for Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch,” and 46 CFR 12.05- 3(c) PROVIDED they also present evidence of at least 6 months sea-going service performing navigational watchkeeping functions under the supervision of the Master or officer in charge of the navigational watch. If the applicant does not present evidence of 6 months of this service, he or she satisfies the training and assessment requirements for certification as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch RESTRICTED to lookout duties only. This certification is valid for 1 year and may not be renewed. This course is designed for deck trainees who need a fast track to Ratings Forming Part of the Navigational Watch. It meets the requirements of 46 CFR 12.05.3(c) and STCW Table A-II/4. Topics covered in the course include: anchoring, mooring, knot-tying, gyro and magnetic compass, wheel watch, error chain analysis and pilot interactions, helm control, rules of the road, IALA buoy systems, shipboard communication, helm watch relief and lookout watch. Prerequisites: UA Program Phases 1 and 2 Tank Barge Dangerous Liquids Applicants completing our 38-hour Tank Barge Dangerous Liquids Course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.309 for an endorsement as Tankerman-PIC (Barge). Prerequisites: Present evidence of service in accordance with 46 CFR 13.303. Fire Fighting may be taken simultaneously with the course Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids Applicants completing our 5-day Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids course satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d) (1) (ii) (A), 13.115 (b) (1), 13.209, 13.309, 13.409 or 13.509 for any dangerous liquids tankerman endorsement. Prerequisites: 3 months’ seagoing service on tankers (DL) OR completion of a Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) (SHLSS “Tanker Assistant” course) to cover STCW Code Section A-V/1 para. 2-8. Fire fighting course in accordance with 47 CFR 13.121 Table 13.121(g) OR SHLSS Basic Fire Fighting, U.S.C.G.-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids (Simulator) Applicants completing our 53-hour Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids (Simulator) course satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d)(1)(ii)(A), 13.115 (b)(1), 13.209, 13.309, 13.409 or 13.509 for any dangerous liquids tankerman endorsement;—AND—receive credit for: (1) two loadings and two discharges which may be applied toward satisfying the requirements of 46 CFR 13.203(b)(1);— AND—(2) one commencement of loading and one completion of loading which may be applied toward satisfying the requirements in 46 CFR 13.203(b)(2);—AND—(3) one commencement of discharge and one completion of discharge which may be applied toward satisfying the requirements in 46 CFR 13.203(b)(3). Prerequisites: 3 months’ seagoing service on tankers (DL) OR completion of a Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) (SHLSS “Tanker Assistant” course) to cover STCW Code Section A-V/1 para. 2-8. Fire fighting course in accordance with 47 CFR 13.121 Table 13.121(g) OR SHLSS Basic Fire Fighting, U.S.C.G.-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) Applicants completing our 63-hour Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) course satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.409 for an original endorsement as Tankerman-Assistant DL. This course meets the Code of Federal Regulation requirements for personnel not having the required sea service. The objective of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct operations on tankships. Topics include the 16hour worker health and safety (HAZWOPER) First Responder/Operations Level, Ship Design and Operation, Cargo Characteristics, Enclosed Space Entry, Cargo Transfer and Shipment, and Pollution Prevention, and Emergency Operations and Response. Prerequisites: Fire Fighting Tank Ship Familiarization (Liquefied Gases) Applicants completing our 30-hour Tank Ship Familiarization (Liquefied Gases) course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.409 for an original endorsement as Tankerman- Assistant (LG);— AND—(2) the tanker familiarization training requirements of paragraphs 1-7 of Section AV/1 of the STCW Code. This 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 fire fighting, confined space awareness, LNG nomenclature, LNG ship operations, personal safety, LNG safety, hazardous material, LNG cargo tank (level indicators, temperature), LNG cargo pump (Carter pump construction and ops), inert gas generator (general flow system), nitrogen gas system, LNG vapor compressor, warm-up heater and boil-off heater. Prerequisites: Advanced Fire Fighting Visual Communications (Flashing Light) Applicants completing our 1-day Visual Communications course with a minimum score of 80% will: (1) Satisfy the practical signaling examination requirements (flashing light) of 46 CFR 10.401(h) IF presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training;—AND—(2) Be considered to have successfully demonstrated the competence “Transmit and Receive Information by Visual Signaling” of Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Prerequisites: No additional ENGINE Many engine department courses have prerequisites. For example, to be accepted for Advanced Refrigeration/Containers, students must have successfully completed Basic Marine Electrician and Refrigeration System Maintenance and Operations. FOWT Applicants completing both QMED Motor and QMED Basic Steam Plant Operations will meet the requirements for endorsement as FOWT. Prerequisite: No additional QMED – Motor Applicants completing BOTH our 140-hour Engine Utility and 203-hour Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED), Oiler/Motor courses, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, will: a) Satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-7 (b)(2) and receive credit for one half of the sea service needed for a QMED Oiler endorsement provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days’ engine room service required during the interval between these two courses; AND; b) Satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-3(e) and Section A-III/4 and Table A-III/4 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code, Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence for Ratings Forming Part an Engineering Watch, for service on vessels without propulsion steam boilers, AND, c) If presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the General Safety (80XXX) and Oiler (87XXX) examination modules. Prerequisites: Engine Utility Basic Steam Plant Operations Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Steam Plant Operations course and who presents our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the General Safety (80XXX), Fireman-Watertender (86XXX), and Oiler (87XXX) examination modules, PROVIDED they have also completed our 140-hour Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations course. Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present individually completed “Control Sheets” for the assessments in application for STCW certification. Successful completion of this course is equivalent to the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-III/4 of the STCW Code: RFPEW-1-1S, RFPEW-1-1T, RFPEW-1-1U, RFPEW-1-5A, RFPEW-2-1A, RFPEW-2-1B, RFPEW-2-1C, RFPEW-2-1D, and RFPEW-2-1E. Prerequisites: Same as FOWT program and Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations Continued on next page December 2003 �20528_P5,7,11_14,16,20.qxd 11/24/2003 7:39 PM Course Guide Continued from page 12 203-Hour Auxiliary Plant Maintenance Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70-hour Basic Electricity, and 203-hour Auxiliary Plant Maintenance courses, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the General Safety (80XXX), Junior Engineer (81XXX), and Deck Engineer (87XXX) examination modules, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days engine room service while endorsed as a QMED Oiler prior to commencing the above training. Prerequisites: Basic Safety, Recommendation, Tankerman Assistant (DL), QMEDOiler/Motor, Total USCG-approved sea and equivalent sea service in engine room of vessels for at least 6 months, Fireman/WT or Oiler rating Basic Auxiliary Plant Operation Applicants completing our 140-hour Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations course and who present our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the General Safety (80XXX) examination module, PROVIDED they have also completed either our 63-hour Basic Motor Plant Operations course and/or our 70-hour Basic Steam Plant Operations course. Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present individually completed “Control Sheets” for the assessments in application for STCW certification. Successful completion of this course is the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-III/4 of the STCW Code: RFPEW-1-1A, RFPEW-1-1B, RFPEW 1-1C, RFPEW-1-1D, RFPEW-1-1E, RFPEW-1- 1F, RFPEW-1-1G RFPEW-1-1H, RFPEW-1-1I, RFPEW-1-1J, RFPEW-1-1K, RFPEW-1-1L, RFPEW-1-1M, RFPEW-1-1P, RFPEW-1-1R, RFPEW-1-1V, RFPEW-1-3A, RFPEW1-4A, RFPEW-1-5A, RFPEW-3-1A, RFPEW-3-2A, and RFPEW-3-2B. Prerequisites: Same as FOWT program Basic Electricity Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70-hour Basic Electricity, and 203-hour Auxiliary Plant Maintenance courses, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the General Safety (80XXX), Junior Engineer (81XXX), and Deck Engineer (87XXX) examination modules, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days engine room service while endorsed as a QMED Oiler prior to commencing the above training. Prerequisites: Basic Safety, Recommendation, Tankerman Assistant (DL), QMED-Oiler/ Motor, Total USCG-approved sea and equivalent sea service in engine room of vessels for at least 6 months, Fireman/WT or Oiler rating Basic Motor Plant Operations Applicants completing our 63-hour Basic Motor Plant Operations course and who presents our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the General Safety (80XXX) and Oiler (87XXX) examination modules, PROVIDED they have also completed our 140-hour Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations course. Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present individually completed “Control Sheets” for the assessments in application for STCW certification. Successful completion of this course is equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-III/4 of the STCW Code: RFPEW-1-1A, RFPEW-1-1B, RFPEW-1-1D, RFPEW-1-1U, RFPEW-1-2B, and RFPEW-1-5A. Prerequisites: Same as FOWT and Basic Auxiliary Plant Operation Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70-hour Basic Electricity, and 203-hour Auxiliary Plant December 2003 Page 13 Maintenance courses, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the General Safety (80XXX), Junior Engineer (81XXX), and Deck Engineer (87XXX) examination modules, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days engine room service while endorsed as a QMED Oiler prior to commencing the above training. Prerequisites: Basic Safety, Recommendation, Tankerman Assistant (DL), QMEDOiler/Motor, Total USCG-approved sea and equivalent sea service in engine room of vessels for at least 6 months, Fireman/WT or Oiler rating Basic Refrigeration & HVAC Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70-hour Basic Electricity, and 203-hour Auxiliary Plant Maintenance courses, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the General Safety (80XXX), Junior Engineer (81XXX), and Deck Engineer (87XXX) examination modules, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days engine room service while endorsed as a QMED Oiler prior to commencing the above training. Prerequisites: Basic Safety, Recommendation, Tankerman Assistant (DL), QMED-Oiler/ Motor, Total USCG-approved sea and equivalent sea service in engine room of vessels for at least 6 months, Fireman/WT or Oiler rating Engine Utility Applicants completing BOTH our 140-hour Engine Utility and 203-hour Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED), Oiler/Motor courses, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, will: (1) Satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-7 (b)(2) and receive credit for one half of the sea service needed for a QMED Oiler endorsement PROVIDED they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days engine room service required during the interval between these two courses;—AND—(2) Satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-3(e) and Section A-III/4 and Table AIII/4 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code, Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence for Ratings Forming Part an Engineering Watch, for service on vessels without propulsion steam boilers,—AND—(3) If presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the General Safety (80XXX) and Oiler (87XXX) examination modules. Prerequisites: UA program, Tankerman Assistant (LD), Unlicensed apprentice sea voyage performance evaluations within the Engineering Department as completed by the First Assistant Engineer of at least satisfactory or better Junior Engineer Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70-hour Basic Electricity, and 203-hour Auxiliary Plant Maintenance courses, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the General Safety (80XXX), Junior Engineer (81XXX), and Deck Engineer (87XXX) examination modules, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days engine room service while endorsed as a QMED Oiler prior to commencing the above training. Prerequisites: Basic Safety, Recommendation, Tankerman Assistant (DL), QMED-Oiler/ Motor, Total USCG-approved sea and equivalent sea service in engine room of vessels for at least 6 months, Fireman/WT or Oiler rating Machinist Applicants completing our 102-hour Machinist course, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15- 9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the Machinist (85XXX) examination module, provided they also present evidence of completing the requirements to be endorsed with a Junior Engineer rating endorsement prior to commencing the above training. Prerequisites: STCW certification in all areas of basic safety training, USCG physical standards for QMED OR hold the USCG Oiler Rating endorsement, STCW certificate as a RFPEW, completed QMED Jr. Eng training program, and USCG Jr. Engineer rating. Marine Electrician Applicants completing our 280-hour Marine Electrician course, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the Electrician (85XXX) examination module, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days engine room service while endorsed as a QMED – Junior Engineer prior to commencing the above training. Prerequisites: 6 months QMED Diesel Engine Technology This 4-week course, leading to certification in diesel engine technology, consists of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Topics of instruction include diesel engine theory; twoand 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. Prerequisites: QMED-Any Rating or equivalent inland experience. Automated Cargo Ops This course of instruction in the pumpman career track includes classroom and simulator training in all facets of liquid cargo loading and discharge. 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. Prerequisite: QMED-Any Rating Class 3 or QMED Junior Engineer/Pumpman Class 3 Recommended: Basic and Intermediate Math and Computer Basic. *Advanced plant maintenance must be completed for advancement to QMED Class 2. Refrigeration System Maintenance & Operations Now an elective, this 6-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 operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of ships’ stores plants, air conditioning plants, cargo ventilation and dehumidifying equipment, and 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 is also 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. Prerequisites: QMED-Any rating, OR Refrigeration Engineer and Electrician OR equivalent inland experience Refrigerated Containers Advanced Maintenance This 4-week course leads to certification in refrigerated containers maintenance and consists of 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, and maintenance procedures. Prerequisites: 6-months sea time as Wiper, 6 additional months’ sea time in any Engineering Department rating. Must hold a QMED any rating endorsement, or endorsements as Refrigeration Engineer and Electrician, or possess equivalent inland experience. Hydraulics The curriculum in the 4-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 variety of other shipboard systems. Prerequisite: QMED-Any Rating Welding Classroom instruction and on-the-job training compose this 4-week course, which features practical training in electric arc welding and cutting and oxy-acetylene brazing, welding and cutting. Prerequisites: No additional SAFETY Basic Safety Training - STCW Applicants completing our 40-hour Basic Safety Training course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the Personal Survival training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-1 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(1);—AND—(2) the Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-2 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);— AND—(3) the Elementary First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/1-3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(3);—AND—(4) the Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(4). Prerequisites: No additional First Aid & CPR (21-Hour) Applicants completing our 21-hour First Aid & CPR course satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety Elementary First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/ 1-3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(3);— AND—(2)—IF— presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the date of training, the First Aid & CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(h)(1)(ii) and 10.205(h)(2)(iii) for original issuance of a license. Students in this class learn the principles and techniques of safety and basic first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to the accepted standards of the American Red Cross. Successful students are awarded a certificate from the American Red Cross. Prerequisites: No additional First Aid (8-Hour) Applicants completing our 8-hour Elementary First Aid course and presenting our Certificate of Training at the Regional Exam Center (REC) satisfy: (1) the First Aid training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(h)(1)(ii) for original issuance of a license;—AND—(2) the Basic Safety - Elementary First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/1- 3 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(3). Prerequisites: No additional Advanced Fire Fighting Applicants completing our 37-hour Advanced Fire Fighting course satisfy the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/3 and Table A-VI/3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);— AND—the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license. During this course, students learn to blueprint a vessel and organize emergency squads for fire fighting. The class covers effective communication between crew members and land-based fire units, leadership roles and responsibilities, documentation of crew training, and emergency squad training. Students also learn to inspect and service personal shipboard fire extinguishing equipment before going through shipboard simulations and actual firefighting drills. Prerequisites: Basic Fire Fighting Basic Fire Fighting (16-Hour) Applicants completing our 16-hour Basic Fire Fighting course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-2 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);—AND—(2) the Basic Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license;— Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 13 �20528_P5,7,11_14,16,20.qxd 11/24/2003 7:39 PM Page 14 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for the first few months of the new year. 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. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Engine Utility (EU) January 26 March 22 May 17 February 20 April 16 June 11 FOWT January 19 March 12 Marine Electrician May 10 July 2 QMED - Jr. Engineer January 12 April 2 Refrigeration April 12 May 21 Welding January 5 February 2 March 29 January 23 February 20 April 16 Deck Upgrading Courses Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 19 March 1 April 12 May 24 February 13 March 26 May 7 June 18 Advanced Fire Fighting* January 26 February 23 April 19 February 6 March 5 April 30 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids * (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) February 9 March 8 February 13 March 12 Basic Safety Training (BST) Celestial Navigation January 12 March 29 February 5 April 23 GMDSS (Simulator) January 5 March 1 January 16 March 12 January 5 February 9 February 16 March 15 March 29 April 19 May 10 May 24 January 9 February 13 February 20 March 19 April 2 April 23 May 14 May 28 Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 5 February 16 March 29 May 10 January 16 February 27 April 9 May 21 Fast Rescue Boat May 3 June 7 May 7 June 11 Government Vessels Navigation Fundamentals February 9 April 26 February 20 May 7 February 23 March 22 April 5 May 17 March 12 April 9 April 23 June 4 Radar February 23 May 10 March 5 May 21 Medical Care Provider February 9 March 8 February 13 March 12 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) February 9 April 5 May 31 February 20 April 16 June 11 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 9 March 29 May 17 February 20 April 9 May 28 January 12 March 15 January 16 March 19 (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses Tankerman (PIC) Barge* Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning December 8, 2003. Academic Department Courses Recertification Steward February 9 Bosun (to be announced) Course Guide Continued from page 13 AND—(3) the Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d)(2)(i)(A), 13.113(e)(1)(i)(A) or (B), 13.201(e), 13.301(e), 13.401(d) or 13.501(e) for any tankerman endorsement. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Basic Fire Fighting (30-Hour) Applicants completing our 30-hour Basic Fire Fighting course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-2 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);— AND—(2) the Basic Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license;—AND—(3) the Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d)(2)(i)(A), 13.113(e)(1)(i)(A) or (B), 13.201(e), 13.301(e), 13.401(d) or 13.501(e) for any tankerman endorsement. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Combined Basic & Advanced Fire Fighting Applicants completing our 32-hour Advanced Fire Fighting course satisfy: (1) the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/3 and Table AVI/ 3 of the 14 Seafarers LOG (*must have basic fire fighting) March 8 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);— AND—(2) the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites CULINARY Galley Operations The course consists of two, 2-week modules (totaling 4 weeks). Each module is 35 hours with additional time participating in the school’s galley operations. Prerequisites: SHLSS UA Program and 240 days’ sea time OR 365 days’ sea time as an SA. Certified Chief Cook This course consists of six, 2-week standalone modules totaling 12 weeks. This structure allows eligible upgraders to enroll at the start of any module. Prerequisites: Galley Operations and 180 days’ sea time Advanced Galley Operations This course consists of four 1-week modules (totaling 4 weeks). Prerequisites: SHLSS Certified Chief Cook and 180 days’ sea time Chief Steward This is a 12-week class. Prerequisites: SHLSS Advanced Galley Operations and 180 days’ sea time. December 2003 �20528_P8,9,15,17_19,21_23.qxd 11/24/2003 7:45 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea OCTOBER 16— NOVEMBER 15, 2003 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 6 2 7 19 31 0 12 14 28 13 2 3 9 21 1 35 27 231 3 9 5 7 22 25 2 10 15 18 15 3 2 11 11 1 22 29 210 1 1 1 0 19 15 0 3 19 19 5 1 1 2 3 3 18 7 118 2 5 3 3 13 21 1 7 12 12 14 3 10 4 9 0 18 11 148 0 2 1 1 6 10 0 1 4 7 4 1 2 0 0 5 9 1 54 0 4 0 1 13 21 0 5 12 14 6 0 1 6 6 1 16 11 117 1 7 2 14 40 61 0 18 31 44 24 7 3 12 37 4 55 36 396 2 10 7 10 24 41 1 14 25 36 26 2 4 18 17 4 32 38 311 3 1 4 2 36 20 0 5 29 27 10 3 2 2 8 4 32 25 213 0 8 2 9 23 25 0 15 11 20 13 6 4 5 21 1 21 9 193 0 3 3 10 19 38 0 10 20 16 17 4 6 5 8 2 22 12 195 1 1 2 2 18 12 0 2 10 11 6 1 11 0 1 2 6 11 97 0 0 0 1 10 3 0 2 5 9 6 0 1 2 6 1 10 8 64 0 4 1 19 22 27 0 6 15 15 15 3 6 0 41 1 39 32 246 1 1 2 6 7 16 0 6 7 14 14 1 10 2 6 1 3 6 103 0 0 1 3 1 7 0 2 3 11 5 0 0 1 1 1 8 2 46 0 3 0 4 11 18 0 7 3 11 8 0 6 2 19 1 11 4 108 0 2 2 3 10 29 0 6 10 9 12 3 2 4 5 0 14 7 118 0 0 1 0 5 10 0 1 5 8 3 0 8 0 0 1 5 3 50 0 0 0 8 11 14 0 3 4 9 10 0 2 0 19 1 29 16 126 1 3 1 6 5 17 0 5 3 9 9 0 6 2 4 0 4 5 80 1 1 1 3 1 6 0 0 2 4 1 0 0 1 0 0 4 2 27 0 5 0 3 7 22 0 1 6 9 6 0 4 2 10 1 11 3 90 1 2 0 3 1 17 0 2 3 5 8 3 2 0 7 2 9 4 69 0 1 1 1 1 5 0 0 1 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 19 0 2 0 2 2 9 0 0 6 6 6 1 1 3 9 0 7 2 56 0 1 0 3 13 12 0 1 6 16 7 1 2 0 17 1 12 15 107 0 0 0 6 3 4 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 2 22 0 2 2 12 14 14 1 7 7 27 10 2 5 2 11 0 27 12 155 0 2 1 12 17 20 0 3 6 29 14 0 24 2 7 2 12 15 166 0 0 0 4 4 2 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 2 3 0 2 1 22 1 2 1 9 6 17 0 5 6 10 10 0 12 0 6 0 9 6 100 0 2 0 4 3 10 0 2 0 5 1 1 15 0 4 0 6 2 55 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 4 5 0 0 1 4 0 1 0 1 2 0 6 5 41 1 1 4 18 28 25 1 6 10 53 12 2 9 4 23 1 43 17 258 2 3 1 16 38 39 0 4 16 55 20 0 24 4 14 2 31 29 298 487 563 361 381 368 139 237 876 867 654 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 0 2 1 3 16 19 0 8 13 23 12 5 1 3 13 0 23 20 162 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs 0 3 0 4 1 8 0 6 1 4 8 0 5 1 2 0 3 5 51 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 11 Piney Point .............Monday: January 5, February 2 Algonac ..................Friday: January 9, February 6 Baltimore ................Thursday: January 8, February 5 Boston.....................Friday: January 9, February 6 Duluth .....................Wednesday: January 14, February 11 Guam ......................Thursday: January 22, February 19 Honolulu .................Friday: January 16, February 13 Houston ..................Monday: January 12, February 9 Jacksonville ............Thursday: January 8, February 5 Joliet .......................Thursday: January 15, February 12 Mobile ....................Wednesday: January 14, February 11 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: January 20, February 17 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: January 13, February 10 New York................Tuesday: January 6, February 3 Norfolk ...................Thursday: January 8, February 5 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: January 7, February 4 Port Everglades.......Thursday: January 15, February 12 San Francisco .........Thursday: January 15, February 12 San Juan..................Thursday: January 8, February 5 St. Louis..................Friday: January 16, February 13 Tacoma ...................Friday: January 23, February 20 ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“Total Registered” means the number of Seafarers who actually registered for shipping at the port. December 2003 January & February 2004 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters Wilmington ...............Tuesday: January 20*, February 17* ................................*(changes created by Martin Luther King’s ............................................ birthday and Presidents Day holidays) ................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals REX O’CONNOR Please contact Dolores Marcell at 2362 Crotona Ave., Bronx, NY 10458; or telephone (718) 367-3435. FILMMAKER SEEKS WOMEN SAILORS Documentary filmmaker Maria Brooks is trying to locate women who worked on ships before World War II and in the years directly after the war. She would like to talk with these seafarers about their work and experiences at sea. She also is seeking An unidentified steward, 1928 photographs of women working on ships in the last 60 years. Brooks’ company, Waterfront Soundings Productions, is producing a 60-minute television documentary about the little-known history of women and seafaring in America. The program is called “Shipping Out.” When completed, it will be distributed to PBS television stations. Brooks is the producer of “The Men Who Sailed the Liberty Ships.” If you know any seasoned female seafarers, or you are one yourself, please contact Brooks at Waterfront Soundings Productions at 3252 Kempton Ave., Oakland, CA 94611; or telephone (510) 451-9226. Additionally, you may e-mail her at ReindeerQ@aol.com. Seafarers LOG 15 �20528_P5,7,11_14,16,20.qxd 11/24/2003 7:40 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 15, 2003 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 6 4 2 18 3 1 4 38 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 4 10 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 12 3 2 12 3 2 9 43 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 1 3 1 1 10 1 1 3 21 0 23 18 15 55 3 15 21 150 0 4 5 3 11 0 10 9 42 0 11 4 11 6 0 5 3 40 1 1 3 1 2 0 0 1 9 0 10 7 8 20 2 9 9 65 0 2 6 1 6 0 6 8 29 0 15 16 7 13 0 3 1 55 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 7 11 8 20 5 2 9 62 1 2 1 3 8 0 5 4 24 0 5 10 3 8 0 1 2 29 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 1 1 3 2 0 0 3 10 0 1 1 0 3 0 0 4 9 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 3 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs 0 7 6 1 2 2 1 4 23 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 2 3 1 4 2 0 3 15 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 1 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Port 0 4 1 2 6 2 0 7 22 0 1 0 0 7 0 0 0 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 ENTRY DEPARTMENT NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Totals All Departments 63 27 6 88 18 4 31 277 95 124 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Seafarers LOG PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the LOG by Vince Patterson of Nashville, Tenn. It is of officers and crew members aboard the SIU-contracted James E. Howard, a Liberty ship, taken in Cairo, Egypt in June 1943. The ship was carrying supplies for the invasion of Sicily. Patterson said the crew members signed articles May 12, 1943 in New Orleans and sailed to Cuba, Trinidad and Capetown, South Africa. Then they sailed up the east coast of Africa to Aden, Yemen and Suez, Egypt, where they unloaded. The ship proceeded through the Suez Canal to Port Said, Sinai and Alexandria and through the Mediterranean Sea, signing off in New York in October of the same year. Patterson, who joined the SIU in 1942, is the one wearing the tie (second row, center). He sailed in the engine department as a fireman, oiler, deck engineer and engine maintenance. He says, in a note accompanying the photo, that while he loved going to sea, he retired in 1951 to be nearer his wife and children. He worked in the wholesale food business, from which he retired about 12 years ago. He is a member of the Mid South Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans In Hendersonville, Tenn. In the back row at left is Al Clement, who retired from the SIU, also a member of the engine department. Next to him is Ed Allain, who became an engineer with MEBA. Both are still living in New Orleans, and they and Patterson stay in touch with each other. He has lost track of the other mariners, including deck department member Jimmy Mason (second row, second from left)—“a great guitar player.” 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. December 2003 �20528_P8,9,15,17_19,21_23.qxd 11/24/2003 7:45 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA JIM ABELLANO, 55, hails from the Philippines. He started working with the SIU in 1966 in the port of New York. Brother Abellano’s first ship was the Steel Artisan. A member of the steward department, he last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Patriot. Brother Abellano resides in Daly City, Calif. RALPH BAKER, 64, joined the Seafarers in 1988 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Baker first went to sea aboard the Cpl. Louis J. Hauge Jr. The Pennsylvania-born mariner shipped in the engine department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Baker is a resident of Uniontown, Pa. He last worked on the Maersk Tennessee. ROBERT R. WINDER, 52, began his seafaring career in 1972 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Winder’s first voyage was aboard the National Defender, a National Transport, Inc. vessel. Born in Mt. Vernon, Ill., he shipped in the deck department. Brother Winder now lives in San Francisco. He last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Liberator. ANDRES LAXAMANA, 65, joined the SIU in 1979 in Honolulu. The steward department member’s first voyage was aboard Delta Steamship Lines’ Santa Maria. Born in the Philippines, he now resides in San Francisco. Brother Laxamana last went to sea on the Chief Gadao, a Matson Navigation vessel. INLAND WILLIAM BOLUK, 62, launched his career with the SIU in 1973 in the port of Philadelphia after serving in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Boluk initially worked aboard an Interstate Oil Transport Co. vessel. A captain, he enhanced his skills at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1997. Boatman Boluk was last employed on a Mariner Towing vessel. He was born in New York and now makes his home in Sebastian, Fla. HERBERT HERBERT, 62, hails from Louisiana. He began December 2003 his career with the Seafarers in 1979 in New Orleans. Boatman Herbert sailed in the deck department and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing and Salvage. The Louisiana native lives in his home state. JOHN LeBLEU, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1963 in Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman LeBleu worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Hvide Marine during his career. Born in Louisiana, he sailed in the engine department. Boatman LeBleu lives in his native state. JERRY McGEE, 64, joined the SIU in 1963 in the port of Houston. Boatman McGee first worked aboard a Coyle Lines Inc. vessel. The Texas-born mariner shipped in the deck department as a captain. He is a resident of Houston and last worked on a G&H Towing vessel. JAMES H. NEUNER, 63, started his seafaring career in 1993 in St. Louis. Boatman Neuner worked primarily aboard vessels operated by the Delta Queen Steamboat Co., including the American Queen and Mississippi Queen. The steward department member upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2002 and lives in Paducah, Ky. JAMES PRUITT, 61, was born in Virginia. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Baltimore. Boatman Pruitt first worked aboard a Steuart Transportation Co. vessel. He sailed in the deck department as a captain. Boatman Pruitt was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. A resident of Crisfield, Md., Boatman Pruitt last worked aboard an Express Marine operated vessel. DONNIE WILLIAMS, 61, started his SIU career in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Williams initially worked aboard a Virginia Pilot Corp. vessel. Born in North Carolina, he shipped in the deck department. Boatman Williams last worked aboard an Allied Towing vessel. He resides in his native state. GREAT LAKES LAWRENCE R. KNOPP, 61, joined the SIU ranks in 1970 in Detroit. Brother Knopp worked in both the Great Lakes and inland divisions, first sailing on an H&M Lake Transport vessel. Born in Wisconsin, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Knopp makes his home in Marinette, Wis. He last worked aboard a Luedtke Engineering Co. vessel. JOHN A. SHASKI JR., 57, began working with the SIU in 1967 in Detroit after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Shaski first sailed aboard the Lemmerhirt, a Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Co. vessel. A native of Michigan, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Shaski last worked on a Luedtke Engineering Co. vessel. He lives in Sault Ste Marie, Mich. ATLANTIC FISHERMEN MICHAEL CALAMO, 62, began his career with the Atlantic Fishermen’s Union in Gloucester, Mass. in 1976. Boatman Calamo shipped in the deck department. He is a resident of Gloucester. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sisters, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, went on pension effective the dates indicated. Name Age Baker, Robert Barker, Richard Benitez, Enrique Boudebza, Richard Branham, Ambler Butler, Jesse Canales, Esequiel Cruz, Antonio Demickis, John Elias, Jose Figueroa, Ramon Gage, Linwood Gilbert, David Goebel, Henry Goossens, Leonard Harrison, Charline Jones, Leo Kelly, Emma Kramer Samuel Kuntze, Berna Lawrence, William Lockhart, William Mathews, Joseph Micciolo, Carmen Richardson, William Robinson, James Ryan, Lucille Sanchez, Francisco Sari, Earl Scarafone, Dominic Silva, Arthur Simons, Charles Swasey, Selvin Tinsley, Cornelius Valle, Manson Witt, Edward Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1950 The SIU Atlantic and Gulf District became the first seamen’s union to negotiate a company-financed Welfare Plan for its members. This was established in an agreement signed with nine contracted steamship companies on December 28. Although the companies will make all the contributions to the welfare fund, the agreement provides for joint administration by a committee representing the union and the steamship companies. Under the terms of the contract each company will contribute into a common fund, the sum of 25 cents per day for each man employed aboard its vessels. 65 62 76 71 95 80 81 71 90 79 78 77 51 81 86 71 63 72 65 78 85 66 92 76 72 71 68 71 76 74 74 92 73 80 71 75 EDP Nov. 1 Oct. 1 Sept. 1 April 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 April 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Nov. 1, 2002 Sept. 1 Oct. 1 April 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Oct. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Oct. 1 April 1 Oct. 1 Feb. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Oct. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 Sept. 1 an “appreciative well done” from the MSC, and the letter stated that the maneuver “contributed significantly to ongoing Indian Ocean Operations.” 1985 The SIU-contracted Baltimore (Apex Marine) foiled the killer instincts of Hurricane Kate last month when she plucked 10 survivors out of the stormy Atlantic during two separate rescues. The Baltimore, an integrated tug/barge, was a day out of St. Croix and headed for New York when the first word of a sailboat’s distress was received from the Coast Guard. A 42-foot sailboat, Taxi Dancer, had capsized in the 80-knot winds and 30-foot waves generated by Hurricane Kate. Despite the weather, the Baltimore saved the five crew members from the sailboat. While that rescue was under way, the ship received word that nearby another sailboat had been battered by the storm and its five-person crew had abandoned ship. The Baltimore reached the site in less than two hours and the rescue took about 80 minutes to complete in the hurricane conditions. This Month In SIU History 1975 The SIU-contracted Overseas Alice (Maritime Overseas) has been commended by the Military Sealift Command for the “responsiveness and expeditious manner” in which the vessel completed a transfer at sea operation with the USS Sacramento. A letter from the company to the captain of the Overseas Alice conveyed Seafarers LOG 17 �20528_P8,9,15,17_19,21_23.qxd 11/25/2003 3:21 PM Page 18 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.. ENDURANCE (Maersk Lines), Sept. 14—Chairman Abdulla R. Alwaseem, Secretary Daniel Maxie, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Steward Delegate Willie Toomer. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 17 in Long Beach, Calif. He thanked crew members for jobs well done and advised them to read Seafarers LOG to keep up with latest union and industry news. Secretary urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. and stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. He thanked everyone for cooperation in keeping ship clean. Educational director reiterated advice about taking advantage of upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center and reminded crew to make sure z-cards and other documents are kept current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for great job, especially Labor Day cookout. EXPLORER (USSM), Sept. 29— Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary Michael R. Fields, Educational Director Mario G. Paquiz, Engine Delegate Fadel A. Mohamad, Steward Delegate Fernando C. Onativia. Vessel en route to Los Angeles for payoff Oct. 1. It will then sail to Oakland, Calif. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director reminded crew members about opportunities for upgrading maritime skills at Piney Point facility and noted new hotel has single room accommodations. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made for suggestion box to be instituted for menu suggestions. Steward proposed writing menu suggestions on board in mess hall. HORIZON CRUSADER (Horizon Lines), Sept. 15—Chairman Antonio M. Mercado, Secretary Joseph P. Emidy, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 18 in Jacksonville, Fla. Educational director advised everyone to verify accuracy of vacation pay checks. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into increasing vacation and pension pay and enabling Seafarers to retire at any age with 20 years’ seatime. Request made to fix computer. Vote of thanks given to steward department. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Sept. 14—Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary Franchesca R. Rose, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate Erowin C. Udan, Engine Delegate Charles E. Johnson, Steward Delegate Alejo A. Fabia Jr. Chairman said ship expected to arrive Sept. 20 at 8 a.m in Tacoma, Wash. Payoff to take place after clearing customs and immigration. Everyone asked to remain aboard ship until then. Vessel took on fuel in Kao Hsuing, Taiwan, so there will be no bunkers this trip. Secretary stated captain’s room inspection to take place Sept. 17 at 10:20 a.m. New pillows will be issued upon completion of inspection. Everyone asked to return 18 Seafarers LOG VCDs and movies to appropriate lockers before arrival in port. Educational director reminded crew members to check dates on shipping documents, including STCW and z-cards, and make sure all are current. He also suggested Seafarers read upgrading course schedule in LOG and keep payoff slips, which are needed to apply for vacation checks. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to repair or replace garbage disposal unit. Thanks given to steward department for great meals and keeping inside house clean. Thanks also given to shoregangs of Tacoma and Oakland, Calif. for relieving crew members for their monthly days off and for going out of their way to help. Next ports: Oakland, Honolulu and Guam. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), Sept. 14—Chairman Werner H. Becher, Secretary Vainuu L. Sili, Educational Director Benny A. Orosco, Deck Delegate Mauro G. Gutierrez, Steward Delegate Glenn A. Taan. Chairman announced arrival Sept. 17 in Oakland, Calif., with payoff the following day. He stressed need to be alert in port due to terrorist threats. He thanked crew for helping keep crew lounge clean and separating plastic items from regular trash. Chairman asked those members getting off to clean cabin and get fresh linen for next person. Secretary noted everything running smoothly. Educational director mentioned potential for new jobs on Hawaiian cruise ships. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for well prepared meals. After Oakland, ship heading to Long Beach, Calif. INTEGRITY (USSM), Sept. 7— Chairman Tecumseh L. Williams, Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Alexander Nicholson, Engine Delegate Carlos Bonefont, Steward Delegate German Solar. Chairman reported payoff Sept. 18 in Elizabeth, N.J. Secretary asked departing crew members to leave rooms clean and and with fresh linen for next person. Vessel going to dry dock next trip. Educational director informed crew members about discount on prescription drugs available at Eckerd pharmacy chain. He also reminded them about submitting original pay vouchers along with Coast Guard discharges when applying for vacation. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into increasing pension and dental benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department “for keeping the cookie jar and bellies full.” Next ports: Elizabeth; Charleston, S.C.; Miami; Houston. LIBERATOR (USSM), Sept. 24— Chairman Joel G. Miller, Secretary Wilfredo S. DeLeon, Educational Director Elwyn L. Ford, Deck Delegate William P. Foley, Engine Delegate Fateh F. Saleh, Steward Delegate Ernest Polk. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 26 in Long Beach, Calif. He advised crew members to renew z-cards and STCW. He also reminded them that original pay vouchers are required for vacation applications. Secretary asked anyone getting off to clean room for relief member. Educational director stressed importance of keeping STCW and shipping documents current, of contributing to SPAD, and of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department and all hands given vote of thanks for good work. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), Sept. 22—Chairman Thomas P. Banks, Secretary Lito G. Acosta, Educational Director John C. Orr, Deck Delegate Ronald Owens, Engine Delegate Kareen Abdul Joseph, Steward Delegate Wilfred E. Lambey. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 25 in Galveston. Secretary asked crew members to clean rooms and get fresh linen for next person. Treasurer stated $250 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter from headquarters read regarding termination of emergency shipping rules. Discussion held about new procedure for collecting vacation checks and about wearing safety gear. Suggestion made to reposition washing machine to operate aboard rolling ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department and unlicensed apprentices. They did an outstanding job. Next port: Haifa, Israel. MAERSK RHODE ISLAND (Maersk Lines), Sept. 28—Chairman Joseph G. Humphrey, Secretary Waymond H. Watson III, Engine Delegate Craig S Croft, Steward Delegate Gloria M. Baker. Chairman spoke about possible contract with MSC and announced A-plus on last month’s Coast Guard inspection. Secretary announced new movie library in place with more than 140 titles. Working on getting information about installing satellite TV. Mail service to crew still slow due to lack of regular ports of call. Educational director advised crew members to keep abreast of changing endorsements needed for new jobs in shipping. He also encouraged them to attend upgrading courses at Piney Point. Treasurer stated $100 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew informed of installation of new washers and dryers. Confirmation requested on pay in lieu of day off and about working on watch. Request made for new juice machine in crew mess. Thanks given to engine department for helping keep house decks clean; vote of thanks also given to steward department for exceptional meals. Vessel heading to Rota, Spain and then to Greece. NEW YORK (ATC), Sept. 24— Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Nancy S. Heyden, Educational Director Edward H. Self, Engine Delegate Victor L. Bermudez, Steward Delegate Elmo Malacas. Chairman announced arrival Sept. 27 in Valdez, Alaska. He stated that Tacoma port agent explained new process for filling prescriptions at last call in Cherry Point. Members will be issued ID cards, which will be honored by pharmacies, and members will then be on a co-pay system, paying anywhere from $5 to $10 per prescription. Union is examining possibilities of recertification programs for QMEDs and pumpmen. Training has started for potential new cruise ships in Hawaii. It is expected to be completed by December. If anyone has friends looking to join union, working on one of these new ships would be good way to start. Vessel will arrive in Los Angeles Oct. 6 and will discharge cargo at berths 121 and 78. Bosun discussed ATC’s alcohol policy. Starting next tour, crew members must sign statement agreeing to abide by ATC’s drug and alcohol policy. Secretary re- quested all delegates sign copies of minutes before they are sent to headquarters. Educational director urged everyone to support union and be sure to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Report from headquarters read regarding process for applying for extra vacation day. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into better dental plan (including periodontal work). Bosun spoke with captain about letting steward leave leftovers out after dinner, and suggestions for night lunch were proposed. Thanks given to DEU Qasam Saeed for helping clean house. Delegate Thomas B. Schroeder, Engine Delegate James B. Long, Steward Delegate William E. Bryley. Chairman announced vessel payoff Oct. 14 on arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Blanket relief for crew following day. He asked crew to check with boarding patrolman and pay dues on time to maintain benefits. Educational director advised Seafarers to keep current on required shipping documents and endorsements. Treasurer stated $50 remaining in ship’s fund after purchase of $215 for satellite radio. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read and posted regarding return to regular shipping Delivering the Goods Bosun Bennie Freeland poses by the machine gun aboard the Maersk Alaska. The containership, which was under charter to the MSC, recently returned from Kuwait, where this photo was taken. SEABULK POWER (Seabulk Tankers), Sept. 30—Chairman Bradley L. Seibel, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director Candido Molina, Deck Delegate Randy W. Powell, Steward Delegate Harry Galdeira. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 3 in Tampa and noted Coast Guard inspection Oct. 7 in Lake Charles. ARS inspection was completed and ship has 2-year safety certificates. Chairman reminded crew members to check expiration dates on all shipping documents. He asked that everyone continue to separate plastic items from regular trash. Secretary requested crew pay attention at safety meetings and watch for hazards when taking on stores. Extra workers will be on board from Lake Charles to Tampa. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read from headquarters regarding termination of emergency shipping rules; standard shipping rules now restored. Vote of thanks given to steward department. WESTWARD VENTURE (Interocean Management), Sept. 7—Chairman Michael G. Watson, Secretary Paula S. Kaleikini, Educational Director Glenn A. Snow, Deck Delegate Timothy L. Smith, Engine Delegate Dennis S. Adjetey, Steward Delegate Patrick L. Durnin. Chairman announced payoff this trip in Tacoma, Wash. Vessel to go into layup shortly thereafter. Secretary asked Seafarers to strip bunks, take dirty linen to bags and clean rooms before disembarking. Educational director urged everyone to increase knowledge and skills by attending upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on how much money company puts into money purchase pension plan. Vote of thanks to OMU Gordon L. Hiltbruner for job well done on picnic tables for barbecues. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), Oct. 12—Chairman Garry D. Walker, Secretary Melvin E. Morgan, Educational Director Alfonso D. Bombita, Deck rules. Special vote of thanks given to Second Engineer Larry Brown for sharing fresh-caught silver salmon and to Chief Steward Melvin Morgan for fresh king crab picked up at Dutch Harbor. Next ports: Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), Oct. 5—Chairman Emanuel A. Gazzier Jr., Secretary Fausto D. Aranda. Chairman led discussion on importance of reading Seafarers LOG for current information on union and industry matters and to know your rights. Educational director talked about upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. He stressed importance of safety on board vessel at all times and asked that any safety problems be reported to department delegate. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Memorandum read to crew regarding TRBs. Question raised about health insurance coverage for family members living overseas. Crew members reminded of no smoking policy in lounge and of leaving rooms clean for next person. Steward department given special thanks for good food and service. Next ports: New Orleans; Haifa, Israel. USNS FRED W. STOCKHAM (Amsea), Oct. 1—Chairman Andrew B. Barrows, Secretary Stephen M. Avallone, Educational Director Joseph J. Jenkins Jr., Deck Delegate Robert Butler, Steward Delegate Alan Van Buren. Bosun issued Bravo Zulu for job well done to all crew for cargo onand off-loading in Kuwait and stateside. All departments performed jobs well. Educational director reminded everyone to renew documents early; begin process ASAP to avoid overworked Coast Guard facilities. He also advised crew to keep up with STCW standards, as they change frequently. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter from VP Contracts Augie Tellez read regarding 401(k) plan and improved benefits tier. Bosun addressed continuing converns of privacy issues with regard to company database being used on Amsea vessels. Issue has been brought to company’s attention. December 2003 �20528_P8,9,15,17_19,21_23.qxd 11/25/2003 3:22 PM Page 19 Letters to the Editor (Editor’s note: The Seafarers LOG reserves the right to edit letters for grammar as well as space provisions without changing the writer’s intent. The LOG welcomes letters from members, pensioners, their families and shipmates and will publish them on a timely basis.) Producer Crew Shows Generosity On Nov. 7, Andrew Tlalka joined the crew of the Horizon Producer in the port of New York as a relief AB. None of the crew members had sailed with him before. On his fifth day aboard ship, The crew aboard the Horizon Producer. he received an emergency message that his wife had passed away following a long-term health condition. He was emotionally overwhelmed and was told by Bosun Joel Lechel to go to his quarters for some private SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS PENSION TRUST This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Pension, Trust EIN 136100329, Plan No. 001, for the period January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $39,207,359. These expenses included $7,006,405 in administrative expenses and $32,200,954 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 16,333 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 $584,834,167 as of December 31, 2002, compared to $595,246,250 as of January 1, 2002. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $10,412,083. This decrease 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 assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $28,795,276 including employer contributions of $4,235,692, realized losses of $(5,549,423) from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $27,191,890, unrealized appreciation of assets of $2,913,882 and other income of $3,235. 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) Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 4) Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan; and 5) Financial information and information on payments to service providers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Pension Trust, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $7.80 for the full annual report or 15 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 (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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20210. time. Tlalka was concerned about leaving his watch; the bosun insisted. Bosun Lechel then informed the crew of the tragedy, and the crew immediately took up a collection to assist Tlalka to pay for his trip to Warsaw, Poland to attend to his family’s needs. Captain William Boyce arranged for a bereavement airfare for him to return to Poland and also contributed $500 from the ship’s fund to help defray the cost. It speaks very highly of the ship’s crew, both licensed and unlicensed, for their generosity in helping a shipmate in his time of need. The amount collected was more than $1,400. There truly is a Brotherhood of the Sea. William Bunch Chief Steward, Horizon Producer AMMV Dedicates WWII Memorial On October 4, 2003, the Three Rivers Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans dedicated a memorial in Riverside Park, Sewickley, Pa. The memorial is in memory of U.S. Merchant Mariners, Navy Armed Guard and the Seabees. There is an anchor and bronze plaque that reads: This memorial is dedicated to THE AMERICAN MERCHANT MARINES UNITED STATES NAVY ARMED GUARD AND SEABEES and Those who survived During World War II and especially Those who made the SUPREME SACRIFICE Leo Bebout President, Three Rivers Chapter, AMMV SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS VACATION FUND This is a summary of the annual report of the Seafarers Vacation Fund, EIN 13-5602047, Plan No. 503, for the period January 1, 2002 through December 31, 2002. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Board of Trustees has committed itself to pay all claims incurred under the terms of the plan. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $15,571,521 as of December 31, 2002, compared to $15,419,286 as of January 1, 2002. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $152,235. 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 $44,178,353 including employer contributions of $42,732,418, realized loss of $(41,529) from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $900,477, and unrealized appreciation of assets of $586,987. Plan expenses were $44,026,118. These expenses included $5,517,288 in administrative expenses and $38,508,830 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. You 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: December 2003 1) 2) 3) 4) An accountant’s report; Assets held for investment; Transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; and Financial information and information on payments to service providers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Vacation Fund, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746; telephone (301) 899-0675. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.60 for the full annual report, or 15 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 the 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 (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, N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington DC 20210. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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 19 �20528_P5,7,11_14,16,20.qxd 11/25/2003 3:12 PM Page 20 Final Departures DEEP SEA MANOR ABDULLAH Pensioner Manor Abdullah, 73, passed away July 14. Brother Abdullah joined the Seafarers in 1969. Born in Singapore, he worked in the engine department and made his home in San Francisco. Brother Abdullah last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Pacer and started receiving his pension in 1995. EDDIE ARNOLD Brother Eddie Arnold, 58, died Sept. 3. He joined the SIU in 1966 in New Orleans. The Alabama-born mariner’s first voyage was aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Arnold shipped as a member of the steward department and last worked on the Sea-Land Performance. He resided in Mobile, Ala. Honolulu and began receiving her pension in 2001. ELVIE L. COOPER Pensioner Elvie L. Cooper, 95, passed away Sept. 11. Brother Cooper started his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. The Marlin, Texas native worked in the steward department and lived in Fort Worth, Texas. Brother Cooper began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1974. AUDREY FAIRBURN Pensioner Audrey Fairburn, 87, died Aug. 6. Sister Fairburn launched her career with the MC&S in San Francisco. A native of Buffalo, N.Y., she worked in the steward department. Sister Fairburn began receiving retirement stipends in 1978. She made her home in North Bend, Ore. CHARLES HOLLIDAY Brother Rogers Bankston, 53, passed away July 26. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1968 in New Orleans. A Louisiana native, Brother Bankston’s first ship was the Long Lines. The engine department member last sailed aboard the Liberty Wave, a Liberty Maritime Corp. vessel. Brother Bankston lived in New Orleans. Pensioner Charles Holliday, 94, passed away June 13. Brother Holliday embarked on his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. The Aberdeen, Miss.-born mariner worked in the steward department and began receiving his pension in 1970. Brother Holliday called Chicago home. JIMMIE BEEM HUBERT HOUSE Pensioner Jimmie Beem, 86, died Sept. 29. Brother Beem began his SIU career in 1951 in San Francisco. Born in Avon, S.D., he initially went to sea on a Delta Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Beem worked in the engine department. He was a resident of Nevada, Iowa and started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1983. Pensioner Hubert House, 74, died Sept. 2. Brother House joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of Mobile, Ala. after serving in the U.S. Army. Born in Alabama, Brother House worked in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He initially went to sea aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. The deck department member last worked on a Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. vessel. Brother House lived in Mobile and started receiving retirement compensation in 1987. ROGERS BANKSTON LESLIE BLANCHARD Pensioner Leslie Blanchard, 81, passed away Sept. 27. He launched his profession with the SIU in 1944 in New Orleans. Born in Louisiana, Brother Blanchard sailed in the steward department and first worked aboard a Delta Steamship Co. vessel. His final voyage was aboard the Overseas Ohio. Brother Blanchard made his home in Houston and started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1985. MARIANA CARPINTEYRO Pensioner Mariana Carpinteyro, 73, died Aug. 27. Sister Carpinteyro joined the Seafarers in 1991 and initially went to sea aboard the SS Independence. Born in Mexico, she worked in the steward department. Sister Carpinteyro last went to sea aboard the Industrial Challenger, a Pacific Gulf Marine vessel. She lived in 20 Seafarers LOG BILLY RAY JARVIS Pensioner Billy Ray Jarvis, 73, passed away Sept. 12. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he commenced his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New York. Brother Jarvis first worked aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Walter Tyler Page. Born in Alabama, he shipped in the engine department. Brother Jarvis last worked on the Stonewall Jackson and began receiving his pension in 1992. He resided in Bay Minette, Ala. MELVIN LAYNER Pensioner Melvin Layner, 55, died Oct. 10. Brother Layner began his SIU career in 1968 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. after serving in the U.S. Navy. His first voyage was aboard the Sea-Land Pacer. A native of Wood County, W.Va., he sailed in the engine department. Brother Layner last went to sea on the Sea-Land Patriot, a U.S. Ship Management vessel. He was a resident of Parkersburg, W.Va. and started receiving his pension earlier this year. ALTHA MANNIX Pensioner Altha Mannix, 88, passed away May 28. Brother Mannix commenced his profession with the MC&S in San Francisco. He worked in the steward department and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1973. Brother Mannix made his home in Lake Forest, Calif. MIGUEL MEDINA Pensioner Miguel Medina, 89, died Aug. 20. He joined the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of Baltimore. Brother Medina first worked aboard Alcoa Steamship’s Alcoa Polaris. Born in Puerto Rico, he shipped in the engine department. Brother Medina’s last ship was the L. Hall, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1975 and called Charlotte, N.C. home. MICHAEL MILLER Brother Michael Miller, 50, passed away July 20. He launched his SIU career in 1978 in the port of New York. Brother Miller worked in both the deep sea and Great Lakes divisions. His first ship was the Point Margo. The Columbus, Ohio-born mariner worked in the deck and engine departments and last shipped on the Adam E. Cornelius. Brother Miller made his home in Irvin, Ohio. GUADALUPE MOLINA Pensioner Guadalupe Molina, 89, died Aug. 12. Brother Molina initiated his occupation with the Seafarers in 1952 in Houston. He first sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s William Graham. A native of Sinton, Texas, Brother Molina shipped in the steward department. His final voyage was on the Overseas Valdez. The Texas City, Texas resident began receiving his pension in 1979. ALFONSO OLGUIN Brother Alfonso Olguin, 78, passed away May 20. He began his seafaring career in 1991 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first voyage was on the USNS Capella, a Bay Ship Management vessel. The Californiaborn mariner worked in the steward department and last sailed on an American Ship Management vessel. Brother Olguin resided in his home state. CIPRIANO PANGANIBAN Brother Cipriano Panganiban, 58, died Oct. 9. Brother Panganiban joined the SIU in 1994 in the port of Honolulu. He initially went to sea aboard the SS Independence. Born in the Philippines, Brother Panganiban worked in the engine department. His final voyage was on the 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez. Brother Panganiban called Daly City, Calif. home. EARL PATTEE Pensioner Earl Pattee, 80, passed away July 28. Brother Pattee joined the Seafarers Union in 1945 in the port of Philadelphia. His first voyage was on a Sprogue Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Louisville, Ky., he was a member of the deck department. Brother Pattee’s final trip to sea was aboard the Sea-Land Portland. The Buckley, Wash. resident began receiving his pension in 1984. DARIO RIOS Pensioner Dario Rios, 82, died Aug. 13. He started his seafaring career in 1945 in the port of New York. Brother Rios was born in Puerto Rico and sailed in the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the San Juan, a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. Brother Rios began receiving retirement compensation in 1986 and lived in his native commonwealth. WINLEY ROBINSON Pensioner Winley Robinson, 101, passed away Sept. 29. Brother Robinson commenced his career with the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of New York. Born in Barbados, he worked in the steward department. Brother Robinson sailed on a number of vessels, including the Steel Design. He started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1967 and made his home in Queens, N.Y. NELSON RODRIGUEZ Brother Nelson Rodriguez, 51, died Aug. 20. He initiated his profession with the Seafarers in 1979 in the port of New York. Brother Rodriguez worked in both the deep sea and Great Lakes divisions during his career, first sailing on the Long Lines. The Brooklyn, N.Y. native shipped in the deck department and made his home in Bethlehem. Pa. Brother Rodriguez last worked aboard the Dodge Island, a NATCO/Great Lakes Dredge & Dock vessel. JORGE SANTANA Pensioner Jorge Santana, 57, passed away Aug. 27. Brother Santana joined the SIU ranks in 1970 in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first voyage was on the Mayaguez. Born in Puerto Rico, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Santana last worked aboard the Horizon Crusader and resided in his native commonwealth. He began receiving his pension in 2002. VICTOR SANTOS Pensioner Victor Santos, 72, died Sept. 5. He joined the union in 1960 in the port of New York. Brother Santos initially went to sea aboard Ore Navigation’s Santore. Born in Santurce, P.R., he shipped in the engine department. Brother Santos last sailed on the Sea-Land Crusader and started collecting stipends for his retirement in 1995. He lived in his native commonwealth. CHARLES SCOFIELD Pensioner Charles Scofield, 80, passed away Sept. 29. Brother Scofield joined the SIU in 1942 in the port of New York. The New York-born mariner worked in the engine department. He began receiving his pension in 1967. Brother Scofield resided in Brooklyn, N.Y. CLAIBORNE SPEARS Brother Claiborne Spears, 55, passed away July 28. He launched his profession with the Seafarers in 1968 in New Orleans after serving in the U.S. Army. His initial voyage was aboard the Wingless, a Consolidated Mariners Inc. vessel. Born in Alabama, Brother Spears shipped in the engine department. He last worked on the Cape Catoche and started receiving his pension in 1991. Brother Spears lived in Mobile, Ala. CARLOS SPINA Pensioner Carlos Spina, 64, died Oct. 14. Brother Spina began his seafaring career in 1960 in New Orleans. His first voyage was aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Progreso, Honduras, he worked in the deck department as a bosun. He last went to sea on the USNS Regulus. Brother Spina began receiving his retirement pay in 1996 and lived in New Orleans. MARK STEVENS Brother Mark Stevens, 41, was found deceased on June 14. He joined the SIU in 1981 in the port of Piney Point, Md. His initial trip to sea was aboard Delta Steamship Lines’ Santa Adela. A member of the deck department, Brother Stevens was born in Long Beach, Calif. He last worked on the Sea-Land Liberator. Brother Stevens lived in Seattle. JOHN STILES Pensioner John Stiles, 81, passed away Aug. 13. Brother Stiles launched his career with the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of New York. The Philadelphia-born mariner Continued on page 21 December 2003 �20528_P8,9,15,17_19,21_23.qxd 11/25/2003 3:24 PM Page 21 Final Departures Continued from page 20 sailed in the deck department and last worked on the Overseas Marilyn. Brother Stiles called Green Creek, N.J. home. He began receiving his pension in 1983. KVETOSLAV SVOBODA Pensioner Kvetoslav Svoboda, 81, died June 10. Brother Svoboda began his career with the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of New York. His initial voyage was aboard an Oceanic Ore Carriers Inc. vessel. Born in Czechoslovakia, Brother Svoboda worked in both the engine and steward departments. He last went to sea aboard the OMI Ranger. Brother Svoboda began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1987. He lived in his native country. RONALD VOSS Pensioner Ronald Voss, 79, passed away July 18. He joined the Seafarers in 1949 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Navy. His first ship was the Del Monte, a Delta Steamship Co. vessel. The St. Petersburg, Fla.-born mariner sailed in the engine department and last worked aboard the Sea-Land Consumer. Brother Voss called Roundrock, Texas home. He began receiving his retirement pay in 1988. STEPHEN WAGERIK Pensioner Stephen Wagerik, 75, died Aug. 15. Brother Wagerik commenced his career with the SIU in 1953 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Wagerik worked in the deck department and initially went to sea aboard Isco’s Steel Artisan. He last sailed on the Sea-Land Quality and began receiving his pension in 1988. A native of Hopelawn, N.J., Brother Wagerik made his home in Houston. DONALD WAGNER Pensioner Donald Wagner, 74, passed away Sept. 14. Brother Wagner joined the Seafarers in 1945 in San Francisco. His first voyage was aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he sailed in the deck department as a bosun. Brother Wagner last went to sea on the Senator, a Crowley American Transport, Inc. vessel. The Palm Coast, Fla. resident began receiving retirement compensation in 1995. GLEN WELLS Pensioner Glen Wells, 80, died June 18. He joined the SIU in 1962. Brother Wells’ first ship was Victory Transport’s Hudson. A native of Dallas, he sailed in the deck department. His final trip to sea was on the Sugar Islander. Brother Wells began receiving his pension in 1989 and made his home in Sierra Vista, Ariz. December 2003 RUSSELL WILLIAMS JOHN SCOTT Brother Russell Williams, 58, passed away June 30. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1968 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Before joining the SIU, he served in the U.S. Army. A native of Florida, he initially sailed aboard Hudson Waterways Corp.’s Transhudson. Brother Williams shipped in the steward department and last worked on the Sea-Land Express. He called Jacksonville home. Pensioner John Scott, 71, passed away June 29. Boatman Scott joined the Seafarers in 1974 in the port of Philadelphia after serving in the U.S. Navy. He first worked aboard a Steuart Transport Co. vessel. The Virginia-born mariner sailed in the engine department and last worked for Mariner Towing. Boatman Scott started receiving retirement compensation in 1994. He lived in Onancock, Va. INLAND LARRY FULCHER Boatman Larry Fulcher, 57, passed away April 6. He launched his career with the SIU in 1967. A captain, Boatman Fulcher sailed in the deck department. He was last employed on a Maritrans Operating Co. vessel. He made his home in Williston, N.C. HUGH HASTINGS Pensioner Hugh Hastings, 84, died June 16. Boatman Hastings joined the Seafarers in 1970 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A captain, Boatman Hastings last sailed on an Allied Towing vessel. He was born in Ocean City, Md. and made his home in Bavon, Va. Boatman Hastings began collecting retirement stipends in 1983. HAROLD HOWARD Pensioner Harold Howard, 89, passed away Sept. 17. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Howard sailed as a captain. He lived in Pennsauken, N.J. and began receiving his pension in 1976. RONALD HURD Pensioner Ronald Hurd, 70, died Oct. 3. Boatman Hurd joined the Seafarers in 1961. The Texas-born mariner worked as a captain. He sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing Co. Boatman Hurd lived in Port Arthur, Texas and began receiving his pension in 1995. RALEIGH PAUL Pensioner Raleigh Paul, 79, passed away July 16. Boatman Paul began his SIU career in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. after serving in the U.S. Air Force. The North Carolina-born mariner worked in the deck department and began collecting retirement stipends in 1979. He resided in his home state. JAMES PRITCHARD Pensioner James Pritchard, 80, died Sept. 30. He launched his profession with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Pritchard first worked aboard a Moore Towing Lines vessel. Born in Cambden County, N.C., he shipped as a captain. His final job was at the helm of a McAllister Towing of Virginia vessel. Boatman Pritchard was a resident of Orange Park, Fla. He started receiving his pension in 1988. CECIL TERRY Pensioner Cecil Terry, 74, died Aug. 25. He initiated his career with the SIU in 1946 in the port of Baltimore. Boatman Terry worked in both the inland and deep sea divisions. His first ship was Sinclair Oil’s Rob Shrew. Born in Norfolk, Va., he shipped in the deck department. Boatman Terry last worked aboard a Mariner Towing vessel and lived in Whitten, N.C. He began collecting his pension in 1988. GREAT LAKES RICHARD FORGAYS Pensioner Richard Forgays, 77, died June 23. Brother Forgays joined the SIU in 1952 in Detroit. Prior to becoming a Seafarer, he served in the U.S. Army. Born in Michigan and a steward department member, Brother Forgays lived in his native state. He last worked on the Charles E. Wilson, an American Steamship Co. vessel. He began collecting payments for his retirement in 1994. RICHARD GLOWACKI Pensioner Richard Glowacki, 78, passed away June 26. Born in Buffalo, N.Y., Brother Glowacki began his SIU career in 1963 in Detroit. The engine department member was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by American Steamship Co., including the Adam E. Cornelius and the Buffalo. Brother Glowacki started receiving his pension in 1990 and made his home in West Seneca, N.Y. FRANK NIEZURAWSKI Pensioner Frank Niezurawski, 83, died Oct. 8. He commenced his career with the Seafarers in 1961 in Detroit after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Niezurawski worked in both the Great Lakes and deep sea divisions, first sailing aboard a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. Born in Michigan, he shipped in the deck department and began collecting retirement stipends 1982. He last sailed on a Michigan Tankers vessel. Brother Niezurawski resided in Lake Worth, Fla. ROBERT SMITH Pensioner Robert Smith, 68, died Sept. 11. He embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in Detroit after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Smith worked primarily aboard vessels operated by the American Steamship Co., including the Adam E. Cornelius, the Richard J. Reiss and the American Mariner. Born in Mueller Township, Mich., he sailed in the engine department. Brother Smith began receiving retirement pay in 1992 and lived in his native state. EGIL SORENSEN Pensioner Egil Sorensen, 73, passed away Aug. 13. Brother Sorensen began his profession with the Seafarers in 1966 in Detroit. His first ship was American Steamship Co.’s American Seaocean. Born in Oslo, Norway, he sailed in the engine department. Brother Sorensen last worked on the Buffalo and was a resident of Monroe, Maine. He began receiving his retirement compensation in 1995. HAMOUD ZAWKARI Pensioner Hamoud Zawkari, 77, died July 8. Brother Zawkari began working with the Seafarers in 1966 in Buffalo, N.Y. Born in Yemen, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Zawkari sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Associates, including the Henry Steinbrenner and the Kinsman Enterprise. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1991 and lived in Dearborn, Mich. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away: ENNIS ALLEN JULIUS MURPHY Pensioner Ennis Allen, 80, passed away Dec. 29, 2002. Brother Allen embarked on his career with the NMU in 1947. Born in Town Creek, Ala., he initially went to sea aboard the J.C. Campbell. Brother Allen worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills on several occasions. His final voyage was aboard the Texaco Wisconsin. Brother Allen began receiving his pension in 1985. Pensioner Julius Murphy, 92, passed away May 15. Brother Murphy commenced his career with the NMU in 1946. His initial voyage was out of the port of New York. Born in Chile, he worked in the engine department. Brother Murray started receiving his pension in 1967. He last went to sea aboard the United States. MICHAEL GOLDEN Pensioner Michael Golden, 67, passed away Jan. 14. He joined the NMU in 1964. Brother Golden first sailed aboard the William Lykes. The Alabamaborn mariner worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Howell Lykes. Brother Golden began receiving payments for his pension in1992. MIKE S. MATIS Pensioner Mike S. Matis, 85, passed away May 15. Brother Matis joined the NMU in 1986. Born in the Philippines, he shipped as a member of the steward department. Brother Matis sailed on many vessels including the American Eagle. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1986. WILLIAM MALLOY Pensioner William Malloy, 75, died March 28. Brother Malloy launched his NMU career in 1952. His initial ocean voyage was from the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Pittsfield, Mass., he sailed in the engine department. Brother Malloy enhanced his skills often and last worked on the San Diego. He started receiving his pension in 1985. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU brothers, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. NAME AGE DOD Badley, Clarence Blood, Charles 79 84 Brown, Louis Chisholm, Timothy Connell, Allan Conway, John Czarniak, Anthony Davis, Franklin Delgado, Miguel Dishman, Melvin Dooner, Lawrence Ebanks, George 66 70 84 75 86 80 75 60 77 71 Feliciano, John Fell, Quigley Ferrer, Lorenzo Figueroa, Victor Goodman, H.G. Gordon, Arthur Groves, Edgar Higgins, James Horbarger, Jesse Kyser, Edward Lecaros, Andres Little, James Moore, Cecil Morgan, Leo Murphy, Henry Overstreet, Layton Petrie, Robert Pitre, Leroy Radetzky, Bernard Sanchez, Luis Schallenberg, Everhard Soterales, John Stowhas, Luis Swartz, Samuel Vestarhis, Leonidas White, Robert Wolf, Ingram Zanieski, Felix 83 89 86 77 86 85 79 74 85 67 87 79 83 74 74 80 77 84 83 83 Oct. 3 Dec. 28, 2002 Sept. 29 Sept. 26 Oct. 9 Oct. 5 Oct. 3 Oct. 15 Sept. 15 Sept. 25 Oct. 9 Dec. 11, 2002 Oct. 24 Oct. 25 Oct. 7 Oct. 1 Sept. 24 Sept. 15 July 31 Oct. 16 Sept. 17 Oct. 6 Sept. 27 Oct. 2 Sept. 4 Oct. 9 Oct. 6 Oct. 9 Oct. 28 Oct. 7 Sept. 21 June 29 89 93 85 89 87 81 77 91 Sept. 23 Sept. 9 Oct. 12 Oct. 3 Sept. 23 Oct. 8 Oct. 26 Oct. 15 Seafarers LOG 21 �20528_P8,9,15,17_19,21_23.qxd 11/24/2003 7:46 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 643 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 643 (in alphabetical order) Malcolm Adams Jr., Connie Clemons, Alfred Drake, Quentin Dedeaux, Johnathan Fosle, Christopher Goneau, Raymond Hotchkiss, Donald Moss, Christopher Newbern, Angel Perez, James Perkins, Jesse Sailors III, Joseph Stone and Reginald Jackson. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Earning their lifeboatman/water survival endorsements Oct. 31 are (in no specific order) Gregory Ball, Rene Hallasgo, Juanito Dansalan, James Reece, Abdul Hasan, Abdoulla Alssoudi, Milton Flynn, John Neal, Seller Brooks and Nicholas Murgolo. Able Seaman — Welding — Certificates of graduation for completion of the welding course were given Oct. 24 to (in alphabetical order) Mark Ciciulla, Juanito Dansalan, Charles Fuqua, Galen Gouzoulis and Rene Hallasgo. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is at far left in the back row. Upgrading Seafarers earning their AB endorsements Oct. 24 are (in alphabetical order) Gregory Alexander, Julio Alvarez, Agustin Arriaga, Warren Barney, Scott Bowmer, Stephen Gardner, Stephen Hammelman, DeCarlo Harris, Eric Kjellberg, Roy Logan, Tavell Love, David Martinez, John Murray, Joshua Phillips, Morgan Piper, Antonio Reed, Christopher Rosado, Daniel Samson, Jason Simon, Joseph Slater, William Smalls, Adrian Surillo, Milan Taigan, Abel Vazquez and Joseph Whitmore. Medical Care Provider — Graduating recently from the medical care provider course under the instruction of Jennifer Langford (left) are Tzvetan Ovalov (center) and Leonard Lambert. Oiler — Computer Lab Classes Recent graduates of the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center pose with their certificates of achievement for completing the Computer Basics/Windows Operating System course. They are (seated in left photo) Jose Alvado and (seated in right photo) Thomas M. Swayne Jr. Their instructor, Rich Prucha, is standing in both pictures. Completing the oiler course Oct. 17 are (in alphabetical order) Aaron Anderson, Shawn Deloach, Edward Douville, Raul Duarosan, Douglas Foley, Jeffrey Hawkins, Christian Hernandez, Derek Ivory, George Jodry, Clay Kiichli, Jose Medrano, Lon Molnar, Nicholas Murgolo, James Osborn, Lamont Robinson, Stephen Roseberry, Louis Simmons, Jonathan Stratton, Patrick Sullivan, Thomas Swayne, George Velez, Neil Warren, Michael Watkins, Brent Williams, Demond Williams and Hezekiah Williams. Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. 22 Seafarers LOG December 2003 �20528_P8,9,15,17_19,21_23.qxd 11/24/2003 7:47 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Academics Taking advantage of the academic program at the Paul Hall Center is Charles C. Walker (center). He recently was awarded certificates of achievement from Instructor Peggy Densford (left) for completion of Political Science 101, and from Instructor Rick Prucha for satisfying the requirements for completion of Math 101. Radar — Graduating from the radar class Oct. 22 are (from left) Mike Smith (instructor), Glen McCullough, Darryl Alexander, Jennifer Senner, William Sholley and Ovidio Santos. Engine Utility — Lifeboatman/ Water Survival — Alaskan fisher- men who completed the lifeboatman/water survival course Oct. 31 are (in alphabetical order) Peter Angasan, Frank Burke, Jon Henson, Mark Leman, Jeffery Martin, Jim Moore, Cary Pitcher, Stephen Riedel, John Scudero Jr., Justin Stahl and Maryellen Titus. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far left. Successfully completing the engine utility course Oct. 11 are (in no particular order) José Quiñones, Michael Sanchez, Louis Gattuso, Pedro Barbosa, Curtis Tobey, Tawrence Abrams, Douglas Lowry, Pedro Ocampo, Scott Martin, Clarence Pearson and Carl Williams. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL) — Upgrading Seafarers and Alaskan fishermen completing the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course Oct. 10 are (in alphabetical order) Christopher Boyd, Christen Christensen, Brack George, Melvin Gruelle, John Harper, David Hays, Jimmy Orr, Erin O’Toole, Jeffery Perez, Seth Rockwell and Christopher Rosado. Basic Safety Training Class Specially Trained OS — Upgrading Seafarer Isaac Colwell (left) joined a group of unlicensed apprentices in completing the STOS course Oct. 10. They are (in alphabetical order) Miguel Baerga, William Boardman, Edward Boyd, Raul Colon, Dorian Edwards, Tess Flickiner, Kevin Koch, Michael Merrell, Anthony Mohler, Jay Pierce, Richard Reynolds, Steven Richards, Ramiro Rubio, Hector Serrano, Marc Simpson, Nicholas Smithling and Edward Tanaka. Specially Trained OS — Graduating Oct. 24 from the STOS course are (in no specific order) Wilfredo Rodriguez, Brian Kimbrough, Dionisio Bermudez, Brian Manion, John Leahy, Miles Souders, Steven Dalton, Richard Cannady, Moises Ortiz, Saul Suarez, Gregory Ball and Ruben Gonzalez. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at far right. Not pictured is Carlos Nuñez-Avila. STCW — Oct. 17: Marcos Almazan, Don Capers, Franklin Crim, Michael Hammock and John Neal. December 2003 Seafarers LOG 23 �20528_P024.qxd 11/24/2003 7:11 PM Page 1 Maersk Line, Limited salutes the bravery, dedication and skill of our U.S. Merchant Mariners. We, as fellow Americans, appreciate your commitment to the United States Flag and all for which it stands. Maersk Line, Limited ran this full-page advertisement in the The Washington Times supporting our nation’s merchant mariners. The ad ran November 4 and again November 14. w w w . m a e r s k l i n e l i m i t e d . c o m � 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 December 2003 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIUNA WELCOMES AMO AS AUTONOMOUS AFFILIATE CROWLEY PACT APPROVED PRESIDENT SIGNS NEW MSP DEFENSE BILL INCLUDES 10-YEAR EXTENSION, EXPANDS FLEET CAR CARRIER REFLAGS U.S. SIU LAKES FLEET GETS BIG ADDITION NY WATERWAY CHRISTENS NEW FERRY PRESCRIPTION PLAN WILL REDUCE COSTS TOP MEDICAL BENEFITS HIGHLIGHT HIGMAN PACT IBF ANNOUNCES ‘WIN-WIN’ GLOBAL PACT FOR MARINERS SIU CREW MEMBERS HONORED DURING AOTOS CEREMONY ‘WE STAND ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS’ RECERTIFICATION COURSE PROVES WORTHWHILE FOR BOSUNS CHEMICAL PIONEER CREW UPGRADES AT PINEY POINT 2004 PAUL HALL CENTER COURSE GUIDE Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 12/01/2003 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. 65, No. 12 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log 2003 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/5ddc60ea1cc22c050737c5fa4add1019.pdf 73beba47b9d30b862e92a2c35587bf09 PDF Text Text Pgs1,12,20.qxd 12/20/2003 8:22 PM Page 1 Volume 66, Number 1 New Tanker ‘Floats Out’ The first of four Alaska Class double-hull oil tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA recently was floated out at National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego. The ship is scheduled to be finished dockside in preparation for delivery in June 2004. It will be named the Alaskan Frontier and operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. Page 3. January 2004 Fourth ATB Christened Seafarers and SIU officials recently attended the christening of the tug Coastal Reliance and its companion barge 550-4 in Long Beach, Calif. The articulated tug-barge is the fourth in a series of new SIUcrewed ATBs entering service for Intrepid Ship Management. It is nearly identical to the tug Ocean Reliance and barge 550-3, pictured above. Page 3. SIU’s Year in Review Major stories were plentiful for Seafarers in 2003. The year began with SIU members crewing up Ready Reserve Force vessels that eventually sailed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (including the Cape Taylor, sailing past the Cape Texas, below). It ended with a gigantic legislative victory, as the U.S. Maritime Security Program expanded to 60 vessels and received a 10year extension. In between, the union gained numerous new shipboard job opportunities for Seafarers. Also, the U.S. Merchant Marine received ample recognition for its role during the war, as reflected by the group photo at right, which shows U.S. military and government officials joining Seafarers aboard the RRF vessel Wright in Baltimore. Page 24. Paul Hall Center Offers Marine Electrician Class Page 4 Port Security Update Page 5 Apply for Scholarship Page 6 San Francisco Hall Hosts Thanksgiving Gathering Pages 10-11 �Pg2.qxd 12/20/2003 7:22 PM Page 2 President’s Report Pictures of Success For the United States, two of the most dominant images of 2003 originated thousands of miles from home. The perfectly symbolic toppling of Saddam Hussein’s statue in Baghdad and, months later, grainy video of the ousted dictator that was taken right after his capture offered satisfying reinforcement of Operation Iraqi Freedom’s success. Those pictures undoubtedly resonated with Michael Sacco Seafarers, in part because more than 2,000 SIU members sailed in support of U.S. and allied forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Though the all-out combat phase of the war ended many months ago, the mission of course is far from finished. In fact, the sealift operation that the U.S. Military Sealift Command has dubbed “OIF 2” already is underway. This means widespread activations and mobilizations of U.S.-flag military support ships in 2004, many of them crewed by Seafarers. It means another chance to live up to our role as the nation’s Fourth Arm of Defense. Make no mistake, the SIU and the entire U.S.-flag fleet earned top marks last year during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I’ve never been more proud of this membership. From the first activations through the long, uncertain waits near Turkey, from the dangerous voyages into Kuwait through the many follow-up round trips, you answered the call. You served your country and you delivered the goods. That’s one reason why I thought it was so appropriate that President Bush approved an extended, expanded U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) near the end of the year. Even though the efforts to pass a new MSP started long before the war, I believe that the 10-year extension is an affirmation of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s importance to our national and economic security. Certainly it’s no stretch to say that both the testimony in favor of a new MSP, along with post-war comments about U.S. mariners’ service, clearly shows that our value is understood at the highest levels of government and by the leaders of our armed forces. The war and the MSP weren’t the only big stories for this union in 2003. We added a wide range of new ships to the SIU fleet, including cable ships, tankers, military support ships, containerships, ATBs and others. We also got a glimpse of future jobs as the first new Alaska Class tanker neared its final stages of construction. We opened a new, full-service union hall in Joliet, Ill. and made extensive improvements to the Houston hall. We remained extremely active in the international forums that are so important to the future of our industry and our union. In the face of a staggering national health care crisis, we secured contracts that ensure top-of-the-line medical benefits. There were other gains, too, and with that in mind I encourage all Seafarers to read the “year in review” story on the back page of this issue. It’s an uplifting piece that accurately reflects what the SIU has accomplished. We’ve made tremendous progress, and we continue heading in the right direction. As we begin another year, I again thank you, the membership, for your skilled, reliable work and your rock-solid support of this union. And I also want to credit our officials and other staff members whose work is vital to the union’s progress. We’re all part of the same winning team, the same SIU family. And there is no doubt that, together, we will continue to accomplish great things in 2004 and beyond. Volume 66, Number 1 January 2004 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2004 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Nationwide Rallies Demand Freedom to Form Unions Tens of thousands of union activists and their allies took part in more than 90 events in 64 cities on Dec. 10 to mark International Human Rights Day and boost the union movement’s campaign to restore every worker’s right to a voice on the job. Through town hall meetings, rallies and candlelight vigils, they pledged to educate and mobilize union members; fight employer interference on local organizing campaigns; lobby members of Congress to support improvements to labor law; and keep workers’ rights at the center of the 2004 election efforts. Dec. 10 commemorates the anniversary of the ratification of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The declaration establishes the right of people in every nation to form unions and negotiate contracts. The U.S. government had recognized that right 13 years earlier with the National Labor Relations Act. But while workers have the legal right to form unions to negotiate for better benefits, pay, safety standards and working conditions, employers across the country routinely block their efforts with threats, coercion and intimidation. One-quarter of private sector employers fire at least one worker during a campaign to form a union, according to research conducted at Cornell University. The research also found that almost all private-sector employers—92 percent—who are involved in organizing campaigns, force employees to attend closeddoor meetings to hear anti-union propaganda. Speaking at a Washington, D.C., rally, Martha Gardon said, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said that blocking employees’ freedom to choose union representation “hurts workers and it is hurting our country.” AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka told supporters at a Pittsburgh rally, “Workers everywhere in the world have the right to organize.” “My co-workers want a union, but they are scared.” Gardon, a parking lot attendant and member of Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees Local 27, is helping workers at other garages form a union. “If the law protected us from threats, we’d be able to organize more quickly,” she said. “There are 45 million workers in our country who say they would join a union in an instant if they could, but they are prevented from doing that by employers and anti-worker elected leaders who have systematically stolen the freedom to organize from workers,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, who led thousands of New York City workers and their allies on a march from Wall Street to the New York office of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) at Federal Plaza. “This hurts workers and it is hurting our country.” Silhouettes along the demonstration route profiled some of the 14,000 workers who filed suits with the NLRB in New York state last year, describing how their employers violated their rights. In other events around the country, workers rallied with AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka and Steelworkers President Leo Gerard at Giant Eagle Supermarket in Pittsburgh in support of grocery workers trying to form a union with USWA. The workers said the company threatens and disciplines them when they refuse to sign antiunion literature. Seven workers said they were fired for trying to form a union. Minnesota activists gathered at the state capitol, where Wendell Anderson, Swedish consul emeritus and former Minnesota governor, accepted a resolution asking Continued on page 4 U.S., China Sign Maritime Pact The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) last month announced that the United States and China had signed “the most far-reaching, five-year bilateral U.S.-China maritime agreement in the history of maritime trade between the two nations during a ceremony in Washington, D.C.” The agency further described the pact as “a sweeping agreement that gives U.S. registered shipping companies the legal flexibility to perform an extensive range of new business activities in China, including logistic operations, and providing services for their own vessels and alliance partnerships…. The agreement offers U.S. companies similar privileges to those that Chinese companies already enjoy in the United States.” The agreement was signed at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. “as part of the continuing Bush administration effort to strengthen U.S.-China relations and expand trade between the two countries,” MarAd reported. U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta and China’s Minister of Communications Zhang Chunxian signed the pact. Mineta said, “This new agreement strengthens the U.S. shipping industry by opening new U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William G. Schubert markets in China and enhancing efficiencies in overseas shipping by allowing direct market access.” He added, “It puts our shipping companies where the business is, closer to their markets and their customers. Based on free market principles, it opens significant new business opportunities for U.S. companies and their partners who do business in China.” According to MarAd, more cargo containers move between China and the United States than any other country in the world. Over 3.2 million containers transit via ship between the two countries every year. Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert stated, “This agreement is expected to generate more business for American shipping and will facilitate more cargo moving across the Pacific. Positive employment benefits will result for the U.S. shipping industry and related industries associated with port operations and services, like trucking and rail.” The agreement represents a long-awaited culmination of discussions and negotiations that have taken place over the past five years between the United States and China. January 2004 �Pgs3,5,9_11.qxd 12/21/2003 7:28 PM Page 3 Seafarers Crew Up New ATB Seafarers are sailing aboard the newest articulated tug-barge (ATB) operated by Intrepid Ship Management. The tug Coastal Reliance and its accompanying barge 550-4 were christened Nov. 18 in Long Beach, Calif., although they already had been operating for some time. The ATB is the fourth in a program of new builds. The 9,280-horsepower tug Coastal Reliance and 155,000-barrel barge 550-4 were built by Bay Shipbuilding Company in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. “I’m confident that the well-trained SIU members crewing up the Coastal Reliance and 550-4 will continue to do a great job, just as their brother and The four new SIU-crewed ATBs include the Ocean Reliance and its barge 550-3. sister Seafarers have done exemplary work aboard the other new ATBs,” said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. Also in service are the Sea Reliance/550-1, the Sound Reliance/550-2 and the Ocean Reliance/550-3. The key difference between the newly constructed ATBs and the traditional West Coast tug and barge unit is the method of attachment. The ATB tug is attached to the stern notch of the barge with an Intercon coupler system allowing the tug to push the barge at sea versus the traditional means of towing the barge at sea. The primary benefits of the ATB configuration are greater speed (12 knots versus seven to nine knots), higher fuel efficiency and greater handling capability. According to the company, the ATB tank vessel incorporates the latest advances in environmental protection and safety while providing increased efficiencies in hose handling, anchoring, mooring, discharge and loading of product. The 550-4 is double hulled and the tug is double sided. The barge, built, documented and maintained to the requirements of American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) “SafeHull” standards, has an inert gas system as well as an enhanced cargo system and a fully redundant ballast system. The Coastal Reliance meets all SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and ABS criteria, and has a foam capable fire monitor; twin fuel efficient, reduced emission electronic diesel engines; a noise reduction package and other upgrades to increase crew comfort. The communication and navigation equipment is among the most technologically advanced in the industry. The tug Coastal Reliance enters the notch of the 550-4. The Alaskan Frontier is scheduled for delivery in June. Seafarers will crew the new vessel. Shipyard Floats Out First BP Tanker Pictured at the christening are Steve Collar, VP of business development for MTL; Clorinda Nothstein and Jan Chilelli of Shell Trading U.S.; and crew members of Coastal Reliance/550-4, Captain Dale Wilson, Chief Mate Chris Valley, 2nd Mate Bob Mills, Chief Engineer Paul Joiner, AB Tankerman Brian McLarnon, AB Tankerman Lewis Findley, Utility Bobby Tierney and Utility Karen Fensel. Progress Continues on Project America Ship The 2,146-passenger Pride of America was floated out of a building drydock in Bremerhaven, Germany on Nov. 1, following extensive hull work. The Pride of America will sail under Norwegian Cruise Line’s NCL America brand, with a U.S. crew. The U.S.-flag vessel is scheduled for christening July 4 in Hawaii; it will sail on seven-night inter-island cruises. A second NCL America vessel, Pride of Aloha, is slated to enter service in October 2004. It will sail on three- and four-night Hawaii cruises starting in Honolulu. No date has been announced for a third NCL America ship that also is expected to join the fleet. The Pride of America initially was part of Project America, a major effort to boost U.S. shipbuilding and the U.S.-flag cruise industry. The development was hurt by the attacks of September 11, 2001, but NCL last year committed to beginning a U.S.-flag operation in Hawaii. A fairly new federal law allows the company to complete Project America as a U.S.-flag and U.S.crewed operation. To that end, NCL purchased the partially completed first Project America ship and substantial materials and related components for the second Project America ship from Northrop January 2004 Grumman Ship Systems in September 2002. The legislative initiative was designed to recover the U.S. investment in Project America, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and tax receipts, and creating more than 20,000 U.S. jobs. The Pride of America is 839 feet long and will be equipped with an enlarged diesel electric power system. Its amenities will be state-of-the-art. NCL last spring announced it also had purchased the S.S. United States and the S.S. Independence, with an eye toward possibly refurbishing the vessels and using them for mainland U.S. itineraries where cruises currently aren’t available. National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) recently announced it has floated out Hull 484, the first of four Alaska Class double-hull oil tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. The ship—which will be operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. (ATC)—will be finished dockside in preparation for delivery in June 2004. The vessel will be named the Alaskan Frontier. The San Diego-based shipyard also held a keel-laying ceremony for Hull 485, the second doublehull oil tanker being constructed for BP. The second ship is scheduled to be delivered in November 2004, with subsequent ships to be delivered in 2005 and 2006. Those vessels will deliver Alaska North Slope crude oil to refineries on the U.S. West Coast. Delivery of the ships will satisfy the commitment BP made as part of an agreement with the state of Alaska to accelerate (by an average of one year) the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 retirement dates of non-double hull vessels in BP’s chartered Alaska fleet. Each of the new tankers will be designed to last at least 35 years to as long as 50 years. Each will be 941 feet long with a 164foot beam, a capacity of 1.3 million barrels and a design draft of 61.5 feet. BP reported that each ship is being built with redundant propulsion and steering systems which include twin diesel-electric power systems in segregated engine rooms, twin propellers and twin rudders. Use of dieselelectric propulsion systems will reduce air emissions at sea and in port while reducing maintenance “down time.” To help eliminate accidental oil leaks, the propeller shafts will be cooled and lubricated with seawater instead of lubricating oil. Cargo piping will be installed in the cargo tanks, instead of on deck, to reduce the risk of small spills. The ships will be fitted with state-of-the-art machinery and cargo control systems and an integrated navigation system. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, February 16, 2004 for the observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. The Pride of America is scheduled to begin offering cruises this summer. Seafarers LOG 3 �Pgs4,6_8,13_19.qxd 12/20/2003 7:13 PM Page 4 Marine Electrician Course Stresses Hands-On Training The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers a newly revamped Marine Electrician course that emphasizes practical instruction while also including classroom sessions. “It’s a very thorough course designed for students who are serious about becoming marine electricians,” noted J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of training at the Piney Point, Md. facility. “Overall, I’d describe it as challenging, worthwhile and very up-to-date.” The curriculum includes eight weeks (280 hours) of instruction and provides engine department personnel Carrying out motor resistance checks are Charles (Rus) Jones (left) and Rene Vazquez. with the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills necessary to perform maintenance and repair operations on motors, generators and controllers on board ships. Successful completion of the course will entitle the students to receive the electrician’s endorsement on their merchant mariner’s document. The topics covered by the course include electrical safety (precautions and results of disregarding them); electrical fundamentals (discussion of electron theory and voltage production); batteries (description of the operation and maintenance of marine electrical batteries); direct current theory (defining Ohm’s law and basic problem-solving in series and parallel circuits); and marine electrical hardware (explanation of conduit, stuffing tubes, cables and their ratings). Additionally, the class covers electrical test equipment; practical demonstrations of the devices and wiring methods for shipboard 120 VAC systems; an explanation of the operation of the ship’s main electrical power distribution system; a description of sine wave formation and problem solving for both parallel and series AC circuits; practical operation and maintenance on AC generators; practical maintenance and overhaul techniques for AC 3 phase motors; and practical maintenance and troubleshooting techniques for AC motor controllers. Also included are an explanation of the operation and maintenance of DC generators; practical demonstration of DC motor operation and maintenance; practical demonstration of DC motor controller maintenance and troubleshooting techniques; practical demonstration reading and interpreting electrical diagrams; and practical demonstration for the repair of small appliances. A section on shipboard maintenance techniques features a description of the operation and maintenance of electric forklift trucks, elevators, cargo winches, anchor windlass, sound-powered telephone systems, engine order telegraphs, steering control systems, salinity monitoring systems, HVAC controls, auxiliary boiler flame safeguard controls, cathodic protection systems and shipboard alarms systems. The next Marine Electrician course at Piney Point is scheduled to begin May 10. Notice Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan Initial Eligibility Rule Change As previously reported, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is about to enter into an agreement with Prescription Solutions to provide a quality pharmacy benefit at a savings to the Plan. In order to help eliminate implementation problems, several rule changes were suggested. The first change was to modify the eligibility requirement as it pertains to the pharmacy benefit. As reported in October, the Trustees of the Plan directed that the eligibility for the drug program be changed so that a participant with at least 90 days of covered employment prior to September 30 be covered for the prescription program from January 1 through June 30 of the following year and that an employee with at least 120 days in a calendar year be covered for the prescription benefit for the entire following year. The one-day-in-six-months requirement was eliminated for the prescription program. The Trustees of the Plan have now directed that the initial 75-day eligibility rule for new employees also be changed. Therefore, please note that effective January 1, 2004, the eligibility rule for new employees has been changed to the following: A new employee reaching his 75th day of employment on or before June 30 of a calendar year will be covered for the remainder of that calendar year. Additionally, any new employee reaching the 75th day of employment between July 1 and December 31 of any calendar year will be covered for the remainder of that calendar year as well as the entire following year. With the exception of the pharmacy benefit, coverage for all other benefits would still require one day of employment in the six month period immediately preceding the date of any claim. Further details on this change will appear in an upcoming issue of the LOG. Norman Dauphin (left) and Hugo Infante perform a motor controller voltage check. Therman Ames III (left) and Kenneth Ross (right) practice lube purifier maintenance. Lakes Seafarers Ratify Contract Seafarers sailing aboard the tug Michigan and barge Great Lakes unanimously have approved a new five-year contract that includes wage increases and other gains. The agreement, retroactive to September 1, 2003, boosts wages in each year of the pact and also increases maintenance and cure. Further, the contract provides crew members with the opportunity to upgrade at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md. Operated by Keystone Great Lakes Inc., the Michigan and Great Lakes form an integrated tug-barge. The ITB transports oil and normally calls on ports in Charlevoix, Mich. and Whiting, Indiana—both located on Lake Michigan. Unions Campaign for Voice on the Job Continued from page 2 Sweden’s ambassador to the United Nations for help in bringing the United States into compliance with the U.N. Declaration on Human Rights. Boston union members and allies marched and rallied to support workers at Telecom USA and the Worcester, Mass., manufacturer Saint Gobain Industries. At Telecom USA last summer, 41 workers said they were fired for trying to form a union, while Saint Gobain workers voted nearly two-and-a-half years ago to form a union with UAW, but have been stonewalled since then by their employer during contract negotiations. “Here in Massachusetts and in thousands of other workplaces 4 Seafarers LOG across the country, workers are being lied to, harassed, threatened, coerced, followed, disciplined and even fired when they try to exercise their legal right to form a union,” Massachusetts AFL-CIO leaders Robert Haynes and Kathleen Casavant wrote in a Boston Globe opinion column. The newspaper also editorialized in favor of strengthening rights at work. At the Washington rally, U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy (DMass.) noted, “More and more employers today are illegally threatening, intimidating and firing workers to prevent them from gaining a stronger voice on pay and conditions in the workplace. But the laws are so poorly enforced today that in one-quarter of all union organizing drives, employers fire workers illegally with impunity. To help protect the freedom to form unions, Kennedy is co-sponsoring the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) with U.S. Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.). The proposed legislation, S. 1925 and H.R. 3619, will allow employees to freely choose whether to form unions by signing cards authorizing union representation; provide mediation and arbitration for first contract disputes; and establish stronger penalties for violation of employee rights when workers seek to form a union and during first contract negotiations. Encouraged by activists who sent more than 50,000 faxes to their elected representatives asking that they co-sponsor the landmark legislation, more than 125 members of the House and Senate are supporting EFCA. Seafarers who sail aboard the tug Michigan and barge Great Lakes unanimously approved a five-year contract with wage increases and other gains. January 2004 �Pgs3,5,9_11.qxd 12/20/2003 8:10 PM Page 5 Drop in the Ocean? U.S. Port Security Grants are Substantial, But Many Potential Expenses Unfunded Director of Homeland Security Tom Ridge on Dec. 10 announced the allocation of $179 million in port security grants to various projects in scores of locations across the nation. The funding is part of what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) calls its commitment to enhance security at our nation’s key ports and facilities. Provided through the Port Security Grant Program, these new awards are expected to contribute to important security upgrades like new patrol boats in the harbors, surveillance equipment and the construction of new command and control facilities. Officials at U.S. ports are commending the DHS for the grants, according to reports, even though the funding covers less than onefifth of potential expenses associated with port security. The grant program, which provides resources for security planning and projects to improve dockside and perimeter security that is vital to securing our critical national seaports, represents one layer of the DHS system of defenses for our nation’s ports. Safeguards include monitoring the people, cargo and vessels entering our ports from the time they leave a foreign port to the time they arrive in the United States. “The Department of Homeland Security is committed to further securing our nation’s highways, mass transit systems, railways, waterways and pipelines, each of which is critical to ensuring the freedom of mobility and economic growth,” said Secretary Ridge. “These projects are critical to the mission of securing our ports.” The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration evaluated the Port Security Grant applications and selected the grant award recipients. The latest round of grants has been awarded to 442 projects in 326 locations to 235 applicant organizations from across the nation. “The Department is committed to improving security at our maritime facilities, and we know that our ports are not secured from Washington,” said Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security Asa Hutchinson. “The relationship between the government and the private companies that run these facilities is a crucial one that we are committed to strengthening to protect our nation’s ports.” In addition to these awards totaling $179 million, the DHS also awarded $170 million from the FY ’03 budget from the Port Security Grant Program in June and $75 million in port security grants for specific projects from the FY ’03 Supplemental Budget from the Office for Domestic Preparedness in May 2003. “We applaud TSA for providing a considerable portion of the 2004 appropriation in this round of grants to help secure America’s ports,” stated American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) President Kurt Nagle. “It is vital for our nation’s security that these investments in port security be made in a timely manner.” Ports had sought funding for 1,065 security enhancement measures; 442 of the plans will be funded under this, the third round of funding. Applications totaling over $987 million had been submitted by ports across the country seeking funding assistance in order to comply with new U.S. Coast Guard security regulations that take effect next year. The grants are a combination of $104 million in FY ’02 funds and a portion of the $125 million in FY ’04 appropriations for port security. St. Louis Hosts Yearly Union Industries Show The St. Louis America’s Center is scheduled to host this year’s AFLCIO Union Industries Show April 23-26. As usual, numerous union-made goods and services will be on display, and admission is free. “The AFL-CIO Union Industries Show has everything from unionraised, union-trained seeing-eye dogs to union-made wedding cakes, motorcycles and blue jeans, all under one roof,” said Charles Mercer, president of the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department, which produces and manages the event. More than 300 exhibits covering an area equal to four football fields will bring to life the show’s theme, “America at Its Best,” Mercer said. Except for a few years during World War II, the AFL-CIO Union Industries Show has visited one U.S. city each year since 1938. St. Louis last hosted the show in 1993. The event features live demonstrations, such as “high iron” construction work, silk-screening, haircutting and other crafts and trades. The public may win free prizes including new cars, Harley Davidson motorcycles, ranges and refrigerators. Students and job seekers can meet training and apprenticeship coordinators and representatives from dozens of different industries. The show features area unions and unionized employers, as well as national companies and labor organizations, to underscore their important contributions to the economic and social life of the community, Mercer explained. “We work in close collaboration with the St. Louis Central Labor Council (in which the SIU participates) and affiliated unions and employers throughout the region to make this an entertaining, as well as an educational experience for the entire family,” Mercer said. Show hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. More information about the event, including how to become an exhibitor, is available at www.unionindustriesshow.org. January 2004 Nagle says federal assistance is key to ensuring ports can address enhanced security demands. “Public ports’ financial resources pale in comparison to the enormous needs, yet America cannot afford for port security to go under-funded. While the latest round of funding is significant, it covers only about 18 percent of the costs ports identified in the security projects set forth in their recent applications.” The AAPA president said ports have already spent hundreds of millions of dollars to boost security since 9/11, and expenses continue to rise. According to U.S. Coast Guard estimates, ports will need to spend $5.4 billion on enhanced security measures over the next 10 years to comply with new federal regulations mandated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), with more than $1 billion of that to be invested in the first year alone. Califorinia Dispute Continues, But West Va. Grocery Strike Ends Striking Kroger supermarket workers in West Virginia on Dec. 11 ended their two-month old dispute while thousands of their United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union brothers and sisters in California remained on the picket lines. The principal issue in both strikes is the same— paying for medical benefits. The West Virginia strike, which also involved workers from a few stores in Kentucky and Ohio, commenced Oct. 13 when employees walked out over a proposed contract provision that would have capped increases in company contributions for medical benefits at 8 percent annually. Medical insurance costs have been doubling every three years or so lately, which would mean that employees under the Kroger proposal potentially would have been stuck with significant increases in premiums to avoid equally significant reductions in benefits. According accounts by The Associated Press, the new contract covering UFCW members in West Virginia—accepted by a 962-717 membership vote—provides for a 10.5 percent cap on increases in employer contributions to medical benefits. Additionally, the new agreement calls for two 25-cent hourly pay increases for full time-time workers, bringing them to a maximum pay of $11.76 an hour, and two lump-sum bonuses of up to $500 each during the term. The agreement covers 3,300 UFCW members in 44 stores in the three states. The West Virginia strike was being watched with interest in California because of its similarities to the UFCW strike against Vons, a division of Safeway. As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, the day after UFCW workers walked off their jobs at Vons stores Oct. 11, Ralphs and Albertson’s stores locked out their UFCW workers. Ralphs is owned by Kroger. Altogether some 70,000 took to the picket lines. In Southern California, where the medical insurance covering employees was traditionally paid for entirely by the companies, the contract they proposed asked workers to pay a token amount, $5 per week, for continued coverage. Published reports say the offer had strong public relations appeal because most people who read or heard of it in news accounts accepted the request as SIU member Jeff Parsley, left, and St. Louis SIU Port Agent Becky Sleeper, far right, joined striking workers from UFCW Local 655 on the picket lines last year. Local 655 workers, who are employed by Shop ’n Save and Schnucks in St. Louis, were on strike for the same reasons as the brothers and sisters in California and in West Virginia. The St. Louis dispute ended Oct. 31. reasonable. But an actuarial accountant retained by the union predicted that, because of details buried in the language of the proposed contract, employee contributions could reach $95 per week within three years. All three companies have said they cannot continue to bear the full cost of those benefits and remain competitive, especially with Wal-Mart slated to move into the California grocery market in the next year or so. Union spokesmen, including San Diego Local 135 President Mickey Kasparian, have said the workers are willing to consider proposals that include an employee contribution for health care, but not one that shifts a large portion of the cost burden to employees. As of press time for the Seafarers LOG, the dispute still was ongoing. Talks between the UFCW and Albertsons Inc., Kroger Co. and Safeway Inc. were scheduled to resume Dec. 19. The two sides last had met for consultations Dec. 7 with the help of a federal mediator. Report Cites Net Loss Of Nearly 900,000 Jobs NAFTA Hammers U.S. Manufacturing Sector A leading trade expert at the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) recently reported that since the so-called North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was signed in 1993, the United States has suffered a resultant net loss of 879,280 jobs—primarily in manufacturing. The EPI’s Robert Scott claimed that free-trade advocates “consistently gloss over the bottom line job loss figure by touting the jobs gained as a result of exports under NAFTA but ignoring the much larger losses caused by the rapid rise of imports under the agreement…. Ignoring imports and counting only exports is like balancing a checkbook by counting only deposits but not withdrawals.” In a thoroughly detailed “briefing paper” available on the EIP web site (http://www.epinet.org/), Scott also wrote, “The loss of these jobs is just the most visible tip of NAFTA’s impact on the U.S. economy. In fact, NAFTA has also contributed to rising income inequality, suppressed real wages for production workers, weakened workers’ collective bargaining powers and ability to organize unions, and reduced fringe benefits.” The labor movement vigorously fought against NAFTA and lost by the narrowest of margins, all the while warning of the very pitfalls that have materialized. Scott describes the trade pact as “a free trade and investment agreement that provided in- vestors with a unique set of guarantees designed to stimulate foreign direct investment in Mexico and Canada. It has facilitated the movement of factories from the United States to Canada and Mexico. Most of these jobs were high-wage positions in manufacturing industries.” Through its first nine years (1993-2002), NAFTA resulted in an increase in exports that created almost 800,000 jobs, but it displaced production that would have supported nearly 1.7 million jobs. “These NAFTA-related job losses suggest that U.S. workers have good reason to be concerned that the proposed Free Trade Agreement of the Americas will threaten jobs and communities,” Scott noted. The EPI is a self-described nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that seeks to broaden the public debate about strategies to achieve a prosperous and fair economy. Seafarers LOG 5 �Pgs4,6_8,13_19.qxd 12/20/2003 7:13 PM Page 6 Freedom Sails Car Carrier Enters Service The Seafarers-crewed car carrier Freedom recently set sail from Baltimore, marking its first voyage under the Stars and Stripes. The newly reflagged vessel started its first U.S.-flag run in early November. “I like it. It’s the first time I’ve sailed on a car carrier,” said AB Tim Vaefaga. QMED Dean McFarland, also part of the ship’s first U.S. crew, said the mariners looked forward to sailing aboard a newly contracted vessel. The Freedom is the fifth U.S.-flag car carrier in the American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) fleet. It joins the Independence, Liberty, Resolve and Patriot, and is under the technical management of Pacific-Gulf Marine. Built in 1996, the vessel previously traded under the Norwegian flag as the Takamine. The ship is 623 feet long, 106 feet wide and has a total capacity of 5,890 cars. It is ideally suited for roll-on/roll-off, project and “heavy lift” cargoes. A sister ship to the Tanabata, the vessel is sailing in ARC’s service between the U.S. East Coast and Northern Europe. Its ports of call include Baltimore; Charleston, S.C.; Brunswick, Ga.; Radicatel, France; Antwerp, Belgium; Bremerhaven, Germany; and Southampton, U.K. The Freedom’s service speed is 19 knots. Pictured in the Freedom’s crew mess following the reflagging ceremony in Baltimore are (from left) Captain Craig Langford, Chief Steward Stephen Bird, SA Jarrod Pestana, Chief Cook Jim Kingsley and SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz. Far left: QMED Dean McFarland (left) and QMED Gary McDonald were part of the Freedom’s first U.S. crew. Immediate left: AB Tim Vaefaga stands on the ship’s ramp. Right: John Grayson is the bosun on the Freedom. IMPORTANT NOTICE SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 Don’t Let the Scholarship Deadline Pass You By The deadline for receipt of applications for the Seafarers 6 Seafarers LOG Health and Benefits Plan scholarship program is April 15, 2004. That is only three months away, so if you plan to apply for one of the eight monetary awards being given, don’t put it off any longer. Three of the scholarships for 2004 are reserved for SIU members. One of those is in the amount of $20,000 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 community college or vocational school. The other five scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. With the April 15, 2004 deadline, that leaves three months from now in which to send away for the program booklet and start working on collecting the items needed for inclusion with the application (such as transcripts, certificates of graduation, letters of recommendation, a photograph and certified copy of birth certificate). Applicants should also arrange to take either the SAT or ACT no later than February 2004 in order to ensure the results reach the selection committee in time to be evaluated. Anyone who truly wants to continue his or her education beyond the high school level should be able to do so—and the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is trying to help. Apply now! P lease send me the 2004 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______________________________ This application is for: Self Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 1/04 January 2004 �Pgs4,6_8,13_19.qxd 12/21/2003 7:42 PM a p n S s hots U IS ABOARD THE SEABULK MARINER — AB Timothy Jackson paints the mast from the bosun’s chair while Recertified Bosun Ramon Castro stands by. m o fr Page 7 ABOARD THE SEABULK MARINER — Chief Cook Mariano Martinez prepares one of his specialties: shrimp fried rice. Recertified Bosun Ramon Castro sent this photo and the one at left to the LOG. e W h o t r d l d n u o Ar GUAM — SIU Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus last November visited crew members aboard the USNS Kilauea at the naval facility at Kilo Wharf, Marianas in Guam. He met and spoke with the crew during lunch (photo directly above). In top photo, Turkus is flanked by AB Paul Kidd (right), who signed up as a new Government Services member at the meeting, and AB Tesfelt Mahari, who recruited Kidd into the union. ABOARD THE USNS WATKINS — The USNS Watkins and its crew were presented with a certificate of appreciation for outstanding support in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom from the Military Traffic Management Command, Southwest Asia. The Watkins was the first LMSR to arrive at the port of Ash Shuaiba, Kuwait and, to date, has made more port calls there than any other vessel. After receiving the certificate (inset), Bosun James K. Walker informed the captain that only one person had made all eight runs to Ash Shuaiba—AB Greg Brunson (left). Brunson joined the union in the port of Norfolk, Va. in 2001 through the veterans’ program, after serving in the Navy for 20 years. With him is Captain Kurt Kleinschmidt, an SIU hawsepiper. NEW YORK, N.Y. — At the United Seamen’s Service 2003 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards dinner last November, SIU President Michael Sacco (center) accepts an Operation Iraqi Freedom plaque on behalf of the SIU membership for their support in the war effort. Presenting the award is U.S. Air Force General John Handy (left), commander, TRANSCOM. On the right is U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schu-bert. JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — The SIU-contracted Sea Star Corporation recently held a five-year celebration at Cummer Gardens in Jacksonville. Attending were SIU Jacksonville Port Agent Anthony McQuay (left) and SIU Vice President Dean Corgey. ABOARD THE USNS ANTARES — Following a shipboard crane training course aboard the USNS Antares, some of the crew members pose for a group shot. From the left are AB Richard Hitchcock, Bosun Marc Marcus, Pete Bishop and Captain Robert Wattam. January 2004 ABOARD THE USNS CAPELLA — Crane operations training was recently held aboard the USNS Capella. From the left are Chief Mate John Hadley, OS Korron Richardson, AB Walter Holton Jr., Bosun Donald Gearhart and Cadet James Shade. Seafarers LOG 7 �Pgs4,6_8,13_19.qxd 12/20/2003 7:14 PM Page 8 In the Port of Norfolk . . . . . . Aboard the Gus W. Darnell . . . Aboard the Gopher State Thousands of Seafarers who sailed in Operation Iraqi Freedom have been receiving the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal at ceremonies throughout the U.S. One of those ceremonies took place recently aboard the SIU-crewed Gopher State, when it returned to the port of Norfolk, Va. Below are some of the crew members who received awards that day. For a group photo, see page 19. From left: AB Juan Machado, CPU Todd Moreland, QMED John Parkhurst, SIU Rep Sam Spain, AB Mikhail Lozlov and QMED Clarence Scott. Wiper Ryan Neathery From left: Chief Cook Soriano Grande, GSU Eduardo Urbina, Chief Steward Exxl “Primo” Ronquillo and GSU Kenneth Huddleston. AB Elmo Davis AB Mikhail Kozlov, AB William Dukes and GSU Kenneth Huddleston . . . In the Norfolk Hall From left: SA Paul Williams, SA Tony Grant, Chief Cook Wayne Webb and Chief Steward Tony Curran Bosun Kevin Montiero Secretary Maryella McKenzie (above right) learns some of the intricacies of how to work the counter from SIU Rep Sam Spain. Recertified Bosun Blair Baker Chief Steward Tony Curran Waiting for a job call are (clockwise from right) AB/Bosun Derrick Hurt and Oiler Michael Jones, OMU Donald MacBride and new SIU member SA Teresa MacMartin. OMU John Morrison 8 Seafarers LOG AB Jesse Osborne January 2004 �Pgs3,5,9_11.qxd 12/21/2003 8:07 PM Page 9 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea NOVEMBER 16— DECEMBER 15, 2003 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 5 2 6 12 25 1 11 9 19 22 5 6 8 8 3 26 20 189 2 2 1 1 20 15 1 3 10 13 4 2 2 1 1 1 18 12 109 0 6 0 6 20 31 0 7 9 24 9 4 2 6 14 2 27 15 182 2 4 1 6 12 26 0 14 8 10 9 0 1 4 6 0 18 5 126 1 11 4 6 11 22 0 2 9 15 10 2 3 1 2 2 16 6 123 0 0 0 1 11 7 1 3 2 5 2 1 2 0 4 1 7 4 51 0 5 0 2 12 13 0 5 4 8 6 1 2 2 9 1 17 0 87 0 3 1 10 14 17 0 8 13 20 10 4 3 2 18 0 21 16 160 0 1 2 2 3 13 1 5 6 8 8 1 3 1 3 1 5 2 65 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 2 5 6 0 2 0 0 0 3 3 25 0 2 0 6 17 14 0 5 5 9 7 0 4 0 16 0 23 8 116 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 9 3 4 0 0 1 7 0 0 0 0 4 0 6 2 36 3 5 0 5 18 15 0 5 9 31 12 2 6 3 10 0 20 3 147 0 4 1 8 18 20 0 2 9 29 19 1 20 1 5 1 23 15 176 0 0 0 3 1 4 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 5 0 19 0 2 0 5 23 11 0 1 5 29 6 1 4 1 11 0 10 2 111 Totals All Departments 592 524 361 404 392 Port 0 4 2 6 14 14 0 8 11 19 16 1 6 5 6 5 13 13 143 1 1 1 1 13 5 0 1 6 5 4 0 1 0 3 0 13 6 61 1 3 0 3 20 20 0 10 13 20 6 4 0 7 15 4 19 14 159 4 7 2 12 52 60 0 21 35 51 22 8 1 13 41 2 47 40 418 3 11 7 10 20 44 2 13 17 29 29 6 3 14 17 2 43 34 304 3 2 4 2 38 26 1 5 29 29 9 2 2 3 3 3 28 25 214 2 6 2 11 19 38 0 22 12 19 12 3 3 6 18 0 20 11 204 0 7 6 13 17 37 0 4 22 20 13 2 5 5 7 0 22 11 191 1 0 2 2 15 12 1 4 9 12 8 0 4 0 4 1 10 10 95 Piney Point .............Monday: February 2, March 8 1 6 0 1 7 17 0 6 3 7 12 4 4 1 1 2 11 6 89 0 0 0 3 11 13 0 3 1 10 6 0 3 3 6 0 10 1 70 0 3 1 21 21 26 0 9 19 22 15 4 4 2 40 1 33 35 256 0 1 3 5 5 17 1 7 8 14 11 2 6 2 4 1 5 4 96 0 0 1 2 2 7 0 3 3 12 5 0 2 1 0 0 8 4 50 0 3 1 0 8 14 0 0 2 2 11 0 23 0 4 0 8 3 79 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 6 5 0 0 2 8 0 0 0 1 3 0 7 6 52 3 3 3 13 15 27 1 10 10 45 18 3 10 4 19 1 40 18 243 1 3 1 21 36 31 0 4 16 69 17 1 20 5 10 3 35 32 305 172 155 930 834 664 0 0 0 0 5 6 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 3 1 21 0 3 0 2 8 18 0 1 3 7 6 0 0 4 3 1 11 0 67 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port 1 0 0 2 4 9 0 3 3 5 7 0 3 1 4 0 3 4 49 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 0 0 1 0 1 2 1 11 Algonac ..................Friday: February 6, March 12 Baltimore ................Thursday: February 5, March 11 Boston.....................Friday: February 6, March 12 Duluth .....................Wednesday: February 11, March 17 Guam ......................Thursday: February 19, March 25 Honolulu .................Friday: February 13, March 19 Houston ..................Monday: February 9, March 15 Jacksonville ............Thursday: February 5, March 11 Joliet .......................Thursday: February 12, March 18 Mobile ....................Wednesday: February 11, March 17 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 3 8 0 4 41 41 0 12 22 36 10 6 2 9 26 2 27 21 270 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs February & March 2004 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters New Bedford ..........Tuesday: February 17, March 23 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: February 10, March 16 New York................Tuesday: February 3, March 9 Norfolk ...................Thursday: February 5, March 11 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: February 4, March 10 Port Everglades.......Thursday: February 12, March 18 San Francisco .........Thursday: February 12, March 18 San Juan..................Thursday: February 5, March 11 St. Louis..................Friday: February 13, March 19 Tacoma ...................Friday: February 20, March 26 Wilmington ...............Tuesday: February 17* ................................Monday: March 22 ................................*(change created by Presidents Day holiday) ................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Kudos for Ewa Galley Gang ENTRY DEPARTMENT The SIU steward department aboard Matson’s Ewa kept crew members particularly happy on Thanksgiving. “We had a great Thanksgiving meal,” noted Ewa Captain Tom Stapleton. “Our steward department also baked seven homemade pies for our great crew—consumed within 24 hours.” Pictured above (from left) are Steward/Baker Robert Miller, Assistant Cook Phil Desett, Chief Cook Steve Bowmer and OBR/Utility Kasem Ali. Below, Desett, Miller and Ali serve up delicious hors d’oeuvres. *“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 2004 Seafarers LOG 9 �Pgs3,5,9_11.qxd 12/20/2003 8:11 PM Page 10 . . . Aboard the Horizon Navigator . . . At the Annual Thanksgiving Day Feast San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown was a featured speaker at the luncheon. Brown, who has served eight years as mayor, cannot run again due to term limitations. SIU President Michael Sacco (right) meets in San Francisco with some of the crew members (above) aboard the Horizon Navigator. In the photo below, he is surrounded by the vessel’s crew and members of the Horizon shoregang. M any activities took place recently around the San Francisco area. These two pages capture a little of what was going on aboard various ships and in the union hall. It was hard to top last year’s pre-Thanksgiving Day feast at the union hall on Fremont Street, but they did it again . . . and then some! The 13th annual event was, without a doubt, the best yet, according to SIU West Coast Assistant Vice President Nick Celona, who now has another 12 months to plan for next year. There was the traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings at the Nov. 25 luncheon luncheon, which was enjoyed by more than 400 Seafarers and their families as well as SIU retirees, friends, guests, dignataries and representatives from local political, legal and labor groups as well as from shipping companies and the military. Speakers included outgoing San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown and mayoral candidate Gavin Newsom. (Newsom won the election in December to take over from Brown, who governed for eight years and was prevented by term limits from running again). House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, a regular at the annual celebration, also was a guest speaker. Thirty-two turkeys and 18 hams were donated for the event, and several Seafarers volunteered for additional meal preparation and presentation. Among those who lent a hand and deserve a vote of thanks were Recertified Chief Steward Louella Sproul, Chief Stewards Mose Peacock and Peter Ciddio and Chief Cooks Gloria Holmes, Manuel Guanga and Daniel Maxie. Members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment present the colors. At far right is Bosun George Pino, carrying the U.S. Merchant Marine flag. . . . At the West Coast Regional Meeting in the San Francisco Hall SIU President Michael Sacco addresses those in attendance at the regional meeting. From the left are Executive Vice President John Fay, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, Sacco, West Coast Assistant Vice President Nick Celona, Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. 10 Seafarers LOG Fatima Mimms, secretary to West Coast VP Nick Marrone, is flanked by SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell. Chief Steward Ka a SPAD T-shirt f Port Agent Vince C to the fund. January 2004 �Pgs3,5,9_11.qxd 12/20/2003 8:11 PM Page 11 Hundreds of guests gather at the SIU hall in San Francisco for the 13th annual Thanksgiving luncheon. Left: Gavin Newsom was a guest speaker. (The next month, he would be elected mayor to replace the outgoing mayor, Willie Brown.) Right: House MInority Leader Nancy Pelosi is a regular at the annual celebration. Enjoying the luncheon are (from left) Ret. Col. Hank Morris, civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army; Eddie Powell, Exec. VP Stage Theatrical Workers; Larry Mazzola Jr., business rep for Plumber’s Local 38; Larry Mazzola Sr., senior rep for Plumber’s Local 38 and president of Airport Commission; Michael Hardeman, secretary-treasurer of Sign Display Local 510 and president, San Francisco Port Commission; and Walter Johnson, secretary-treasurer, San Francisco. Labor Council. SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and Asst. VP Nick Celona (right) present outgoing Mayor Willie Brown with a ship’s wheel for helping steer the city in the right direction. Former SIU West Coast Vice President George McCartney, San Francisco Port Agent Vince Coss, Chief Steward Peter Ciddio and SIU Assst. Vice President Nick Celona Adding cocktail sauce to the shrimp appetizers are (from left) Chief Steward Peter Ciddio, Recertified Steward Louella Sproul and Chief Cook Manuel Guanga. Horizon shoregang member George Pino (left) and Heidi McCartney, secretary in the San Francisco hall, take part in the festivities. Lending their time and talents to the 2003 event are (from left) Chief Steward Mose Peacock, Chief Cook Gloria Holmes, Chief Steward Peter Ciddio and Chief Cook Daniel Maxie. . . . At the San Francisco Port Council Meeting Aboard the Jeremiah O’Brien Posing aboard the Liberty ship Jeremiah O’Brien following a Port Council meeting are, from left, SIU Executive Vice President John Fay, SIU President Michael Sacco, Marine Firemen President H. “Whitey” Disley and Marine Firemen Vice President Robert Iwata. At right is an old file photo of the Jeremiah O’Brien sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge. d Kathy Chester receives hirt from San Francisco nce Coss for her donation January 2004 Seafarers LOG 11 �Pgs1,12,20.qxd 12/20/2003 7:51 PM Page 12 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report NOVEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 15, 2003 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 0 2 5 5 17 2 1 11 43 0 1 1 2 3 0 0 2 9 0 2 1 6 0 0 0 0 9 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 1 1 3 0 0 1 6 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 5 2 4 9 2 0 1 27 0 22 18 12 55 4 14 18 143 0 4 4 4 9 0 6 4 31 0 7 4 15 4 0 1 3 34 1 5 5 0 3 3 0 1 18 0 7 6 9 22 1 8 10 63 0 2 8 1 6 0 4 8 29 0 11 11 9 9 0 3 0 43 1 2 2 0 3 0 0 2 10 0 6 5 9 19 4 2 10 55 1 1 2 2 9 0 4 7 26 0 3 10 4 5 0 1 2 25 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 1 10 0 1 6 19 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 1 4 0 0 0 0 6 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 7 5 6 18 3 2 14 55 0 3 3 0 7 3 1 5 22 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 2 4 7 1 2 4 20 0 1 1 1 3 0 0 2 8 0 0 1 4 1 0 0 1 7 Port 0 2 9 4 5 1 3 1 25 0 1 0 1 3 0 0 1 6 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 ENTRY DEPARTMENT NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 2 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Totals All Departments 82 21 22 102 13 8 62 261 86 105 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 12 Port Seafarers LOG PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the LOG by Bob Kittelberger of Pittsford, N.Y. They were taken in the spring of 1946. The voyage was on Waterman Steamship’s S.S. Hastings. The crew signed on in Baltimore, sailing to ports in the Orient and the Philippines. They signed off in New York. According to Kittelberger, “we had a good captain, trip and crew.” In the near photo, crew members enjoy some shore time in Cebu, in the Phillipines. In the far photo, are (from left) Kittelberger, “Nick, Joe, the bosun and John.” 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. January 2004 �Pgs4,6_8,13_19.qxd 12/20/2003 7:15 PM Page 13 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. DEEP SEA GERASIMOS BALLAS, 64, was born in Greece. Brother Ballas began his career with the SIU in 1990 and initially sailed on the Sea-Land Achiever. The engine department member upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 2000 and 2002. Brother Ballas last worked aboard the Cape Horn. He lives in his native country. MICHAEL BRENNAN, 64, joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. The San Diego-born mariner shipped in the engine department and enhanced his skills a number of times at the Paul Hall Center. A resident of Houston, Brother Brennan last worked on the LNG Virgo. FRANK P. CAMMUSO, 64, started sailing with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Brother Cammuso sailed in the deck department and was a frequent upgrader at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. He last went to sea on the Sea-Land Liberator. Brother Cammuso makes his home in Long Beach, Calif. ROGER T. CASH, 45, joined the Seafarers in 1987 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in Kentucky, Brother Cash was a member of the deck department. He upgraded his skills in 1998 and 2002 when he attended training at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Cash now calls San Pedro, Calif. home. EDMUNDO D. CRUZ, 67, launched his seafaring career in 1981, joining in New Orleans. His first ship was the Costal Kansas. Born in Santiago, Chile, Brother Cruz worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Liberty Grace, a Liberty Maritime Corp. vessel. Brother Cruz lives in New Orleans. BENNIE FREELAND, 65, embarked on his profession with the SIU in 1990 in the port of Norfolk, Va. after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Brother January 2004 Freeland’s first voyage was on Westchester Marine’s Charleston. The Chapel Hill, N.C. native sailed in the deck department and enhanced his skills on three occasions at the Seafarers Piney Point, Md.-based training school. A resident of Mabane, N.C., Brother Freeland last worked on the Maersk Alaska. AUDLEY GREEN, 65, joined the SIU in 1980 in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first voyage was on the Cove Ranger. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Green worked in the steward department. He enhanced his skills in 1988 at the Seafarers training school. A resident of LaCeiba, Honduras, Brother Green last sailed aboard the Horizon Consumer. JERRY K. MILLER, 56, hails from Florida. Brother Miller began his seafaring career in 1968, first sailing aboard Consolidated Mariners’ Wingless Victory. An engine department member, Brother Miller upgraded his skills in 1996 and 2001 at the Paul Hall Center. He last sailed aboard the USNS Capella. Brother Miller makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. LOTHAR G. RECK, 66, started his career with the Seafarers in 1966 in San Francisco aboard an Isthmian Lines vessel. Born in Germany, he shipped in the deck department as a bosun. Brother Reck completed the bosun recertification course in 1973 at the Seafarers training school. He last worked aboard the Horizon Pacific. Brother Reck lives in Port Orchard, Wash. GILBERTO SERRANO, 65, started his SIU career in 1961 in the port of New York. Brother Serrano first sailed aboard the Alcoa Pilgrim. Born in Puerto Rico, he worked in all three departments. Brother Serrano upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., in 2002. He was last employed on the Horizon Hawaii. Astoria, N.Y. is his home. GILBERT TEDDER, 71, was born in Daphne, Ala. He began his SIU profession in 1990 in the port of Mobile, Ala. after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Tedder’s first ship was the OMI Ranger. The engine department member upgraded his skills on four occasions at the Seafarers training school. Brother Tedder now resides in Grand Bay, Ala. He last sailed on the Richard G. Matthiesen. WILLIAM H. TINDALE, 73, began his seafaring career in 1979 in the port of New York. His first vessel was the Ogden Traveler. Born in Australia, Brother Tindale worked in the deck department, last working on the Sea-Land Motivator. Brother Tindale now makes his home in Miami Beach, Fla. NICHOLAOS TSIGOUNIS, 65, embarked on his SIU career in 1966 in the port of New York. Brother Tsigounis initially went to sea aboard an Isco Inc. vessel. Born in Greece, he worked in both the steward and engine departments. Brother Tsigounis’ final voyage was on the Sea-Land Pacer. He makes his home in Astoria, N.Y. FREDERICK WASHINGTON, 58, joined the SIU in 1965 in San Francisco. His initial voyage was on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Antinous. Brother Washington shipped in the steward department and was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He completed steward recertification training at the Piney Point, Md.based facility in 1987. Brother Washington lives in New Orleans. He last worked on the Liberty Wave. INLAND WILLIAM COEFIELD, 59, launched his profession with the Seafarers in 1990. Born in Alabama, Boatman Coefield worked primarily aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing. A deck department member, he shipped as a master. Boatman Coefield lives in Corpus Christi, Texas. NORMAN GIFFORD, 62, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1972 in the port of Baltimore after serving in the U.S. Army Reserve. The Maryland-born mariner worked in the deck department. Boatman Gifford upgraded his skills in 2000 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. and last worked aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Gifford still lives in Maryland. EARL KIDDER, 62, joined the SIU in 1977. Born in Louisiana, Boatman Kidder sailed in the deck department, working primarily aboard vessels operated by Dravo Basic Materials. Boatman Kidder lives in his native state. RICHARD McMULLEN, 63, joined the ranks of the SIU in 1990. Born in Lansing, Mich., Boatman McMullen shipped in the deck department as a captain, workingmainly aboard vessels operated by McAllister Towing of Va. Boatman McMullen is a resident of Norfolk, Va. CLAUDE MURPHY, 57, initiated his profession with the Sea- Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1942 Early on the morning of January 25, the ore carrier SS Venore was torpedoed off the Carolina coast and went down with the loss of the skipper, the radio operator and 18 SIU crew members. The 21 survivors of the Venore, after spending 38 hours in an open lifeboat, were picked up by a rescue vessel and taken to Norfolk, Va. The submarine masqueraded as a lightship and blinked a coded message for the Venore to come closer. When the unsuspecting ship got within range, the submarine fired two torpedoes and then shelled her with a deck gun. In spite of recent promises that all (Allied) ships would be armed, this ship did not even have a cap pistol aboard. She was a sitting duck. farers in 1969 in the port of Houston after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. The Texas-born mariner shipped in the deck department as a master and worked primarily on vessels operated by G&H Towing. Boatman Murphy makes his home in Buffalo, Texas. GREAT LAKES RONALD J. LAS, 62, began his seafaring career in 1963. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Brother Las worked in both the Great Lakes and inland divisions. He first worked aboard a Tomlinson Fleet Corp. vessel. The engine department member was born in Illinois, where he continues to live in the city of Lynwood. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, went on pension effective the dates indicated. Name Age EDP Denson, Larry 55 Oct. 1 Mustillo, Edmundo 61 Dec. 1 Quiles, Antonio 81 Nov. 1 Schreib, Emil 72 Nov. 1 Shields, William 61 Oct. 1 Wallace, Ivan 65 Sept. 1 port of the league by all Seafarers. The new organization is a voluntary body set up to assure that maritime workers, faced with legal problems or charges threatening their personal liberties, are assured their fundamental American rights to counsel and other assistance. Robert A. Matthews, SIU vice president in charge of contracts and contract enforcement, has been selected chairman of the Maritime Defense League, and offices have been established on One Hanson Place in Brooklyn, N.Y. This Month In SIU History 1967 Seafarers at regular monthly meetings in all constitutional ports enthusiastically voted to endorse and support the newly formed Maritime Defense League. In approving the purposes of the new organization, the membership called for maximum publicity in sup- 1990 A prime example of SIU seamanship and attention to detail at sea was demonstrated when the crew of the union-contracted LNG Gemini rescued Taiwanese seamen whose Panamanian-flagged vessel had sunk in the South China Sea. The Gemini picked up a distress call from the Kao Hwa III and switched course to the direction of the troubled vessel…. Two lifeboats carrying 16 of the Kao Hwa III’s crew members were seen bobbing up and down in the rough seas…. The occupants were assisted aboard and members of the steward department provided blankets and hot tea. The Taiwanese seafarers were sent to the ship’s hospital and cadets’ room for hot showers while crew members washed and dried their clothes. Seafarers LOG 13 �Pgs4,6_8,13_19.qxd 12/20/2003 7:15 PM Page 14 Final Departures Pensioner Carlos Cornier, 80, passed away Oct. 19. Brother Cornier began his seafaring career in 1942 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Ponce, P.R., Brother Cornier sailed in the deck department. He resided in his native commonwealth and began receiving retirement stipends in 1975. away Oct. 31. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1942 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Kennedy’s first ship was Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Fair Hope. Born in Alabama, he shipped in the deck department as a bosun. Brother Kennedy’s final ocean voyage was on the Cove Trader. He lived in his native state and started receiving his retirement income in 1984. ARSENIO CORTEZ GEORGE ROWLAND Brother Arsenio Cortez, 66, died Oct. 5. The Philippine-born mariner joined the SIU’s ranks in 1989. Brother Cortez worked in the engine department and sailed chiefly aboard vessels operated by American Hawaii Cruises, including the Independence. He made his home in Honolulu. Pensioner George Rowland, 77, died Oct. 15. Brother Rowland joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Navy Reserve. His first ship was Ore Navigation’s Marore. Born in Elbert, Ga., he sailed in the engine department. Brother Rowland last went to sea on the Sea-Land Galloway. He resided in Dunwoody, Ga. and began receiving his pension in 1982. DEEP SEA CARLOS CORNIER BRANTLEY FOWLER Pensioner Brantley Fowler, 73, passed away Oct. 12. Brother Fowler joined the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Baltimore after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Fowler’s first vessel was Alcoa Steamship’s Peter V. Daniel. Born in Durham, N.C., he sailed in the engine department. Brother Fowler last worked on the cable ship Long Lines. He lived in his native state and began receiving his retirement income in 1987. JACINTO GUILLES Pensioner Jacinto Guilles, 80, died Oct. 26. He joined the SIU in 1954 in the port of New York and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Born in the Philippines, Brother Guilles first sailed aboard Isco’s Steel Maker. He worked in both the steward and deck departments. Brother Guilles made his home in Warrenville, S.C. and began receiving his pension in 1988. BURT HANBACK Pensioner Burt Hanback, 74, passed away Oct. 26. A U.S. Navy veteran, Brother Hanback joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of New York. He last worked on the Sugar Islander and began receiving his retirement income in 1989. Brother Hanback made his home in Columbia, N.C. MARCEL JETTE Pensioner Marcel Jette, 83, died Oct. 3. Brother Jette began his career with the SIU in 1947 in the port of New York. The Canadianborn mariner’s first ship was the Mankato Victory. Brother Jette shipped in the deck department and last worked aboard Cities Service’s Winter Hill. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1968 and resided in his native country. JACK KENNEDY Pensioner Jack Kennedy, 81, passed 14 Seafarers LOG JAMES SMITH Pensioner James Smith, 74, died Oct. 13. He began his seafaring career in 1957 in the port of New York. Born in Suffolk, Va., he served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. Brother Smith first sailed aboard A.H. Bull’s Edith. The deck department member resided in New York. He began receiving his pension in 1989. EARL YOUNG Pensioner Earl Young, 85, passed away Oct. 4. Brother Young joined the Seafarers as a charter member in 1938 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Phillipp Barbara and he last sailed on the Overseas Alice. Brother Young worked in the deck department. He was born in Delaware and made his home in Mobile, Ala. Brother Young started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1982. INLAND WILLIAM ANDERSON Pensioner William Anderson, 68, passed away Oct. 20. Boatman Anderson launched his career with the Seafarers in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. He shipped in the deck department as a docking pilot. Boatman Anderson worked mainly aboard vessels operated by Taylor Marine Towing Co. He began receiving his pension in 1997. Boatman Anderson was born in Alden, Pa. and lived in Ocean City, Md. WALTER BEDGOOD Pensioner Walter Bedgood, 78, died Oct. 20. He joined the Seafarers in 1977 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. after serving in the U.S. Navy. Born in Mt. Vernon, Ga., Boatman Bedgood first worked for Allied Towing. The steward department member began receiving his pension in 1989. He made his home in Ocala, Fla. SOLOMON SANDERS Boatman Solomon Sanders, 29, died Oct. 20. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1992 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Boatman Sanders first worked on a Delta Queen Steamboat Co. vessel. Born in Birmingham, Ala., he shipped in the steward department. Boatman Sanders was last employed on the USNS Fisher. He made his home in New Orleans. MACON SQUIRES Pensioner Macon Squires, 68, passed away Oct. 30. Boatman Squires joined the Seafarers in 1972 in the port of Philadelphia after serving in the U.S. Army. Boatman Squires sailed in the deck department as a captain and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Mariner Towing. A native of North Carolina, he made his home in Tampa, Fla. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1997. ALFRED D. THOMPSON Pensioner Alfred D. Thompson, 79, died Oct. 12. He joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of New York. Born in Honduras, he worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions. The deck department member was last employed on a Crowley Towing & Transportation Co. vessel. He resided in Flomaton, Ala. and retired in 1989. THOMAS WHITE Boatman Thomas White, 44, passed away Oct. 22. Boatman White joined the Seafarers in 1978 in New Orleans. Born in Louisiana, he sailed in the deck department as a captain. Boatman White worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Salvage. He resided in his native state. ATLANTIC FISHERMEN GIUSEPPE LOGRASSO Pensioner Giuseppe Lograsso, 87, passed away Oct. 17. Brother Lograsso began his seafaring career in Boston with the Atlantic Fishermen’s Union before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. Born in Italy, Brother Lograsso worked in the deck department. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1978 and lived in Gloucester, Mass. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away: DOMINGO ACOSTA He last went to sea on the Cygnus and began receiving his pension in 1986. Pensioner Domingo Acosta, 80, died Sept. 9. Brother Acosta began his career with the NMU in 1944. The Cubanborn mariner initially sailed out of the port of Norfolk, Va. aboard the William S. Healther as a member of the deck department. He last worked on the Sheldon Lykes. Brother Acosta began receiving his pension in 1982. JOHN KARSANAC SALVADOR ALVAREZ HRISTOS LIKIARDOPOULOS Pensioner Salvador Alvarez, 65, passed away Oct. 14. Brother Alvarez joined the NMU in 1974 and initially sailed out of the port of New York. His first ship was the Great Republic. Born in Honduras, he began collecting stipends for his retirement in 1988. JULIAN AVILA Pensioner Julian Avila, 86, died Oct. 10. He joined the NMU in 1947. Brother Avila first sailed from the port of Baltimore aboard the Arunes Avol. Born in Ecuador, he shipped in the engine department. Brother Avila last went to sea aboard the Texaco Massachusetts. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1982. LONNIE CANTRELL Pensioner Lonnie Cantrell, 78, passed away Aug. 21. Brother Cantrell launched his profession with the NMU in 1943 in the port of Houston. His first ship was the Sweep. Born in Sunset, Texas, Brother Cantrell worked in the steward department. He began receiving retirement stipends in 1967. He last worked on the Texaco Mississippi. OTIS FERRIS Pensioner Otis Ferris, 74, died Oct. 20. Born in Louisiana, he initiated his NMU career in 1946. Brother Ferris first went to sea aboard the George M. Verity. The engine department member upgraded his skills often and began receiving his pension in 1973. Brother Ferris’ last voyage was aboard the Texaco Nebraska. ARMAND HERRERA Pensioner Armand Herrera, 79, died Oct. 13. Born in Cuba, he started his career with the NMU in 1963. Brother Herrera worked in the deck department as a bosun and initially went to sea aboard the Ruth Lykes. Pensioner John Karsanac, 90, passed away Oct. 23. Brother Karsanac embarked on his career with the NMU in 1978. Born in Philadelphia, he worked in both the deck and steward departments and sailed for more than 30 years. Brother Karsanac began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1996. Pensioner Hristos Likiardopoulos, 69, died Oct. 4. He joined the NMU in 1958. Brother Likiardopoulos first sailed from the port of New York aboard the Albatross. Born in Romania, he sailed in the engine department. Brother Likiardopoulos began receiving his pension in 1990. He last worked on the Patriot. LUIS POSSE Pensioner Luis Posse, 79, passed away Oct. 12. Brother Posse began his NMU career in 1943. His first ship was the Alexander Mitchell. The Honduras-born mariner shipped in the engine department and frequently upgraded his skills. Brother Posse started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1968. He last worked aboard the Catawba Ford. EFRAN RIVERA Pensioner Efran Rivera, 80, died Sept. 24. Brother Rivera started his career with the NMU in 1941. The engine department member’s first ship was the Abangarez. Brother Rivera last sailed on the James Lykes. A native of Puerto Rico, he began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1988. FRANCISCO SANCHEZ Pensioner Francisco Sanchez, 86, passed away Aug. 26. Brother Sanchez began his NMU career in 1945. His first vessel was the Glinpol. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Sanchez sailed in the steward department. He began receiving his pension in 1980 and last worked on the Austral Patriot. FRANK SHAIRA Pensioner Frank Shaira, 89, died Oct. 29. Brother Shaira joined the NMU in 1941 and initially went to sea from the port of New Continued on page 16 January 2004 �Pgs4,6_8,13_19.qxd 12/20/2003 7:15 PM Page 15 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. COAST RANGE (Intrepid), Oct. 26—Chairman Terry D. Cowans Sr., Secretary Donna M. DeCesare, Educational Director Robinson A. Venezuela, Deck Delegate Moises Ramos, Steward Delegate Eduardo R. Elemento. Secretary reminded crew members to check expiration dates on merchant mariners’ documents. He noted that if STCW basic safety training has expired, halls will not register you. Educational director spoke about excellent training facilities available for upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Some disputed OT reported in deck department; no beefs or disputed OT noted in engine or steward departments. Clarification requested on contract. Suggestions made to lower retirement age and increase retirement and medical benefits. Requests also made for standard contract on all tankers, increase coffee break time to 30 minutes, renegotiate taxi fare and hotel reimbursements and have port standbys ready. Vote of thanks given to steward department for fine job. Next ports: Port Everglades, Fla.; Garyville, La. ENDURANCE (USSM), Oct. 3— Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Rolando M. Lopez, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Carlos Bonilla, Engine Delegate Teddie Carter, Steward Delegate Willie Toomer. Chairman noted smooth voyage and that due to ship’s schedule, port time is short. He thanked crew for excellent cooperation. Secretary asked seafarers to turn in dirty linen when getting off vessel and to clean rooms for next person. He thanked everyone for helping keep common areas clean. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and make sure all training requirements and necessary shipping documents are updated. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for contracts department to look into tax status for seamen, especially those aboard military ships. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. HORIZON CRUSADER (Horizon Lines), Oct. 28—Chairman Antonio M. Mercado, Secretary George Vorise Jr., Chairman announced payoff Oct. 30 in Jacksonville, Fla. He thanked steward department for hard work and reminded unlicensed crew to continue training at Piney Point. Educational director echoed advice about upgrading, and secretary thanked daymen for helping load stores. Some disputed OT reported by engine delegate. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Oct. 19—Chairman Rickie N. Burgess, Secretary Franchesca D. Rose, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate Robert G. Crooks, Engine Delegate Paul M. Russell, Steward Delegate Alejo A. Fabia Jr. Chairman announced arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Oct. 25. Secretary discussed upcoming sanitary inspection and noted arrival of new mattresses. He reminded those getting off to have pay vouchers available since they will be needed when filing for vacation. January 2004 Educational director urged crew members to take advantage of courses at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Urgent request made for new garbage disposal. Crew asked that during room inspection by customs in any port, representative of unlicensed crew be present. Request also made for fans in all rooms due to continuing problems with air conditioner. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food and barbecues. Steward department, in turn, thanked deck and engine departments for their help. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), Oct. 26—Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Rang V. Nguyen, Educational Director Angel M. Mercado, Deck Delegate Michael Willis, Engine Delegate Al Hansen, Steward Delegate Alan E. Hollinger. Chairman reported smooth sailing. Ship to pay off Oct. 28 in Tacoma, Wash. There will be blanket relief for crew Oct. 29. Crew members encouraged to pay dues on time and support SPAD. Secretary reminded those getting off to leave rooms clean and get new linen for next person. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vessel scheduled for shipyard at end of November. Captain to let crew know about layoffs. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. INNOVATOR (USSM), Oct. 12— Chairman Dirk W. Adams, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director James P. Meyers, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Mohamed M. Mohamed, Steward Delegate Kristen M. Swain. Chairman thanked crew for job well done and reminded those getting off to clean rooms and leave keys before departing. He also thanked Chief Cook Swain for her super cuisine. Secretary thanked chairman, ABs, riding gang, two unlicensed apprentices and engine department for helping keep ship house clean. He also thanked everyone for making trip pleasant and enjoyable. Educational director urged members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for yearly cost of living allowance for pensioners. Request made for new vacuum cleaner and pillows. INTEGRITY (USSM), Oct. 10— Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Michael E. Thompson, Engine Delegate Carlos Bonefont. Chairman reported excellent trip with smooth sailing. He reviewed situation involving dayment standing 12-4 watch. Secretary asked crew members leaving ship to get clean linen for next person. Educational director noted problems with drains aboard vessel. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for next contract to specify coffee break for day workers after certain period of time. Everyone asked to work safely. Crew requested more timely medical assistance. Vote of thanks given to steward depart- ment for job well done. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; Miami, Fla.; Houston. LIBERATOR (USSM), Oct. 26— Chairman Joel G. Miller, Secretary Wilfredo S. DeLeon, Educational Director Elwyn L. Ford, Deck Delegate William P. Foley, Steward Delegate Ernest Polk. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Long Beach, Calif. Coast Guard inspection to take place upon arrival. Secretary encouraged crew to take advantage of upgrading courses offered at Piney Point facility. Educational director stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and of making sure all documents are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to crew members for keeping ship clean and safe. Thanks also given to steward department for job well done. MAERSK ARIZONA (Maersk Line, Ltd.), Oct. 6—Chairman John A. Coleman, Secretary Lloyd C. Hall, Educational Director Brian W. Monnerjahn, Deck Delegate Larry Martin, Engine Delegate Francisco Bonilla, Steward Delegate Antonio H. Hall. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 12 in Beaumont, Texas. Educational director encouraged members to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT. Clarification requested about paying dues during “unfit for duty” periods. Request made for repair or replacement of refrigerator in crew mess. Thanks given to steward department for good job and “excellent chow.” MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line, Ltd.), Oct. 31—Chairman Boyce E. Wilson, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director John A. Collins Jr., Deck Delegate Juan I. Arzu, Engine Delegate Alexandr Koroteyev. Chairman announced payoff Nov. 3 in Newark, N.J. He passed along thanks from captain to crew for job well done. Educational director reminded everyone to make sure shipping documents are up to date and to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Treasurer stated $1,800 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for day off after trip and improved dental plan. MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC), Oct. 15—Chairman Eric A. Berry, Secretary John F. Huyett, Educational Director Winfred W. Opare, Deck Delegate Ramon T. Guimba, Engine Delegate Detricke R. Kelly, Steward Delegate Albert Sison. Chairman reported all going well. Secretary pointed out that pay vouchers are needed in addition to discharges when filing for vacation. Educational director suggested crew take advantage of Paul Hall Center facilities to upgrade skills. He noted company training videos available for anyone to watch and encouraged their use. Treasurer stated $2,512 in ship’s fund. Suggestion made to spend $215.90 from fund to purchase videos. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew computer to be moved to lounge and networked for e-mail purposes. Crew reminded that lounge is non-smoking area. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Valdez, Alaska. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG), Oct. 6—Chairman Ayhan Unlusu, Secretary Jack A. Hart Jr., Educational Director Alex Oliva, Deck Delegate Anto Tunjic, Steward Delegate Julito C. Crodua. Chairman announced ship arriving in Portland, Ore. Oct. 10 with payoff three days later in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary expressed thanks to SIU and President Sacco for new ships and jobs. “Keep up the good work. God bless all of you and your families.” Educational director advised crew members to upgrade skills as often as possible at Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $240 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made for crew to get time off or extra pay for every 30 days worked. Request made for access to e-mail. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great cookouts and good food. Steward thanked crew for safe trip and clean ship. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG), Oct. 18—Chairman members take advantage of time on the beach to upgrade skills or ratings at Paul Hall Center. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted in engine department. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. SEABULK CHALLENGE (Seabulk Tankers), Oct. 30— Chairman Harold Sebring, Secretary Tyrell N. Thabit. Chairman announced payoff Nov. 1 in Port Everglades, Fla. He reminded those crew members getting off to have rooms ready and clean for next person. Educational director encouraged everyone to contribute to SPAD and attend Gratitude Shown to the Gopher State Crew When the Gopher State recently returned to Norfolk, Va. from the Middle East, its crew members were awarded Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals and certificates of appreciation. They join thousands of other Seafarers who served aboard U.S.-flag ships in support of operations involving American and allied military forces. See additional photos from the Gopher State on page 8. Thomas R. Temple, Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John E. Trent, Steward Delegate Antonio Martinez. Chairman announced ship heading to Corpus Christi, Texas. He urged crew members to enroll in upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center and make sure z-cards are not due to expire soon. He further advised mariners not to wear short pants when ashore. Educational director encouraged members to attend Piney Point courses and read Seafarers LOG. Some disputed OT reported in engine department. Suggestion made for crew members to have access to direct deposit. Thanks to steward department for good job. PETERSBURG (IUM), Oct. 15—Chairman James T. Martin, Secretary Wendy G. Fearing, Educational Director Jeffrey T. Fields, Deck Delegate David M. Pratt, Steward Delegate Christopher M. Green. Chairman stated SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone visited ship in Guam and updated crew members on possibility of new cruise ships. Secretary asked that all dishes be returned to mess hall and not left in lounge. Educational director talked about upgrading opportunities at Piney Point and reminded everyone to keep documents current. He also stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Treasurer stated $383 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to improve dental benefits and lower requirements for pension. Next port: Guam. QUALITY (USSM), Oct. 31— Chairman Eddy E Stwaeard, Secretary Franklyn J. Cordero, Educational Director Richard G. Williams, Deck Delegate Simeon Rivas. Chairman thanked all departments for safe trip. Secretary added thanks to all departments for helping keep house clean. Educational director suggested crew upgrading classes at Piney Point. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted in deck department. Steward department praised for good job. USNS LOYAL (Maersk Line), Oct. 5—Chairman Christopher E. Brady, Secretary Robert C. Langdon, Deck Delegate Allen Faulks. Chairman reminded crew members to be cautious at payoff with receipts and other paperwork from company and union as these may be needed for vacation applications. Secretary requested those getting off clean rooms and provide fresh linen for relief person. Educational director advised crew to take advantage of all possible opportunities available at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. USNS PAUL BUCK (OSI), Nov. 2—Chairman Donley R. Johnson, Secretary Kevin Marchand, Educational Director Peter E. Joseph, Deck Delegate Albert K. Wambach, Engine Delegate Orlando V. Pajarillo Jr. Chairman announced payoff Nov. 3 in Charleston, S.C. Stores will be taken then; shoregang and crane will be standing by. Secretary led discussion on results of SPAD donations. He asked everyone to help keep mess halls and lounges clean and talked about changes in prescription drug benefits. He noted that security checkpoints may soon be in place and that vessel may lose its gym to make room for security office. He also asked that crew keep TV volume down during meal times. Educational director spoke about upgrading courses available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New TV, DVD player and 135 DVDs recently purchased. Everyone asked to keep movies in order. Sign-out for movies is between 1500 and 1700 hours daily on bridge. Steward department given vote of thanks for great meals. Seafarers LOG 15 �Pgs4,6_8,13_19.qxd 12/20/2003 7:16 PM Page 16 Letters to the Editor Know Your Rights (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 Search of Identity Of SOS Paper Notes I belong to a group which collects military related coins and paper money. We have been trying for many years to identify a series of paper notes which were printed for a group called the Seamen's Overseas Service (SOS). They were printed by the American Banknote Company, are of excellent quality, and virtually nothing is known about the notes or the SOS organization. I've attached a scan of one of these notes [above right] from a book about World War II, in the hope that someone in your organization may be able to shed some light on this mystery. These notes are somewhat similiar to the military payment certificates used by the U.S. military from 1946 until 1972. Thanks for any information you may be able to provide about the SOS. Can anyone identify these notes or the SOS organization? Thankful Retiree I am 85 years old and wish to thank the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan for helping me and my family over the years. I sailed from July 1946 to December 1981 on more than 50 ships and to more than 50 countries. I walked the strike lines in 1946 and made two round-the-world trips. I never can say enough thanks to the SIU for all they’ve done for me. Lester J. Moore Livingston, Texas Retiree Lester J. Moore celebrated his 85th birthday last summer. Inset: Moore as a serviceman in 1942. David Klinger CAPT USN, Ret. 2klinger@cox.net Final Departures Continued from page 14 York. The Leechburg, Pa. native worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills in 1943. Brother Shaira retired in 1968. EDWARD SHERMAN Pensioner Edward Sherman, 75, passed away Sept. 29. Brother Sherman embarked on his profession with the NMU in 1945. His first ship was the Martha E. Allen. Born in St. Louis, Brother Sherman worked in the deck department. He began collecting retirement stipends in 1965. Oct. 7. Brother Steward was a charter member of the NMU, joining the union at its inception. A native of Highlands, N.C., he first sailed aboard the Thomas Tracy. Brother Stewart shipped in the deck department and began receiving his pension in 1976. NAME (Last, first) AGE DOD Bell, Joseph 71 Nov. 21 Butler, Kenneth 65 Nov. 23 Canada, Victor 75 Nov. 19 Feliciano, John 83 Oct. 24 Flowers, Linberg 76 Nov. 17 Gordon, Arthur 85 Sept. 15 Karsanac, John 90 Oct. 23 Marketos, Kostas, 79 Oct. 13 Morano, Alejandro 92 Feb. 6 Perry, Sylvester 82 Oct, 21 In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following NMU brothers, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. Petrie, Robert 77 Oct. 28 Prosser, Victor 77 Nov. 1 Renteria, Bernardo 73 Oct. 3 EDWARD STEWART NAME (Last, first) AGE DOD Shockley, David 76 Nov. 6 Pensioner Edward Stewart, 92, died Atkociunas, Joseph Wolf, Ingram 77 Oct. 26 87 Oct. 25 Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to help 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 or e-mail corrections to kclements@seafarers.org HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________ ( ) Phone No.: ________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ Book No.: ________________ Active SIU Pensioner 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. 16 Seafarers LOG 1/04 FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. January 2004 �Pgs4,6_8,13_19.qxd 12/20/2003 7:16 PM Page 17 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Engine Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for the first few months of the new year. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Course Start Date Date of Completion Engine Utility (EU) January 26 March 22 May 17 February 20 April 16 June 11 FOWT January 19 March 12 Marine Electrician May 10 July 2 QMED - Jr. Engineer January 12 April 2 Refrigeration April 12 May 21 Welding January 5 February 2 March 29 January 23 February 20 April 16 Deck Upgrading Courses Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 19 March 1 April 12 May 24 February 13 March 26 May 7 June 18 Advanced Fire Fighting* January 26 February 23 April 19 February 6 March 5 April 30 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids * (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) February 9 March 8 February 13 March 12 Basic Safety Training (BST) Celestial Navigation January 12 March 29 February 5 April 23 GMDSS (Simulator) January 5 March 1 January 16 March 12 January 5 February 9 February 16 March 15 March 29 April 19 May 10 May 24 January 9 February 13 February 20 March 19 April 2 April 23 May 14 May 28 Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 5 February 16 March 29 May 10 January 16 February 27 April 9 May 21 Fast Rescue Boat May 3 June 7 May 7 June 11 Government Vessels Navigation Fundamentals February 9 April 26 February 20 May 7 Radar February 23 May 10 March 5 May 21 February 23 March 22 April 5 May 17 June 28 February 27 March 26 April 9 May 21 July 2 Medical Care Provider Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) February 9 April 5 May 31 February 20 April 16 June 11 February 9 March 8 February 13 March 12 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 9 March 29 May 17 February 20 April 9 May 28 January 12 March 15 January 16 March 19 (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses (*must have basic fire fighting) Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning December 22, 2003. Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Recertification Academic Department Courses Steward February 9 Bosun (to be announced) 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. March 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No 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? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ January 2004 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 1/04 Seafarers LOG 17 �Pgs4,6_8,13_19.qxd 12/20/2003 7:17 PM Page 18 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 644 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 644 (in alphabetical order) Hakim Christian, Jess Cooper, Jerome Culbreth Jr., Jason Evora, Owen Gallagher, Kevin Goode, Julius Fenwick, Jacob Harlow, Phillip Maxfield, Stacy Murphy, Alexander Rhodes, Henry Sanchez Jr. and Alexie Vazquez. Advanced Fire Fighting — Earning their advanced fire fighting endorsements Nov. 7 are (in alphabetical order) Albert Bharrat, Leo Bonser, Caesar Delgreco, James Diamond, Gregory Dixon, Alexander Fyodorovykh, Karl Mayhew, Micah Miller, Robert Murray Jr., Dasril Panko, Philip Perry, Sherman Sakatani and David Steinberg. Their instructor, Tom Cessna, is at far left. Tankerman (PIC) Barge — Successfully completing the tankerman (PIC) barge course Nov. 21 are (in alphabetical order) James Diamond, James Enah, David Harris, Paul Halmeta, John Lamprecht, Charles Pomraning, Nicholas Serritella, Joseph Stephens, Craig Waldo and their instructor, Mitch Oakley. Government Vessels— Upgrading Seafarers graduating Nov. 7 from the government vessels course are (in no particular order) Miles Souders, Richard Cannady, Julio Alvarez, Donna Taylor, Walter Wise, Jason Simon, Eric Kjellberg, John Kissanis, Joseph Slater, Kosar Iqbal, Tawrence Abrams, DeCarlo Harris, Scott Bowmer, Stephen Hammelman, Leportre Jasper, Roy Lopez, Abel Vazquez, Juan Hernandez, Aleksandr Stadnik, Milan Taigan, Agustin Arriaga, Larry Whitmore and Sam Baffoe. STOS — Junior Engineer — Graduating Dec. 12 from the junior engineer course are (in alphabetical order) Therman Ames, Philip Ayotte, Norman Dauphin, George Deasy, Michael Drost, Hugo Infante, Charles Jones, Kevin Nattoo, Andrew Peprah, Rolando Romanillos, Kenneth Ross, Wade Rudolph, Rene Vazquez and Emanuel Washington. Completing the STOS course Nov. 21 are Alaska fishermen (in alphabetical order) Peter Angasan, Francis Burke, Jon Henson, Jeffrey Leman, Jeffery Martin, Jim Moore, Cary Pitcher, Stephen Riedel, John Scudero, Justin Stahl and Maryellen Titus. Their instructor, Tom Gilliland, stands second from right. Computer Lab Classes Oct. 31 graduates of the computer lab at the Paul Hall Center include (in no specific order) Agustin Arriaga, Saul Suarez, Lamont Robinson, Milan Taigan, Eric Kjellberg, Abelu Vazquez, Stephen Hammelman, Karl Mayhew, Julio Alvarez, Jason Simon and Rudy Lopez. Instructor Rick Prucha is at far left. 18 Seafarers LOG Above, left and right: Instructor Rick Prucha stands behind computer course graduates Jose Clotter and Trevor Robinson and Capt. Jake Joyce. At right are (front row) Rene Hallasgo, Emily Soriano, Walter Wise, (back row) Prucha, John Kissanis and James Diamond. January 2004 �Pgs4,6_8,13_19.qxd 12/20/2003 7:18 PM Page 19 Paul Hall Center Classes Any student who has registered for a class and finds— for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may Welding — Certificates of graduation for completion of the welding course were given Dec. 5 to (in alphabetical order) Alex Caneda, Edward Douville, Christian Hernandez, Noel Magbitang, Michael Papaioannou, Trevor Robinson and George Velez. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is in the back row. ARPA — Under the instruction of Mike Smith (far left) are Seafarers who completed the ARPA course Oct. 31. They are (in alphabetical order) Alexander Fyodorovykh, Tom Grose, Glen McCullough, Michael Moore, Sherman Sakatani, Jennifer Senner and William Sholley. take that place. Oil Spill Containment — Boatmen from Penn Maritime and Inland Lakes Management successfully completed the oil spill containment course Nov. 14. They are (in no specific order) Kevin David, Capt. Patrick David, Glenn Staub, Michael O’Brien, D. Hunter Reed, Kenneth Johnson, Etienne Vidal, Lonnie Warren, Trevor Robinson, Perry Keene, Ernest Walsh Jr., Donald Walsh, Austin Reed and John Stegeman. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at right. Basic Safety Training Classes Oil Spill Containment — Seated from the left are Nov. 21 graduates of the oil spill containment course. The Penn Maritime boatmen are Robert Leija, Stephan Rusin, Richard Herrington, Bartley Lane and Virgil Walls. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is standing at left. STCW — Nov. 7: With instructor Tom Gilliland (right) are Stephen Ackley, Peter STCW — Oct. 31: Aaron Anderson, Janine Averka, Mary Bado, Dionisio Bermudez, Scott Bowmer, Jonathan Buffington, Richard Cannady, Shawn Deloach, Jonathan Duncan, Howard Gibbs, Louis Green Jr., Paul Gross, Vicki Haggerty, DeCarlo Harris, George Jodry, Stephen Johnson, Brian Jones, Edgard Martinez, Gerard McGovern, Jeff McPherson, James Osborn, Stephen Roseberry, Joseph Slater, Miles Souders, Jose Telles and Hezekiah Williams. Angasan, Leonard Benton, Francis Burke, Edward Dandy, Richard Cruz, Jon Henson, Erik Ivey, Jeffrey Leman, James Macklin, Jeffery Martin, Marshall McCumsey, Jim Moore, Kenneth Nash, Cary Pitcher, Stephen Reidel, John Scudero, David Simpson, Justin Stahl, Maryellen Titus and Denis Villalobos. STCW — Nov. 14: Angelie Avila, David Correa, Rickey Hoshino, Crystal Leyba, Jarret Rogerson, Jennifer Salcacion and SIU member Saul Lopez. At far right is Shawn Lopes, environmental officer at NCL. STCW — Nov. 21: Diego Hatch, Joshua Mensah, William Tanksley, Walter Wise, Shawn Lopes and instructor Tom Cessna (second from right). Not pictured is Kenneth Nash. January 2004 Seafarers LOG 19 �Pgs1,12,20.qxd 12/21/2003 8:28 PM Page 20 Volume 66, Number 1 January 2004 S d f r o s i A p 6f a 1 2 i The Year in Review New Jobs, Support of U.S. Troops, MSP Expansion Highlight 2003 Patriotic shipboard service in support of U.S. troops, numerous new job opportunities and a major legislative victory highlighted the year 2003 for the SIU. The year started with Seafarers crewing up more than two dozen U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF) vessels and mobilizing a number of prepositioning ships for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). By late March, more than 2,000 Seafarers were sailing aboard military support ships involved in the war. That included 46 ships from the RRF and 47 vessels that compose part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet, plus at least 10 ships from the Government Services Division. Included in the latter group was the hospital ship USNS Comfort, which treated 650 patients during the war. As OIF transitioned from allout combat to the uncertain process of establishing a new government in Iraq, the performance of the U.S. Merchant Marine as America’s “Fourth Arm of Defense” was unquestioned. At least 3,000 civilian mariners had mobilized for OIF, with Seafarers crewing more than 100 vessels that delivered the troops, tanks, fuel and other materiel that helped coalition forces achieve swift and decisive victory. Their efforts were appreciated. For instance, U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. Bill Schubert called it the most efficient sealift operation in history. The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) made exceptional efforts to recognize mariners who sailed in support of OIF. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and MarAd hosted shipboard and pier-side ceremonies for dozens of U.S.-flag ships that sailed during the war. Crew members were presented with Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals and certificates. SIU President Michael Sacco was a guest speaker at several of those ceremonies. He credited Seafarers for their safe, reliable and dedicated service. He also cited the excellent cooperation across all segments of the industry for helping ensure the sealift mission's success. A sampling of other comments on the merchant marine’s service: “The role of the U.S. Merchant Marine once again proved critical to victory in 2003.” — DOT Secretary Norman Y. Mineta “A strong U.S.-flag fleet was essential to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.” — U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “Merchant mariners have risked their lives for democracy and for our country. The unsung heroes of the merchant marine are not just a part of history. They're a vital part of our joint force today.” — Gen. Richard B. Myers, USAF, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “Victory was made possible by America's dedicated merchant mariners.” — Gen. John W. Handy, USAF commander, U.S. Transportation Command. “The U.S. Merchant Mariner has played a vital role in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.” — Vice Adm. David Brewer, commander, MSC. MSP Extended, Expanded In light of such well-earned accolades, it seemed fitting that as the year ended, President Bush signed a Defense bill that included a 10-year extension of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). The original MSP, enacted in 1996, has bolstered U.S. sealift capabilities in many ways—chief among them, helping maintain a manpower pool of well-trained, dedicated U.S. seafarers and a fleet of militarily useful U.S.-flag commercial ships. The new MSP begins as the Unlike in some prior conflicts, the key role of the U.S. Merchant Marine in Operation Iraqi Freedom was readily and enthusiastically acknowledged. Pictured at a ceremony aboard the Cape Washington are (from left) SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Bosun Rick James, SIU President Mike Sacco, Transportation Deputy Secretary Michael P. Jackson and Electrician Randy Clark. Inset shows the Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medal, awarded to those who serve on U.S.-flag ships in support of operations involving American and allied military forces. current one expires in 2005, and it also increases the MSP fleet to 60 ships (from the current 47). New Jobs Throughout OIF, the SIU unfailingly upheld its obligations in the commercial sector. The union also aggressively secured new shipboard job opportunities for Seafarers. In 2003, the SIU made no fewer than 20 additions to its contracted fleet. The list of new vessels included the cable ships Tyco Dependable and Tyco Decisive; trailerships Midnight Sun and North Star; prepositioning ships USNS Benavidez and USNS Roy Wheat; car carrier Freedom; Great Lakes vessel George A. Stinson; containership Manukai; ATBs Ocean Reliance/550-3 and Coastal Reliance 550-4; tanker Delaware Trader; missile range instrumentation vessel Observation Island; and passenger ferries Freedom, Admiral Richard E. Bennis, Bayonne, Governor Thomas H. Kean, Congressman Robert A. Roe and Jersey City. The possibility of even more new jobs surfaced as Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) unveiled plans to start a U.S.-flag cruise division. The union’s Government Services Division also expanded its fleet, adding the former Navy vessels Oscar E. Sette and USNS Rainier. Additionally, cooperation and hard work between the Government Services Division and MSC yielded an historic decision that benefits CIVMARS and the agency. On March 31, the Federal Labor Relations Authority issued a decision and order granting the union's and MSC’s joint petition requesting consolidation of the east and west coast CIVMAR units. The union also requested and was granted recognition at the MSC headquarters level. Progress in Piney Point The SIU’s affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education made history as the union, school and Secretary Chao developed and approved the first ever National Apprenticeship Standards for the maritime industry. The SIU, the Paul Hall Center and the administration of Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski teamed up to recruit and train dislocated workers from Alaska for careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Also, the Paul Hall Center added three courses and opened a new facility next to its fire fighting and safety school in Piney Point, Md. MSC approved the school's small arms range along with two new curriculums— MSC Initial Small Arms Instruction and Qualification, and MSC Annual Small Arms Instruction and ReQualification. The U.S. Coast Guard approved the school’s new White House photo by Paul Morse President George W. Bush signed the National Defense Authorization Act at the Pentagon late last year. 70-hour Navigation Fundamentals course. Health Care, Contracts, Plans The nation's health care crisis manifested itself with nearly 80,000 trade unionists striking over employers’ unfair demands on medical benefits. The strikes covered five states, and some were ongoing through last month. Despite the health insurance woes, SIU officials and rank-andfile Seafarers teamed up at Hannah Marine, Higman, and Crowley Towing and Transportation to negotiate new (respective) contracts that either secured or maintained top-of-the-line medical benefits while increasing wages. Near the end of the year, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) was finalizing an agreement with a medical company to provide pharmacy benefits to all eligible participants. The pact is expected to save money for participants and for the Plan. The SHBP also made it easier for Seafarers to qualify for prescription benefits. And, the Plan announced that six scholarships had been awarded. One Seafarer and five dependents of SIU members received grants worth a total of $120,000. Early in the year, the Seafarers Pension Plan announced the Plan's Board of Trustees approved an increase of $100 in the basic Deep Sea Pension benefit, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2002. Internationally Active As usual, the SIU stayed active in the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) fight against runaway-flag shipping. SIU ITF inspectors assisted crews from several so-called flag-of-convenience ships, securing hundreds of thousands of dollars in back pay for mariners from the White Seal, the Ousto and Regal Voyager. The SIU also remained active in international and domestic forums pertaining to mariners’ rights, shipboard security and port security, including participation in meetings at the International Labor Organization and International Maritime Organization, and in submitting detailed comments to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. SIU ITF inspectors participated in an ITF seminar March 11-15 in Limassol, Cyprus. And, the union played a role in the International Bargaining Forum's securing a new global agreement covering wages and working conditions of more than 50,000 mariners. Many More Gains The union’s ranks expanded as mariners at Starlight Marine in San Francisco and Buffalo Industrial Diving Company voted to join the SIU. The SIU opened a new union hall at 10 East Clinton Street in Joliet, Ill., while the Houston hall was given a facelift. The Department of Labor inducted the late SIU President Paul Hall into its Labor Hall of Fame. The Seafarers International Union of North America welcomed the American Maritime Officers as its newest autonomous affiliate. The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department continued to stand up for the MSP, the Jones Act and other maritime programs vital to the U.S.-flag fleet. Rescues, Recognition SIU crews upheld the finest traditions of the Brotherhood of the Sea. The American Mariner crew rescued four fishermen; the Horizon Hawaii crew rescued three people in the Atlantic; and the LNG Libra crew rescued two Filipino fishermen in the Celebes Sea. SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company reached several safety milestones, including one year without any of ATC’s ships spilling any oil to sea. SIU crews from the Faust, Mokihana, Northern Lights and USNS Concord were honored at the annual Admiral of the Ocean Seas ceremony for rescues performed in the previous year. Three Seafarers Government Services Division ships earned safety awards: the USNS Leroy Grumman, USNS San Jose and USNS Navajo. Other News SIU ferry crews helped transport commuters from New York City during the Aug. 14 power failure which forced the evacuation of office buildings and stranded thousands of commuters. Hurricane Isabel caused damage at the Paul Hall Center, knocked out electricity at SIU headquarters for several days and also caused power outages at SIU halls in Baltimore, Brooklyn and Boston. Finally, the union mourned the passing of retired officials Joe Goren, Roy “Buck” Mercer and Steve Troy. � 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 2004 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NATIONWIDE RALLIES DEMAND FREEDOM TO FORM UNIONS U.S., CHINA SIGN MARITIME PACT SEAFARERS CREW UP NEW ATB SHIPYARD FLOATS OUT FIRST BP TANKER PROGRESS CONTINUES ON PROJECT AMERICA SHIP MARINE ELECTRICIAN COURSE STRESSES HANDS-ON TRAINIG LAKES SEAFARERS RATIFY CONTRACT U.S. PORT SECURITY GRANTS ARE SUBSTANTIAL, BUT MANY POTENTIAL EXPENSES UNFUNDED CALIFORNIA DISPUTE CONTINUES, BUT WEST VA. GROCERY STRIKE ENDS ST. LOUIS HOSTS YEARLY UNION INDUSTRIES SHOW REPORT CITES NET LOSS OF NEARLY 900,000 JOBS FREEDOM SAILS CAR CARRIER ENTERS SERVICE WITH THE SIU ON THE WEST COAST NEW JOBS, SUPPORT OF U.S. TROOPS, MSP EXPANSION HIGHLIGHT 2003 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 01/01/2004 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. 66, No. 1 2004 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/c801fac72596ddebcaf5b8a18d17b85f.pdf 85c6fc32901b201a9186e2469f8cad45 PDF Text Text 21209_p01,02,10.qxd 1/25/2004 10:07 AM Page 1 Volume 66, Number 2 February 2004 Seafarers Mobilize For ‘Part 2’ Of Operation Iraqi Freedom READY THEN READY NOW Photos by Al Grillo Eglinton, Corgey Named to Key Posts Pages 3, 5 Health Plan Implements Pharmacy Agreement SIU-crewed military support ships are being mobilized for the next phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom—and Seafarers are embracing their mission. In two photos at left, the SIU-crewed TOTE vessel Westward Venture loads military cargo in Anchorage, Alaska. Directly above, the USNS Regulus is one of the vessels recently activated for OIF2. Page 3. CIVMARS Crew Up USS Coronado Page 4 Inoculation Information Page 6 Still Time to Apply For Scholarships Page 14 Members of the SIU’s Government Services Division recently welcomed new shipboard jobs as the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) accepted transfer of the USS Coronado (above) from the U.S. Navy. SIU Government Services Division Representative Chester Wheeler (above left photo) confers with MSC Representatives Bob Rosemeyer (center) and Jessie Ruth after completing the final habitability inspection aboard the vessel. Seafarer Fred Pryor (in photo above right) makes a point during a meeting with Wheeler in San Diego. Page 4. TAX TIPS FOR MARINERS Pages 12-13 �21209_p01,02,10.qxd 1/22/2004 11:12 AM Page 2 President’s Report Our Tradition Lives During the SIU’s earliest years, thousands of Seafarers played important roles in transporting troops, ammunition and other vital supplies for the Allied forces in World War II. From start to finish, Seafarers were there—in the Atlantic, the Pacific, and wherever else duty called. Nearly 2,000 SIU members lost their lives during the war, many of whom perished off the East Coast as unobstructed German U-boats sank ship after ship. As the late SIU historian John Bunker once Michael Sacco noted, “Despite this havoc, no SIU ship was held up for lack of a crew. Many crews steamed out to meet almost certain death.” Fast forward to today, and it’s apparent that much has changed for the better. From shipboard technology to crew accommodations, from underway protection to post-war recognition, the modern merchant marine has come a long way. What hasn’t changed is our total commitment to serving as the nation’s Fourth Arm of Defense—a hard-earned title born of our performance and patriotism in World War II. Seafarers have demonstrated their loyalty and reliability again and again—in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and in many other military support missions. Now, we’re delivering the goods in another key sealift mobilization—the second phase of Iraqi Freedom. As outlined by the U.S. Military Sealift Command, OIF2 promises to be a massive maneuver. It is projected to last through the first half of this year, and MSC has described it as the biggest sealift effort since World War II. While OIF2 thankfully doesn’t carry the danger of many previous campaigns, it’s obviously still an important mission, to say the least, and not completely without risk. Our members are ready. Across the country, Seafarers are shipping out and answering the nation’s call. Their attitude is the same as ever: Just give us the cargo, and we’ll deliver. The U.S. Merchant Marine was justifiably praised at the highest levels of government after the all-out combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. More than 2,000 brave SIU brothers and sisters sailed into harm’s way during that stage of the campaign to liberate the Iraqi people. All of them did a fantastic job. As we transition to the next chapter, America can count on the SIU to support our troops, wherever and whenever needed. Political Action Delivering materiel in times of conflict isn’t the only important SIU tradition that’s on the front burner these days. In this federal election year, political action remains one of our most essential tools. As you probably know, along with the presidential election, all 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and a third of those in the U.S. Senate are on the line in 2004. Important state and local elections are scheduled as well. For Seafarers and the entire U.S.-flag fleet, political action is crucial. Because our industry is so heavily regulated, we must remain extremely active in promoting the U.S. Merchant Marine—not just in Washington, but throughout the nation. In the months ahead, I encourage Seafarers to study the issues most important to our union and our industry. Participate in grassroots activities. Support pro-maritime candidates. And please continue your participation in SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. SPAD certainly can’t guarantee that we’ll always get what we want, but it helps give us opportunities to present our issues. It’s a proven, effective winner when it comes to making our voices heard. Without your support of the fund, that job would be virtually impossible. Seafarers always have had a great understanding of how important political action is for their union and for the job security of our membership. Let’s make sure every one of us translates that knowledge into action and continued support this year and in the future. Volume 66, Number 2 February 2004 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2004 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Maersk Line, Limited Honors U.S. Mariners SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited is presenting more than 700 U.S. Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals to American mariners, including hundreds of Seafarers. These awards honor mariners who sailed aboard Maersk Line, Limited-operated vessels directly supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They are given in conjunction with the U.S. Maritime Administration, which first authorized the medal for mariners who sailed during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Much of the military cargo used for Operation Iraqi Freedom moved with the help of civilian mariners. Seafarers aboard vessels in Maersk Line, Limited’s LMSR and prepositioning fleets, as well as the Maersk Constellation and SSG Edward A. Carter transported military equipment, ammunition, and other goods while guarding the safety of their vessels and the cargo on board. Maersk Line, Limited has a large, diverse fleet of U.S.-flag vessels that continue to operate in Seafarers, officers and Maersk officials are pictured aboard the USNS Dahl. support of the war effort. “We are extraordinarily proud of these individuals,” said John Reinhart, CEO of Maersk Line, Limited. “Their dedication to their work and their country is evident in their performance during a challenging time. It is an honor to be able to present them with this award.” The first 19 medals and certificates were presented Nov. 13 at the company’s annual Masters and Chiefs Conference in Norfolk, Va. Additional awards were delivered through the end of last year. The company is headquartered in Norfolk and provides global shipowning and management service, transportation and logistics solutions, and information technology development and implementation services to U.S. government and commercial customers. Overall, more than 2,000 SIU members sailed during the buildup to and all-out combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They crewed more than 100 U.S.-flag ships. Aboard the USNS Red Cloud, Maersk Line, Ltd. CEO John Reinhart presents certificates to OS German Alvarez (left photo) and SA Wayne Shindler (right). Sen. Breaux Announces Retirement at Term’s End John Breaux, the three-term Democratic senator from Louisiana and friend of maritime, has announced his intention to retire this year at the end of his current term. “Throughout Senator Breaux’s long and distinguished career,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco upon hearing of the congressman’s retirement plans, “he has led the fight for the maritime industry, from his days in the House as a member of the Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee to his days in the Senate. Senator Breaux was one of the prime movers in passing legislation that has provided jobs for the Seafarers International Union and the rest of the industry. His shoes will not easily be filled.” Breaux, now 59, was the youngest member of Congress when he was elected to the House in 1972 at age 28, after graduating from the University of Southwestern Louisiana and earning a law degree from LSU in Baton Rouge. He was elected to the Senate in 1986. “There comes a time in every career when it is time to step aside and let others step up and serve,” said Breaux in announcing his retirement, “and for my family and me, that time has arrived.” Considered a moderate Demo- crat and accomplished negotiator, Breaux consistently reached out across the aisle to the Republican Party on numerous issues, including health care, energy production, tax cuts and welfare. In fact, his willingness to work with Republicans led to an invitation to join President George W. Bush’s Cabinet, which he declined. In 2001, along with Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.), Breaux authored a letter to President Bush urging the administration to “maintain and grow the U.S.-flag merchant marine and U.S. shipbuilding industry.” Even before the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Breaux was working to address security deficiencies in the nation’s seaports. After the tragic events of that day, he used his chairmanship of the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee to lead port inspections. As a result of these on-site investigations of ports nationwide, he introduced the Ship, Seafarer, Container Security Act in 2002, which coordinates the Coast Guard and Customs Service with local port security officials to implement long-term solutions for seaport safety and security issues. Breaux was one of few Democrats to support oil drilling in Alaska’s Arctic National Senator John Breaux Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), a position defended by the SIU. And although the Senate has failed to pass the amendments to open ANWR to oil and gas development, Breaux and Alaska’s two senators, Frank Murkowski and Ted Stevens, vowed to continue the fight. Sen. Breaux has worked to keep the Social Security fund solvent and reform Medicare, both under President Bill Clinton and President Bush. Additionally, he was one of the two Democrats allowed by Republicans to help negotiate the final version of legislation resulting in the recently passed $400 billion Medicare bill, including a prescription drug benefit. The measure included initiatives that the Louisiana senator had advocated for years. February 2004 �21209_Pg1,3_5,7,10,16.qxd 1/22/2004 8:45 AM Page 3 ‘We’re Always Ready’ Seafarers Set for ‘Part 2’ of Operation Iraqi Freedom As the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) began mobilizing civilian-crewed ships for the second phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, SIU members expressed the same determination to deliver the goods that they demonstrated throughout the mission’s all-out combat phase. “It’s our job. This is what we do for a living,” stated David Dunklin, an unlicensed junior engineer sailing in support of military operations aboard the USNS Altair. “I was over there in the first part of the war, and it went very well. We made several trips to Kuwait and delivered a lot of A U.S. military helicopter approaches the SIU-crewed Wright (left photo), then the pilot walks aboard (below) after a safe landing directed by Seafarers. equipment. We’ll get the job done this time, too.” “We’re always ready and up to the task,” said AB Eugene Tuggle, also sailing aboard the Altair. “We have to bring equipment as needed and bring stuff back, also. We have a very good relationship with the military personnel, and that’s part of what keeps me coming back.” MSC last month announced that sealift operations for OIF2 “will occur at several U.S. and overseas ports over the next few months as approximately 240,000 U.S. military personnel rotate into and out of the Middle East. An estimated 23 million square feet of cargo will be moved by sea to support those troops over the next four and one-half months. That amount of cargo equates to more than 243,000 The Seafarers-crewed Cape Edmont transports materiel to Kuwait during the first phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. sport utility vehicles, which, if placed end-to-end would equal 710 miles, approximately the distance from Washington, D.C., to St. Louis. Roughly 21 million square feet of cargo was delivered to U.S. forces ashore in support of OIF from Jan. 1 to May 1, 2003.” Continued on page 5 Paul Hall Center’s Eglinton Reappointed to MERPAC Jones Act Vessels Support U.S. Troops At least two SIU-crewed ships that normally sail in the Jones Act trades recently were deployed in support of the second phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Westward Venture and the Northern Lights, operated by SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE), are overseas as part of the mission. The Northern Lights also was chartered by the U.S. Military Sealift Command in February 2003 for wartime sealift operations. Both the Westward Venture and the Northern Lights are Ponce Class ships that sail in the Alaska trade. The Jones Act, a pillar of the U.S.-flag fleet, requires that cargo moving from one domestic port to another be carried aboard U.S.crewed, U.S.-built, U.S.-owned vessels. In promoting the Jones Act, the Maritime Cabotage Task Force (a coalition of 400 companies and other organizations across the nation, including the SIU) notes, “The arguments in support of the Jones Act are compelling ones: jobs, safety, environmental protection, efficiency, and national security, all provided at no expense to the U.S. taxpayer and without a dime of subsidy from the federal government.” Photo by Al Grillo The SIU-crewed Westward Venture loads military cargo in Anchorage, Alaska for the second phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is believed to have been the first time that MSC cargo was transported from Alaska. February 2004 sive experience in domestic and international forums pertaining to the training and certification of mariners. “This appointment is an honor,” Eglinton said. “MERPAC’s work is important to the U.S. Merchant Marine, and I look forward to working closely with the other committee members and the Coast Guard.” According to MERPAC’s web site, the committee “has been a valuable resource to the Coast Guard and its marine safety programs. Some of its many and varied accomplishments are: „ Developing recommended Basic Safety Training performance measures which contain a listing and description of tasks which must be successfully demonstrated before an individual can obtain a certificate attesting compliance with Basic Safety Training requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping, 1978, as amended (STCW). „ Developing performance measurement guidelines in 19 different categories for evaluating merchant mariner competence. These guidelines will be very important toward implementing STCW in the United States. This daunting task included every MERPAC member and more than 100 maritime industry volunteers who served on MERPAC work groups established to draft specific performance measures for specific competencies. „ Developing recommended standards for applicants wishing to serve as a qualified instructor and/or designated examiner who will train merchant mariners and assess their compeLetter from U.S. Department of Homeland tency. Security Secretary Tom Ridge notes Bill „ Recommending Eglinton’s reappointment to MERPAC. Bill Eglinton, director of training at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, has been reappointed to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC) for a term ending Jan. 31, 2006. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge affirmed the appointment in a Dec. 12 letter to Eglinton. “You will serve as one of three members representing marine educators from other maritime training institutions,” Ridge noted. “I greatly appreciate your willingness to serve on the Committee and am confident the Department will benefit from your ideas and experience.” MERPAC is composed of unlicensed and licensed mariners, shipping company officials, Coast Guard representatives, maritime training specialists and others from the industry. Collectively, the group advises the Secretary of Homeland Security (via the Coast Guard commandant) on matters concerning the training, qualification, licensing, certification and fitness of U.S. mariners. Eglinton once served as chairman of MERPAC. He has exten- Paul Hall Center Director of Training Bill Eglinton previously served as MERPAC chairman. an amendment to federal regulations which would require a practical demonstration of skills to augment written examinations or completion of approved courses to obtain a Coast Guard license „ Providing the Coast Guard with quick and timely feedback and a formal recommendation supporting the Coast Guard’s objection to solo watchkeeping during the hours of darkness. MERPAC’s recommendation was part of the U.S.’s official position presented at IMO, and the U.S. position carried the day. „ Providing the Coast Guard with quick and timely feedback and formal recommendations concerning regulations governing Tankerman-Person-in-Charge of Dangerous Liquid and Liquefied Gas Transfers. Many of these recommendations were incorporated into the Coast Guard’s final rule and the accompanying policy guidance. „ Providing the USCG National Maritime Center with valuable feedback and recommendations to its Licensing ReEngineering Team (LRT) Report developed to streamline the Coast Guard’s merchant marine licensing and documentation process and improve customer service.” Seafarers LOG 3 �21209_Pg1,3_5,7,10,16.qxd 1/22/2004 8:46 AM Page 4 So Far, So Good for Pharmacy Agreement The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s new agreement with Prescription Solutions took effect as scheduled Jan. 1. According to Plan officials, the transfer of all pertinent data from the Plan to the pharmacy management company went smoothly. Individual identification cards already have been mailed to all eligible participants, while informational packages were sent to all ports. Initial reaction to the cards was very positive, according to port officials. As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan in December entered into the agreement with Prescription Solutions to provide pharmacy benefits to all eligible participants. Under the agreement, the cost of prescribed drugs will be greatly reduced, resulting in a savings to the Plan and to participants. Eligible members and dependents participating at Plan Level G will pay only small co-payments for certain prescribed name-brand drugs. In addition, maintenance drugs will be available through a mail order arrangement. The program provides coverage for new as well as refill prescriptions filled at participating retail pharmacies and through the Prescription Solutions Mail Services Pharmacy. To use the program, members need only present their Prescription Solutions ID cards at any participating pharmacy. When participants fill or refill prescriptions at participating pharmacies, pharmacy workers will enter members’ ID numbers and other pertinent information into their computer system. This information automatically will be sent to Prescription Solutions, which will verify coverage and instruct the pharmacy to collect applicable co-payments from those having prescriptions filled. No additional claim forms or paperwork will be required. Maintenance medications (required for prolonged or indefinite periods) are available through the Mail Service Pharmacy. Members’ out-of-pocket costs will be less and/or the supply of medication will be greater if they choose to receive their covered medications through Prescription Solutions’ Mail Service Pharmacy. Also, medications—generally up to a 90-day supply with lower copay—will be sent directly to participants’ homes. Additional information on using the mail service pharmacy is available by calling Prescription Solutions’ Mail Service Customer Service at 1-800-562-6223. Utilization of the network will eliminate any out-of-pocket costs for participants unless a namebrand drug is requested when a generic is available. If a participant chooses a name-brand drug over the generic equivalent, then a co-payment of $20 is required at a retail outlet and a co-payment of Prescription Services for Seafarers Health And Benefits Brand Copayment Brand Copayment Generic Copayment (If generic isn’t available) (When generic is available) Retail Service (pharmacy) $0 $0 $20 Mail Service (maintenance drugs) $0 Minimum 90-day supply $0 Minimum 90-day supply $10 $30 for minimum for 90-day supply Maintenance Drugs filled at Pharmacy $15 for 30-day supply $15 for 30-day supply $30 for 30-day supply Beginning with 4th month of retail purchase, copayments go into effect. Beginning with 4th month of retail purchase, copayments go into effect Beginning with 4th month of retail purchase, copayments go into effect Visit the Prescription Solutions log-in page by starting at: http://www.seafarers.org/members/rxlog.xml $10 monthly, or $30 for a 90-day supply, will be required from the mail-order service. If a participant continues to use a retail outlet for a maintenance type drug—a drug that will be taken for an indefinite period of time as in the case of blood pressure medication and blood thinners—then, beginning with the fourth month of retail, the co-payment will be $30 for name brand drugs, and $15 for generic drugs and for name-brand drugs when a generic is not available. Although the new program is operating, the Plan will continue to honor pharmacy claims submit- ted for reimbursement from nonparticipating pharmacies for a three-month grace period. During this grace period, Prescription Solutions will attempt to enroll the non-participating pharmacy in their network. Should they be unsuccessful, however, reimbursements would be made in accordance with the network payment schedule if participants continue to use non-participating pharmacies after the grace period expires. Prescription Solutions has more than 55,000 participating pharmacies in their network. Included in this list are: Carr’s, Navy Ship Transfers to CIVMAR Fleet Members of the SIU’s Government Services Division on Nov. 14 welcomed new jobs for civilian mariners as the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) accepted transfer of the USS Coronado—a command vessel—from the U.S. Navy. Some 115 new jobs became available for Seafarers as a result of the historic move, which was made possible through a pilot program designed to integrate civilian mariners into the Navy’s military function. The vessel transfer marks the first time that merchant mariners will crew a U.S. Navy combatant vessel under the command of an active duty flag officer. “These are exciting times for both the merchant marine and the military,” said SIU Government Services Division Representative Chester Wheeler. “Our people will be working side by side with active duty sailors on military vessels and sharing their respective areas of expertise. I’m certain the military will benefit as will SIU members.” The USS Coronado was built by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company in Seattle. Its keel was laid May 3, 1965, and the ship was launched July 30, 1966. It was commissioned May 23, 1970. The Coronado was designed as an Amphibious Transport Dock (LPD), built to transport Marines and their equipment to the scene of an amphibious assault and move them ashore by landing craft and helicopters. The ship is one of seven fitted with additional superstructure for command ship duties. First assigned to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet in the 1970s, the Coronado conducted extensive operations and deployed on numerous occasions to Northern Europe and the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas. In 1980, the vessel was redesignated an AGF (Miscellaneous Command Ship). Its first assignment was to relieve the USS La Salle (AGF 3) as the command ship for the Commander, U.S. Middle East Force, stationed in the Persian Gulf. Reassigned in October 1985, the Coronado relieved the USS Puget Sound (AD 38) as the command ship of Commander, Sixth Fleet. During its 10-month tour with the Sixth Fleet, it operated out of Gaeta, Italy, participating in operations in the Gulf of Sidra and strikes against Libyan terrorist support facilities. In July 1986, the Coronado was relieved as the Sixth Fleet command ship and ordered to The Coronado signals new jobs for members of the union’s Government Services Division. 4 Seafarers LOG Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to become the command ship for Commander, Third Fleet. Subsequently, the Coronado was relieved as the Third Fleet command ship and deployed to the Arabian Gulf to assume duties as the command ship for Commander, Middle East Force in January of 1988. Upon its return to Pearl Harbor in November 1988, the Coronado again assumed its duties as command ship for the Third Fleet. The ship remained home-ported in Hawaii until August 1991, when it and the Third Fleet changed homeports to Naval Air Station North Island, in its namesake city of Coronado, Calif. On Nov. 14, the Coronado was transferred to the Military Sealift Command, becoming the first Command Ship ever to be assigned to MSC. The vessel subsequently was converted to accommodate civilian mariners. Afterwards, it returned to the fleet and resumed duties as the flagship of the Third Fleet. Since its redesignation from LPD to AGF, it has undergone numerous modifications and today is the flagship of the Third Fleet. Additional details about the habitability negotiations and the memorandum of understanding covering the Coronado will be published in an upcoming issue of the Seafarers LOG. CVS, Eckerd, Rite-Aid, Safeway, Kroger, Publix, Giant and Walgreen’s. Those with questions about this new prescription drug plan, or needing assistance in locating a participating pharmacy, may call Prescription Solutions Customer Service at 1-800-7979797, Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Pacific Standard Time. The chart above shows the copay rates that will apply to all eligible members and dependents when using participating pharmacies. Coronado at a Glance Keel Laid: May 3, 1965 Launched: July 30, 1966 Commissioned: May 23, 1970 Decommissioned: Nov.14, 2003 MSC “in service”: Nov.14, 2003 Builder: Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company, Seattle Propulsion system: 2 boilers, geared turbines Propellers: 2 Length: 567.5 feet Beam: 84 feet Draft: 23.6 feet Displacement: 17,000 tons full load Speed: 20+ knots Armament: 2 20mm Phalanx CIWS, machine gun mounts Aircraft: 2 light heliopters New Rule Impacts MMD Renewal The U.S. Coast Guard on Jan. 6, aiming to ensure the issuance of merchant mariner documents (MMDs) only to eligible seafarers, published an interim rule changing the application procedures for the Merchant Mariner Licensing and Documentation program. The SIU is preparing a formal reply to the interim regulation. A major change is that mariners seeking to renew current documents now must appear in person at a Regional Examination Center (REC) for fingerprinting during the renewal process. All applicants will undergo criminal and security checks, and new tamper-resistant documents will be issued. The rule went into effect immediately. Another change stipulates that a mariner must report (in writing) a lost document, including the circumstances surrounding the loss. Under the new rule, and according to The Federal Register, the Coast Guard will verify information provided on mariners’ original MMD applications and conduct record reviews and safety and security checks of applicants in accordance with applicable law. The agency may reject an application for an MMD if the record review and safety and security check leads officials to determine that the applicant’s criminal record or “character and habits of life” demonstrate that the applicant is not a “safe and suitable” person. A safe and suitable person eligible for an MMD is defined in The Federal Register as one who, as determined by the appropriate Coast Guard official, possesses the character and habits of life to warrant the belief that their presence aboard vessels of the United States is not adverse to the securi- ty of the United States. In instances where an application is disapproved, the applicant will be notified in writing of the reason(s) for disapproval, unless the Coast Guard determines that such disclosure of information is prohibited by law, regulation, or agency policy, in which case the reason(s) will not be disclosed. No MMD transactions will be performed pending a decision on an appeal. Although the new regulations immediately took effect, comments are being accepted until April 5, 2004. The text of the interim rule may be viewed at: http://www.access.gpo.gov/su _docs/fedreg/a040106c.html and at http://dms.dot.gov. At the latter address, click “simple search” and punch in the docket number (2003-14500). February 2004 �21209_Pg1,3_5,7,10,16.qxd 1/22/2004 8:46 AM Page 5 ‘High Threat’ Alert Issued MarAd Advises Caution in Wake of Homeland Security Announcement The U.S. Maritime Administration on Dec. 21 issued an advisory (MarAd Advisory 0306) in reaction to the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) raising of the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) from elevated (yellow) to threat condition high (orange). The HSAS later was changed back to an elevated (yellow) threat condition. Directed to operators of U.S.flag and other maritime interests, the advisory outlined steps that affected entities and agencies should take in response to the heightened threat levels. Threat condition high denotes an imminent risk of terrorist attack. According to the advisory, the DHS has received a substantial increase in the volume of threatrelated intelligence reports that are possibly greater now than at any time since September 11. The alert stated that the U.S. intelligence community believes Al-Qaida continues to develop plans to use aircraft as a weapon in suicide attacks in the United States and continues to study countries to determine those that have the least stringent aviation security measures. In addition, the acquisition, production or theft of chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear materials and subsequent dissemination is a top Al-Qaida objective, the correspondence said. Under the advisory, public and private owners of maritime vessels and facilities were encouraged to take the following actions: „ review all vessel security plans, „ monitor restricted areas, Operation Iraqi Freedom — Part 2 Continued from page 3 The agency added that much of the cargo in OIF2 is needed to help stabilize and reconstruct Iraq. “Obviously it means jobs, and that’s always a good thing,” noted QMED-Electrician Taylor Clear. “We’re going to get the job done, regardless of whatever it takes—whether we have to do it all at once, or three or four ships a month.” AB Jim Romeo described the new mission as “mandatory. It’s important. I was in the Marine Corps at the end of Vietnam, so I appreciate the need to get supplies and personnel over there. People don’t always think of logistics, but without it, we’d be in trouble. “You do whatever you’ve got to do,” he added. “We’ve got enough guys to crew up all the ships.” Unlicensed Junior Engineer Woodrow Smith said the opportunity to continue supporting U.S. troops “is good for the membership. To me, it’s a good thing we’re out there together with the armed forces.” Dunklin mentioned that his father sailed during World War II and that, because of U.S. Mariners’ high casualty rate during that war, “I can’t equate what I’m doing with what my father did.” But SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd said that Dunklin and other Seafarers who expressed similar sentiments “are being modest, which says a lot about the membership. They’re every bit as much the nation’s fourth arm of defense today as during earlier times. The only difference is we have much greater security today.” During the first phase of OIF, more than 2,000 SIU members crewed 100-plus vessels in support of U.S. troops. U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert described OIF as the most efficient sealift operation in history. „ control access to the vessel, „ monitor deck areas and areas surrounding the vessel, „ implement security lookouts and/or security patrols to ensure continuous monitoring, „ perform waterside boat patrols to ensure continuous monitoring, „ use divers to inspect the underwater pier structures associated with vessel berthing and loading/unloading operations, including piers and docks, prior to vessel arrival and upon arrival, and in other situations where deemed appropriate, „ control the embarkation of persons and their effects, and „ supervise the handling of cargo, vessel stores, and bunkers. The advisory urged maritime industry operators to maintain high levels of security and implement appropriate protective measures that correspond to threat condition orange under the HSAS. Recipients of the advisory were encouraged by the DHS to report information concerning suspicious or criminal activity to local law enforcement, local FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force or the Homeland Security Operations SIU VP Corgey Appointed To Key Labor Position On Maritime Security Group SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey has been appointed as the primary voting labor representative to the Houston-Galveston Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC), a group ultimately directed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Corgey has worked with the AMSC for the past two years. He accepted the four-year appointment as primary voting labor representative late last year. “It’s exciting to serve on the committee, and we’ve managed, through a lot of hard work and teamwork by all the stakeholders, to figure out ways to make our port more secure while maintaining the flow of commerce,” Corgey stated. “It’s also important to recognize that this appointment already has helped the SIU membership, because we were successful at the KinderMorgan Marine Terminal negotiating crew changes and shore leave for mariners for the first time since before September 11 (2001).” Among other stipulations, the Kinder-Morgan agreement requires that a vessel captain or agent provide 24-hour written notice of crew change; identify crew members and approved visitors; and supervise the crew change. The agreement took effect this year. U.S. Coast Guard Captain Richard M. Kaser, Federal Maritime Security Coordinator, congratulated Corgey in a letter dated Nov. 25, 2003. “I have been extremely pleased with the steady progress the committee has made on numerous fronts over the last two years. Your contributions in this effort have been critical to the committee’s success,” Kaser wrote. “In fact, the AMSC’s accomplishments and initiatives have served as a model for other ports throughout the United States.” Kaser described the AMSC’s work as “an aggressive port security planning agenda that has undoubtedly enhanced the area’s overall security. The committee has cultivated private and public sector relationships and initiated extensive dialogue that have led to numerous security-related work products.... The AMSC, as Federation Aims to Boost Grocery Workers The American Federation of LaborCongress of Industrial Organizations (AFLCIO) is stepping in to manage the national strategy for the ongoing California supermarket strike and lockout. Reports say the umbrella organization of 64 national and international unions (including the SIU) on Jan.20 assigned two of its veterans—AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka and Ron Judd, a regional director for the federation—to boost the workers’ campaign. Trumka played a crucial role in resolving the West Coast port lockout while Judd orchestrated federation protests at the tumultuous World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle. As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, about 70,000 grocery clerks from Kroger Co.’s Ralphs, Safeway Inc.’s Vons and Albertsons Inc. have been locked out or on strike since early October over contract differences, particularly the cost and scope of health care benefits for current employees and future hires. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) walked out at Vons and Pavilions Oct. 11. The next day, workers were locked out of Ralphs and Albertsons stores. The supermarket chains have one con- February 2004 Center (HSOC). The HSOC may be contacted at (202) 282-8101. The transportation industry also can report information concerning suspicious activity to their local FBI office through the FBI website http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm or to the National Infrastructure Protection Center (NIPC) at its website at: http://www.nipc.gov/incident/cirr.htm The alert said U.S. merchant vessels and cruise ships should be on a heightened state of security and closely monitor the national geospatial intelligence agency’s (NGA) broadcast warnings and should review the emergency communication procedures for assistance in NGA Publication 117. tract with the union, and they have been negotiating as a bloc. The stores have been operating with scabs since the strike commenced. The federation hopes a new series of events will attract public support and drum up pressure on the grocery chains after official negotiations stalled in December and informal, secret talks broke off earlier in the month. The plan is to pressure the supermarket companies by hounding executives and directors with phone calls and visits, staging demonstrations across the country—including a “pray-in” outside the Northern California home of the chief executive of Safeway Inc.—and persuading major grocery-company shareholders, such as pension funds, to take stands in the union’s favor. Assistance from the federation comes after two recent, laudable attempts by the UFCW to get contract talks back on track. In mid-December, the UFCW offered what union officials described as substantial concessions on health-care benefits. The companies dismissed the proposal as inadequate. In early January, national and local UFCW officials met secretly in San Francisco with midlevel managers from the supermarket chains. Union participants said four days of meetings brought them no closer to a resolution. Top AFL-CIO officials and representatives of 40 national labor unions on Jan. 17 discussed strategy and plans for fundraising during a conference call. More than $600,000 was pledged, Trumka said. In addition, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union revealed during a Jan. 20 a news conference that it plans to raise more than $1 million for health benefits for the picketing grocery workers; the longshoremen’s union will ask its members to pay an extra $25 a month in dues for six months. In another development, thousands of the striking grocery workers became ineligible for medical benefits Jan. 1 and must pay if they want insurance through March. Most lost their eligibility because they did not work sufficient hours in October and November as required by the health care trust fund rules, union officials said. Workers have been given a one-time option to buy family coverage through March for $365. Some employees, who work a smaller number of weekly hours, did qualify because of the low number of hours required under the plan. Other employees qualified because they secured part-time jobs at other union stores, including Gelson’s and Stater Brothers. But coverage is not guaranteed even for SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey the port security planning committee for the ports of Houston, Galveston, Texas City, and Freeport, has an overarching goal of hardening the ports through comprehensive security planning while striving to maintain economic viability. In this effort, I look to you (Corgey) to continue your invaluable committee work....” Corgey also serves as a vice president of the Texas AFL-CIO; as secretary-treasurer of the West Gulf Ports Council of the AFLCIO Maritime Trades Department; and on the executive board of the Harris County (Texas) AFL-CIO. those who opt to pay because the supermarket chains have not made full payments into the fund since the strike and lockout began. The union filed federal lawsuits last October against the three chains to keep them contributing to the health care fund. The lawsuit went to arbitration and a decision was expected late last month. Elsewhere, two civil suits on Jan. 2 and Jan. 5 were filed by the union against Ralphs that allege the company is falsifying employment records to retain locked out workers in some stores. The lawsuit filed Jan. 5 is a federal suit that charges Ralphs falsely reported to the trustees of the clerks’ health and pension benefits funds how many hours were worked by union members during the strike and lockout and how much money the grocer owed to the funds because UFCW members worked those hours. The reports were sent by mail, which the suit says constitutes mail fraud. The UFCW on Jan. 2 filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging the Ralphs supermarket chain has been secretly hiring back selected workers under false names and Social Security numbers. According to union spokeswomen Ellen Anreder and Barbara Maynard, the union had evidence from 50 to 100 striking workers who had secretly been hired back and then told to use fictitious names and Social Security numbers or those of their minor children. Seafarers LOG 5 �21209_P06,08,15.qxd 1/21/2004 12:57 AM Page 6 What You Need to Know About Anthrax Vaccine Editor’s note: This information is reprinted (with permission) from a brochure distributed by the U.S. military to armed forces personnel. U.S. mariners sailing in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom are required to receive the same vaccines. Anthrax Vaccine is Safe and Effective U.S. anthrax vaccine has been FDA-licensed since 1970. The National Academy of Sciences and six panels of civilian scientists confirm that anthrax vaccine works and is safe. (See www.nap.edu/catalog/10310.html) The Threat from Anthrax is Deadly and Real Anthrax is a top choice for use as a biological-warfare agent. The most deadly form of anthrax, inhalational anthrax, is the form most expected on the battlefield. You can be infected with anthrax and not know it, until it’s too late. Frequently Asked Questions Who should not get the anthrax vaccine? Some people should not get anthrax vaccine or should wait if the following apply: Serious reaction to a prior dose raising concerns about safety of next dose Pregnancy HIV and immunosuppressed individuals Recovered from cutaneous skin anthrax You can request an evaluation for a medical exemption from your provider. If you or your provider need assistance with medical exemption questions, the Walter Reed Vaccine Healthcare Center (VHC) is available for consultation services or referral for a second opinion. What side effects can I expect? A burning sensation often occurs immediately after getting anthrax vaccine and can last about a minute. Like other vaccines, anthrax vaccine may cause soreness, redness, itching and swelling at the injection site. Up to 30% of men and 60% of women report local reactions, but these reactions usually last only a few days. A lump at the site occurs commonly, up to 50% of the time, lasting for a few weeks. Larger reactions occur in about 1-4% of vaccinees. Beyond the injection site, 5% to 35% may notice such symptoms as muscle or joint aches, headaches, rashes, chills, low-grade fever or nausea. These symptoms usually go away in less than a week. Any vaccine, like all prescription drugs, can cause serious reactions including those requiring hospitalization or medical care. Severe allergic reactions occur less than once per 100,000 doses. How many shots will I get? The FDA-licensed schedule for anthrax vaccine is six doses given over 18 months: 0-2-4 weeks, 6-1218 months, plus annual boosters. It is important to stay on schedule and not to get a dose earlier than your due date. It is also important to continue the series once you start, even when returning from deployment. Is this vaccine safe and effective? Yes. Study after study shows people vaccinated against anthrax are as healthy as unvaccinated people. However, like all drugs, anthrax vaccine may rarely cause adverse reactions resulting in illness where a medical exemption is indicated. 6 Seafarers LOG America’s best scientists, serving on a committee of the National Academy of Sciences, said that anthrax vaccine, “as licensed, is an effective vaccine for the protection of humans against anthrax, including inhalational anthrax, caused by all known or plausible engineered strains of B. anthracis.” What about long-term side effects? This vaccine has been used for over 30 years. Like other vaccines, death or serious illness have rarely been reported after vaccination. Each case is carefully reviewed by CDC, FDA, and DoD, to make vaccinations as safe as possible. If I have a health problem or adverse event after vaccination, what do I do? First, if a health problem occurs following any vaccine, seek med- ical care to take care of your immediate health problem! If your symptoms persist, you or your provider may contact the Walter Reed Vaccine Healthcare Center at (202) 782-0411. Then follow the information below to file a report with the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). When do we file a VAERS report? Adverse events after vaccination are reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). VAERS forms are available at www.vaers.org or call (800) 822-7967. Health care workers and vaccine recipients are encouraged to report via the VAERS system any severe events that require medical treatment and/or interfere with work or recreation. VAERS reporting is required with reactions that cause hospitalization or loss of work for 24 hours or more. You or any healthcare provider (civilian or military) treating you may contact the Walter Reed Vaccine Healthcare Center (VHC) for assistance with preparing and submitting a VAERS report or vaccine adverse event consultation. If I started anthrax vaccinations, but had doses delayed, do I have to restart the series? No, you will not have to restart the series. You will simply pick up where you left off. This is consistent with national guidelines from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The protection of each additional dose builds on the immune response to earlier doses and delays in timing do not interfere with the response. This is like climbing steps on a ladder towards full protection. What if I’m pregnant, breast-feeding or I’m planning on having children? Good medical practice defers vaccination during pregnancy, unless clearly needed…. A study at Fort Stewart found that vaccinated women get pregnant and give birth at the same rate as unvaccinated women. Outcomes of pregnancies are comparable in vaccinated and unvaccinated women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that vaccines are safe both for nursing mothers and their breast-fed infants. There is no medical reason for vaccinated women or partners of vaccinated men to delay child bearing. What You Need to Know About Smallpox Editor’s note: This information is reprinted (with permission) from a brochure distributed by the U.S. military to armed forces personnel. U.S. mariners sailing in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom are required to receive the same vaccines. What is smallpox? Smallpox is a very serious disease; it is contagious and sometimes fatal. Smallpox is an infection caused by a germ called variola virus. About three out of 10 people infected with smallpox will die. Survivors are often scarred and, in rare cases, may be blinded. Smallpox spreads slowly, usually by face-toface contact for an hour or more with a contagious person. People with smallpox become contagious just before a rash begins and just after their temperature goes over 101°F (38.3°C). They stay contagious until all scabs from their rash fall off. The symptoms of smallpox begin with high fever, head and body aches, and sometimes vomiting. A rash follows that spreads and progresses to raised bumps that crust, scab and fall off after about three weeks, leaving pitted scars. Smallpox can be spread by contact with inanimate objects (such as clothing, towels, linens), but this would be uncommon. Smallpox can be prevented through the use of smallpox vaccine. What is the smallpox vaccine? Smallpox vaccine contains live vaccinia virus (not smallpox virus) to protect against smallpox. This same vaccine was given to millions of Americans, including Service Members during World War I, World War II, and until the 1980s. FDA recently licensed a supply of smallpox vaccine made by Wyeth Laboratories called Dryvax®. Vaccine used for Service Members passes all tests required by the FDA. The World Health Organization (WHO) used smallpox vaccine to eradicate natural smallpox from the planet. After a single smallpox vaccination, about 95% of people develop protection within 10 days. Many people have never been vaccinated against smallpox. Other people probably have little immunity left from vaccinations given years ago. Who should not get smallpox vaccine? Except in an outbreak situation, some people should not get smallpox vaccine, including: People whose immune system is not working fully (due to disease, medication, or radiation), such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, transplant, immune deficiency. People diagnosed with eczema or atopic dermatitis, now or earlier in life. People with current skin conditions, such as burns, impetigo, contact dermatitis, chickenpox, shingles, psoriasis, or uncontrolled acne, until the condition clears up. Pregnant women. People with a household contact who meets any of the conditions above. People with serious heart or vessel conditions (such as angina, heart attack, artery disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, other cardiac problem). People with three cardiac risk factors (smoking, high blood pressure or cholesterol, diabetes, family history). People taking steroid eye drops or ointment. Breastfeeding mothers. Anyone who had problems after previous doses or is allergic to the vaccine or any component. Also please note: Women should avoid getting pregnant for 4 weeks after smallpox vaccination. People directly exposed to smallpox virus should get vaccinated regardless of health status (unless extremely immune suppressed). What should I expect at the vaccination site? If vaccination is successful, a red and itchy bump forms at the vaccination site in 2 to 4 days. Over the next few days, the bump becomes a blister and fills with pus. During the second week, the blister dries up and a scab forms. The scab falls off after 2 to 4 weeks, leaving a scar. People vaccinated for the first time may have a larger reaction than those being revaccinated. Anyone who does not get the expected reaction needs to be revaccinated. If you have a question or concern about the smallpox vaccination site, contact your primary-care manager or healthcare provider. Virus is present on the skin at the vaccination site until the scab falls off. Be careful not to touch it, so you don’t spread virus elsewhere, especially to the eyes, nose, mouth or genitalia. Wash your hands frequently. Alcohol-based cleansers or soap and water are both effective. If you develop chest pain, become short of breath, or have other symptoms within 2 weeks after vaccination, seek medical care. If you need medical care in the month after your vaccination, tell your provider you just got a smallpox vaccination. Tell any civilian employers, too. What side effects should I expect? Most people have reactions, usually mild, such as itching, swollen lymph nodes, sore arm, fever, headache, body ache, mild rash or fatigue. These symptoms may peak 3 to 12 days after vaccination. In the past, about 1,000 out of every 1,000,000 vaccinated people experienced reactions that were serious, but not life-threatening. Most involved spreading vaccinia virus elsewhere on the body. In the past, between 14 and 52 people out of 1,000,000 vaccinated for the first time experienced potentially life-threatening reactions, including skin reactions and encephalitis (inflammation of brain). From past experience, 1 or 2 people in 1,000,000 who receive smallpox vaccine may die as a result. After the first 500,000 military smallpox vaccinations thru December 2003, few serious reactions occurred. Some first-time vaccinees had chest pain due to myo-pericarditis (inflammation in or around the heart). These cases ranged from mild to serious. One case of lupus-like illness may have been triggered by vaccination. A few heart attacks, some fatal, have been reported. At this time, they are not believed to be caused by vaccine. DoD medically exempts people with heart conditions. Further investigation is underway. We try to reduce the risk of side effects by exempting people who should not receive this vaccine. What can I do to prevent spreading the vaccine virus (vaccinia) to my household pets? There is no evidence that vaccinia virus can infect cats, dogs, or other household pets, nor that pets can spread the virus to other people in the household. Take the usual protective steps (e.g., sleeves, bandages, hand washing) to keep vaccinia virus from reaching your pet. How should I care for the vaccination site? Three Key Points: 1. Don’t touch your vaccination site. 2. If you touch it by accident, wash your hands right away. 3. Don’t let others touch your vaccination site or materials that touched it. Vaccine virus (vaccinia) is present at the vaccination site for about 14 to 28 days, until the scab falls off. This means other people can get infected if they come in contact with vaccinia virus from your arm. Minimize close contact with infants until the scab falls off. Or have someone else handle the infant. Most vaccination sites can be left unbandaged, when not in contact with other people. Use an absorbent bandage as a touch-resistant barrier. When near others, wear sleeves to cover the site and prevent scratching. Dispose of bandages in sealed or double plastic bags. You may carefully add a little bleach to the bag, to kill the virus. Keep the site dry. Air will speed healing. Do not use creams or ointments; they will delay healing and can spread the virus. Wear longsleeve clothing to protect the site. Launder clothing and linens that touch the site in hot water with soap or bleach. Normal bathing can continue, but don’t touch or scrub the vaccination site. Dry the site last, with something disposable, so a towel does not rub or spread virus elsewhere. Don’t allow others to use that towel until laundered. Don’t use public towels, unless laundry workers know you were vaccinated. Use a waterproof bandage if you exercise enough to cause sweat to drip. Avoid swimming and hot tubs. Don’t let your guard down at home! Take good care of your vaccination site. Keep this sheet. Read it again later. Be sure to ask questions. For more information: 877-GET-VACC www.smallpox.mil www.anthrax.mil vaccines@amedd.army.mil www.seafarersorg/members February 2004 �21209_Pg1,3_5,7,10,16.qxd 1/22/2004 8:47 AM Page 7 Revamped FOWT Course Preps Students For Endorsements, STCW Certification The new U.S. Coast Guardapproved Fireman/Watertender and Oiler (FOWT) program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education prepares candidates to earn both the Fireman/WT and Oiler rating endorsements as well as STCW certification as a Rating Forming Part of the Engineering Watch. This eight-week program consists of three course modules: Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations (four weeks), Basic Motor Plant Operations (two weeks), and Basic Steam Plant Operations (two weeks). Students are assessed via written examinations with a primary emphasis on practical marine engineering plant operations while in a support role, as well as a practical demonstration of job-related skills. Students are required to perform those tasks associated with the performance of their job duties as a watchstander, including routine maintenance performed while on watch. The updated program makes extensive use of engineering plant simulators. “The new program is not only designed to provide members the necessary training for Coast Guard rating endorsements and STCW certification, but also provides an excellent foundation for continued growth and development as a professional mariner working in the engine room,” said Bill Eglinton, director of training at the Piney Point, Md. school. The following is an overview of each module and its contents: Instructor Eric Malzkuhn points out some of the engine simulator functions to Brandy White and other students in the FOWT class. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations Module fixed and semi-portable dry chemical systems, fixed and semi-portable foam systems, and fire main and sprinkler systems. The miscellaneous systems segment covers the layout, arrangement and operation of bilge and ballast systems, central priming systems, general service sea water and low temperature fresh water cooling systems, potable water and engine room fresh water service systems, sanitary flushing and sanitary drain systems, lube oil filling and transfer systems, and fuel oil filling and transfer systems. Topics in auxiliary plant operations include the layout, arrangement, principles, operation and monitoring of distilling plants, oily water separators, sewage treatment plants, hydraulic power plants, electro-hydraulic steering Consists of instruction and practical training in basic marine engineering, fire protection systems and emergency response procedures, miscellaneous systems, and auxiliary plant operations. Topics in basic marine engineering include basic machines and mechanical energy transformations, thermal energy and combustion principles, fluid power using both hydraulic and pneumatic mediums, electrical energy and basic electricity, basic metallurgy and engineering materials, and piping system hardware. Subjects in fire protection systems and emergency response procedures include the layout, arrangement, use and operation of fire detection and alarm systems, fixed CO2 flooding systems, Corey Hann monitors a simulator screen on the second day of his FOWT course. The class blends practical training with classroom instruction. Seafarers Rescue 3 The Seafarers-crewed Lykes Discoverer recently rescued three people on the high seas near Bermuda. At 2040 hours on Dec. 22, the Discoverer was contacted by a U.S. Coast Guard aircraft and advised that the agency had located what they believed to be the fishing vessel Sea Gypsy, a boat that was overdue on a voyage from Newfoundland to Bermuda with three persons aboard. At the time of the communication, the Discoverer was located some 25 miles away from the Sea Gypsy’s position. After instructing his crew to establish continuous communications with the Coast Guard aircraft and prepare the vessel to take persons on board, Discoverer Capt. Scott Putty set course for the Sea Gypsy. At about 2210 hours, crew members from the Discoverer had the smaller boat in sight and Putty began maneuvering his vessel into position to take her alongside. February 2004 gear, lube oil purification plants, fuel oil treatment plants, compressed air plants, auxiliary boilers, motor vessel steam plants, refrigeration plants, air conditioning plants, and electricity generating plants. Auxiliary plant simulations consist of stand-alone plant simulations as well as those integrated with diesel propulsion plant and steam propulsion plant simulations. Basic Motor Plant Operations Module Consists of instruction and practical training in power transmission systems, diesel engines, diesel engine support systems, plant automation, reduction gears, propulsion shafting and associated bearings, and propellers. Topics in power transmission systems include the layout and arrangement of gear, chain and belt drives; solid and flexible couplings; brakes and clutches; and principles of lubrication, lubricants and bearings. Topics in diesel engines include the layout, arrangement, construction, principles, operation and monitoring of slow and medium speed propulsion diesel engines, medium speed generator diesel engines, high speed auxiliary and emergency generator diesel engines, and diesel-electric drives. Subjects in diesel engine support systems include the layout, arrangement, operation and monitoring of starting systems, fuel oil service systems and fuel injection equipment, charge air and exhaust systems, fresh water and sea water cooling systems, lubricating oil systems and crankcase Some 40 minutes later, after safely securing the Sea Gypsy, Discoverer crew members passed out lifejackets to the three distressed mariners aboard the boat. They later were brought aboard the Discoverer and their boat was abandoned. Rescued from the Sea Gypsy were Capt. Whitfield J. Brathwaite and his two-person crew— Joseph A. Brathwaite and Alphonse A. Barrow. All three had credentials from Barbados. Once aboard the Discoverer, Capt. Brathwaite informed his liberators that he and his shipmates had been adrift for four days. Their vessel lost power and they were unsuccessful in their repeated attempts to restart any generators, the captain said. They had been without food for several days. All were fed, given shelter and afforded phone calls to their families. Putty commended the work of Bosun Matthew Sagay and that of the other crew members during the rescue. ventilation systems. Issues covered during plant automation include the layout, arrangement and operation of engine operating controls, diesel engine governors, process control systems, automation sequencing, self-protection and alarms. Topics in reduction gears include the layout, arrangement, operation and monitoring of reversing and non-reversing reduction gears and propulsion clutches. Course material in propulsion shafting includes the layout, arrangement, operation and monitoring of propulsion shafting, thrust bearings, line shaft or spring bearings, stern tube bearings and strut bearings. Subjects in propellers include the layout, arrangement, operation and monitoring of fixed pitch and controllable pitch propellers and controllable pitch propeller servos. Motor plant simulations consist of stand-alone plant simulations as well as those integrated with auxiliary plant and electricity generating plant simulations. Both slow speed and medium speed diesel propulsion plants are modeled. Additionally, the motor plant simulation program offers a complete mockup of an engine control room including propulsion plant, auxiliary plant, and electricity generating plant prime mover operating consoles as well as a main switchboard. Basic Steam Plant Operations Module Consists of instruction and practical training in the steam and water cycle, marine power boilers, turbines, condensers, air removal equipment, condensate and feed heating equipment, steam plant systems, plant automation, reduction gears and propulsion shafting, and casualty control. Topics in the steam and water cycle include steam generation, steam expansion, steam condensation, the preparation and introduction of feed and the thermodynamic properties of steam. Matters addressed in marine power boilers include the layout, arrangement, construction, principles, operation and monitoring of single and divided furnace boilers, controlled and uncontrolled superheat boilers, nonautomated and automated boilers, and steam-to-steam generators. Subjects in turbines include the layout, arrangement, con- struction, principles, operation and monitoring of main and auxiliary turbines, and condensing and non-condensing turbines. Material covered in condensers includes the layout, arrangement, construction, principles, operation and monitoring of main and auxiliary condensers. Topics in air removal equipment include the layout, arrangement, principles, operation and monitoring of main and auxiliary air ejectors, vacuum pumps, and de-arating feed tanks. The condensate and feed heating equipment segment covers the layout, arrangement, operation and monitoring of low pressure and high pressure feed heaters, air ejector and gland exhaust condensers, and boiler economizers. The steam plant systems section includes the layout, arrangement, operation and monitoring of steam systems, condensate systems, condensate drain systems, feed systems, sea water circulating cooling systems, fuel oil service systems, forced draft and exhaust systems and lubricating oil systems. Plant automation addresses the layout, arrangement and operation of boiler and turbine operating controls, turbine governors, process control systems, automation sequencing, self-protection and alarms. Course content in reduction gears and propulsion shafting includes the layout, arrangement, operation and monitoring of reduction gears and propulsion shafting, thrust bearings, line shaft or spring bearings, stern tube bearings, strut bearings and propellers. Subjects in casualty control include the appropriate corrective reaction to boiler low, high and out-of-sight unknown boiler water level casualties as well as a boiler economizer fire casualty. Steam plant simulations consist of stand-alone plant simulations as well as those integrated with auxiliary plant and electricity generating plant simulations. In all phases of instruction, proper watchstanding techniques are emphasized. Proper relieving of the watch, conducting of machinery space rounds, taking log readings, using operating plant guides, consulting engineering watch supervisors, seeking clarification when in doubt, using and updating machinery status boards, communicating effectively, and handing over of the watch are all emphasized and are an integral part of the assessment process. Safety awareness and the proper response to engineering plant and shipboard emergencies are strongly emphasized. Richard Rowland (left) and Terrance Colbert familiarize themselves with the simulator. Seafarers LOG 7 �21209_P06,08,15.qxd 1/22/2004 5:24 PM Page 8 Seafarer Shepard’s Tales Are No Bull “What’s the difference between a sea story and a fairytale?” asks author and SIU member Earl G. (Bullet) Shepard. “A fairytale starts out with Once Upon a Time, and a sea story starts out with This Ain’t No Sh*t!” In his new book, aptly titled “This Ain’t No Sh*t!,” Shepard offers a collection of satiric stories about his life as a merchant mariner. Shepard has sailed for 31 years and began writing his life experiences “a couple years ago.” His book is a collection of humorous stories intended “to bring smiles and evoke laughter.” In describing the book, Shepard notes, “A variety of nautical tales has emerged. From Roscoe the monkey who almost took my ears off as I waited for a date, to an abusive so-called captain being blown off a toilet seat, these stories may make you laugh until your sides hurt. Others will make you wonder why these men go to sea!” The book begins when Shepard is 18 years old, following his father’s footsteps into a seafaring career, and takes readers up to the present. Shepard sails as an AB/tankerman and dedicates this book to his daughter, Dawn. The 498-page book is published by 1st Books Library. It is available on the web at www.1stbooks.com for $18.25 in paperback and for $5.95 in electronic format. Shepard is the son of the late Earl “Bull” Shepard, one of the SIU’s founders. SIU member Earl G. (Bullet) Shepard’s book is a collection of humorous stories about his life as a merchant mariner. Former SIU Member Writes Volume About Life in the Merchant Marine Tell someone you are a schoolteacher, and you will hear, “That’s a noble profession. What grade do you teach?” But tell someone you are in the merchant marine, and you will get the deer-in-the-headlights look. “I thought the merchant marine went away in World War II.” Michael Rawlins knows. After leaving the world of broadcasting for a life on the water, he joined the SIU in 1990, graduating from trainee class 465. He continues today as an officer in the AMO, currently aboard a ship in Iraq. According to Rawlins, “Most people are not quite sure what the merchant marine is, so they try to relate to it on the only level they know—old swashbuckling books and movies. I wanted to give a perspective of someone with years on the water—to combine history with some good ol’ sea stories.” And that he does. This book is the story of a young man leaving the rural Midwest for a life at sea and a world of travel, and has a cast of colorful, eccentric characters. But more than just wild sea stories, “The Last American Sailors” (subtitled “A Wild Ride in the Modern Merchant Marine”) looks at the historical events that have brought about the change in a once glorious industry. What kind of hold does the ocean have on these men and women who keep heading back out to sea? Is there really a girl in every port? Do you go to lots of exotic ports? Aren’t you afraid of falling overboard? “The Last American Sailors” answers these questions and more. Rawlins reminisces about his Michael Rawlins writes about what he knows best—life in the U.S. Merchant Marine. days as a trainee. “I’ll never forget marching around the school at dawn on those bone-chilling Piney Point winter mornings,” he states. And although he currently holds a second mate’s license, he says he will always remember his roots. Michael Rawlins combines history with some good old sea stories in this book, due out in the spring. Memorial for Brother Smith 8 Seafarers LOG “In fact, originally the book was titled “The Last American Sailor,” singular. This seemed too much about the author, too much like a bio, so I added the ‘s.’ The real stars of the book are the people I sailed with—the Brotherhood of the Sea.” The book, which has been designated “Editor’s Choice” by the publisher, iuniverse, and will be featured in the winter edition of the Copperfield Literary Review, is due out in the spring in San Francisco, Rawlins’ home port for many years. He will then embark on a book signing tour to Nevada, Utah, Illinois, Missouri and Maryland. When not at sea, Rawlins makes his home in the Southwest desert. Colorful Book Spotlights Inland Tugboat Industry “Tugboats ‘n Towlines: The Men and Women Who Give Them Life” by Warren Salinger focuses on the American tugboat industry. It offers insights on the roles these vessels and their crews play in the world and its global economy. The 128-page book features tugs of varying sizes, and describes the many fascinating aspects of the tugboat industry. It represents the culmination of visits made by Salinger to 30 United States seaports on all three coasts and Lake Michigan. Included are eight of the United States’ top 20 seaports in terms of tonnage handled. The work—while containing some 200 full color photos of tugs—really is about the men and women who work on the vessels rather than the boats themselves. It contains the insights of some 80 individuals who granted interviews Great Lakes Towing is one of the SIUto shed light on the contracted companies whose crews and American tugboat commu- boats are featured in the book. nity. Additionally, the work offers a great deal of data about the boats, ports and river systems Brent Dibner, editor of Tugbitts, the newsletter of the Tugboat Enthusiasts Society of America, calls “Tugboats ‘n Towlines: The Men and Women Who Give Them Life” “the best-written treatment of the American tugboat industry I have ever seen and a great addition to maritime literature.” The book is available directly from the publisher (Twin Lights Publishers, Inc.) at info@twinlightspub.com, telephone (978) 5467398, web site www.twinlightspub.com. Seafarers who want to purchase a copy of the work may do so at a 20 percent discount off its retail price. To take advantage of this offer, members must call the publisher at the above number and identify themselves as SIU members when placing their orders. SIU Pensioner Francis “Bert” Smith, 70, was remembered by family and friends last month during a memorial service (right) at the Seafarers Haven cemetery, located near the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Smith (pictured at left, in the Philadelphia hall) passed away Oct. 15, 2003. The Philadelphia native sailed with the SIU from 1966 until his retirement in 1995. Brother Smith served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. With the SIU, he sailed in the deep sea and inland divisions, working in the engine and deck departments. A number of family members and friends, including several SIU officials, attended the memorial service Jan. 5. February 2004 �21209_p9,11_14,17_24.qxd 1/16/2004 4:04 PM Page 9 DOT Announces ‘E-Seal’ Test Results The U.S. Department of Transportation last month reported that electronic seal technology is maturing and may be applied to container security, according to a study released Jan. 7 by the Cargo Handling Cooperative Program (CHCP). Electronic seals, or e-seals, have been proposed as a way to improve security and track cargo movements worldwide. However, e-seals would likely have to be standardized in order to be widely used, and the study did not find any one type suitable for use as a standard. The CHCP, a partnership between the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration and private industry, compared five electronic security seals proposed for use on inter- modal freight containers. The study found that the technology will continue to improve, and that it is critical to allow for growth in performance in application to the industry “There’s an urgent need for effective technology in this area,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta. “By testing e-seals in the laboratory, at terminal gates, on the road, and in a simulated rail environment, we are making significant steps toward ensuring the safety of cargo containers throughout the nation.” The seals tested were All Seal by All Set Tracking, DataSeal by Hi-G-Tek, eSeal by eLogicity, MacSema + Navalink by CGM, and SmartSeal by Savi The e-seals have container information and can show if the seal has been subjected to tampering. The tested seals can be “read” by direct contact or on a specific radio frequency, which varies with the type of seal. For a system using e-seals to be efficient, seals would likely have to be “read” by one kind of reader, using one standard radio frequency. “For e-seals to be useful, there will have to be an accepted international standard,” said Maritime Administrator Capt. William G. Schubert. “Any reallife solution must also provide real improvements in security and efficiency without unduly burdening operators. These results show that the intermodal freight community needs to take into consideration design and operations issues before any sin- 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. Good Calls My wife and I simply want to say “thank you” for the many years of pleasurable service the union has given us, especially the friendly help on the telephone. Captain Richard J. Conner Boyertown, Penn. Many Thanks I am 85 years old and wish to thank the Seafarers Plans and all Seafarers who’ve helped me and my family over the years. I sailed from July 30, 1946 to December 6, 1981. I sailed on 50 ships, plus or minus, and went to that many countries, too. I walked the strike lines in 1946 and I made two round-the-world trips. I never can thank the SIU enough for all they have done for me. Lester J. Moore Livingston, Texas ‘If You Don’t Like It…’ How many of you who work for a paycheck have run into a situation like this or know someone who has? „ You need a day off to take an aging and infirm parent to the doctor, but your boss says no. „ The boss tells you to go punch out so he won’t be responsible for overtime pay, but says you have to come back and finish a job. „ You train a new employee and that person immediately gets the higher paying position that you are qualified for. In all of the above cases, or in any other arbitrary or unfair work situation, you may be told that “if you don’t like it, you can go work someplace else” These scenarios are not farfetched. Communication, energy, hotel and retail corporations have committed these and many other unfair labor practices. What’s worse, they’ve gotten away with them for years. The one thing they all have in common: unorganized workers! Employees who don’t have February 2004 union representation often give their company’s management a docile, pliable and, in many cases, fearful work force. Each employee can be dealt with as management sees fit. Favoritism, harassment, arbitrary policy changes and indiscriminate layoffs or firings are all common tools of management when labor lies down. However, when workers unite and organize, these conditions change. Unfortunately, the reality is that in today’s work environment, many companies will fight viciously to keep their employees from organizing. The question is: Why? What does management have to fear from organized labor? The average American corporate CEO makes 117 times the salary of an hourly worker employed by the company. Corporate board members get similar salaries. Along with the inflated executive salaries come perks that include large stock options, “golden parachute” retirement and severance packages that pay even if the company fails, homes and “loans” that never have to be paid back. Investors and major stockholders want 15-20 percent shortterm returns on their money. All of this is paid out of the corporation’s profits. Organized workers help ensure, through collective bargaining, that a fair share of the profit goes to those whose labor produces the goods or services that generate the earnings. Management’s fear is sharing the wealth. In their view, treating their work force with dignity and giving them a greater share of the profits through higher wages, benefits and job security amounts to “bad business.” It’s no secret that workers who decide to organize face an uphill battle. Many companies spend millions of dollars on union busters. These “union avoidance consultants” train front line supervisors in how to identify and harass organizing leaders. On their advice, management will hold mandatory meetings, in order to force-feed employees many myths, half-truths and outright lies about unions. Nevertheless, committed and educated union activists can overcome these obstacles. Here are some of the union “urban legends” management will put out and the truth behind them. 1. “Unions are dinosaurs. They aren’t necessary anymore.” Anyone who believes this has never heard of Enron, Global Crossing or K-mart. A contract with any of these giants could have put union officials in a position to keep the company honest. Even if they couldn’t prevent the failures, they could have seen to it that those who lost their jobs got the severance pay and benefits they deserved before the board members ran off with the company treasury. 2. “Our company treats employees like family. We don’t need a ‘third party’ to interfere.” All of the companies mentioned above made a point of telling employees that they were part of a “family.” Unions are not “third-parties.” Unions are you, the employees, standing together and acting collectively. 3. “Unions are corrupt, and they only want your dues.” Human beings run unions. For every individual guilty of corruption in any union, there are many thousands of decent, hard-working people in unions advancing the cause of work with dignity and living wages. Also, dues are needed to pay operating costs and salaries. Elected committees monitor costs and set salaries. Unions are democratic organizations that can be changed from within. Any eligible member can aspire to any union office and work to help ensure the union remains true to its membership. If union negotiators get you a contract that raises your annual salary, provides for paid overtime, includes health and life insurance, creates a pension plan and pro- Capt. William G. Schubert U.S. Maritime Administrator Norman Y. Mineta U.S. Secretary of Transportation gle e-seal solution can be standardized.” The work of the cooperative was supported by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center of San Diego, California, and the Center for Commercial Deployment of Transportation Technologies (CCDoTT) at the California State University, Long Beach. The report is available online at www.marad.dot.gov. vides job security, then doesn’t paying dues make sense? The list goes on but the picture of what organized labor can do for a company and community is very different from what management often would have you believe. Workers who have secure jobs with good wages, benefits and job security are happy, more productive and help the company improve its product or service. They can be as active in helping cut costs and making an operation more efficient as any corporate bean counter if given the opportunity. Communities that support organized labor benefit as well. Workers who earn more buy homes and shop for higher-end consumer goods. This drives local economies and creates more jobs. Higher wages and home ownership increase tax bases, allowing local governments to provide better service and build better schools. Secure, living-wage jobs benefit everyone in a community, not just company employees. So the next time you hear the “If you don’t like it, leave” refrain, don’t leave. Remember that dignity and respect in the workplace are worthwhile goals that can be achieved through solidarity and perseverance. Organize, unionize and change your company and community for the better! help secure “just compensation” for those of us surviving. After much discussion with Congressman Filner and his staff, we have modified the bill completely, from title to contents. Here are the major changes:] „ Title has been changed to Combat Merchant Mariners Adjustment Act of 2004. „ Eligibility has been modified to any service “in harm’s way,” in the period from Dec. 5, 1941 through Dec. 31, 1946 (the same period as all other G.I. bills of World War II). „ Compensation has been modified to $1,000 per month, tax-free. „ Widows will be recognized. Any surviving wife of a qualified veteran shall be eligible to receive the same benefit as the veteran…. We will advise when the bill is introduced and a number has been assigned. What you can do then to help ensure passage of the Combat Merchant Mariners Adjustment Act of 2004 is, write telephone, fax or email your representative and the senators from your state, and send a copy of the correspondence to Congressman Filner to show your support. Write an extra letter or two to the editor of your local newspaper. Get the bill mentioned on your local television or radio station. Ask your congressmen to not only support our bill, but to become a cosponsor. We will have a senator introduce the bill in the Senate at the same time, as a companion bill…. AB Billy Bushey Aboard the USNS Kilauea New Bill For WWII Mariners We have found a U.S. Congressman, Bob Filner of the California 51st Congressional District, who has recognized the efforts of our committee to secure recognition for World War II merchant marine veterans and will Ian T. Allison, Santa Rosa, Calif. and Henry Van Gemert, Palmetto, Fla. Co-Chairmen, Just Compensation Committee Editor’s note: The committee consists of representatives from the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV). IMPORTANT NOTICE SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. Seafarers LOG 9 �21209_p01,02,10.qxd 1/22/2004 10:05 AM Page 10 Labor Briefs Working on the Great Lakes BLE Merges with Teamsters The 140-year-old Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers (BLE) formally merged with the Teamsters on Jan. 1, after BLE members approved the merger by an 81 to 19 percent margin on Dec. 5, the union said. BLE-Canada members also voted to merge with Teamsters Canada, by a 62 percent - 38 percent tally. “The merger will strengthen our efforts to ensure members maintain a strong political voice at the national level ... and continued aggressive representation at the local level,” BLE President James Hahs and Teamsters President James Hoffa said in a joint statement. Exporting Jobs from Mexico? Faced with their jobs being sent from Mexico to China, the 10,000 union workers at Volkswagen’s Mexican plant plan a worldwide meeting—and possible strike—of VW workers, U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) said. The Toledo Union Journal reports Kaptur told United Auto Workers retirees in mid-December that many Mexican auto workers who got jobs due to the so-called North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) are paid $25 daily “but they’re scared their companies will downsize them because they’re getting paid too much.” Chinese workers with similar jobs earn 20 cents an hour. The Mexican VW union, which is independent, wants a worldwide meeting of VW workers to plan their next moves to counter the trend of moving to lowest-cost nations. Now Hear This: CWA Wins A federal district court judge in New Jersey has thrown out a lawsuit by Verizon Wireless against the Communications Workers of America. Verizon Wireless argued that CWA’s parody of the company’s “Can you hear me now?” slogan during the union’s effort to win a fair contract in 2002 violated trademark laws. In television, radio and newspaper ads, workers raised questions about Verizon’s labor policies and asked, “Verizon: Can you hear us now?” On Dec. 11, Judge Mary Cooper found trademark laws don’t apply to the type of labor speech involved in the CWA campaign and dismissed the company’s suit. NY Retail Workers’ Wages Still Dropping New York retail workers’ wages have been on a 3-year downward slide, and since 1998 have been below those of their Chicago counterparts, a new report says. New York economist Moshe Adler discloses, however, that Chicago retail workers’ wages slid for the last three years, too. They’re above New York’s, however. Retail is New York’s greatest employer of workers without college degrees. According to the report, in 1996 the average real wage for a New York retail worker, after inflation, was $9.95 per hour, 70 cents ahead of Chicago’s hourly wage. The New York retail wage reached an hourly peak of $11.55 in 2000, before the recession hit, but by then the average hourly retail wage in Chicago was $12.84. Since then, the New York wage has fallen to $10.53, compared to $10.93 in Chicago. Adler advocated “unionization ... as social policy” as a way to raise retail workers’ wages. Levi’s Closes Last 2 Sewing Plants More than 2 million U.S. manufacturing jobs have been lost in recent years. The effects of NAFTA and other so-called free trade agreements have been to send jobs to other countries where labor is cheaper and environmental regulations less stringent. The latest casualty in this trade war is Levi Strauss & Co., the manufacturer of the world-known symbol of American apparel—Levi’s blue jeans. The 150-year-old company closed its remaining two U.S. sewing plants in San Antonio last month, leaving 800 workers without jobs. The last three company-owned plants in Canada will shut down in the spring. Most of the production work will now be done in China and other countries with a cheaper work force. Harold Rodrigues, the yard man at Great Lakes Towing, ties up the tug Colorado in South Chicago. Bosun Mike Keogh runs the hatch crane aboard American Steamship Corp.’s John J. Boland in Grand Haven, Mich. Perfoming some maintenance work on the tug Daryl C. Hannah in Lemont Ill. is William Polk. A great lunch prepared by Cook Steven Tanis in Lemont, Ill. awaits crew members aboard the tug Daryl C. Hannah. Attention: Seafarers IT TAKES A FOUR-LETTER WORD . . . TO BE HEARD Manufacturing Workers to D.C. More than 3,500 manufacturing workers are expected in Washington, D.C. Feb. 3 for the Industrial Union Council legislative conference. The union members will hear from congressional leaders and lobby their elected officials to support the Employee Free Choice Act and laws to provide incentives for investment in domestic manufacturing. Textile Jobs Threatened U.S. textile and apparel workers are “on the verge of a catastrophe,” said an official from the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE). Mark Levinson, UNITE’s policy director, addressed a National Research Council committee Jan. 7. The forum examined the impact of international trade on local communities, and Levinson warned that if current quotas on the importation of foreign textiles and apparel are allowed to expire in January 2005, U.S. textile job losses will accelerate. A 1994 World Trade Organization agreement calls for the end of the quotas next year. 10 Seafarers LOG February 2004 �21209_p9,11_14,17_24.qxd 1/16/2004 4:05 PM Page 11 Celebrating With the SIU SIU members, officials and pensioners and their families enjoyed a holiday meal at the Philadelphia hall. Left: U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) was treated to lunch recently when he visited the USNS Victorious in Pearl Harbor. Among those posing with the congressman are EU Jeremy Vaughan, Chief Engineer Mohammad Islam, EU Thomas Swayne Jr., Chief Mate Stephen Reynolds, MDR Thomas Kingsbury, Capt. John Robbins, Abercrombie, MSCO Cdr. Vivar and MSC Rep Bill Homer. Robbins, who used to sail as an AB on the USNS Wilkes, earned his third mate license in 1994. When the tug Coastal Reliance and its accompanying barge 550-4 were christened late last year in Long Beach, Calif., SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (standing second from left) and SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (standing fourth from left) joined in the celebration. With them are crew members Captain Dale Wilson, Chief Engineer Paul Joiner, AB Utility Robert Tierney Jr., Chief Mate Chris Valley, Utility Karen Fensel, AB/Tankerman Brian McLarnon, 2nd Mate Bob Mills and AB/Tankerman Lewis Findley. Right: Also pictured with Abercrombie are, from left, EU Thomas Swayne, EU Jeremy Vaughan, Abercrombie, 1st Asst. Engineer Robert Tombari and Chief Engineer Mohammad Islam. Christmas in Norfolk AB Mark Davis and his son SIU Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny, Secretary Ethel Brooks and SIU Rep Sam Spain Guest Larry Alexander, SIU Rep Sam Spain, Guest Connie Shocklock and SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram Left: Former NMU Port Agent Melvin McCray and his wife, Lettie Right: Chief Steward James Cameron Above: Chief Steward James Cameron, Chief Cook Rachel Cutler, Chief Cook William ‘Fats’ Belcher, Steward/Baker Ralph Edmunds and his wife, Sisi, and QMED Hugh ‘Woody’ Woods AB Laurentis Colbert and his wife, Bernadette February 2004 Left: SA Avis Hawkins and her granddaughter, Trinity, MSC/SIU Rep Maurice Cokes and Alicia Moore MSC/SIU Rep Maurice Cokes, Chief Cook Helen Mitchell and SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram Seafarers LOG 11 �21209_p9,11_14,17_24.qxd D 1/22/2004 A 11:19 AM 1 Page 12 2 S Presented on these two pages of the Seafarers LOG are handy tax tips—some of which are intended specifically for mariners. Included are the new deduction amounts for 2003 as well as where to get additional information. T T P R 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 Individuals” 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. Also, you may access the IRS web site at www.irs.ustreas.gov for forms, instructions and publications. 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. Payment also can be made by credit card. You may use American Express, Discover or Master cards. To pay by credit card, call the tollfree number 1-800-272-9829 or 1-888255-8299. There is a fee charged based on the amount you are paying. 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 71b, 71c and 71d on their Form 1040. Line 71b is for the bank’s routing number. Line 71c indicates the type of account, and line 71d 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. A C A C Personal Exemption Amount: The deduction for each exemption—for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $3,050 per person. In 2003, the exemption deduction for high income taxpayers may be reduced or eliminated if their adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts. A child cannot claim an exemption on his or her return or qualify for a higher education credit if the child’s parents claim a dependency exemption for their child. Standard Deduction Has Increased: The standard deduction, or dollar amount that reduces the amount that is taxed, has increased for most people (see box on this page). 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 2003, personal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest on car loans, credit cards, personal loans and tax deficiencies. 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. Club Dues Deduction: No deduction is permitted for club dues; however, dues paid to professional or public service organizations are deductible for business reasons. D This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, there are additional standard deductions ($900 for a married couple or $1,150 for an unmarried person). Note that the personal exemption deduction is $3,000. Filing Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Standard Deduction Single . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,750 Married filing joint return or qualifying widow(er) with dependent children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,500 Married filing separate return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,750 Head of household . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,000 12 Seafarers LOG Deductions Subject to 2% of Adjusted Gross 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 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 36 cents per mile for all miles driven in 2003. 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 Traveling: 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. 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. There has been a recent tax court case (Johnson v. Comm. 115 TC210[2000]) where a merchant seaman was denied a full deduction for the full M & IE rates. The court ruled that in situations where meals are provided at no cost, the incidental expense rate allowable as an itemized deduction is limited to $2 (in the continental U.S.) and rates ranging from $1 to $53 in other areas. In lieu of these rates, to the extent you have receipts, a higher deduction amount may be allowed. Limit on Itemized Deductions: In 2003, itemized deductions may be limited for individuals earning more than $139,500 of federal adjusted gross income (or $69,750 if married and filing separately). Here are some of the changes that will take effect in 2003 and 2004 from the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief and Reconciliation Act of 2003 and the Military Family Tax Relief Act of 2003: TAX RATE REDUCTION — Individual income tax rates will be reduced. For 2003, the tax rates will be 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33% and 35%. For supplemental wage payments, such as bonuses, the flat withholding rate is now 25%. These rates remain in effect for 2004 and 2005. CHILD TAX CREDIT — For tax years 2003 and 2004, the child tax credit will increase to $1,000 per child under 17. Most eligible taxpayers received a rebate in the mail of $400 per child during 2003. This rebate will need to be accounted for on your 2003 income tax return. ADOPTION CREDIT — The current maximum adoption credit for qualified adoption expenses which can be claimed for an eligible child is $10,160 for any child including special needs children. The credit is phased out for parents with an adjusted gross income over $192,390. (The credit is per adoption, not per child.) CHILD AND DEPENDENT CARE CREDIT — The credit has been increased to a maximum of $1,050 for one person and $2,100 for 2 or more qualifying persons for expenses and for their care. NEW MAXIMUM 15% TAX RATE FOR QUALIFYING DIVIDENDS & LONG-TERM CAPITAL GAINS AFTER MAY 5, 2003 — Most dividend income received by a taxpayer will be taxed at a maximum rate of 15% through 2008. For lower income individuals, a 5% rate applies through 2007 and a 0% rate applies for 2008. For sales after May 6, 2003, the maximum tax rate for most long-term capital gains will be 15% through 2008. MARRIAGE PENALTY RELIEF — The basic standard deduction has increased for joint filers and is now double that of a single filer. In addition, the 15% tax bracket has been expanded for a large income range. EXTENDED DEADLINES — Civilian personnel involved in support activities in combat zone areas have been granted additional time to file income tax returns, estate and gift tax returns, to file Tax Court Petitions and other matters. CAUTION: Only deadlines arising on or after the date an individual enters the combat zone are postponed. EDUCATION IRAs — The current annual contribution that can be made for a designated beneficiary in 2003 is $1,000. Qualified expenditures, which can be paid tax free from an education IRA, will now include those from elementary and secondary public (including kindergarten), private or religious school Earned Income Credit: A refundable earned income credit (EIC) is available to certain individuals who have earned income and meet certain adjusted gross income thresholds. For tax year 2003, 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 $11,230 and no qualifying children—$376 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $29,201 and with 1 qualifying child—$2,506 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $33,692 and with 2 or more qualifying children— $4,140 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 a Social Security number (SSN). Individuals may tu in b 2 if w U s P p fo e w in re lo p m — p le — $ e a c a a ti m u R in w c s d get an SSN for their de Form SS-5 with their lo Administration office Administration at 1-800 ally takes about two w SSN. Dependent Child Cre payers who have a quali a U.S. citizen and for w may claim a dependen who is less than 17 yea to the child tax credit. T credit is $1,000 per begins to phase out Adjusted Gross Incom $110,000 for joint filers gle taxpayers or $55,00 payers filing separately Credit for Higher Ed Individuals may be “HOPE” credit for tu expenses paid for on dependents to enroll at ble educational instituti graduate school or vo The HOPE credit prov allowable credit of $1,5 each of the first two ondary education. For q T G General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information. IRS staff answer questions 24 hours a day. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions and publications. 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 phone, the letter “R” or number “7” will repeat the topic and February 2004 I th t f r 1 P t a ti a o e D S d I �21209_p9,11_14,17_24.qxd 1/16/2004 4:05 PM Page 13 Individual Retirement Accounts: N d t l %, n e t d r n n s ) t d r G Y e e s r d f d n o t at . l tuition and expenses. In 2003, joint filers with adjusted gross income below $190,000 can make a full contribution and those below $222,000 can make a partial contribution. Beginning in 2002, contributions can be made to an education IRA and a qualified tuition program in the same year for the same beneficiary without a penalty. QUALIFIED TUITION (Section 529) PROGRAMS — Under the new law, distributions made after 2001 from qualified state tuition plans will be fully excluded from gross income. Private educational institutions will also be able to establish prepaid educational services accounts and sell credits or certificates for the payment at a future date of qualified higher education expenses. Beginning in 2004, qualifying distributions from those will be excluded from gross income. STUDENT LOAN INTEREST — The 60-month limit on interest paid for qualified education after Dec. 31, 2001, is repealed. Taxpayers may deduct up to $2,500 annually for student loan interest without regard to the 60-month limit. The deduction phaseout range for single taxpayers is $50,000 to $65,000; for married couples filing jointly, it is $100,000 to $130,000. EMPLOYER-PROVIDED EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE — After Dec. 31, 2001, the annual exclusion of up to $5,250, is permanently extended to cover both undergraduate and graduate level courses. DEDUCTION FOR HIGHER EDUCATION EXPENSES — Eligible taxpayers will be able to claim a deduction for up to $3,000 in 2003 ($4,000 in 2004) of qualified higher education expenses. This deduction is also adjusted to gross income and is available even if you do not itemize your deductions. IRA CONTRIBUTIONS LIMITS — The maximum annual contribution limits for both traditional and Roth IRAs will remain at $3,000 for 2003 through 2004. Also, taxpayers who have attained age 50 by the end of the year will be able to make additional catch-up contributions of $500 for 2002 through 2005. The maximum annual contribution for those taxpayers will be $3,500 until 2006. TAX CREDIT FOR CERTAIN RETIREMENT DEFERRALS — Continuing in 2003, joint filers with adjusted gross income below $50,000, single filers and married filing separately with adjusted gross income below $25,000, can qualify for a tax credit of up to $1,000, for contributions or deferrals to retirement savings plans. The maximum credit is 50% of the contribution or deferral (up to $2,000). ‹ Education IRAs—Taxpayers can contribute up to $3,000 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 Learning Credit is claimed. ‹ Roth IRAs—The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $3,000. 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 penalty also may not apply if you pay expenses related to the purchase of a home by a first-time homebuyer. Only $10,000 during the individual’s lifetime may be withdrawn without a penalty for this purpose. Also, the tax penalty does not apply to distributions for an individual’s disability, medical care, or to a beneficiary after death of the individual. T eir dependent by filing eir local Social Security office or calling the 1-800-772-1213. It usuwo weeks to receive an Credit: In 2003, taxqualifying child who is for whom the taxpayer ndency exemption and 7 years old, are entitled edit. The amount of the per child. The credit out when modified ncome (AGI) reaches filers, $75,000 for sin55,000 for married taxrately. er Education Tuition: be able to take the or tuition and related or oneself, spouse or oll at or attend an eligistitution (i.e., college or or vocational training). provides a maximum f $1,500 per student for two years of postsecFor qualified expenses paid after January 1, 2002, 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. 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. These credits are subject to income limitations. The phaseout of the credits begins for most taxpayers when modified AGI reaches $41,000, and completely phase out when modified AGI reaches $51,000. For joint filers, the phaseout range is $82,000 to $102,000. The HOPE and Lifetime Learning Credit are not available to taxpayers married filing separately. In 2003, the Lifetime Learning Credit will be $2,000. Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $2,500 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. I n. r the letter “C” or number “2” will cancel the message. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. You can also check the status of your refund. This telephone service is available from 7:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. (local time). e. - Personal Computer: Access the IRS’s internet web site at www.irs.ustreas.gov to: download forms, instructions and publications; see answers to frequently asked tax questions; search publications on-line by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator, send them comments or requests for help via e-mail; and sign up to receive the latest tax issues and news by e-mail from the IRS Digital Dispatch. s e d 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. s e S s February 2004 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 pay the Internal Revenue Service through credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, cash, bank check or money order. R K 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 2002, 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. I R 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. I B R N 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. A E IRS Form 4868 can be used to ask for S A T Should Seafarers find themselves 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. 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 16, 2004 to file his or her 2003 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. 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 toll-free 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 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. M I T P T Federal law prohibits employers from withholding state and local taxes from the wages of mariners 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, interstate 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 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. In 2000, President Clinton signed into law the bipartisan Transportation Worker Tax Fairness Act, a measure aimed at providing “equitable treatment with respect to state and local income taxes for certain individuals who perform duties on vessels.” The law, which took effect Nov. 9, 2000, stipulates that pilots and other mariners “who perform regularly assigned duties while engaged as a master, officer or crewman on a vessel operating on the navigable waters of more than one State” shall be subject to state income tax only in his or her residential 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. Seafarers LOG 13 �21209_p9,11_14,17_24.qxd 1/16/2004 4:05 PM Page 14 Restored Victory Ship Is Back at Sea After more than four years of restoration and reactivation work involving nearly 80,000 hours of donated volunteer labor and in excess of $3.8 million in cash, material and equipment, the SS American Victory is sailing once again. One of only a handful of the more than 2,700 Americanflagged merchant cargo vessels built between 1939 and 1946 that are still afloat, the American Victory on Sept. 20 slid from its berth in Tampa, Fla. and set sail for its first “shakedown” cruise. The Victory class merchant cargo vessel was built in May 1945 and served during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars carrying military cargo, ammunition and supplies to the U.S. military serving in those conflicts. Following World War II, it carried food, clothing and manufacturing machinery to the war-torn countries of Europe under the Marshall Plan. It then served in the James River Reserve Fleet for 30 years and in September 1999 was towed to Tampa for restoration and reactivation as a mariner’s museum and cruise ship. “The shakedown cruise was truly a momentous waypoint for us,” said Capt. John C Timmel, president and founder of the nonprofit group that has been restoring the ship. “The support of [the Tampa-based petroleum carrier] Maritrans, the general public, the maritime community, merchant marine veterans and our dedicated volunteers got us underway.” Passengers on the vessel’s first cruise enjoyed a continental breakfast upon boarding, a hearty barbecue lunch and an afternoon snack, along with tremendous views of Tampa Bay from the ship’s decks, an unscheduled passing with the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Pea Island near the Sunshine Skyway, a narrated tour of the port of Tampa and tours of the engine room and other areas of the ship. After passing under the Sunshine Skyway, the ship’s engines were stopped according to maritime tradition for a wreath-laying ceremony. The crew of the SS City of Rayville, one of the first American merchant cargo vessels lost during World War II, was honored, as were the crews of the three Victory class ships sunk in 1945 during kamikaze attacks off Okinawa—the SS Canada Victory, the SS Logan Victory and the SS Hobbs Victory. Following the sounding of eight bells, five former American Victory crewmen placed the memorial wreath in Tampa Bay to commemorate their fallen shipmates. There were onboard activities for “junior mariners,” including marlinspike skill demonstrations, a shipboard safety challenge, signal flag deciphering and maritime history quizzes. But perhaps the highlight of the cruise was a roaring flyover by a World War II vintage Navy AT-28. Passengers were treated to a number of passes, including a “low and slow” pass for photographers. The ship’s radio officer, “Sparks,” sent Morse Code messages from passengers through the airwaves SS American Victory photo Filled with passengers, the SS American Victory slides away from its berth in Tampa after more than four years of restoration work. SS American Victory photo Passengers on the ship’s shakedown cruise gravitate to the ship’s flying bridge prior to sailing to get a better view of undocking operations. to friends and relatives on land— one message even got a response while the ship was at sea. “We are proud of the maritime experience we provided to our SS American Victory photo Passengers pause to honor U.S. merchant mariners and ships lost during World War II. Following the sounding of eight bells, former American Victory crewmen placed a memorial wreath in Tampa Bay to commemorate their fallen shipmates. SS American Victory photo One of the highlights of the cruise was when a restored Navy T-28 swooped alongside the American Victory’s port side during a “low and slow” photo pass. passengers,” noted Timmel, “and will do even better on our next cruise.” The SS American Victory was re-christened last month with a ceremony including the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle on its hull. That was followed by the order “bring the ship to life,” at which time all its operating systems were energized and the crew “manned the rails.” A re-christening cruise, which traversed Lower Tampa Bay to the Sunshine Skyway, took place the next day from Berth 271. Regular “ReLive History” cruises are scheduled to help the public experience what life was like aboard a ship of America’s old merchant fleet. For additional information about the SS American Victory and its cruise schedule, visit their website at: www.americanvictory.org. Hurry to Take Advantage of SIU’s Scholarship Program —Application Deadline Is April 15— P lease send me the 2004 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 ________________________________________________ This application is for: † Self † Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 14 Seafarers LOG 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 2004, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is again offering eight scholarships. Three of the scholarships for 2004 are reserved for SIU members. One of those is in the amount of $20,000 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 community college or vocational school. The other five scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. In addition to the scholarship application form, a number of other items must be submitted at the same time. These include: „ Autobiographical Statement „ Photograph of Applicant „ Certified Copy of Birth Certificate „ High School Transcript and Certification of Graduation „ Official Copy of High School Equivalency Scores „ Letters of Reference „ SAT or ACT Results 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, 2004 is the last day in which applications are being accepted for this year’s scholarship program. If you haven’t received a copy of the 2004 SIU scholarship program booklet (which contains eligibility information, procedures for applying and a copy of the application form), use the coupon at left and send for it now. February 2004 �21209_P06,08,15.qxd 1/22/2004 9:43 AM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea DECEMBER 16, 2003 — JANUARY 15, 2004 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 3 3 9 19 33 0 11 15 14 14 3 8 9 11 2 29 15 198 0 1 1 0 16 15 1 3 7 14 5 3 1 0 2 3 21 12 105 2 1 0 5 21 30 0 11 13 11 7 3 2 4 16 3 19 14 162 0 7 1 8 13 21 0 2 8 10 5 5 3 7 12 1 9 10 122 1 2 3 9 6 22 1 7 9 6 7 2 2 2 10 4 11 10 114 1 0 1 2 7 6 0 1 7 9 2 0 2 0 1 2 5 5 51 0 2 2 8 8 12 0 8 5 3 4 3 2 1 10 0 7 4 79 0 4 1 14 17 19 0 6 8 14 7 4 1 1 25 1 18 27 167 0 5 2 7 3 16 0 4 7 5 9 0 3 2 5 0 5 3 76 0 0 0 2 4 5 0 2 1 2 3 0 1 1 3 0 3 2 29 0 2 1 11 8 10 0 3 6 10 4 1 1 0 20 0 14 18 109 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 10 4 0 0 2 3 5 0 0 0 3 6 0 6 0 39 4 1 2 7 18 10 1 8 11 14 10 1 11 6 14 1 16 11 146 1 3 2 7 17 19 0 2 7 21 10 0 18 0 8 1 18 17 151 0 0 0 6 4 2 0 0 2 5 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 22 4 0 2 5 9 9 0 5 2 9 6 0 7 0 7 0 16 3 84 Totals All Departments 553 534 336 372 373 Port 2 4 4 7 9 27 1 8 5 6 11 3 4 11 9 1 21 14 147 0 2 1 0 8 9 1 4 11 5 2 0 1 1 3 2 13 5 68 0 4 2 1 12 16 0 2 4 8 2 0 1 3 7 1 20 16 99 3 9 2 16 48 63 0 15 39 49 21 8 1 16 46 1 55 43 435 1 8 6 10 25 44 1 16 22 31 25 5 6 12 16 3 40 32 303 2 1 2 1 34 27 1 4 19 29 9 5 2 2 2 4 27 22 193 0 1 1 4 4 7 0 3 2 6 1 1 0 3 6 0 6 5 50 2 10 0 7 21 42 0 14 13 20 13 3 4 11 18 1 20 13 212 1 7 4 11 15 37 1 8 17 15 16 4 4 3 7 3 22 13 188 1 0 1 3 15 14 1 2 9 16 4 0 4 0 3 2 7 8 90 Piney Point .............Monday: March 8, April 5 0 1 4 7 7 21 0 2 9 9 4 0 1 4 8 1 9 5 92 0 1 0 5 4 7 0 5 3 5 8 0 1 0 4 0 12 11 66 0 4 1 20 29 31 0 10 19 24 15 7 4 3 37 2 36 39 281 0 4 3 10 5 25 1 6 8 12 14 0 3 2 7 0 6 4 110 0 0 1 3 3 7 0 2 4 11 3 0 2 1 2 0 7 2 48 0 0 1 2 9 9 0 3 8 3 6 0 12 0 3 0 13 2 71 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 5 4 0 2 3 8 0 0 0 4 8 0 9 4 62 2 4 2 16 22 20 2 12 17 41 17 3 8 9 19 1 27 19 241 1 7 1 21 34 29 0 2 9 64 21 1 22 2 11 4 28 32 289 185 215 990 842 620 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 2 4 2 1 0 0 0 2 1 4 3 24 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port 0 1 2 2 4 6 0 4 6 5 4 1 4 2 1 1 4 3 50 0 0 0 1 3 5 0 1 0 0 4 0 1 1 1 0 2 3 22 Algonac ..................Friday: March 12, April 9 Baltimore ................Thursday: March 11, April 8 Boston.....................Friday: March 12, April 9 Duluth .....................Wednesday: March 17, April 14 Guam ......................Thursday: March 25, April 22 Honolulu .................Friday: March 19, April 16 Houston ..................Monday: March 15, April 12 Jacksonville ............Thursday: March 11, April 8 Joliet .......................Thursday: March 18, April 15 Mobile ....................Wednesday: March 17, April 14 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 1 4 0 12 23 33 0 7 22 19 11 4 0 7 24 2 33 23 225 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs March & April 2004 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters ENTRY DEPARTMENT 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 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: March 10, April 7 Port Everglades.......Thursday: March 18, April 15 San Francisco .........Thursday: March 18, April 15 San Juan..................Thursday: March 11, April 8 St. Louis..................Friday: March 19, April 16 Tacoma ...................Friday: March 26, April 23 Wilmington ...............Monday: March 22, April 19 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 *“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 2004 Seafarers LOG 15 �21209_Pg1,3_5,7,10,16.qxd 1/22/2004 8:47 AM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report DECEMBER 16, 2003 — JANUARY 15, 2004 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 0 3 10 5 16 1 0 9 44 0 0 1 2 3 0 1 2 9 0 11 8 2 3 0 0 0 24 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 3 7 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 5 4 9 3 2 11 1 1 3 34 0 15 20 13 47 1 11 22 129 0 3 6 4 8 0 4 3 28 0 13 10 15 3 0 1 2 44 0 4 2 1 5 0 0 1 13 0 6 8 9 17 1 3 10 54 0 4 7 2 4 0 2 7 26 0 13 14 8 5 0 2 0 42 1 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 6 0 6 5 9 14 4 2 11 51 1 2 1 3 7 0 3 5 22 0 5 7 5 2 0 1 2 22 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 2 5 4 5 0 0 5 21 0 3 0 2 4 0 0 1 10 0 7 3 1 0 0 0 0 11 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 15 5 2 20 2 0 5 49 0 9 2 3 8 0 0 2 24 0 1 0 0 6 0 0 0 7 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 3 3 2 6 1 0 4 19 0 1 0 1 5 0 2 3 12 0 3 2 1 3 0 0 1 10 Port 0 2 2 0 6 3 0 2 15 0 0 0 0 6 0 2 4 12 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 ENTRY DEPARTMENT NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Totals All Departments 84 31 45 88 26 10 56 234 76 111 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Seafarers LOG PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the LOG by Charles D. Hayward Jr. of Everett, Wash. They were taken aboard the Glory of the Sea, a West Coast C-2 en route to Vietnam, July 23, 1968. Bosun Alfred is on the right and Hayward, the 4-8 quartermaster, is on the left in the near photo, as the two rig up preventers fore and aft. Hayward notes that they made fabulous overtime in those days but that conditions weren’t always as comfortable as today. Their air conditioning system was a scoop out the port holes. If there was no wind or sea breeze, there was no air. At the far right is the Glory of the Sea alongside the loading dock in Tacoma, Wash. Hayward, a full-blooded native Alaskan, misses the seafaring life and his 46 years of sailing with the SUP, NMU and SIU. 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 2004 �21209_p9,11_14,17_24.qxd 1/16/2004 4:10 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA ROBERT CALDWELL, 57, launched his career with the Seafarers in 1967. Brother Caldwell first went to sea aboard the York. Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, he shipped in the engine department. Brother Caldwell was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He attended the school on nine separate occasions following his entry level training there in 1967. Brother Caldwell last worked aboard the Cape Wrath and makes his home in his native state. DOMINGO CONTRERAS, 61 embarked on his seafaring career in 1967 in New Orleans. His first ship was Corsair Transport Corp.’s Kent. Born in Mexico, Brother Contreras worked in the deck department. He upgraded his skills in 2001 at the Paul Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Contreras last went to sea on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Atlantic Forest. New Orleans is his home. VALENTINE MARTINEZ, 61, joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of New York. Born in Vecino De Cardenas, Cuba, he initially went to sea aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Martinez worked in the engine department and enhanced his Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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 February 2004 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 skills at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. in 1974 and 2001. He last sailed on the Horizon Discovery and makes his home in Philadelphia. KENNETH STRATTON, 48, began his career with the Seafarers in 1972 in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first voyage was aboard the Brooklyn, a Bay Tankers Inc. vessel. Born in Boston, Brother Stratton worked in the engine department. He enhanced his skills on five occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Stratton last sailed on 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 N.P.R. Inc.’s Humacao. He is a resident of Bunnell, Fla. INLAND RODNEY JEZIOROWSKI, 61, joined the SIU in 1976 in Toledo, Ohio after serving in the U.S. Navy. The Ohio-born mariner shipped in the deck department. Boatman Jeziorowski lives in his native state. GREAT LAKES LESTER MORR, 58, started his career with the Seafarers in 1971 in Frankfort, Mich. Brother Morr is a native of Midland, Mich. He 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 Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1956 With the 50-50 law under heavy fire from agricultural interests and foreign lobbyists, the House Merchant Marine Committee this week warned Congress that any undermining of 50-50 would have “tragic consequences” for the U.S. Merchant Marine. The committee’s warning was amplified by the SIU in a communication to every member of the U.S. Senate. The SIU took the position, “the scuttling of 50-50 will sap whatever strength remains in the already badly battered U.S. Merchant Marine in a critical point in international relations when we should be building our merchant marine.” At their mid-winter meeting, the executive board of the Maritime Trades Department of the AFL-CIO called for the development of a national cargo policy that would assure the American fleet a substantial share of U.S. car- Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sisters, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, went on pension effective the dates indicated. Name (last, first) Age EDP DaCruz, Pedro DiSanto, Caesar Erdt, Edmund Fisher, Irving Ortiz, Ruben Sabo, Anneliese Dec. 1 Dec. 1 Oct. 1 Nov. 1 Dec. 1 Dec. 1 55 73 65 62 75 75 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. goes in all the trade routes of the world. In their list of maritime legislative goals, the 43union group called a cargo policy “the foremost priority for the maritime industry.” The meeting, chaired by SIU President Paul Hall, who is also president of the MTD, was held Feb. 17-18 in Bal Harbour, Fla. This Month In SIU History 1977 shipped in the deck department and upgraded his skills in 2001 in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Morr resides in Sanford, Mich. 1988 The SIU has appealed directly to Secretary of State George Schultz in an effort to rescind a crewing waiver for 11 reflagged former Kuwaiti tankers. Also, five maritime unions filed suit in federal court seeking to have the crewing waiver overturned. The ships have been a continuing source of controversy since they were reflagged last year but were not required to carry American crew members, except for the captain and radio officer. In January, Congress passed, and President Reagan signed a bill which required American crewmen on all U.S. ships. But under the claim of “national security,” those crewing requirements were waived by the U.S. government. Seafarers LOG 17 �21209_p9,11_14,17_24.qxd 1/16/2004 4:06 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA FRANK BALASIA Pensioner Frank Balasia, 80, died Nov. 12. Brother Balasia joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Navy. He initially sailed aboard Ore Navigation’s Oremar. Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Brother Balasia sailed in the deck department, last working on the Santa Barbara, a Delta Steamship vessel. The Luzerne, Pa. resident started receiving his pension in 1981. BILLY JOE BALL Pensioner Billy Joe Ball, 72, passed away Sept. 1. He began his SIU career in 1965 in the port of Houston. Brother Ball’s first ship was the Transhatteras, a Hudson Waterways Corp. vessel. The Texas-born mariner shipped in the engine department. He made his home in South Houston and began receiving his pension in 1995. MADELINE BARRETT Pensioner Madeline Barrett, 72, died Aug. 10. Sister Barrett embarked on her career with the Seafarers in 1980, first sailing aboard the Oceanic Independence. Sister Barrett sailed in the steward department. She resided in Waianae, Hawaii and began receiving her pension in 1998. WILLIAM BLACK Pensioner William Black, 84, passed away Sept. 4. He launched his profession with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1953 in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Black worked aboard vessels operated by American President Lines, Matson Navigation and Delta Steamship Co. Born in Ireland, the steward department member started collecting retirement stipends in 1981. He lived in Petaluma, Calif. CHARLES BREAUX Pensioner Charles Breaux, 88, passed away Nov. 7. Born in Lafourche Crossing, La., he joined the SIU as a charter member in 1938 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Breaux was a veteran of the U.S. Army. The steward department member began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1977. He last sailed on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Jefferson Davis. Brother Breaux lived in New Orleans. JOSEPH CHATMAN Pensioner Joseph Chatman, 89, died Nov. 5. Brother Chatman embarked on his MC&S career in 1958 in San Francisco. Born in Alabama, the steward department member first sailed on Matson Navigation’s Hawaiian Citizen and last worked aboard the President Fillmore. He lived in Pittsburg, Calif. and began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1980. 18 Seafarers LOG JOSEPH CORNWELL Brother Joseph Cornwell, 57, passed away Nov. 6. He joined the Seafarers in 1991 and first went to sea aboard Liberty Maritime’s Liberty Sun. A native of Mt. Vernon, Ind., Brother Cornwell sailed in the deck department as a bosun. His last ship was the 1st. Lt. Alex Bonnyman. Brother Cornwell resided in Jefferson, La. PEDRO CORTES Pensioner Pedro Cortes, 80, died Aug. 14. Brother Cortes embarked on his seafaring career with the SIU in 1960 in Seattle. His first ship was the Montego Sky, an Eagle Shipping vessel. Brother Cortes worked in both the steward and engine departments and last sailed on the Cleveland. He lived in Seattle and began receiving his pension in 1987. HOWARD DAVIS Puerto Rico, he sailed in the engine department, last working aboard Pacific Gulf Marine’s Equality State. A resident of Houston, he went on pension in 2002. THOMAS GLENN Pensioner Thomas Glenn, 76, died Oct. 19. He joined the SIU ranks in 1947 in the port of Norfolk, Va. after serving in the U.S. Army. Born in Rowan, N.C. Brother Glenn shipped in the deck department, last sailing aboard Puerto Rico Marine Management’s Carolina. The Crescent, Ga. resident started receiving his retirement compensation in 1992. RAUL GUERRA Pensioner Howard Davis, 81, died Dec. 6. Brother Davis joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He first worked aboard the Morning Light, an Interocean Management Corp. vessel. Born in Missouri, he shipped in the engine department. Brother Davis last went to sea on the Bellatrix. The Alabama resident started collecting retirement stipends in 1994. Pensioner Raul Guerra, 72, passed away Nov. 25. Brother Guerra began his seafaring career in 1955 in the port of Houston after serving in the U.S. Marines. His initial voyage was aboard the Genevieve Peterkin, a Bloomfield Steamship Co. vessel. The engine department member was a resident of Galveston, Texas and last worked on the OMI Champion. Brother Guerra started receiving his pension in 1995. MANUEL DOMINGOS JOHN LEONARD Pensioner Manuel Domingos, 72, passed away Aug. 10. Brother Domingos joined the SIU in 1961 in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Air Force. The California-born mariner worked in both the steward and engine departments. He last sailed on the SS Independence and began collecting his pension in 2002. Brother Domingos resided in Sacramento, Calif. Pensioner John Leonard, 72, passed away Sept. 25. Brother Leonard started his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Army. A deck department member, Brother Leonard initially went to sea aboard the Robert E. Lee. The Marrero, La. resident started receiving his pension in 1997. He last worked aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Sam Houston. ROY EDWARDS Pensioner Roy Edwards, 82, died Nov. 23. Brother Edwards began his career with the MC&S in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Army. A steward department member, the San Francisco resident began receiving his pension in 1974. WILLIAM FAGAN Pensioner William Fagan, 87, died Nov. 12. Brother Fagan began his seafaring career in 1944 in the port of New York. Brother Fagan worked in the deep sea as well as inland divisions, first sailing aboard a Boston Towing Boat Co. vessel. The Terre Haute, Ind. native shipped in the engine department and began receiving retirement pay in 1984. He lived in Port Orange, Fla. EUSEBIO FIGUEROA Pensioner Eusebio Figueroa, 67, passed away Nov. 21. Brother Figueroa joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Seatrain Texas. Born in JOSEPH MARINELLO Brother Joseph Marinello, 54, died Aug. 28. He joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Sea-Land Gallaway. Brother Marinello sailed in the deck department as a bosun. He made his home in Hazlet, N.J. HILMER PARSONS Pensioner Hilmer Parsons, 85, was found deceased Aug. 21. Brother Parsons embarked on his seafaring career in 1945 in Galveston, Texas. Born in Connecticut, the engine department member last went to sea on Puerto Rico Marine Management’s Borinquen. Brother Parsons started collecting stipends for his retirement in 1982. He lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. LOUIS PION Pensioner Louis Pion, 71, died Aug. 21. He began his seafaring career in 1960 in the port of New York. Before joining the SIU, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Pion worked in all three divisions, initially sailing on the Mt. Whitney. The steward department member made his home in Coral Springs, Fla., and last worked aboard the Sea-Land Achiever. He began receiving his pension in 1991. ISMAEL RIVERA Brother Ismael Rivera, 47, passed away Aug. 2. Brother Rivera joined the SIU in 1977 in the port of New York. He shipped in the deck department as a bosun, last working on the Horizon Crusader. Brother Rivera lived in Santurce, P.R. EDWARD WEBB Pensioner Edward Webb, 77, died Nov. 6. Brother Webb joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Alcoa Pilgrim. The Alabama native sailed in the steward department. Brother Webb started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1975. He resided in his native state. ALI SALEH EDWARD WEBER Pensioner Ali Saleh, 65, died Sept. 16. Brother Saleh embarked on his career with the SIU in 1966 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Yemen, he sailed aboard a variety of vessels including some operated by Calmar, Rye Marine and Columbia Steamship. He worked in both the engine and steward departments and began collecting stipends for his retirement in 2001. Brother Saleh resided in San Francisco. Pensioner Edward Weber, 89, passed away Sept. 18. He began his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Brother Weber began receiving retirement compensation in 1974. He made his home in Nevada, Mo. JOHN SAMSON Pensioner John Samson, 79, passed away Aug. 9. He joined the MC&S in 1952 in San Francisco. Brother Samson’s first voyage was aboard Delta Steamship’s Santa Mariana. The California-born mariner sailed in the steward department, last working aboard the Santa Mercedes. Brother Samson was a resident of Santa Rosa, Calif. and started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1987. RICARDO SIDDONS Pensioner Ricardo Siddons, 87, died Sept. 19. Brother Siddons joined the MC&S in 1966. Born in the Philippines, he shipped as a member of the steward department. Brother Siddons worked on a number of vessels during his career, including the President Polk. He lived in Pelham, N.Y. and began receiving retirement stipends in 1979. JAKE TIPTON Pensioner Jake Tipton, 89, passed away Sept. 20. He began his seafaring career in 1951 in the port of Baltimore. The North Carolina-born mariner worked in the engine department. Brother Tipton called Erwin, Texas home and started receiving his pension in 1979. JAMES VENABLES Brother James Venables, 48, passed away Aug. 29. He joined the Seafarers in 1986 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Venables’ first voyage was aboard the American Cormorant, a Pacific Gulf Marine vessel. Born in Seattle, he worked in the steward department. Brother Venables last went to sea on the Cape Horn. He made his home in his native state. ZYGMUND WYDRA Pensioner Zygmund Wydra, 83, died Nov. 14. Brother Wydra joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Army. Born in Pennsylvania, Brother Wydra shipped in the steward department, last working aboard the Sea-Land Galveston. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1979. Brother Wydra lived in San Francisco. DROSALIO YBARRO Brother Drosalio Ybarro, 65, passed away Aug. 4. He joined the SIU in 1959 in the port of Houston. His first voyage was aboard the Wang Trader, a Rockland Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Ybarro worked in the steward department. He made his home in Galveston, Texas. INLAND WILLIAM BARNES Pensioner William Barnes, 86, died Nov. 21. Boatman Barnes began his seafaring career in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Pennsylvania, he sailed in the engine department and worked primarily aboard Moran Towing Co. vessels. Boatman Barnes began collecting retirement compensation in 1980. He lived in Philadelphia. RUMILDO COLON Pensioner Rumildo Colon, 81, passed away Nov. 15. He began his SIU career in 1976 in his native Puerto Rico. Boatman Colon sailed in the deck department, most recently as a captain. He lived in his native commonwealth and began receiving retirement stipends in 1988. CHARLES DAIL Boatman Charles Dail, 47, died Sept. 8. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1997 and was a member of the engine department. Continued on page 20 February 2004 �21209_p9,11_14,17_24.qxd 1/16/2004 4:06 PM Page 19 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. COAST RANGE (Intrepid Ship Mgmt.), Nov. 29—Chairman Marvin P. Zimbro, Secretary Donna M. DeCesare, Educational Director Candido Castro, Deck Delegate Donnie W. Collins, Engine Delegate Pedro A. Ocampo, Steward Delegate Lemuel E. Robinson. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 1 in Garyville, La. He advised everyone to read President’s Report in Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members reminded that Tampa port regs include wearing of glasses, steeltoed shoes and hard hats. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. DILIGENCE (Maritrans), Nov. 26 —Chairman Ronald L. Paradise, Secretary Mary Lou Smith, Educational Director Terry T. Smith, Deck Delegate Dennis B. Spriggs, Steward Delegate Audry Flemings. Chairman stated official report for tours of duty are not less than 80 days and not more than 120 days. Pay increases not yet received. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep public areas clean. He said ship in need of vacation and medical forms. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer noted $80 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to change name of “vacation” check to “supplemental” pay. Steward department thanked for good job. Next port: Lakes Charles, La. DISCOVERY (Horizon Lines), Nov. 16—Chairman Patrick C. Ray Jr., Secretary Gwendolyn Shinholster, Educational Director Christopher M. Devonish. Chairman announced payoff Nov. 17 in Jacksonville, Fla. He reminded crew to take care on deck and gangway. Secretary noted everything running smoothly aboard ship. Educational director advised members to upgrade at Piney Point and make sure all shipping documents are up to date. Some disputed OT reported in engine department. Questions arose regarding change in overtime. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: San Juan, P.R. EL MORRO (IUM), Nov. 30— Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Michael M. Amador, Educational Director Scott S. Fuller, Deck Delegate Nathaniel Lamb, Steward Delegate Theodore E. Quammie. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 1 in San Juan, P.R. Vessel then heading to Jacksonville, Fla. Secretary asked that everyone leave crew mess and hallways clean. Educational director encouraged crew members to check all documents for expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into reducing age requirements and seatime needed to retire. EL YUNQUE (IUM), Nov. 30— Chairman Luis J. Ramirez, Secretary Francis E. Ostendarp Jr., Educational Director John J. Walsh, Engine Delegate Edgar Young, Steward Delegate Rafael February 2004 Pagan. Chairman advised crew members to keep track of expiration dates on required documentation for shipping. Updating STCW documentation may take longer than usual. Secretary asked that everyone help keep public spaces clean. Educational director recommended everybody take time to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made that full pension be awarded to spouse upon death of SIU member. Next port: San Juan, P.R. ENDURANCE (USSM), Nov. 17 —Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Rolando M. Lopez, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Gerry A. Gianan, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter, Steward Delegate Thurman C. Johnson. Chairman said trip was pleasant and wished everyone happy holidays. Secretary added his greetings and noted that captain ordered special holiday meals for crew. Educational director emphasized importance of upgrading skills at Piney Point. Treasurer announced $888 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman thanked steward department for job well done. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), Nov. 30—Chairman Mauro G. Gutierrez, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Donnell C. Tagart Jr., Deck Delegate John T. Emrich, Engine Delegate Eric L. Campbell, Steward Delegate Thomas E. Kleine. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 3 in Oakland, Calif. He asked crew members to have books ready to be checked by boarding patrolman. He also thanked everyone for safe and happy voyage. Secretary requested crew make sure rooms are ready for next person before leaving ship. He thanked all hands for helping keep house clean. Educational director suggested everyone check expiration dates on shipping documents and not wait until last minute to renew. With new security measures, renewal of some documents takes longer than usual. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on number of days needed to earn day off. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent Thanksgiving Day spread. Next ports: Oakland and Los Angeles, Calif.; Honolulu. INNOVATOR (USSM), Nov. 23—Chairman Stephen R. Kastel, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Christopher L. Earhart, Deck Delegate Todd J. Homer, Engine Delegate Mohamed S. Mohamed, Steward Delegate Mostafa Loumrhari. Chairman announced that after seven days in dry dock in Nantong, China, vessel heading to Los Angeles. Crew members enjoyed port time. Secretary thanked hard working bosun, two day workers and all ABs, QMED and wiper for jobs well done and thanked chief electrician for troubleshooting electrical problems inside galley. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center and reminded everyone to carry all necessary documentation when joining ship. Treasurer stated $840 in movie fund, which is kept by captain. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to raise pension benefit. ITB BALTIMORE (USS Transport), Nov. 28—Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, Secretary Dien Short, Educational Director Geoffrey Jones. Chairman led discussion about items from President’s Report in Seafarers LOG pertaining to new cruise ships, MSP renewal, AMO affiliation with SIUNA and especially about rising health care costs. That last issue has recently become more important during negotiations than wages. Educational director noted receipt of new movies and thanked captain for recent purchase of new DVD/VCR players. Treasurer noted $200 available for next month’s video/DVD purchases. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to Charles Freeman for keeping laundry room clean. “Not enough accolades in the English language to properly thank the steward department—Steward Short and ACU Elsayed Amasha for an absolutely incredible Thanksgiving meal. Very happy crew indeed!” JOHN P. BOBO (Amsea), Nov. 19—Chairman William J. Stokes, Secretary Richard J. Gray, Educational Director Scott A. Lucero, Deck Delegate Mike Shay, Engine Delegate Scott Lucero, Steward Delegate Kenneth L. Crouse Jr. Chairman announced ship arriving Nov. 25 in Jacksonville, Fla. for payoff and to sign off foreign articles. Those departing must wait until vessel has cleared customs and payoff completed. Educational director urged everyone take advantage of Piney Point facility to upgrade skills. Treasurer stated $2,000 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested regarding foreign national riding gang on board. “The crew members of the Bobo can be proud of the fact that the ship has made four trips to Kuwait transporting equipment for the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Army. There’s been a lot of seatime and very little port time. The crew has handled it extremely well.” LAWRENCE GIANELLA (Ocean Ships, Inc.), Nov. 5—Chairman Bernardino R. Eda, Secretary Christopher B. Amigable, Educational Director Richard A. King. Chairman announced ship heading to Diego Garcia, Singapore, Guam, Japan, South Korea and then into the shipyard in May 2004. Educational director suggested crew members keep up to date on SIU and maritime news by reading monthly LOG and by upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new DVD player, shower curtains and shower mats and for increase in dental coverage. Clarification requested on medical coverage for families living abroad. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), Nov. 30—Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Thomas D. Kreis, Educational Director Lamar A. Parker, Deck Delegate DeIsrael Williams, Engine Delegate Aniba O. Vega, Steward Delegate William Simmons. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 6 in New Orleans. Chief mate thanked deck department for good job cleaning tanks. Secretary asked those getting off to clean room for next person. Old clothes to be collected for needy in foreign ports. Educational director urged crew members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chief engineer said ice machine to be fixed in port. New dryer for crew laundry, new TV for crew lounge and new pillows will be ordered next trip. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into retiring at any age with 20 years seatime. Steward department thanked for job well done. Next port: Haifa, Israel. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), Nov. 9—Chairman David N. Martz, Secretary Lito G. Acosta, Educational Director John C. Orr, Deck Delegate Ron Owens, Engine Delegate Kareem Abdul Joseph, Steward Delegate Hamil, Deck Delegate Edwin Ortega, Engine Delegate Ali S. Mohsin, Steward Delegate Joel A. Molinos. Chairman informed crew members that Coast Guard no longer prints discharges; therefore, discharges have no serial numbers. Secretary asked that anyone who observes needed repairs or who is in need of new mattress or other items, please note on repair list provided. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. “It’s your future.” Beef raised in steward department; no disputed OT reported. Lounge chairs received in Houston in July and AB received refrigerator in Christmas at Sea Aboard the Ewa Tom Stapleton, captain aboard the Ewa, sent the LOG this photo of the ship’s “fantastic steward department.” Christmas Day breakfast, lunch and dinner were superb, “even better than Thanksgiving, and the SIU should be very proud to have such outstanding members and shipmates,” he wrote in a note accompanying the photo. From the left are Assistant Cook Phil Dessett, Chief Cook Steve Bowmer, Steward/Baker Robert Miller and OBR Utility Kasem Ali. Wilfred Lambey. Bosun thanked everyone for smooth sailing and asked crew to read shipping agreement and Seafarers LOG. Secretary requested those members getting off turn in dirty linen and leave room clean for next person. Clean linen issued at 1500 hours the day before arrival. Treasurer stated $250 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department, especially GSU Alejandro Fiores for keeping mess hall clean. Also, outstanding jobs done by Unlicensed Apprentices Greg Scott and David Guthrie. MIDNIGHT SUN (IUM), Nov. 30—Chairman Fadel N. Saleh, Secretary Scott A. Opsahl, Educational Director Christopher W. Cunningham, Deck Delegate Mark E. Hoffman, Steward Delegate Abdullah M. Falah. Chairman announced payoff at sea. He asked that everyone be careful of ice on deck and ramp and stated lifelines to be moved back from edge of ramp opening. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess hall and lounge clean. He reminded crew to wash hands often, especially with flu season upon us, and asked crew to refrain from eating in serving line. Educational director reminded Seafarers to upgrade skills at Piney Point and keep shipping papers current. “Give yourself extra time to take care of seamen’s documents and STCW.” He also stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and of updating beneficiary information. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done, especially Thanksgiving Day spread. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Anchorage, Alaska. PERFORMANCE (USSM), Nov. 14—Chairman Jimmie L. Scheck, Secretary Charles B. Collins, Educational Director Robert J. October. New washing machine and drinking fountain to be installed soon. Clarification requested as to how vacation days are credited toward pension. Vote of thanks to steward department for great job. Next ports: Newark, N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; Miami, Fla.; Houston, Texas. RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Ships, Inc.), Nov. 11— Chairman Dana Naze, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director Ian Hemba, Deck Delegate Thomas Gagnon. Chairman announced vessel going into shipyard in Mobile, Ala. Crew asked to make sure rooms are emptied of all personal gear and trash. Educational director spoke about opportunities for upgrading at Piney Point and of need for more QMED courses. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made for contracts department to improve medical and dental benefits and have union send information on new ID cards. Suggestion also made to increase vacation days. Vote of thanks given to all three departments for jobs well done. VOYAGER (USSM), Nov. 16— Chairman Glenn R. Christianson, Secretary William P. McGee, Educational Director Morris A. Jeff, Steward Delegate Ruben Padilla. Chairman thanked everyone for safe trip. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade skills as often as possible at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made for company to provide safety shoes for deck personnel and for retirement to be possible when age and seatime total at least 65. Crew gave vote of thanks to steward department for good food and service. Next ports: Newark, N.J.; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C. Seafarers LOG 19 �21209_p9,11_14,17_24.qxd 1/16/2004 4:06 PM Page 20 Final Departures Continued from page 18 Boatman Dail worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Allied Towing. He made his home in Belvidere, N.C. DWAIN DORSETT Pensioner Dwain Dorsett, 66, passed away Aug. 30. Boatman Dorsett began his career with the SIU in 1978 in the port of Houston after serving in the U.S. Navy. The Childress, Texas native was a member of the engine department and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing. He made his home in Livingston, Texas and started receiving retirement compensation in 1999. GEORGE GRITZ Pensioner George Gritz, 81, died Nov. 18. Boatman Gritz joined the union in 1964. The Oklahomaborn mariner sailed in the deck department. He started receiving stipends for his retirement in1976 and called Stonewall, N.C. home. CHARLES HAMLIN Pensioner Charles Hamlin, 87, died Sept. 20. He launched his seafaring career in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Virginia, Boatman Hamlin shipped in the engine department. He started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1982. Boatman Hamlin made his home in Surray, Va. Pensioner Richard Repsch, 79, died Aug. 12. He began his seafaring career in 1961 as a member of the engine department. Boatman Repsch worked primarily aboard Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessels and went on pension in 1987. Born in Philadelphia, he called Galloway, N.J. home. MICHAEL HUNT WAYNE R. WOODRING EDWARD FIKE Pensioner Michael Hunt, 71, passed away Dec. 5. Boatman Hunt started his career with the Seafarers in 1961. He was born in Philadelphia and shipped as a member of the deck department. Boatman Hunt made his home in Pennsylvania and began receiving his pension in 1993. Boatman Wayne R. Woodring, 53, passed away Sept. 8. Born in Pennsylvania, he joined the SIU in 1972 in the port of Baltimore. Boatman Woodring shipped as a member of the deck department. He resided in Jacksonville, Fla. Pensioner Edward Fike, 66, passed away Nov. 26. He began his career with the SIU in 1961 in Cleveland. Brother Fike was born in Ohio and sailed as a member of the deck department. He made his home in Parma, Ohio. Brother Fike started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1999. DOMINIC PIAZZA Pensioner Dominic Piazza, 77, passed away Nov. 14. Boatman Piazza joined the Seafarers in 1965 in New Orleans. The Louisiana-born mariner shipped in the deck depart- ROLAND DETOUCHE REUBEN HARMOND Pensioner Roland DeTouche, 88, passed away Dec.11. Brother DeTouche began his career with the NMU in 1972. His first voyage originated out of the port of New York aboard the Periwill. Born in Panama, he worked in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Detouche started receiving retirement stipends in 1982. Pensioner Reuben Harmond, 84, passed away Nov. 4. He joined the NMU in 1951. Brother Harmond’s first ship was the Pan American. Born in McIntosh County, Ga., he worked in the engine department. Brother Harmond began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1982. He last shipped on the Womack Sea. Pensioner Donald Diaz, 83, died Dec. 11. Brother Diaz first sailed from the port of New Orleans aboard the Howell Lykes. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the steward department. Brother Diaz last sailed on the Ruth Lykes and began receiving his pension in 1991. JUAN MARTINEZ Pensioner Juan Martinez, 74, died Dec. 1. Brother Martinez embarked on his career with the NMU in 1960. He initially sailed out of the port of New York while working aboard the Francis R. Hart. Born in Honduras, Brother Martinez shipped as a member of the steward department. He started receiving his pension in 1985 and last sailed on the Gulf Supreme. 20 Seafarers LOG DONALD G. BORDERS Pensioner Donald G. Borders, 67, died Nov. 23. Brother Borders joined the SIU in 1970 in Alpena, Mich. after serving in the U.S Army. Born in Fulton, Ky., he worked in the engine department. Brother Borders last worked on the American Republic and began receiving his pension in 1994. He was a resident of Warren, Mich. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away: DONALD DIAZ ment and worked mainly aboard vessels operated by Dravo Basic Materials Co. Boatman Piazza began receiving his pension in 1989. He lived in Houma, La. GEORGE PEARSON Pensioner George Pearson, 76, passed away Dec. 24. He began his NMU career in 1944. Brother Pearson’s first ship, the Mariposa, originated from Boston. Born in Minneapolis, Minn., he worked in the deck department. Brother Pearson last sailed on the Mormac Lake. He went on pension in 1970. ROBERT REIDLINGER Pensioner Robert Reidlinger, 76, died Nov. 19. Brother Reidlinger joined the NMU in 1944. Sailing from the port of New York, his first ship was the Robert Battey. The Pennsylvaniaborn mariner worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Lyons Creek. Brother Reidlinger began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1965. JUAN ROUBERT Pensioner Juan Roubert, 77, passed away Dec. 8. Born in Ponce, P.R., he joined the NMU ranks in 1946. The steward department member RICHARD REPSCH GREAT LAKES ROYAL BOOKER Pensioner Royal Booker, 70, died Nov. 7. He joined the Seafarers in 1960 in Detroit. Born in Hamberg, Iowa, Brother Booker sailed in the engine department, working primarily aboard vessels operated by American Steamship Co. Brother Booker made his home in Chestnut Mound, Tenn. and started receiving his pension in 1998. initially went to sea from the port of New York. His first vessel was the Henry D. Lindsley. Brother Roubert began collecting stipends for his retirement in 1979. He last sailed on the Santa Rosa. LUIS STOWHAS Pensioner Luis Stowhas, 86, passed away Oct. 12. Brother Stowhas commenced his NMU career in 1946, first sailing aboard a Sinclair Oil vessel. Born in Chile, he worked in the deck department. Brother Stowhas started receiving retirement compensation in 1967. He last worked on the Santa Luisa. HELIODORO THACHER Pensioner Heliodoro Thacher, 85, passed away Oct. 1.He launched his NMU career in the port of New York. Brother Thacher’s first ship was the SS Argentina. Born in Panama, he worked in the steward department. His last ship was the Export Builder. Brother Thacher began receiving his pension in 1985. OSCAR TURNER Pensioner Oscar Turner, 82, died Dec. 8. Brother Turner started his career with the NMU in 1954 and was previously a RICHARD HARTFORD Pensioner Richard Hartford, 79, died Sept. 29. Brother Hartford joined the Seafarers in 1962 in Toledo, Ohio after serving in the U.S. Army. He sailed in the Great Lakes as well as member of the Marine Cooks & Stewards. His first voyage was aboard the President Taft. Born in Louisiana, Brother Turner shipped in the steward department. He started receiving retirement compensation in 1988. inland divisions as a deck department member. Brother Hartford began receiving retirement stipends in 1986 and resided in Oregon, Ohio. CHRISTIAN IVERSON Pensioner Christian Iverson, 76, died Dec. 11. He joined the SIU in 1970 in Frankfort, Mich. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Brother Iverson worked in the Great Lakes as well as inland divisions. The steward department member initially worked aboard American Steamship’s J.S. Young and last sailed aboard a Bob-Lo Island vessel. He began collecting retirement stipends in 1992. Brother Iverson made his home in Pleasanton, Mich. RAILROAD MARINE THOMAS MARTIN Pensioner Thomas Martin, 90, passed away Sept. 21. Brother Martin commenced his career with the Seafarers in 1960 in the port of New York. A member of the deck department, Brother Martin was last employed on a Penn Central Transportation Co. vessel. He lived in Colnia, N.J. and went on pension in 1974. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following NMU brothers, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. NAME (Last, first) AGE DOD Barrett, Ellworthy 82 Dec. 1 Bergeron, Joseph 80 Nov. 21 Blake, John 76 Nov. 28 Bryant, Rufus 86 Nov. 10 Coffin, Martin 74 Dec. 6 Daniels, Jasper 82 Oct. 31 De Silva, Charles 79 July 11 Florence, James 70 Sept. 1 Fontenot, Joseph 72 Nov. 24 Ganter, John 77 Nov. 21 Grant, Edward 75 Nov. 9 Guerrero, Feliciano 68 Nov. 24 EARL WHITE Gundersen, Sigfred 92 Dec. 14 Pensioner Earl White, 80, passed away Sept. 27. He started his career with the NMU in 1954. Brother White worked in both the deck and engine departments. A native of Philadelphia, he worked primarily aboard the tug Brandyne. Brother White started receiving his pension in 1981. Jensen, Einer 74 Nov. 23 Jordon, Tommie 89 Dec. 17 Kennedy, Amos 83 Nov. 27 Lewis, Roy 69 Nov. 21 Mapp, Ian 87 Dec. 6 McLarty, Alfred 80 Nov. 9 Mietla, Walter 92 Dec. 10 Montalvo, Elias 80 Dec. 4 Oellano, Rosario 89 Dec. 14 Petersen, Arthur 93 Oct. 15 Quinones, Luis 77 Dec. 8 Richardson, Sam 79 Dec. 6 Robinson, Elario 76 Dec. 26 Ruiz, Jose 79 Nov. 13 Smith, Cephus 78 Dec. 8 Tejeda, Pedro 94 Dec. 2 Vlachos, Peter 79 Aug. 26 Walden, Lavergn 81 Nov. 15 AUGUSTUS WHITE Pensioner Augustus White, 74, died Sept. 27. Brother White joined the NMU in 1953 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Rocky Mount, N.C., he worked in both the steward and engine departments and upgraded his skills often. Brother White sailed on many vessels including the USNS Sappa Creek. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1994. KEOW P. WONG Pensioner Keow P. Wong, 84, died Nov. 18. Brother Wong’s first voyage originated from the port of New York aboard the Robert Howe. Born in China, he worked in the steward department. Brother Wong became a pensioner in 1969. February 2004 �21209_p9,11_14,17_24.qxd 1/16/2004 4:06 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Engine Utility (EU) March 22 May 17 April 16 June 11 Marine Electrician May 10 July 2 Refrigeration April 12 May 21 Welding February 2 March 29 February 20 April 16 Course The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the middle of 2004. 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 Start Date Date of Completion February 23 April 19 March 5 April 30 Basic Safety Training (BST) February 9 February 16 March 15 March 29 April 19 May 10 May 24 February 13 February 20 March 19 April 2 April 23 May 14 May 28 Course Deck Upgrading Courses Advanced Fire Fighting* Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman March 1 April 12 May 24 March 26 May 7 June 18 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids * (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) February 9 March 8 February 13 March 12 Celestial Navigation March 29 April 23 GMDSS (Simulator) March 1 March 12 Fast Rescue Boat May 3 June 7 May 7 June 11 Lifeboatman/Water Survival February 16 March 29 May 10 February 27 April 9 May 21 Government Vessels Navigation Fundamentals February 9 April 26 February 20 May 7 February 23 March 22 April 5 May 17 June 28 February 27 March 26 April 9 May 21 July 2 Radar February 23 May 10 March 5 May 21 Medical Care Provider February 9 April 5 May 31 February 20 April 16 June 11 February 9 March 8 February 13 March 12 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 9 March 29 May 17 February 20 April 9 May 28 March 15 March 19 Course Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses Tankerman (PIC) Barge* Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning January 19, 2004. (*must have basic fire fighting) Academic Department Courses Recertification Steward February 9 March 8 Bosun (to be announced) 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ February 2004 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 2/04 Seafarers LOG 21 �21209_p9,11_14,17_24.qxd 1/16/2004 4:07 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 645 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 645 (in alphabetical order) Shane Avila, Mark Beck, Christopher Chever, Lloyd Clark, John Crawford, Nicholas Doffoh, Neftali Erausquin, Jor-el Holmberg, Darrion Ingram, Gilbert Johnson, Taneisha Johnson, Nathaniel Leachman, Jomar Rodriguez Diaz, Gary Santos, Damian Spedale, Ronald Tucker II, Clifton Wiggins, Trevor Wood and Robert York. Oiler — Completing the oiler course Dec. 12 are (in alphabetical order) Steven Benavides, Trevor Cohn, Jonathan Duncan, Paul Gross, Stephen Johnson, Reynaldo Lacayo, Nat Lamb, Christian Rosado and John Watson. Their instructor, Eric Malzkuhn, is in the back at left. Able Seaman — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Dec. 5 are upgrading students (in alphabetical order) Robyn Adamosky, Abdoulla Alssoudi, Milton Flynn, Abdul Hasan, James Jasman, Roy Logan, Jeffrey McPherson, Darriel Porchea, Jared Smith and Selina Sobers. Not pictured are James Reece and Paul Riley. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Engine Utility— Unlicensed apprentices in phase III of their training completed the engine utility course Dec. 12. They are (in alphabetical order) Damien Bautista, Kyle Byron, Gregory Davis, Si Hughes, Joshua Kilbourn, Felix Osorio, Carlos Perez, Annie Walker, Robert Walter, Matthew Whitmore and upgrading Seafarers Luis Ramirez, Luis Roebuck, David Simpson and Jerome Torrence. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Lifeboatman/ Water Survival — Successfully completing the water survival course Nov. 21 are (in alphabetical order) Liane Alicuben, Vanity Braley, Nelly Calamayan, Dean Ekman, Brian Kane, Evodio Lucero-Alcaide, Micahlah Shults, Natalie Tremblay and Sheila Venable. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — With instructor Stan Beck (standing left) are Nov. 21 graduates of the water survival class. They are (in alphabetical order) Angelie Avila, David Correa, Rickey Hoshino, Crystal Leyba, Jarret Rogerson and Janifer Salvacion. Academic Classes and Computer Lab In photo at left, instructor Rich Prucha (left) congratulates Seafarers Joseph Butasek (center) and Brandon Maeda for completing the full curriculum for college math. Butasek (in the photo at right) also received a certificate of achievement for completion of History 102: The United States from 1877. With him is his history instructor, Peggy Densford. In the photo at far right is Ronald Celious and instructor Rich Prucha. Celious graduated from the Computer Basics course Dec. 19. 22 Seafarers LOG February 2004 �21209_p9,11_14,17_24.qxd 1/16/2004 4:07 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Specially Trained OS — Alaskan fishermen completing the STOS course Dec. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Dec. 12 graduates of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course are (in alphabetical order) Dirk Adams, Colin Campbell, Ronald Celious, Kenneth Cooper, Maximino Dagoldol, Michael Gallagher, Stephen Gardner, Mariano Lino, Maximo Lugtu, Philip Perry, Darriel Porchea, Juan Sanchez, David Seeman, Jared Smith and Peter Williams. 12 are (in alphabetical order) Rolando Balmes, Michael Bell, James Dennis, Forrest Hosier, Lanny Pihlman, David Simpson, Joshua Stukey, Richard Summers and Harriet Wadley, Their instructor, Stacey Harris, is at far left. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Under the instruction of Stan Beck (standing) are Dec. 5 graduates of the water survival course. They are (in no particular order) Cortney Bond, Adrienne Zucker, Brian Kuntzmann, David Martinez, Jennifer Reid, Merrinnage Costa, Francisco Reyes, Daniel Menck, Ashley Dheel, Derek Jodenschwager, Calvin Lester, Lauryn Heckel, Desiree Carlbom, Jennifer Kissee, Noel Destura and Shane Depee. Specially Trained OS — Upgrading Seafarers who completed the STOS course Dec. 12 are (from left) Oscar Swangin, David Black, Eugene Perez, Brad Wheeler (instructor), Kosar Iqbal, Edwin Pelingon, Sam Baffoe and Asad Al-Waseem. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Flanked by instructors Stan Beck (left) and Herb Walling (right) are Dec. 12 graduates of the water survival course. They are (in no particular order) Cindy Hird, James Brzycki, Adrian Morales, Donna Rickley, Mustafa Warsame, Pamela Weedon, Robert Chin, James Conway Jr., Tanya Bradley, Owen Hatchett III, Gerald Byrd, Nate Jacobson, Jack Sonson, Eric Jensen and Lev Rosenstein. STCW — Dec. 26: Alec Berry, Rufus Byes, Henry Caudle, Ryan Clement, Jomadalyn Hilderbrand, Adam Hollis, Hoang Hung, Tony Luu, Joselito Ocampo, Roseann Remillong, Art Rolack, Jean Talus, Daniel Topolski, Jessica Voigtlander and David Waterbury. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — Dec. 12: Celia Acacio, Jarvis Belle, Cortney Bond, Bianca Contreras, Merrinnage Costa, Gabrielle DePaulis, Shane Depee, Ashley Dheel, Stephen Dillon Jr., Elhusseiny Elnagger, Hector Escoto, Samuel Evans, Patrick Grodeska, Greg Halliday, Lauryn Heckel, Matthew Holley, Derek Jodenschweger, Andrew Jones, Brian Kuntzmann, Calvin Lester, David Martinez, Daniel Menck, Pamela Phillips, Francisco Reyes, John Trent, Richard Wiener, John Winiarski and Adrienne Zucker. Instructor Bernabe Pelingon is at far left. February 2004 STCW — Dec. 19: Tanya Bradley, James Brzycki, Gerald Byrd, Robert Chin, James Conway, Owen Hatchett III, Cindy Hird, Nate Jaconson, Eric Jensen, Donna Rickley, Lev Rosenstein, Jack Sonson, Mustafa Warsame, Andrea Lacafta, Terrie Johnson and Linda Anderson. Seafarers LOG 23 �21209_p9,11_14,17_24.qxd 1/22/2004 5:34 PM Page 24 Volume 66, Number 2 February 2004 1 D f S S 1 T — o p i f 1 a 1 The port of San Francisco continues to play an important role in merchant marine shipping. The photos appearing on this page were shot on board the SIU-crewed American Tern (Osprey Ship Management), Maui (Matson Navigation), Horizon Enterprise (Horizon Lines) and ADM Callaghan (Keystone Shipping) during their recent stops in the Bay City port. AB Ricardo Abella American Tern Chief Steward Denise Smith ADM Callaghan Left: Recertified Steward George Pino, Recertified Bosun Roger Reinke, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone Horizon Enterprise Chief Steward Steven Parker American Tern 1st Asst. Engineer Mike Wyant, OMU Ed Thompson American Tern OMU Randall Kramer, AB Wayne Smiley American Tern Recertified Steward Johnnie McGill, SA George Gerssing, Chief Cook Daniel Maxie, ACU Herman Cerbana Maui Assistant Cook Marion Ofrecio American Tern Chief Cook Roberto Martinez, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone Maui Chief Cook Elizer Saintvil American Tern AB Shad Ball Horizon Enterprise � 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 2004 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MAERSK LINE, LIMITED HONORS U.S. MARINERS SEN. BREAUX ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AT TERM’S END ‘WE’RE ALWAYS READY’ SEAFARERS SET FOR ‘PART 2’ OF OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM PAUL HALL CENTER’S EGLINGTON REAPPOINTED TO MERPAC JONES ACT VESSELS SUPPORT U.S. TROOPS SO FAR, SO GOOD FOR PHARMACY AGREEMENT NAVY SHIP TRANSFERS TO CIVMAR FLEET NEW RULE IMPACTS MMD RENEWAL ‘HIGHT THREAT’ ALERT ISSUES MARAD ADVISES CAUTION IN WAKE OF HOMELAND SECURITY ANNOUNCEMENT SIU VP CORGEY APPOINTED TO KEY LABOR POSITION ON MARITIME SECURITY GROUP FEDERATION AIMS TO BOOST GROCERY WORKERS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ANTHRAX VACCINE WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SMALLPOX REVAMPED FOWT COURSE PREPS STUDENTS FOR ENDORSEMENTS, STCW CERTIFICATION SEAFARER SHEPARD’S TALES ARE NO BULL FORMER SIU MEMBER WRITES VOLUME ABOUT LIFE IN MERCHANT MARINE COLORFUL BOOK SPOTLIGHTS INLAND TUGBOAT INDUSTRY DOT ANNOUNCES ‘E-SEAL’ TEST RESULTS RESTORED VICTORY SHIP IS BACK AT SEA SEAFARERS IN THE PORT OF SAN FRANCISCO Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 02/01/2004 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. 66, No 2 2004 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/eb405f71c5d44dc6e9c054267a73a6b6.pdf 997759f4f4be3c2bbaa3df22d29baa72 PDF Text Text 21722p1_2_4_5_9-10_14_24.qxd 2/27/2004 4:05 PM Page 1 Volume 66, Number 3 March 2004 Seafarers Deliver for U.S. National Defense AP Photo/Cpl. Matthew Orr SIU members are sailing aboard dozens of U.S.-flag military support ships in Operation Iraqi Freedom 2. Last month, Seafarers reported to the Ready Reserve Force vessels Cape Wrath (right) and Cape Washington (center) in Baltimore, while the Seafarers-crewed LMSR USNS Brittin (lower left) helped move vital cargo from Antwerp, Belgium for the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division. Overall, at least 57 SIU-crewed ships have mobilized for OIF2. Pages 3, 12, 13. MSC Photo by Ed Baxter SIU Backs Grocery Workers SIU members and officials last month rallied in support of striking UFCW members who are fighting to maintain affordable health coverage. In Carson, Calif., SIU President Michael Sacco (right photo, far right) on Feb. 11 joined officials from the Seafarers-affiliated UIW on a grocery store picket line, as did (left photo, from left) SIU Executive VP John Fay and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Earlier, dozens of Seafarers and officials from New York and Philadelphia took part in a major UFCW demonstration on Wall Street. Page 3. Liberty Eagle Joins SIU Fleet The SIU gained new shipboard jobs with the Jan. 27 delivery of the MV Liberty Eagle (left). It is the eighth vessel in Liberty Maritime Corporation’s SIU-crewed fleet, which transports food shipments overseas as part of the U.S. government’s “Food for Peace” program. The Liberty Eagle is 623 feet long and can travel at 15.3 knots. Page 3. �21722p2.qxd 2/27/2004 4:13 PM Page 2 ITF Secures Millions for Crews President’s Report Jones Act Must Stay Intact I’ve never understood how anyone can keep a straight face when they say the Jones Act somehow is bad for the national economy or for U.S. citizens. The facts overwhelmingly support the nation’s freight cabotage law, which specifies that cargo moving between domestic ports must be carried on U.S.-crewed, U.S.-owned, U.S.-built, U.S.-flag ships. The Jones Act helps preserve a viable American maritime industry. It provides an estimated 125,000 American jobs. It generates tax revenues Michael Sacco without any cost to the government. As Seafarers know, jobs aboard Jones Act ships help maintain a pool of loyal, well-trained U.S. crews. With the second phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom under way, the importance of dedicated U.S. mariners to our nation’s military capabilities once again is as plain as day. There are other specific benefits to the law, but the bottom line is that the Jones Act works. It helps our economy and our national defense capabilities. It’s a source of good jobs. It’s also constantly under attack by foreign-flag interests who couldn’t care less about what’s best for America. Unfortunately, that has been the case since the law was enacted back in 1920. The enemies of the Jones Act apparently don’t see a problem with opening the domestic trades to runaway-flag rustbuckets. They don’t see a problem with massive U.S. job loss, or threats to our national security or environment. In the late 1980s, there was a full frontal assault against the law. Foreign shipping interests launched a well-funded grassroots effort to have the law repealed. Eventually, the Persian Gulf War helped kill the anti-Jones Act movement, partly because it reminded policymakers that sealift remained as important as ever. Since then, opponents of the Jones Act have changed tactics by trying to weaken the law one waiver, one exemption at a time. Most recently, it happened last year with the introduction of Congressional legislation that supposedly centers on shipping rates in the Hawaiian livestock trade. Those bills haven’t gotten much support, but the issue isn’t dead. A related development involves the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA), a companion law to the Jones Act that covers domestic cruises and ferries. The government of Panama is pressing the U.S. Customs Service to change the Central American country’s designation as a “nearby foreign port” to that of a “distant foreign port.” If that happens, then Panama could avoid parts of the law that block foreign-flag cruise ships from carrying passengers from one U.S. port to another. That’s not all. Some Mexican and Canadian officials want changes to the so-called North American Free Trade Agreement that would allow one cabotage law encompassing U.S.-, Canadian- and Mexican-flag ships. This would have the same devastating effect on the Jones Act fleet as we’ve seen in the domestic manufacturing sector. Similarly, foreign groups may push to use short sea shipping— waterborne alternatives to ease congestion on the nation’s highways and railways—to open the Jones Act trade to Mexico and Canada. In promoting short sea shipping, the U.S. Maritime Administration clearly has stated that its plans don’t include changing U.S. cabotage laws. But there are warnings that opponents of the U.S. maritime industry will try to use the program to abolish or weaken the Jones Act. On that note, I offer a word of praise for the recent ruling by the U.S. Coast Guard on vessel lease financing. The agency’s decision clearly shows that regulations for vessel documentation are not tools for opening the Jones Act to foreign interests. It’s no stretch to say that, without the Jones Act, the U.S. eventually would be forced to rely on foreign-flag ships to supply American forces overseas with vital materiel. And it’s just good common sense to recognize that without Jones Act vessels and their U.S. crews, America would depend on foreigners to deliver the 2 billion barrels of refined petroleum products on U.S. waters currently handled each year by U.S.-flag ships. Those scenarios are beyond risky. They’re unacceptable. The Jones Act is a huge plus for national security, economic security—and our job security. That’s why the SIU will do whatever it takes to uphold this essential, effective law. Volume 66, Number 3 The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) last month announced that the claims of 700 mariners on the Greekflagged Olympia Explorer and Olympia Voyager have been settled after six weeks of work by the federation, which applauded the cooperation with the owners and bank. SIU ITF inspector Scott Brady played a key role in helping multinational crew members from the Voyager. Overall, mariners from both vessels received more than $5 million in back pay and severance. They have been repatriated. The ships remain arrested in the ports of Long Beach and Miami, respectively, following demands by creditors—among them German state bank KFW, the ships’ mortgage holder—that the owners pay all outstanding debts. The ITF said it is working to settle outstanding claims for Greek crew members who are on leave, and may need to intervene legally on their behalf. According to the federation, ITF representatives are on board both vessels in support of ITF affiliate the PanHellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO), and are seeking to secure an amicable resolution with the owners, Royal Olympic Cruise Lines, and KFW. “The responsible role taken on by both the owners and the bank played a significant part in reaching this settlement. We hope the outstanding claims for the crew members on leave will be similarly resolved,” said Steve Cotton, secretary of the ITF’s Special Seafarers’ Department. After crew members from the Voyager contacted Brady, he Crew members from the Olympia Voyager (above) have reason to smile following a shipboard payoff Jan. 30. The ITF secured more than $5 million for mariners from the Voyager (below) and sister ship Olympia Explorer. boarded the ship in Port Everglades, Fla. and stayed there for nearly two weeks, negotiating with a shipping manager appointed by the owner. “They were long and grueling, round-the-clock negotiations, but the ITF and the entire crew showed solidarity from day one and prevailed,” Brady stated. Apostleship of the Sea Steps Up to Protect Shore-Leave Rights The Apostleship of the Sea of the United States is working to improve potentially dangerous and often unnecessary restrictions on mariners’ shore-leave rights. Fr. Sinclair Oubre—president of the Apostleship of the Sea and an active SIU member—recently met with representatives of Congress, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the labor movement in Washington, D.C. to advance the cause. He also conferred with SIU President Michael Sacco. The organization is urging Congress to begin ratifying International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 185 “in the most expedient manner possible so that seafarers do not become the latest victims of terrorism.” Unanimously ratified (392-0) last year by delegates to the ILO forum in Geneva, Convention 185 calls for a universal mariner identification docu- March 2004 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2004 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and Fr. Sinclair Oubre discuss the importance of ILO Convention 185, which addresses mariner identification and shore leave. The Voyager crew—from Greece, the Philippines and several Eastern European nations— received $2.5 million in back wages and severance. The ITF is a federation of 621 transport trade unions (including the SIU) in 137 countries, representing approximately 5 million workers. ment. It also states the critical need for shore leave and further specifies that “seafarers shall not be required to hold a visa.” Convention 185 also indicates that “any member (nation) which is not in a position to fully implement this requirement shall ensure that its laws and regulations or practice provide arrangements that are substantially equivalent.” For now, however, all mariners must possess “D1” (non-immigration) visas to go ashore in the U.S. “After September 11, 2001, the Immigration and Naturalization Service ceased issuing crew list visas,” explained Oubre. “It also changed its rules regarding the INS agent issuing waivers for mariners to go ashore if they did not have a D-1 visa. The new regulations only allow a supervisor to waive the D-1 visa requirement and, unlike the airline industry, have no avenue for appeal.” One consequence is that mariners have been denied shore-side medical care because they lack visas. “They can’t get off the ship unless it’s a lifethreatening condition,” Oubre noted. “This has led to mariners sailing from U.S. ports on voyages that are weeks long without necessary health care. We can only hope that by the time the vessel reached its next port, the situation did not evolve into a lifethreatening problem.” Another concern is that such instances may lead to U.S. mariners unjustly being denied leave overseas. “The bottom line is we don’t see the relationship between the D-1 visa and security,” Oubre said. “Our present policies assume that the greatest threat to maritime security comes from mariners leaving the vessels. However, the real threat is a terrorist posing as a mariner and staying on the vessel. He or she could blow up the ship at dock or scuttle it at an important waterway junction. Preventing the seafarer from leaving the vessel because the mariner lacks a visa will not prevent either of these security concerns.” In a recent letter outlining the situation, the Apostleship of the Sea asks Congress to enact Convention 185 on seafarer documents “and let these new documents be accepted as identification for the mariner, and in place of the D-1 visa.” March 2004 �21722p3_4_7_12_13.qxd 2/27/2004 4:25 PM Page 3 Liberty Eagle Joins SIU Fleet The union recently welcomed new shipboard jobs with the Jan. 27 delivery of the MV Liberty Eagle. It is the eighth vessel in Liberty Maritime Corporation’s SIU-crewed fleet, which transports food shipments overseas as part of the U.S. government’s “Food for Peace” program. Seafarers flew from New York to Japan to join the ship and sail it to the United States. It arrived in New Orleans late last month to load humanitarian aid cargo for East Africa. “The addition of this vessel to the U.S.-flag fleet not only strengthens America’s economic security but also boosts our national defense,” stated SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. SIU members aboard the Liberty Eagle’s first voyage were Recertified Bosun Thomas W. Lasater, ABs Juan L. Torres, José E. Ortiz, Ed- gardo Castro, Mohamed S. Soliman and John S. Daunoras, GUDE Vicente T. Cueva Jr., QMED Jimmy Sabga, Oiler Calvin Hicks, Recertified Steward Richard M. Worobey, Chief Cook Benjamin J. Advincula and GSTU Simon Perez . The U.S.-flag vessel was built at Oshima Shipyard in Japan as were two sister ships, the Liberty Glory and Liberty Grace, delivered in April 2001 and July 2001, respectively. All are 623 feet long with a 105-foot beam and can travel at 15.3 knots. The bulk carriers are equipped with four cranes and six hatches apiece and have the additional ability of carrying containers. The Liberty Eagle, however, at 52,500 DWT, is slightly heavier than the other two at 50,599 DWT each. Liberty Maritime Corporation is based in Lake Success, N.Y. The SIU-crewed Liberty Eagle is the eighth vessel in Liberty Maritime Corporation’s fleet. Following its arrival in New Orleans last month, the bulk carrier loaded humanitarian aid cargo for East Africa. SIU Mobilizes for OIF2 Seafarers-Crewed LMSRs Carry Vital Materiel for ‘Big Red One’ Seafarers are tackling the giant sealift component of Operation Iraqi Freedom 2, crewing dozens of ships in support of U.S. troops. By mid-February, at least 57 SIU-crewed vessels had mobilized for a mission that’s expected to last at least into summer. The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) early this year announced that an estimated 23 million square feet of cargo will be moved by sea to support the armed forces as nearly a quartermillion military personnel rotate into and out of the Middle East. An early highlight of the mis- Bosun William Dowzicky (top photo) and AB John Barcroft (below) help prepare the Cape Wrath last month in Baltimore. March 2004 sion involved five Seafarerscrewed large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) ships loading out more than 70,000 tons of Army hardware in The SIU-crewed USNS Watkins recently helped transport materiel for the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division. See pages 12-13 for more coverage of OIF2 Antwerp, Belgium for the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division— better known as Big Red One. From Jan. 25 to early last month, the LMSRs (USNS Brittin, USNS Red Cloud, USNS Dahl, USNS Charlton and USNS Watkins) took on a wide range of materiel for delivery to an area northwest of Baghdad, where Big Red One is relieving the 4th Infantry Division. The cargo included M1A1 Abrams heavy battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, Bradley fighting vehicles, heavy trucks, humvees, fuel trucks and containers loaded with various supplies. During a ceremony aboard the Red Cloud in Antwerp, Col. Susan Sowers, USA, commander of the Army’s 37th Transportation Battalion, told the crew members, “It makes a difference in the world, what you do. We couldn’t get there without you.” SIU members are embracing the mission. Bosun William Dowzicky, helping ready the Cape Wrath last month in Baltimore, said, “The major combat may be over, but it’s still very important that we resupply our troops. We’re going to do our part. This is still serious— we still have soldiers over there.” Jim Porter, making his first trip as third engineer after sailing as a QMED with the SIU, noted, “The first trip (last year) was smooth, and I expect the same thing this time.” Among the SIU-crewed ships Sealift Statistics from Operation Iraqi Freedom More than 2,000 SIU members sailed aboard 100-plus U.S.-flag ships in support of American and Allied forces. U.S.-flag commercial ships carried more than 45,000 TEUs to our forces. 12 Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement ships were charted by MSC, and 18 VISA liner ships were used by the Military Traffic Management Command. An average vessel moved the equivalent of 300 C-17 cargo aircraft, which freed up aircraft for other critical missions. sailing in OIF2 are SL-7s operated by AMSEA; Ready Reserve Force vessels operated by Crowley, Keystone, Mormac, Marine Transport Lines, Pacific Gulf Marine, and Patriot Contract Services; and LMSRs operated by Maersk Line, Limited. SIU Rallies with Grocery Workers In a show of solidarity with their fellow union brothers and sisters, SIU members and officials last month marched with striking and locked-out members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) in New York and California. SIU President Mike Sacco, Executive Vice President John Fay, and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel walked a UFCW picket line in Carson, Calif. for several hours on Feb. 11. One week earlier, dozens of Seafarers and officials from New York and Philadelphia took part in a major UFCW demonstration on Wall Street. At the New York rally on Feb. 5, workers marched on Wall Street to urge investors to avoid buying supermarket stocks one day after stores in Southern California rejected an offer from the UFCW. About 1,500 people, including elected leaders and community and faith-based activists, rallied in support of the UFCW members. Roughly 59,000 grocery employees have been on strike or locked out for four months at Safeway Inc., Kroger Co. and Albertsons Inc. They are fighting against unfair cuts in their health benefits, among other concerns. The SIU contingent at the New York demonstration included (from left) Raphael D’Ambrosio, Chris Nardone, Charlie Collins, Bennie Santos, Marie Sacco, C.J. Williams, George DiCanio, Justine Soresi, Joe Corr, Eddie Doruth, VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi and Jake Joyce. All three companies are publicly traded. “Your support has kept us stronger day after day,” Maria Patrice, a worker at a Safeway store in California and a 31-year member of the UFCW, told the New York crowd. “We are going to stay out there as long as it takes to win this whole thing.” The rally’s speaker list included: AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda ChavezThompson; New York City Central Labor Council President Brian McLaughlin; U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.); and New York State Comptroller Alan Continued on page 9 Seafarers LOG 3 �21722p1_2_4_5_9-10_14_24.qxd 2/26/2004 12:12 PM Page 4 Merlin Rescues Egyptian Officer The captain and crew of the SIU-contracted MV Merlin on Jan. 23 came to the rescue of an officer who was adrift from the stricken vessel MV Kephi near Malta. Laden with some 8,800 pounds of cement from Istanbul, Turkey, the 390-foot Greekowned Kephi was headed to a West African port. While situated some 320 nautical miles east of Malta, the vessel found itself in difficulty and faced with extreme sea conditions. Registered in the Comoros, the vessel was carrying 16 Egyptian crew members and one Greek when it began taking on water. At about 0055 hours, the Merlin received a Mayday call from the Kephi. According to Merlin Captain Joe Solberg, the Kephi reported that it had a heavy list and was in danger of capsizing. Responding to the call, the SIU ship altered course and headed for the distressed vessel’s location. Not long thereafter, the Merlin crew caught sight of the Kephi’s lights. According to Solberg, at that time, it was The Seafarers-crewed Merlin overcame rough weather to save an officer from a disabled runaway-flag ship. underway and doing about seven knots. At 0230 and at location 3510.9N/021-09.3E, the Kephi sank. Some 35 minutes later, the Merlin arrived at the scene and commenced search and rescue operations. After investigating the scene to get a positive sighting (debris, lifejackets, etc.), a flare was spotted at 0620 hours. Shortly after daybreak, the Merlin crew saw a life raft with two people aboard. Solberg maneuvered his vessel into position to rescue the pair. At 0915, one survivor was brought aboard the Merlin. The second individual slipped away in the heavy weather. Subsequently, several passes were attempted to save the second survivor, but to no avail. Another vessel in the area, the MV Yuri Savinov, recovered the second person. He, along with his 15 remaining shipmates, however, did not survive. Gale force winds and high waves were cited as a major cause of the crew members’ demise. Both significantly hampered rescue operations. According to a Greek Merchant Marine spokesman, “The weather conditions in the area are atrocious.” The rescued crewman aboard the Merlin was treated, given food and dry clothing. He had sustained fractures to his right shoulder and had symptoms of shock. The mariner, who later was evacuated by the Malta Armed Forces, was identified as Eslam Hassan Osman Morgan, a 28-year-old Egyptian who was the Kephi’s Second Officer. Seafarers aboard the Merlin at the time of the rescue included: ABs Michael Nee, Harry Champagne, Jules Delgado, John Holmes, Luisito Tabada, and Joey Pauley; GUDE George Melton, OMUs Glenn Barnes and Michael Watkins; Chief Cook Prescillano Gamboa and GSTU Terrance Bing. Following the rescue, the Merlin received a congratulatory message from Sealift, Inc. the vessel’s operator. In part the message said: “Captain Joe, all of us at Sealift are proud of what you and the crew have done….The message you received from the Navy advising that you have been professional and timely with your actions is also shared by us…This was a job well done.” Dennis Is New Plans Administrator Delma Retires After 38 Years, Will Remain as Consultant Bill Dennis is the new Seafarers Plans Administrator, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (chairman of the union trustees) announced in December. Formerly the plans administrator of the National Maritime Union (NMU)—which merged into the SIU in May 2001— Dennis replaces Lou Delma, who retired effective Jan. 1 following more than 38 years of service to the various employee benefit plans. Delma had been the Administrator since 1995. Dennis served in his previous position for six years. Prior to that, he held the title of NMU Benefit Plans controller for three years beginning in 1994. A former member of the U.S. Army Reserve, Dennis holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Francis College in Brooklyn, N.Y. He was born and raised in Brooklyn and has spent most of his adult life working in the accounting profession. Dennis and his wife, Mary Jane, have been married for 42 years. They are the proud parents of three children and grandparents of two. “I look forward to the challenge of continuing to maintain the high level of service that the Plans provided to the membership,” Dennis said. “Like Lou, I have a very high level of concern for the welfare of our membership. To that end, I’ll ensure that all of our programs are carried out in accordance with established rules and regulations so that all benefits are disbursed in a timely fashion.” Dennis said he will continue the practice of evaluating existing services to the membership and, like Delma, he will continuously look for opportunities to improve the benefit delivery system. He cited the recently enacted pre- scription program as an example of improvements in the benefits system. He said, “In today’s world, we see annual increases of 15 to 20% in the cost of health benefits. A big part of my job is to contain these cost increases while providing these benefits to plan participants. I fully expect to draw on Lou’s almost 40 years of acquired knowledge concerning our Plans. Lou has put together a very good staff. I look forward to working with them. I consider myself to be a hands-on type of manager. To this end, we will have NMU Medical Plan Merges Into Seafarers Health Plan Trustees of the National Maritime Union (NMU) Welfare Plan last month recommended that the Plan merge into the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP). Seafarers Trustees approved the recommendation Feb. 6 during a meeting at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. The target date for implementation of the health plans’ merger is June 1. “It should be a seamless move and a big money-saver,” stated Seafarers Plans Administrator Bill Dennis. “The NMU schedule of benefits will remain unchanged, other than they will be administered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. But the benefits themselves are exactly the same, and they’re available specifically for people who had been covered by the NMU. “Likewise, there’s no change for members covered by the Seafarers Plans,” Dennis added. Carolyn Gentile, General Counsel to the Seafarers Plans, noted, “The merger basically keeps the status quo in terms of benefits, but the administration will be under one roof. It will be more efficient because operations will be uniform, though of course according to the separate benefit schedules.” Similar consolidations of medical plans have occurred between other unions that merged with the SIU. The NMU merged into the SIU in June 2001. The last NMU contract expires in 2006. NMU retirees don’t receive medical benefits. 4 Seafarers LOG SIU President Mike Sacco (left) presents Lou Delma with a ship’s wheel at Delma’s retirement gathering late last year. regularly scheduled staff meetings. We will always look for ways to improve our internal operating procedures. We are a team with a big responsibility. Working together, we will accomplish our mission.” Although Delma retired as administrator, he will remain at headquarters as a consultant. A native of Brooklyn, Delma began his career with the Seafarers Plans in 1965 in the claims department preparing Seafarers’ medical expense requests for processing at the former office, located at 17 Battery Place in Manhattan, N.Y. From 1965 until 1977, he held various positions in the Seafarers claims department. At the end of 1977, Delma went to work with the manpower department. In 1980, he became supervisor of the records and vacation department, assisting Seafarers in processing their vacation applications. Delma began working as an assistant to the Administrator for the Benefits Plans in 1991. In 1992, he became the Assistant Administrator for the welfare, pension and vacation programs. Continuing his career, he assumed his position as Seafarers Plans Administrator in 1995. In this capacity, he was responsible for all aspects of the welfare, pension and vacation programs associated Seafarers Plans Administrator Bill Dennis with the union. “Bill will have some big shoes to fill in replacing Lou Delma as Plans Administrator,” SIU President Michael Sacco said. “I have only good things to say about Lou because he has been one of the most dedicated employees this organization has ever had. Over the years, no one has worked harder or been more energetic than he has been in getting our membership every kind of advantage that they deserve. I can’t put into words what having him on our team has personally meant to me. “But Bill’s track record speaks for itself and I have every confidence in his abilities,” Sacco added. “He has a rich history that’s marked by consistent contributions to the membership and I look forward to more of the same from him.” Seafarers Say Prescription Card Is Just What the Doctor Ordered SIU members are happy with the new prescription identification cards recently issued as part of a new program with Prescription Solutions. Member feedback at the union halls and at the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan office has been very positive, according to port officials and Plan representatives. “The card is really good. I’ve already used it and I’m very happy with it,” said SA Leonel Montes at the Houston hall. “I’ve used it several times and it has worked out fine,” said AB Lonale Andrews at the hall in Norfolk, Va. “You hand them your card, they scan it and you get your medicine.” As reported in previous issues of the Seafarers LOG, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan in December entered into the agreement with Prescription Solutions to provide pharmacy benefits to all eligible participants. The program provides coverage for new as well as refill prescriptions filled at participating retail pharmacies and through the Prescription Solutions Mail Services Pharmacy. To use the program, members need only present their Prescription Solutions ID cards at any participating pharmacy. For AB Edward Milstead, eliminating or reducing out-of-pocket costs is a highlight of the new program. “That’s big, especially if you have kids,” Milstead noted at the hall in Mobile, Ala. “Everyone I’ve talked to is happy with the new card, and I look forward to using it when needed. I’m sure it’ll come in handy.” March 2004 �21722p1_2_4_5_9-10_14_24.qxd 2/26/2004 12:47 PM Page 5 SIU Mourns Retired Patrolman Joe Sigler Manuel “Joe” Sigler, a former SIU patrolman, business and port representative and safety director, passed away Feb. 12 in Indianapolis following a lengthy illness. He was 76. “He was a great union representative—always considerate and always looking out for the underdog,” said SIU President Michael Sacco upon learning of Brother Sigler’s death. “Joe was just a really great union guy, all the way around. He’ll be missed.” “He was a beloved union guy from the old school,” said St. Louis SIU Port Agent Becky Sleeper, whom Sigler mentored. “Joe was port agent when I arrived here. He took me under his wing, taught and showed me what I needed to know and do to be successful as a port agent…. He was totally union and would take the shirt off his back and give it to just about anybody if he thought it would help them.” “Joe’s death is such a great loss to all of us,” offered Valerie Miller, St. Louis SIU representative. “I have known him since I was about 6 or 7 years old … from way back in the old Lundeberg days. He always cared about his union brothers and sisters and kept in touch with us Mississippi Mishaps Orleans. The accident reportedly caused 22,000 gallons of fuel oil to leak from the moored Marshall Islands-flagged tanker into the river. In 1996, the Bright Field smashed into the shopping center and nearby Hilton Hotel, causing about $19 million in damage. Just two days after last month’s mishap, the Mississippi’s only entrance for deep sea ships from New Orleans to the Gulf of Mexico was closed again—this time due to a fatal accident. According to news reports, the 178-foot supply boat Lee III sank Feb. 21 after striking the 534-foot containership Zim Mexico III in the fog. The five-man crew of the supply boat remained missing after two days of searching (as this issue of the LOG went to press). The Zim Mexico III reportedly is registered in Antigua and Barbuda, owned by Germany’s B. Rickmers GMBH Cie., and operated by Zim American Israeli Shipping Co. A 739-foot freighter owned by the same Chinese company whose vessel Bright Field hit New Orleans’ Riverwalk shopping center in 1996 added to the unfortunate legacy last month. Cosco Shipping’s Bright State on Feb. 19 hit the stationary 600foot vessel Genmar Alexandra on the Mississippi near New U.S.-Flag Cruise Plan Remains on Schedule NCL America recently confirmed plans to rechristen the Norwegian Sky as the Pride of Aloha and introduce the 2,000-passenger vessel into the company’s new U.S.-flag division this summer. The ship will undergo a multi-million dollar refurbishment. The Pride of Aloha will fill in for the Pride of America, which recently sustained storm damage in a German shipyard. The latter vessel was refloated Feb. 15, exactly one month after the storm hit it. According to news reports, though other parts of the ship were damaged, the Pride of America’s hull wasn’t harmed and the vessel will be completed. No official estimated completion date has been announced. The Pride of America initially was included in Project America, a substantial effort to enhance U.S. shipbuilding and the U.S.-flag cruise industry. The development was hurt by the attacks of September 11, 2001, but NCL last year committed to beginning a U.S.-flag operation in Hawaii. Free Choice Act Gains Support in Congress Even though the National Labor Relations Act—which established the legal right to form unions and negotiate for better benefits, pay, safety standards and working conditions—was enacted in 1935, employers across the country continue to use threats, coercion and intimidation to block workers’ efforts to unionize. For that reason, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.) on Nov. 21, 2003 introduced the Employee Free Choice Act (S.1925 and H.R. 3619). The proposed legislation ensures that when a majority of employees in a workplace decide to form a union, they can do so without the debilitating obstacles used by employers to block their workers’ free choice. “We like to think that workers are free to join a union,” Kennedy stated. “But too often that basic aspect of freedom is denied in our modern society because hard-line corporate managers succeed in denying a fair choice by workers.” Miller added, “We are here…to demand for workers in America the basic legal, labor and human rights by which we judge other nations around the world: the freedom of association and the right to collectively bargain.” The AFL-CIO picked Dec. 10—International Human Rights Day—to highlight the fact that March 2004 U.S. labor laws not only do not protect workers who want to organize unions, but in many cases facilitate employers’ efforts to block them. Civil rights leaders, Democratic presidential candidates and major labor advocates stood with tens of thousands of workers at 90 events in 37 states that day to ask that their rights be recognized. Workers at many of the marches, press conferences, hearings and other venues spoke about the opposition they have faced in attempting to exercise their right to form a union. “Behind the closed doors of the workplaces of America, workers face incredible—often ruthless—opposition when they try to come together in a union,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. “These employers are literally robbing working people and their communities of better lives. At a time in our nation when the middle class is shrinking, when the gap between the rich and poor is growing, workers deserve the right to form a union to win a real voice on the job through collective bargaining.” Federal labor law protects workers’ freedom to form unions—in theory. In reality, employers’ most powerful tactics to suppress workers’ freedom to form unions are legal under U.S. law. Others, such as firing workers for union activity, are technically illegal—but are penalized John Sweeney AFL-CIO President so lightly or enforced so poorly that the law is no deterrent. The Employee Free Choice Act will: Allow employees to freely choose whether to form unions by signing cards authorizing union representation. Provide mediation and arbitration for first contact disputes. Establish stronger penalties for violation of employee rights when workers seek to form a union and during first contract negotiations. Members of Congress appear to be listening to the workers. In less than three months, 155 members of the House and 27 senators had agreed to co-sponsor the bill. Union members are encouraged to get involved with the nationwide campaign by calling their U.S. senators (202) 224-3121 and representatives (202) 225-3121, and urging them to co-sponsor the Employee Free Choice Act. here at the port. Joe always wore his SIU T-shirt, jacket and his Lundeberg beef cap. He was SIU through and through.” Born in Gary, Ind., Brother Sigler donned the SIU colors in 1952 in the port of Chicago. Prior to joining the Seafarers, he served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1947. Brother Sigler spent the majority of his career working on the Great Lakes, but also worked in the deep sea and inland divisions. A deck department member, he sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Towing Co. Brother Sigler came ashore in 1980. Thereafter, he held the positions of patrolman and SIU representative in Chicago; SIU representative, port representative and safety director in Algonac, Mich.; and safety director and port agent in the port of St. Louis. He retired in January Joe Sigler, pictured at his retirement gathering in St. Louis, started his SIU career in 1952. 1995. Brother Sigler’s two sons, Manuel and Raymond; and one daughter, Terrilyn, survive him. A memorial service for Brother Sigler was held Feb. 14 in Indianapolis. Trustee Mike Swayne Passes Away at Age 69 Michael E. Swayne, an SIU trustee, passed away Jan. 23 at Somerset Medical Center in Somerville, N.J. He was 69. Born in Bronx, N.Y., Swayne initially was appointed alternate trustee for the SIU Employment Board in June 1981. He achieved full board status in August 1992 and thereafter served as a trustee for the Seafarers Welfare Plan, the Seafarers Pension Plan, and the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Swayne worked as a manager of labor relations for SIUcontracted Transoceanic Cable Ship Co. of Morristown, N.J. for more than 40 years. He retired in 1996. “Mike was a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine,” said SIU President Mike Sacco. “He really looked out for the people aboard the ships and made sure that they got a fair shake. I’m personally grateful for everything he did for the union and especially our membership. He was a model for good labor-management relations and he will truly be missed. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez echoed Sacco’s views, offering, “Mike was a real advocate for the welfare of the ship’s crew. He understood that the success of a vessel depended on the continued effectiveness and efficiency of its crew. Mike worked tirelessly to ensure that crews always were treated fairly. He was a very strong advocate for training and, in short, a real people’s guy.” Carolyn Gentile, general counsel to the Seafarers Plans, worked closely with Swayne. “He was a consummate gentleman and a real pleasure to work with,” Gentile said. “Michael had a very sweet disposition about him and wonderful sense of humor. I’m sure I speak for the entire SIU family when I say we all will miss him and his talents.” An avid gardener, Swayne took great pride in his horticultural skills. He also enjoyed the culinary arts. He was a communicant of St. Matthias Roman Catholic Church and was on the board of trustees for the American Maritime Officers in Dania, Fla. Swayne also was past vice chairman of the American Maritime Officers Service. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, the former Ida Murphy; three sons, Michael, Jr., James, Sr., and John; three daughters, Patricia Swayne, Maureen Swayne and Anne Sickles; and seven grandchildren. Funeral services for Swayne on Jan. 28 were held at St. Matthias Roman Catholic Church in Somerset, N.J. Interment followed in the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Franklin, N.J. The late SIU Trustee Michael Swayne, left, chats with Tony Naccarato of Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning during a 1993 trustee/port agents meeting in San Francisco. Swayne, who achieved full board status as an SIU trustee in August 1992, passed away Jan. 23. Seafarers LOG 5 �21722p6_8_11_15-23.qxd 2/20/2004 3:25 PM Page 6 Maritime Administration Approves Deepwater Liquid Natural Gas Port The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) last month stated that it soon will be easier to import natural gas from fuel tankers without disruption to shoreline communities and the environment, thanks in part to a new deepwater liquid natural gas (LNG) port approved by the agency. The LNG port, to be built by El Paso Energy Bridge Gulf of Mexico LLC about 116 miles south of New Orleans in the Gulf of Mexico, is a terminal to process and transfer natural gas received from LNG transport ships to a pipeline system, which will carry the natural gas ashore for distribution to U.S. markets. “This new facility will improve efficiency by eliminating the need for a carrier to come all the way into a shore side port and save money in the process,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta. Worldwide, natural gas is in plentiful supply. However, the United States holds less than 4 percent of the world reserves. The Deepwater Port Act of 1974, as amended in 2002, recognized the need for new LNG import facilities and provided American industry with the option of constructing new LNG port facilities in the waters beyond U.S. territorial limits. According to MarAd, the construction and operation of deepwater ports “will enhance the options available for the importation of natural gas into the U.S., thus allowing greater benefits from the economic and environmental advantages of LNG imports.” This is the second approval issued under the Deepwater Ports Act; the first approval was issued in November 2003. Maritime Administrator Captain William G. Schubert noted that his agency has three additional applications under review, and expects to receive more. “Natural gas consumption is rising rapidly, and an increased supply is important for our energy independence,” he said. MarAd reported that Energy Bridge Gulf of Mexico LLC (Energy Bridge GOM) is a whollyowned subsidiary of El Paso Field Services Holding Company, which is 100 percent owned by El Paso Tennessee Pipeline Company, which is, in turn, a major subsidiary of El Paso Corporation, based in Houston, Texas. Joint Action With Saudi Arabia Aims to Fight Terrorist Financing The United States and Saudi Arabian governments again have joined together to ask the United Nations to add four branches of the Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation to its consolidated list of terrorists tied to al-Qaida, Osama bin Laden and the Taliban. The U.S. Treasury Department recently announced that the designation of the Al-Haramain branches in Indonesia, Kenya, Tanzania and Pakistan under Executive Order 13224 “is the latest in a series of public joint actions with our ally in the war on terrorist financing. These branches have provided financial, material and logistical support to the al-Qaida network and other terrorist organizations.” U.S. Treasury Secretary John W. Snow stated, “The United States and Saudi Arabia share a deep commitment to fighting the spread of terrorism in all its forms. The branches of al Haramain that we have singled out today (Jan. 22) not only assist in the pursuit of death and destruction; they deceive countless people around the world who believe that they have helped spread good will and good works. By working together to take action today and calling on the United Nations to do the same, our two countries send a clear message: Those who hide intensions of terror behind a veil of benevolence and charity will not escape justice from the international community.” The Saudi government in 2003 ordered Al-Haramain to close all of its overseas branches. AlHaramain stated it closed branches in Indonesia, Kenya, Tanzania and Pakistan, but continued monitoring by the United States and Saudi Arabia indicates that these offices and/or former officials associated with these branches are either continuing to operate or have other plans to avoid these measures. The actions by the Bosnia-Herzegovina branch, designated in March 2002, to reconstitute itself and continue operations under the name “Vazir” is one example. Similarly, the Indonesian branch of AlHaramain has attempted to operate under an alias. According to the Treasury Department, the four branches designated earlier this year “are only the most recent of AlHaramain’s overseas branches to be investigated, and the U.S. remains committed to ensuring U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert Liberator Crew Welcomes SIU President, Other Officials Seafarers aboard the Liberator welcomed SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive VP John Fay, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, West Coast VP Nick Marrone and Wilmington Port Agent John Cox for a surprise shipboard meeting Feb. 11 at Berth 403 in Los Angeles. Sacco led discussions with the crew about Operation Iraqi Freedom 2, the new U.S. Maritime Security Program, political action, health care and more. Below are a few snapshots from the impromptu meeting. Executive VP John Fay (left) and President Michael Sacco climb aboard the Liberator. U.S. Treasury Secretary John W. Snow that the branches of this charity cannot be used to support terrorism. The Saudi Arabian government has informed the host countries that these entities are not Saudi entities and should be treated appropriately under local law. Designation at the UN triggers international obligations on all member countries, requiring them to take steps to ensure that these offices cannot continue to use their remaining infrastructure or finances to fund or otherwise support terrorism. It is also a critical action to publicly identify these supporters of terrorism, providing warning to other entities that they are prohibited from doing business with them.” President Sacco and crew members discuss the vital role of Seafarers in Operation Iraqi Freedom 2. Mulholland Retires from Matson After more than 38 years of service, C. Bradley Mulholland retired Jan. 1 from Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company, Inc., which he served as vice chairman of the board. He also retired from his position as executive vice president of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., Matson’s parent company, and from director positions on the boards of both companies. Mulholland joined Matson in 1965 and served in a variety of increasingly responsible positions throughout the company, ultimately being named president and chief operating officer of Matson in 1990, and then president and chief executive officer in 1992. He became vice chairman of the board in 2002. “We thank Brad for his many years of devoted service to Matson and his contributions to the organization over an extended period,” 6 Seafarers LOG said A&B President and CEO Allen Doane. “We wish him the best in his retirement.” Mulholland started as an assistant booking clerk in Southern California and, over the years, held such varied positions as district sales manager, regional sales manager, vice president sales, vice president of Matson Agencies, senior vice president in freight operations and president of Matson Terminals, Inc. In 1996, Mulholland was honored by the United Seamen’s Service with the prestigious Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award (AOTOS). He is a lifetime member of the National Defense Transportation Association and currently serves on the Board of the Standard Steamship Owners’ Association and the San Francisco Bay Area Council. Mulholland is also on the Board of Trustees of the National Maritime Museum Pictured from left to right are AB Dante Cruz, AB Joshua Mensah, President Sacco and AB Ivan Ingram. C. Bradley Mulholland Association in San Francisco. He also served for 10 years on the Mainland Distribution Committee of the A&B Foundation, the company’s charitable giving arm. Matson is the principal carrier of containerized freight and automobiles between the U.S. Pacific Coast and Hawaii, Guam and the mid-Pacific. West Coast VP Nick Marrone (left) and Port Agent John Cox (right) flank Bosun Manola Delos Santos. March 2004 �21722p3_4_7_12_13.qxd 2/23/2004 5:09 AM Page 7 SIU President Describes Key Aspects of Union, School Emphasizing the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role as America’s fourth arm of defense, SIU President Mike Sacco delivered an informative and well-received presentation Jan. 22 to more than 100 officials and staff members from the U.S. Department of Labor. Sacco also highlighted the unlicensed apprentice program offered by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education—a program approved last year by U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao through the department’s National Apprenticeship Standards. The speech took place in Washington, D.C. and was part of the department’s staff training. Sacco noted that Seafarers were mobilizing for the next phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom —a mission that involves transporting new materiel and troops to Iraq as well as bringing back other equipment. “More than 2,000 of our members sailed during the all-out combat phase of the war, and they delivered the goods. In fact, the entire U.S. Merchant Marine has U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao warmly introduces SIU President Mike Sacco. SIU President Mike Sacco addresses a U.S. Department of Labor audience—including Secretary Elaine L. Chao, right—during a Jan. 22 presentation in Washington, D.C. been praised at the highest levels of government for what has been described as the most efficient sealift operation in history,” Sacco told the audience. SIU members crewed more than 100 vessels during the war. Overall, the merchant marine moved more than 20 million square feet of vital cargo— enough to fill more than 350 football fields. “I want all of you to know that our membership is very proud and very serious about supporting our troops,” the SIU president stated. “They understand their role as the nation’s fourth arm of defense, and they are committed to getting the job done, wherever and whenever needed. “Here again, the Paul Hall Center plays an important role. The school helps ensure that our loyal U.S. citizen crews are properly trained to work aboard all types of vessels.” Speaking of both the union and its affiliated training center in Piney Point, Md., Sacco noted, “We help people by giving them great career opportunities and educating them for a lifetime. For instance, earlier this month I met a first-time student at the Paul Hall Center who told me the school almost seemed too good to be true. Here was a guy who simply needed some direction—who just needed an opportunity to have a good career. And he’s finding that opportunity in Piney Point. He was absolutely beaming when he talked about the school.” Among the other points made by Sacco were: „ The Paul Hall Center (named after the union’s second president, who was inducted into the Department of Labor Hall of Fame last year) offers education beyond vocational training, from remedial reading and math, all the way to a two-year college program that offers degrees in nautical science and marine engineering „ Since 1984, more than 2,000 Seafarers have earned their GEDs through the Paul Hall Alaska Tanker Company Reaches Safety Milestone Even for a business that must be accustomed to racking up safety awards, the latest milestone attained by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) stands out. ATC President and CEO Anil Mathur recently reported that the company in late January completed 5 million man-hours without a single “lost time” injury. “When our young company started up some five years ago, we used to have on average one lost time injury every month, matching the industry average at the time,” Mathur reported. “We have now gone well over two years—including all of 2002 and 2003—without any lost time injuries. “The ATC team’s relentless drive to create an incident-free workplace continually propels us past significant safety and environmental milestones,” he added. SIU Vice President Augie Tellez said that ATC “deserves all of the positive recognition that they receive. They’re always eager to accept input from the crews, and they’re very inclusive when it comes to building a commitment to safety. The SIU members who crew their ships, along with the officers and company personnel, have every reason to feel proud.” Last year, seven Seafarerscrewed ATC ships received vessel Center’s high school equivalency program. „ The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan offers annual scholarships for SIU members and their dependents. The scholarship program started in 1952, with the values of the scholarships increasing from time to time. Currently, the Plan offers eight scholarships annually, with a total value of $132,000. Sacco also discussed the school’s facilities; the manpower office; the veterans’ program; anti-terrorism training; recruiting efforts made by the union and the school; and the SIU’s history of wartime service. safety awards at an annual industry gathering in New Orleans. Also last year, the Alaska state legislature formally congratulated the company for its outstanding safety and environmental record. ATC then earned a major Washington State award for excellence in marine safety and environmental stewardship. ATC’s fleet eventually is expected to include four new Alaska-class tankers. The doublehull ships are being built in San Diego for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA; the first is slated for delivery in June. The Alaskan Frontier, scheduled for delivery in June, is one of four double-hull Alaska-class tankers being constructed on the West Coast. SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company will operate the new vessels. Sentencing Announced in U.S.-Flag Vessels, Port Facilities Submit Security Plans to Coast Guard Mariner Document Scam By early February, 90 percent of U.S.-flag vessels and port facilities had submitted security plans as required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The agency said penalties already are being issued to those that have not submitted any of the information required. The organization has begun issuing notices of violation with a $10,000 penalty. The names of specific vessels and facilities that have received notices have been designated “Sensitive Security Information” and will not be released to the public. It is believed that all SIU-contracted companies already are complying. “Security in America’s ports is a shared responsibility,” said Rear Adm. Larry Hereth, director of port security for the Coast Guard. “We have made tremendous progress protecting the ports, and we need everyone to continue that progress by meeting these requirements.” Designed to protect the nation’s ports and waterways from a terrorist attack, the MTSA March 2004 Shipboard and port security has come under closer scrutiny because of new regulations including the Maritime Transportation Security Act. requires the development and implementation of security plans for vessels and facilities that have higher risks of involvement in transportation security incidents. The act further mandates that all affected vessels and facilities be in compliance by July 1, and timely security plan submission is a key milestone in reaching that goal. Under the act, large cargo and passenger vessels, port facilities, outer continental shelf facilities, and others in the maritime industry were required to submit vulnerability assessment reports and security plans. Additional civil penalties for failing to submit the security plan may be issued at a later date, and non-compliant operators may have their operation shut down after July 1, if an approved security plan is not in place. The Coast Guard has established a Help Desk to assist industry with understanding the regulations. It can be reached from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday at (202) 366-9991, toll-free at (877) 6872243 or, or by e-mail at uscgregs @comdt.uscg.mil. The full text of the rules and other information can be found on the Coast Guard’s Help Desk website at: h t t p : / / w w w. u s c g . m i l / h q / g m/mp/mtsa.shtml. The U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Department of Justice recently announced that a woman has been sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment and two years of supervised release following her conviction for conspiring to create false mariner documents. According to the agencies, Maria Machado Diaz “was found by United States District Judge Adalberto Jordan to be a leader and organizer in the conspiracy, which involved the smuggling of illegal aliens into the United States posing as commercial seamen. Three other defendants in the case pled guilty and were sentenced to lesser sentences.” Diaz was sentenced Jan. 21. The announcement was jointly made in Miami by Marcos Daniel Jiménez, United States attorney for the Southern District of Florida; Rear Adm. Harvey Johnson, commander, Seventh Coast Guard District, U.S. Coast Guard; and Jonathan Sall, special agent in charge, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, one defendant, Marvin Joseph, Jr., fled South Florida after his indictment and remains a fugitive. All defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit offenses or to defraud the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, and encouraging or inducing an alien to come to, enter, or reside in the United States, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1324. The agencies investigated Diaz and her co-defendants from October 2002 until March 2003. Undercover agents conducted numerous operations in which they purchased false mariner employment documents, kept tight surveillance and obtained video and audio recordings of the suspects. The indictment charged that the defendants sent numerous letters to the United States government stating that certain aliens were guaranteed employment on ships docked in Miami. In each case, the aliens were not guaranteed employment on the vessels as stated by the defendants. The indictment also charged that by sending the letters, the defendants were inducing and encouraging the aliens to enter the United States despite knowing that the aliens did not have authority to enter the country. Seafarers LOG 7 �21722p6_8_11_15-23.qxd 2/20/2004 3:25 PM Page 8 Seafarers and Guests Enjoy Holiday Event In Wilmington Hall Chief Cook Douglas Burch Steward/Baker James Lewis SIU Wilmington Safety Director Marshall Novack and MTL Port Captain Igor Loch EU Steven Benivedes, Bosun Mauro Gutierrez and GVA James Smith Chief Cook James Boss GSTU Jorge Barahona Storekeeper Terry Malone, AB Richard Volkart and EU Steven Benavides. QMED David Hamilton AB Vincent Ippolito QMED David Watkins GUDE/EU Rigoberto Beata SIU Wilmington Dispatcher Jesse Solis QMED Erik Nappier and SIU Wilmington Dispatcher Nick Rios Tausha Cox, GVA/Wiper Alonzo Sanz and AMC CEO Bob Shanazarian 8 Seafarers LOG March 2004 �21722p1_2_4_5_9-10_14_24.qxd 2/26/2004 11:55 AM Page 9 BLS Updates Union Statistics Union membership among wage and salary workers in the United States declined to 12.9 percent in 2003, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rate fell from 13.3 percent the previous year. Labor Department statistics show that men are more likely to be union members than women; blacks are more likely to belong to a union than whites, Asians or Hispanics; and nearly two-fifths of education workers and police and firefighters are union members. From a geographical perspective, four states had union membership rates over 20 percent in 2003—New York (24.6 percent), Hawaii (23.8 percent), Alaska (22.3 percent), and Michigan (21.9 percent). The largest number of union members, 2.4 million, lived in California. New York came in second with 1.9 million followed by Illinois with 1.0 million. About half—7.9 million—of the 15.8 million union members in the United States lived in six states (California, New York, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania) although these states accounted for just over one-third of wage and salary employment nationally. In the earnings arena, full-time wage and salary workers who were union members in 2003 had median usual weekly earnings of $760, compared with a median of $599 for wage and salary workers who were not represented by unions. USNS Mercy Becomes Home For Displaced Fire Victims When devastating fires blazed through the San Diego, Calif. area last fall, hundreds of homes were destroyed, and residents were ordered to evacuate. Temporary housing was set up in gymnasiums and theaters on local military bases and at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego—as well as aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy—to serve as shelters for the displaced persons. The USNS Mercy is crewed by SIU members in the Government Services Division. The vessel, normally kept in reduced operating status in San Diego, is designed to provide emergency care for U.S. combat forces. More than 100 victims of the fires were given beds and meals aboard the 894-foot vessel, and the ship’s medical treatment facility was prepared to open an intensive care unit for those requiring respiratory care. The USNS Mercy became home to victims of the San Diego fires. The USNS Mercy is the sister ship of the Baltimore-based USNS Comfort, also crewed by SIU members in the Government Services Division. It was the Comfort that assisted in the relief efforts in New York following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and also took part in Operation Iraqi Freedom, treating more than 650 patients, including members of the U.S. forces as well as Iraqi civilians and prisoners of war. Kilauea Completes Record Transfer On Oct. 23, 2003, the USNS Kilauea, a Military Sealift Command ammunition ship crewed by SIU members in the Government Services Division, and the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz completed the largest at-sea transfer of ordnance since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Aircraft operating off the Navy carrier had dropped 125,000 pounds of ammunition during Operation Iraqi Freedom but the Nimitz had to offload the remaining 4.3 million pounds before heading for home. Planning and coordinating for the transfer began 45 days in advance. With personnel from both vessels working together as one team, it then took 12 hours of vertical replenishment (assisted by a Seahawk helicopter) and five hours of connected replenishment with the 564-foot Kilauea for each of two days to complete the transfer. SIU crew members from the USNS Kilauea, a Government Services Division vessel, helped offload the largest at-sea transfer of ammunition from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. Seafarers Rally with UFCW Members Continued from page 3 Hevesi (D). Along with SIU rank-and-file members, the event was attended by SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph T. Soresi, SIU Government Services Representative Kate Hunt, SIU Brooklyn Patrolman Joe Baselice, and SIU Philadelphia Representative Joe Mieluchowski. The work stoppage has idled grocery clerks from San Diego to San Luis Obispo. The companies have kept stores open with scabs but have lost tens of millions of dollars in sales. “I don’t see how they can stay in business unless they agree to a fair contract with the workers,” said Heindel. “We were on the picket line for at least three hours, and in all that time maybe a handful of people went into the store (an Albertsons Market). More than twice that many people respected the line and went to a different (non-boycotted) store two blocks away.” In the latest development Seafarers took part in a major rally for UFCW members Feb. 5 on Wall Street. before the LOG went to press, supermarket executives and UFCW leaders on Feb. 11 met in a secret location for the first formal strike negotiations in nearly two months. Sources said the talks went into the evening and were expected to continue the following day. The three supermarket operators on Feb. 3 rejected an offer from the union to have its members return to work immediately if the markets would agree to binding arbitration. ‘Union Plus’ Offers Consumer Benefits Union Plus gives Seafarers and their families access to a number of cost-saving benefits programs. Union Plus (formerly Union Privilege) is a non-profit entity created in 1986 by the AFL-CIO to provide union members and their families with valuable consumer benefits. Basically, the organization secures good rates for union members who are enrolled in the various programs, based on the potential collective purchasing power of all members of participating unions. In short, it’s a case of strength in numbers. The following is a list of Union Plus programs in which the SIU participates. For more information about a particular program, call the appropriate Union Plus telephone number or visit www.unionplus.org Credit Card This union-endorsed credit card may save you money. Features of the card include a competitive rate, no annual fees and a unique, valuable member advocacy program. Apply online at www.unionpluscard.com or call 1800-522-4000. Secured Credit Card This is a special credit card that is designed to help you establish or reestablish your credit. Features include no application fees, a credit line equal to 100 percent of deposit and a 25-day grace period. Call 1-800-622-2580. Mortgage and Real Estate Buying, selling or refinancing a home can be made easier and more affordable through this offering. Program features include strike, layoff and disability assistance and an easy over-the-phone application process. The program also is open to your parents and children. Call 1-800-848-6466. Life Insurance Members may purchase term insurance at low group March 2004 rates and premium waver during layoffs. Call 1-800-8992782. Health Savings This program makes it possible for members to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses on a variety of health care services such as prescriptions, vision care and more. Participants receive quarterly savings statements. Call 1-800-228-3523 for more details. Auto Insurance Program Under this program, low rates and many discounts are available for members who have good driving records and safety devices installed on their vehicles. Customer service is available 24 hours a day. For comparison quotes, go to www.unionplus.org or call 1-800-294-9496 to apply. Education Services Information about loans, scholarships, how to select a school, prepare for college entry tests, and much more is provided in this program. Visit www.unionplus.org or call 1-877-881-1022. National Labor College Scholarship This offering is designed especially for working adults who want to pursue a bachelor of arts degree while continuing their trade union work. For more details, call 1-301-431-5404. Loan Program Competitive-rate personal and home equity loans are available under this program. It can be ideal for debt consolidation. Apply online at www.unionplusloan.com or call 1-888-235-2759. Accidental Death Insurance Members can receive $10,000 worth of workplace accidental death insurance at no cost. They also may pur- chase “all-cause” accidental death coverage up to $200,000. Call 1-800-899-2782 or enroll online at www.unionplus.org. Family Savers Hotel Royal Plaza Special leisure rates are available at the Hotel Royal Plaza in the Walt Disney World Resort. Call 1-800-2487890. Car Rentals Union members can receive discounted rates on rentals. To find out more, visit www.unionplus.org; call Avis at 1-800-6985685, ID# B723700 or Budget at 1800-455-2848, ID# V816100. Union-M Made Checks Union-printed checks and return address labels that feature your union logo are offered under this program. Call 1-888-864-6625. Flower Service As an SIU member, you can save 15 percent when you send floral arrangements, wreaths or gift baskets. Visit www.unionplus.org or call 1-888-667-7779 to place an order. North American Van Lines Members can realize savings on interstate moves. Call 1-800-524-5533. Your Credit Score For $11, you can get your credit score, credit report, and suggestions for improving your score. Visit www.unionplus.org. Vacation Tours Discount travel packages are available to worldwide destinations. This program is open to union members, retirees and their families. Call 1-800-590-1104 for more information. Seafarers LOG 9 �21722p1_2_4_5_9-10_14_24.qxd 2/27/2004 4:05 PM Page 10 Bill Calls for Monthly Payment to WWII Mariners The American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV), which includes thousands of retired Seafarers, is urging passage of a new bill that would provide a monthly payment to World War II merchant marine veterans or their widows. U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (DCalif.) on Jan. 27 introduced the “Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2004.” The legislation (H.R. 3729) calls for compensation of $1,000 per month. In official remarks to fellow members of Congress, Filner noted, World War II Merchant Mariners suffered the highest casualty rate of any of the branches of services while they delivered troops, tanks, food, air- planes, fuel and other needed supplies to every theater of the war. Compared to the large number of men and women serving in World War II, the numbers of merchant mariners were small, but their chance of dying during service was extremely high. Enemy forces sank over 800 ships between 1941 and 1944 alone.” Filner further pointed out mariners weren’t included in the GI Bill of Rights, which Congress enacted in 1945. “The merchant marine became the forgotten service,” he said. “The fact that merchant seamen had borne arms during wartime in the defense of their country did not seem to matter.” Many WWII mariners finally received veterans’ recognition in 1988, along with access to what Filner described as a “watereddown” GI Bill. It took another 10 years to extend the cutoff date for recognition of mariners as veterans so it matched the date utilized by the military. A member of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Filner observed, “While it is impossible to make up for over 40 years of unpaid benefits, I propose a bill that will acknowledge the service of the veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine and offer compensation for years and years of lost benefits. The average age of (World War II) merchant marine veterans is now 81. Many have outlived their savings. A monthly benefit to compensate Attn: WWII Mariners The AMMV’s Just Compensation Committee urges all U.S. mariners who sailed during World War II to help gain more support for H.R. 3729 – the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2004. “It will take a lot of determined effort to finish this job,” said Ian Allison, retired Seafarer and co-chairman of the committee. For a copy of the bill, along with guidelines on how to help support the legislation, send your name and address to: Henry Van Gemert, Co-Chairman Just Compensation Committee 800 West 25th Ave. Palmetto, FL 34221 Telephone (and fax) (941) 722-1194 Email Henry1124@aol.com for the loss of nearly a lifetime of ineligibility for the GI Bill would be of comfort and would provide some measure of security for veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine.” St. Louis AMMV Chapter Helps Secure Recognition for WWII Merchant Mariners The S.S. Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine and U.S. Navy Armed Guard Veterans (AMMV) continues doing its part to help ensure that World War II-era mariners are recognized and remembered. Late last year, the chapter had a hand in the dedication of two U.S. Merchant Marine memorials —one in Woodson Terrace, Mo., the other in St. Peters, Mo. Altogether, the chapter (with varying degrees of involvement) has helped spur the creation of four such memorials in and around St. Louis since 1998. Bill Hessi, head of the Samuel Parker Chapter, said he and the other members particularly were pleased with the St. Peters dedication last Veterans’ Day. That memorial is sponsored by the local V.F.W., whose national organization hasn’t officially recognized merchant mariners as veterans. “The ceremony was aweinspiring and we were extremely proud to be a part of it,” said Hessi, who sailed on two Victory ships during the war, starting at age 19. “The recognition can only help, and I think it also may help our chances of passing H.R. 3729 (see story, this page).” Earlier last November, the Woodson Terrace memorial was unveiled. It includes the U.S. Merchant Marine flag along with those of the armed forces. Previously, the chapter dedicated a nine-ton anchor in downtown St. Louis (1999) and a granite memorial in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. The anchor is located outside the Soldiers’ Memorial, a museum with displays from various wars. In 1944, President Franklin D. Roosevelt said of the U.S. Merchant Marine, “They have delivered the goods when and where needed in every theater of operations and across every ocean in the biggest, the most difficult and dangerous transportation job ever undertaken. As time goes on, there will be greater public understanding of our merchant fleet’s record during this war.” Members of the St. Louis AMMV (top photo) stand beneath the U.S. Merchant Marine flag at the Woodson Terrace Memorial (pictured below, far right). National WWII Memorial Includes Merchant Mariners Last Veterans’ Day, a new Field of Dreams Memorial (above, at left and below) was dedicated in St. Peters, Mo. that includes the U.S. Merchant Marine. A nine-ton anchor outside the Soldiers’ Memorial in downtown St. Louis recognizes the contributions of the U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. Navy Armed Guard in World War II. The National World War II Memorial, scheduled for dedication May 29, in Washington, D.C., includes the U.S. Merchant Marine. According to the memorial’s parent organization, “The memorial plaza and Rainbow Pool are the principal design features of the memorial, unifying all other elements. Two flagpoles flying the American flag will frame the ceremonial entrance at 17th Street. The bases of granite and bronze will be adorned with the military service seals of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Army Air Forces, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine.” Photos by Ivar Link This stone at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery memorializes U.S. Merchant Mariners and U.S. Navy Armed Guard members who gave their lives in the war. 10 Seafarers LOG The National World War II Memorial will be dedicated in Washington, D.C. during a four-day span in late May. March 2004 �21722p6_8_11_15-23.qxd 2/20/2004 3:26 PM Page 11 At Sea and Ashore With the SIU Mississippi Queen Executive Chef Paul Wayland-Smith (left) presents 2nd Cook James H. Neuner with a cake, congratulating him on his retirement last August. Brother Neuner started sailing with the SIU in 1993 primarily aboard vessels operated by the Delta Queen Steamboat Co., including the American Queen and Mississippi Queen. He makes his home in Paducah, Ky. Thanks to Delta Queen Chief Purser Kathleen Cade for sending in this photo. Seafarers gather in the SIU Algonac hall for the November membership meeting. In the Santurce, P.R. hall, SIU Patrolman Amancio Crespo issues union books to Seafarers (clockwise from top left) John Walsh, Daniel Herrera, Helia Calderon and Antony Mendez. Recertified Bosun Jesse Mixon celebrates his November birthday on board the Overseas Chicago with fellow shipmates (from left) Chief Steward Don Lewis, Capt. Craig Grosso, Chief Pumpman Mark Sawin, Mixon, Chief Mate Nick Karagiannis, 2nd Engineer Gordon Marsh and Chief Engineer Mark Nowak. Thanks to AB James Elbe for sending in this photo. From Bosun Andrew N. Boney come these two photos of the Keystone State during the first operation of the cranes. ROYAL TREATMENT – The SIU-crewed tugboats Z-ONE and Z-TWO, operated by Great Lakes Towing, expertly escorted the Queen Mary 2 (right) into Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. on Jan. 26 as the new ocean liner made its first arrival into the United States. The cruise ship is 1,100 feet long. Pictured above at the arrival are (from left) SIU members Ken Bower and Derek Tracy; Sheldon Guren, owner of The Great Lakes Group; Gregg Thauvette, assistant VP operations of The Great Lakes Group; and Seafarers Al Zapata, Miguel Martinez, Ben Johnson, David Wander, Michael Worthington and Rich Williams. March 2004 Seafarers LOG 11 �21722p3_4_7_12_13.qxd 2/27/2004 4:54 PM Page 12 ` MSC Photo by Ed Baxter The USNS Red Cloud and four other Seafarers-crewed LMSRs loaded more than 70,000 tons of U.S. Army hardware in Antwerp, Belgium from Jan. 25 into early February. SIU DELIVERS MSC Photo by Ed Baxter Just as th first phase o roles in “pa crewed ship (MSC) rece at several U 240,000 U. An estimate those troop The pho porting our Merchant M fo MSC Photo by Ed Baxter Materiel loaded on SIU-crewed ships in Antwerp (more than 1 million square feet of cargo) included tanks, personnel carriers, heavy trucks, Humvees, fuel trucks, containers and more. Baltimore Port Agent De Metz, 3rd Engineer (and hawsepiper) Jim Port Cape Wrath MSC Photos by Ed Baxter During the first phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, an average U.S.-flag vessel moved the equivalent of some 300 C-17 cargo aircraft, which freed up aircraft for other critical missions. MSC Photo by Ed Baxter SIU-crewed LMSRs handling the loadout in Antwerp included the Brittin, Dahl, Watkins, Red Cloud and Charlton. 12 Seafarers LOG March 2004 �21722p3_4_7_12_13.qxd 2/27/2004 6:03 PM Page 13 AP Photo/Julie Jacobson AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia t as thousands of SIU members answered their nation’s call during the hase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Seafarers once again are playing vital n “part 2” of the mission. By mid-February, no fewer than 57 SIUd ships had mobilized for OIF2. The U.S. Military Sealift Command ) recently announced that sealift operations for this phase “will occur eral U.S. and overseas ports over the next few months. Approximately 00 U.S. military personnel will rotate into and out of the Middle East. imated 23 million square feet of cargo will be moved by sea to support troops….” e photos on these two pages exemplify the SIU’s commitment to supg our troops and helping maintain the proud tradition of the U.S. ant Marine as America’s fourth arm of defense. AP Photo/SSG. Eric Foltz for U.S. Troops in Iraq The SIU-crewed Cape Washington mobilized last month. AB John Barcroft Cape Wrath nt Dennis (and SIU Porter h SA Ricky Goodman, GVA Jacqueline Ellsworth, Chief Steward McKinley Jones Cape Wrath Pictured on the Cape Wrath in Baltimore are (kneeling, from left) AB Charles Ellsworth, GVA Jacqueline Ellsworth, AB Al Barnett, (standing) AB John Barcroft, QMED Dennis Bennett, AB John Toomey, GVS William Scott, QMED Bob Oppel and Bosun William Dowzicky. DEU Dawn Williams Cape Wrath March 2004 Seafarers LOG 13 �21722p1_2_4_5_9-10_14_24.qxd 2/26/2004 2:18 PM Page 14 Seafaring Career Agrees with Hansen Although she never fulfilled her ambition to become a member of the U.S. Navy, steward department Seafarer Kathryn Hansen still is enjoying a rewarding career at sea—one that in her estimation rivals any which she may have experienced while wearing a Navy uniform. “When I graduated from high school, my dream was to go into the Navy as a WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) but I did not,” recalled the Michigan native who embarked on her seafaring career in 2000 in the port of Piney Point, Md. “Before becoming a Seafarer, my failure to join the Navy was one of the biggest disappointments in my life because I thought I had missed out on my chance to get quality sea service training and be exposed to the regimented and highly disciplined lifestyle that are hallmarks for the military. “But the Seafarers gave me that chance even at my age,” she continued, “and it’s been smooth sailing ever since. I love being a merchant mariner and I’ll continue sailing as long as my health permits me to do so.” Hansen’s love for the merchant marine and life at sea put her in potential danger last year when she—along with some 2,000 of her fellow SIU brothers and sisters—was called upon to From sailing in a war zone to upgrading at the Paul Hall Center, Kathryn Hansen takes her tasks in stride. crew vessels laden with military personnel, equipment, ammunition and various other supplies bound for the war zone during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As always, Seafarers answered their call to duty, and Hansen was no exception. She heeded her country’s appeal without hesitation. “I made two trips to Kuwait during the war against Iraq,” said Hansen, who sailed aboard the USNS Pillilau and USNS Gordon. She worked 12-hour days during both runs and not surprisingly encountered little difficulty keeping up with the IMPORTANT NOTICE SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN COBRA NOTICE hectic pace. “Being in a war zone while working on those vessels was stressful, but I really had no trouble coping” she said. “Once I got everything organized, it went very smooth.” In addition to crew members, active duty military people were aboard each of the ships during her voyages. “They all were well-mannered and extremely disciplined,” Hansen said. “Most of them were very young …you could tell when they came through the food lines. This part was rather difficult for me because I have children (Sean, who served during Desert Storm; Joseph and Travis) who are their ages,” she continued. “When I looked at the young soldiers, I thought of my own children and I just kept praying that they all would return home and have the chance to have a good life.” Hansen made it through her trips to the war zone without incident, but the experiences left a lasting impression. “I came home with a totally new outlook on life and a different appreciation of the world and the things that go on in it,” she said. “You can only imagine what it’s like to live in a Third World country until you see it firsthand … then you get a sense of how blessed we are to live in the United States. You finally understand how fortunate we all are.” When Hansen’s war zone voyages ended, she returned to the familiar surroundings of vessels on the Great Lakes. It was there that she spent the early days of her career sailing in the steward department on such vessels as the Adam E. Cornelius, Walter J. McCarthy and Paul H. Townsend. Currently, she is undergoing certified chief cook upgrade training at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. “I’d put the quality of the training that I am receiving here up against any available anywhere,” Hansen said. “The instructors are all wonderful people who answer all your questions. If you don’t know how to do something, they’ll gladly show you. “As far as the facilities here are concerned, I can only say that they are excellent. I highly recommend that all brothers and sisters come here to enhance their skills and make a better living for themselves and their families. It’s the best. “Although I’ve only been sailing SIU for about five years, I’ve actually been involved with the merchant marine for more than 30 years,” Hansen said. “Previously, I was married to a chief engineer who also sailed on the Great Lakes, so the merchant marine is a way of life for my family.” Apparently, Hansen wants to keep it that way. She recently convinced her nephew to take advantage of all that the SIU has to offer. He is slated to attend entry level training at the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point. HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 14 Seafarers LOG Attention: Seafarers During this election year especially, help SPAD push the SIU message. March 2004 �21722p6_8_11_15-23.qxd 2/20/2004 3:26 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 15, 2004 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 2 7 11 15 31 1 12 17 12 12 3 4 4 9 2 24 18 185 4 0 1 4 14 16 3 2 11 10 6 0 1 1 4 2 22 11 112 0 5 1 3 25 27 0 9 14 25 12 5 1 7 22 1 23 18 198 0 4 1 6 10 19 0 7 6 10 4 2 2 1 13 2 9 9 105 2 6 5 5 7 23 0 2 7 3 15 1 4 3 8 2 15 4 112 1 1 0 0 2 5 0 1 1 5 5 2 0 2 1 0 8 6 40 2 3 0 2 10 16 0 3 9 8 9 4 2 5 10 1 9 5 98 0 1 1 14 15 20 0 4 4 13 5 2 3 1 14 0 23 14 134 0 1 2 4 3 9 0 3 3 4 13 1 2 1 0 1 4 3 54 0 2 0 2 2 8 0 2 0 5 6 0 1 1 3 0 3 3 38 0 3 0 9 10 16 0 6 7 15 7 3 2 2 18 2 14 13 127 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 4 2 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 5 22 1 5 6 8 13 13 0 4 3 31 7 1 6 4 9 2 26 8 147 1 7 0 6 14 21 0 1 5 20 13 1 46 3 6 1 22 13 180 0 0 0 3 1 4 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 3 0 5 2 22 0 5 2 5 11 7 0 2 4 16 12 1 5 5 7 2 9 5 98 Totals All Departments 470 498 370 445 404 Port 0 5 3 8 10 28 0 8 13 14 16 3 6 7 8 2 24 15 170 1 1 1 1 9 8 2 2 6 4 4 1 0 2 3 2 24 8 79 0 2 0 0 7 14 1 4 7 10 3 1 1 3 6 0 8 9 76 3 11 1 16 43 62 0 18 31 41 19 4 0 13 32 1 50 40 385 1 3 7 13 24 40 1 16 23 20 16 4 3 7 12 2 35 26 253 4 1 2 4 26 27 2 2 14 25 8 4 2 1 3 4 20 19 168 0 0 0 2 1 3 0 2 1 2 6 1 0 2 5 0 7 1 33 0 10 1 9 20 41 0 14 10 20 8 1 3 6 16 2 20 17 198 2 5 5 11 12 34 1 5 14 12 19 2 6 1 12 4 20 10 175 2 1 0 2 11 8 1 1 6 14 5 1 1 0 4 0 11 10 78 1 8 2 3 6 18 0 5 6 2 10 2 2 4 2 1 13 6 91 0 2 0 2 6 1 0 1 2 7 4 0 0 0 6 0 12 1 44 0 2 2 23 28 33 0 8 14 20 13 4 4 2 28 0 35 34 250 0 3 4 5 6 25 1 3 7 7 18 0 2 1 4 0 7 4 97 0 1 0 3 4 11 0 3 3 11 4 0 1 2 2 0 4 5 54 0 8 0 2 8 13 0 1 1 8 12 0 19 1 4 0 13 10 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 4 2 0 2 4 7 0 0 0 2 7 0 7 5 53 2 3 6 13 23 21 1 10 13 44 8 1 7 5 18 1 33 16 225 2 3 0 17 32 28 0 2 10 52 14 2 47 2 9 3 29 25 277 231 155 886 750 577 0 0 1 1 4 8 0 1 1 3 3 1 0 2 1 1 3 2 32 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port 0 1 0 6 1 7 0 4 1 6 5 1 2 2 4 1 2 2 45 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 1 0 1 5 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 20 ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2004 Piney Point .............Monday: April 5, May 3 Algonac ..................Friday: April 9, May 7 Baltimore ................Thursday: April 8, May 6 Boston.....................Friday: April 9, May 7 Duluth .....................Wednesday: April 14, May 12 Guam ......................Thursday: April 22, May 20 Honolulu .................Friday: April 16, May 14 Houston ..................Monday: April 12, May 10 Jacksonville ............Thursday: April 8, May 6 Joliet .......................Thursday: April 15, May 13 Mobile ....................Wednesday: April 14, May 12 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 1 8 1 5 26 29 0 14 9 23 14 1 0 7 18 2 28 23 209 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs April & May 2004 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters New Bedford ..........Tuesday: April 20, May 18 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: April 13, May 11 New York................Tuesday: April 6, May 4 Norfolk ...................Thursday: April 8, May 6 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: April 7, May 5 Port Everglades.......Thursday: April 15, May 13 San Francisco .........Thursday: April 15, May 13 San Juan..................Thursday: April 8, May 6 St. Louis..................Friday: April 16, May 14 Tacoma ...................Friday: April 23, May 21 Wilmington ...............Monday: April 19, May 17 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals PAUL MORAN (QMED or Wiper) Mike Sano, a fellow shipmate from the late 1980s and early ’90s on Maersk Lines’ M/V Anderson in Diego Garcia, is trying to get in touch with you. Please call him at (504) 259-7546 or contact him by e-mail at: masanoce@aol.com. Correction The February issue of the LOG contained an incorrect phone number for Prescription Solutions customer service. The correct number is 800 797-9791. 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 Seafarers LOG 15 �21722p6_8_11_15-23.qxd 2/20/2004 3:26 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 15, 2004 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 1 3 6 12 1 0 6 29 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 4 0 5 1 5 7 0 0 0 18 0 6 6 9 16 1 1 8 47 0 4 1 4 1 0 0 1 11 0 7 1 5 7 0 0 0 20 0 4 4 3 6 2 0 0 19 0 13 16 11 37 1 8 17 103 0 4 6 2 7 0 2 2 23 0 14 10 14 0 0 0 2 40 0 1 2 1 4 2 1 0 11 0 8 10 6 14 1 4 11 54 0 3 6 2 5 0 2 7 25 0 14 11 9 0 0 2 0 36 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 5 0 6 5 5 14 4 3 10 47 1 2 1 3 8 0 4 5 24 0 14 5 9 1 0 0 2 31 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 3 3 2 1 1 2 12 24 0 1 2 0 2 0 0 1 6 0 5 0 5 3 0 0 0 13 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs 0 6 4 4 4 1 1 12 32 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 4 0 3 3 0 0 0 10 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 3 1 3 6 2 1 1 17 0 0 0 1 4 0 1 4 10 0 11 1 7 5 0 0 0 24 Port 0 4 2 6 5 2 0 1 20 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 5 0 1 0 3 6 0 0 0 10 ENTRY DEPARTMENT NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Totals All Departments 70 20 55 99 21 40 40 204 72 110 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Seafarers LOG PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the LOG by Pensioner Troy Smith of Rome, Ga. The picture below was taken aboard the SS Mary Adams in 1952. The Liberty ship was on a run to Korea. Smith is at far left. The other picture was taken aboard the SS Steel Worker in 1956, sailing to the Persian Gulf. Smith sits in the center of the front row. He shipped as a wiper on both vessels. Troy Smith, 76, began his seafaring career in 1945 in the port of Baltimore. He retired in 1989. In addition to the above mentioned vessels, Brother Smith’s career also included voyages on the SeaLand Consumer, the Humacao and the Ponce. If any of the other crew members in either photo would like to contact Troy Smith, they may write to him at: 5 Clarendon Place, Rome, GA 30165. 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. March 2004 �21722p6_8_11_15-23.qxd 2/20/2004 3:27 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA SALIF AHMED, 64, began his seafaring career in 1968 in San Francisco. His first ship was the Robin Hood. Born in Yemen, he shipped in both the deck and engine departments. Brother Ahmed upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. in 1977. He last went to sea on Interocean Management’s Great Land. Brother Ahmed lives in Seattle. ELBIO CALACE, 66, joined the SIU in 1995. Born in Uruguay, Brother Calace worked primarily aboard American Hawaii Cruises’ SS Independence. A member of the steward department, he enhanced his skills in 2001 at the Seafarers training school. Brother Calace is a resident of Honolulu. BILLY RAY EASTWOOD, 48, hails from Louisiana. Brother Eastwood started his career with the SIU in 1972 in the port of Piney Point, Md. His first voyage was aboard the Suamico. Brother Eastwood worked in the deck department as a bosun and improved his skills often at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. He completed the bosun recertification course there in 1996. Brother Eastwood last sailed on the Cape Texas, a Mormac Marine Enterprise vessel. He makes his home in Beaumont, Texas. JAMES A. HATFIELD, 64, started his seafaring career in 1972 in San Francisco. Brother Hatfield’s first voyage was aboard Delta Steamship Lines’ Santa Magdalena. The Louisiana-born mariner shipped in the steward department, last sailing on the R.J. Pfieffer. Brother Hatfield lives in San Francisco. WILLIAM HUDSON, 63, joined the SIU in 1957 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was Emerson Steamship Co.’s Catherine. Brother Hudson was born in Leaksfield, Miss., and worked in the engine depart- March 2004 ment. He enhanced his skills on three occasions at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Hudson’s final voyage was on the Blue Ridge. He resides in Mobile. WILFREDO MIRANDA, 64, hails from Puerto Rico. Brother Miranda started his seafaring career in 1969 in the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard Isco’s Steel Engineer. Brother Miranda worked in the steward department, last sailing on the Horizon Expedition. He lives in his native commonwealth in the city of Santurce. ABDULLA SALEH, 65, began his seafaring career in 1991 in the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard the Franklin J. Phillips. Born in Yemen, Brother Saleh worked in the steward department. His final trip to sea was board the Cpl. Louis J. Hauge. Brother Saleh is a resident of Brooklyn, N.Y. INLAND W. ROY GOLDEN , 64, was born in Harold, Texas. He started his SIU career in 1981 in Houston. Boatman Golden worked mainly aboard vessels operated by Higman Barge Lines. He shipped in the deck department as a captain and calls Many, La. home. MARC F. GORFINE, 61, joined the Seafarers in 1987 in the port of Norfolk, Va. after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Boatman Gorfine sailed in the deck department and worked chiefly aboard vessels operated by the Association of Maryland Pilots. Virginia Beach, Va. is his home. WILLIAM GOSSETT, 62, is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He joined the Seafarers in 1980 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Gossett initially worked on an Admiral Towing vessel. Born in Ottawa, Kan., he shipped in the deck department as a captain. He upgraded his skills on two occasions at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Gossett resides in Aiken, S.C. MARTHA KELL, 61, launched her career with the Seafarers in 1987, joining in the port of Piney Point, Md. Born in Arkansas, Sister Kell worked in the steward department. She upgraded her skills in 1995 and 1999 at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. Sister Kell worked mainly aboard vessels operated by Orgulf Transport Co. She makes her home in Edwardsville, Ill. ROBERT MORTON, 63, joined the SIU ranks in 1980 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The U.S. Navy veteran first sailed with the SIU aboard a Steuart Tanker Co. vessel. Brother Morton worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Seafarers training school in 2001. He last shipped on a Pennsylvania Maritime, Inc. vessel. Brother Morton was born in Nashville, Tenn. and makes his home in Hertford, N.C. HARRY SCHOLER, 61, was born in New Jersey. He began his seafaring career in 1979 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Scholer worked in the inland as well as deep sea divisions, first sailing on the Guayama. A member of the deck department, he enhanced his skills in 1982, 1992 and 1998 in Piney Point, Md. A resident of Orlando, Fla., he last sailed aboard a Maritrans Operating Co. vessel. JOSEPH SHUBERT, 62, began his SIU career in 1968 in St. Louis. Before launching his seafaring career, Boatman Shubert served in the U.S. Air Force. The Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1941 More than 2,500 members of the Atlantic and Gulf District participated in the election of officers of the SIU Atlantic & Gulf District for 1941. This was the first election conducted since the two districts were amalgamated into the one district. The election covered the Atlantic District representative, the Gulf District representative, and the port agents and patrolmen in all ports from Boston to Texas City and including San Juan, Puerto Rico. 1955 Gastonia, N.C. native sailed in the deck department as a captain and worked mainly aboard National Marine Service, Inc. vessels. Boatman Shubert resides in Orlando, Fla. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, went on pension effective the dates indicated. Name Age EDP Bello, Ramon 65 Jan. 1 Coiro, Louis 78 Jan. 1 Dorsey, John 60 Dec. 1 Ebanks, Willam 58 Jan. 1 LaPlante, Raymond 60 Jan. 1 Richard, Virgil 60 Feb. 1 Cuba and Florida where Cuban MIGs attacked the American shrimp boat Ala with rockets and machine guns on February 20. Seafarer Jack Nelson, an AB, took pictures of the attack from the deck, which he handed over to U.S. intelligence sources when the ship docked in Miami. 1975 The SIU-contracted Golden Monarch, the last of three 90,000-ton tankers built for Aeron Marine Shipping Co., was launched last month at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. in San Diego, Calif. The Golden Monarch joins her sister ships the Golden Dolphin and Golden Endeavor on the waterways; both of those ships were launched in San Diego last year. All three vessels are 894 feet long, and are capable of carrying 25 million gallons of crude oil (500,000 barrels). They are the first double-bottom ships (to protect against oil spillage in collisions) of their size ever constructed, and the largest vessels ever built on the West Coast. This Month In SIU History The membership of the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic & Gulf District, ratified a newly negotiated contract clause establishing a seniority hiring provision with contracted companies. The new hiring system involves three classes of seniority. Men sailing before Dec. 31, 1950 got “A” ratings; men sailing regularly since Jan. 1, 1951 were rated Class “B” and men who had no time aboard SIU ships before Jan. 1, 1955 or who had not shipped regularly during the periods to cover classes A and B received a “C” rating. In the future, seamen with “A” ratings will receive preference over the other two categories for job calls and the “B” rated seamen will receive preference over “C” men. 1963 The SIU-manned Floridian became the first American merchant ship fired on by Cuban MIG jet airplanes when she was attacked last Thursday, March 28, by two Russian-built aircraft about 50 miles north of Cuba. The jets first circled the ship for 20 minutes before opening up with their machine guns. The attack came in the same waters between 1993 SIU-crewed ferries were called into service to transport thousands of people from Manhattan across the Hudson River following the explosion which rocked the World Trade Center. The ferries, which traditionally operate between Manhattan and New Jersey, quickly increased the number of runs and pick-up locations. The blast, which resulted in at least five deaths and thousands of injuries, also severely disrupted local subway, train and bus service. But 10 SIU-manned passenger ferries, operated by ARCORP of New Jersey, quickly started an emergency schedule that afternoon and relieved the overcrowding for the city’s stranded commuters. Seafarers LOG 17 �21722p6_8_11_15-23.qxd 2/20/2004 3:27 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA EDWARD ATKINS Pensioner Edward Atkins, 76, passed away Dec. 11. Born in North Carolina, Brother Atkins joined the SIU in 1948 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Army. His first ship was the Robin Gray, a Sinclair Oil Corp. vessel. Brother Atkins worked in the deck department and last sailed on the SS Independence. He resided in San Luis Obispo, Calif. and began receiving his pension in 1992. JAMES BROOKS Pensioner James Brooks, 73, died Nov. 7. He began his SIU career in 1965 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A veteran of both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army, Brother Brooks’ first SIU ship was the Wingless. The Alabama-born mariner sailed in the deck department. He last went to sea on the Cove Leader and made his home in Gulfport, Miss. Brother Brooks started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1990. ROBERT CASTILLO Pensioner Robert Castillo, 59, passed away Oct. 15. Brother Castillo became a Seafarer in 1978 in the port of New York. His first ship was Interocean Management’s Cantigny. Born in Chile, Brother Castillo worked in the steward department. His last vessel was the Sea-Land Developer. Brother Castillo resided in Lynwood, Wash. and began receiving retirement compensation in 2003 JOSEPH CROWLEY Pensioner Joseph Crowley, 76, died Oct. 11. Brother Crowley began his seafaring career in 1956 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Navy. His first vessel was the Ocean Deborah. The New York native worked in the deck department and went on pension in 1992. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Anchorage. Brother Crowley made his home in Shelton, Wash. JUAN GARCIA Pensioner Juan Garcia, 72, passed away Dec. 9. He joined the SIU in 1969 in San Francisco. Brother Garcia, who was born in Puerto Rico, first sailed aboard the Osprey, a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. He worked in the engine department. Brother Garcia started receiving his pension in 1993. He called Stockton, Calif. home. JOHNNIE H. GREEN Pensioner Johnnie H. Green, 85, died Jan. 8. Brother Green began his SIU career in 1947 in the port of 18 Seafarers LOG Norfolk, Va. His first vessel was the Alcoa Patriot. Born in Savannah, Ga., he worked in the steward department. Brother Green last sailed on the Sea-Land Pittsburgh. The Bronx, N.Y. resident started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1985. DAVID GUAJARDO Brother David Guajardo, 53, passed away Oct. 19. He embarked on his seafaring profession in 1977 in the port of Houston. Brother Guajardo’s maiden voyage was on Interocean Management’s Banner. The Texas-born mariner worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Overseas Marilyn. He resided in San Antonio. ANIBAL GUTIERREZ Brother Anibal Gutierrez, 79, died Oct. 10. Brother Gutierrez launched his seafaring profession in 1992 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first vessel was the Sealift Pacific. Brother Gutierrez shipped in the deck department and last worked aboard the Sea-Land Developer. Born in Honduras, he called Houston home. ROBERT HUTCHINS Pensioner Robert Hutchins, 88, passed away Nov. 18. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A native of Blakely, Ga., he worked in the steward department, last sailing on the Sea-Land Pioneer. Brother Hutchins, who lived in Jacksonville, Fla., went on pension in 1981. EVERETTE KLOPP Pensioner Everette Klopp, 76, died Dec. 24. Brother Klopp commenced his SIU career in 1951 in San Francisco. A native of Minnesota, he sailed in the deck department and worked in both the deep sea and inland divisions. Brother Klopp last sailed on American Maritime Transport’s Golden Endeavor. The Granite Bay, Calif. resident started receiving his pension in 1992. CHRIS MAGBANUA Pensioner Chris Magbanua, 87, passed away Dec. 12. He began his seafaring career in 1965. Born in the Philippines, Brother Magbanua first sailed on the Ocean Pioneer. The steward department member resided in San Francisco and went on pension in 1982. He last worked on the SeaLand McLean. JAMES MATES Pensioner James Mates, 73, died Oct. 26. Brother Mates embarked on his seafaring career in 1960. He worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Sea-Land Innovator. Brother Mates began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1999. He was a native of Pennsylvania, but called San Francisco home. NICHOLAS MORAMARCO Brother Nicholas Moramarco, 54, passed away Oct. 15. He began his career with the SIU in 1989 in the port of Piney Point, Md. after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Moramarco’s first vessel was the SS Independence. The California-born mariner worked in the deck department and last shipped on the Horizon Navigator. He began receiving retirement stipends in 2000. Sherman Oaks, Calif. was his home. GILBERT MURRAY Pensioner Gilbert Murray, 73, died Dec. 8. Brother Murray embarked on his profession with the SIU in 1967 in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Murray first went to sea aboard Hudson Waterways’ East Point Victory. Born in Yale, Mich., he shipped in the steward department. Brother Murray last sailed on the Ambassador, a Crowley American Transport vessel. He became a pensioner in 1992 and resided in Jacksonville, Fla. JAMES O’DONNELL Pensioner James O’Donnell, 83, passed away Oct. 5. A native of Montana, Brother O’Donnell launched his SIU career in 1968 in San Francisco. He initially went to sea aboard the Burbank Victory. Brother O’Donnell shipped in the engine department and last worked on the Sea-Land Mariner. He began receiving his pension in 1986. He made his home in Cave Junction, Ore. ANN RAFALOVICH Pensioner Ann Rafalovich, 93, died Nov. 17. Sister Rafalovich started her career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. The McKees Rock, Pa. native worked in the steward department and made her home in Portage, Pa. Sister Rafalovich began receiving compensation for her retirement in 1978. RALPH REYNOLDS Pensioner Ralph Reynolds, 82, passed away Dec. 17. He embarked on his profession with the MC&S in San Francisco. Brother Reynolds sailed as a member of the steward department and became a pensioner in 1975. He was born in New York, but made his home in Jacksonville, Fla. RAMON SANTANA Pensioner Ramon Santana, 93, died Oct. 30. Brother Santana commenced his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. The steward department member started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1972. Brother Santana made his home in San Diego. PEDRO SAQUILAYAN Pensioner Pedro Saquilayan, 85, passed away Dec. 13. He began his seafaring career in 1953 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Army. His first ship was Isco’s Steel Worker. Born in the Philippines, he sailed in the steward department. Brother Saquilayan last went to sea on the Santa Lucia, a Delta Steamship vessel. He became a pensioner in 1981 and resided in Melbourne, Fla. JOHN SCHAEFER Pensioner John Schaefer, 75, died Nov. 22. Brother Schaefer started his career with the SIU in 1964 in the port of New York. His first vessel was Delta Steamship’s Del Aires. Born in Detroit, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Schaefer last worked aboard the Duchess, a Seahawk Management vessel. The Rose City, Mich. resident began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1993. WALTER SUSKA Pensioner Walter Suska, 79, passed away Jan. 2. He began his seafaring career in 1943 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Suska’s first vessel was Isco’s Steel Fabricator. The South River, N.J. native worked in the engine department. Brother Suska lived in his native state and started receiving his pension in 1986. WILLIAM WALKER Pensioner William Walker, 82, died Oct. 20. Brother Walker initiated his SIU career in 1953 in Lake Charles, La. after serving in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. Brother Walker worked in the deck department, last sailing on the Stonewall Jackson. He went on pension in 1992 and resided in Wiggins, Miss. INLAND ROBERT CAMPBELL Pensioner Robert Campbell, 83, passed away Oct. 7. Boatman Campbell launched his career with the Seafarers in 1977, joining in the port of Piney Point, Md. Born in Philadelphia, he sailed in the deck department and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Taylor Marine Towing Co. Boatman Campbell began receiving his pension in 1986. He resided in Camden, N.J. ELLIS SPIVEY Pensioner Ellis Spivey, 75, died Nov. 8. He joined the SIU in 1970 in Port Arthur, Texas. Born in Tampa, Fla., Boatman Spivey worked mainly aboard vessels operated by Higman Barge Lines. He shipped in the deck department as a captain. Boatman Spivey went on pension in 1993. He made his home in Beaumont, Texas. GREAT LAKES ANDREW ASPSETER Pensioner Andrew Aspseter, 95, passed away Dec. 21. Brother Aspseter embarked on his career with the SIU in 1963. Born in Michigan, he worked primarily aboard vessels operated by American Steamship Company. The deck department member made his home in Sawyer, Wis. and began receiving his pension in 1974. ROBERT BAUGHMAN Pensioner Robert Baughman, 75, died Oct. 29. He commenced his SIU career in 1963 in Frankfort, Mich. The Michigan-born mariner worked in the engine department and started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1992. Brother Baughman lived in Frankfort. THOMAS HART Pensioner Thomas Hart, 64, passed away Nov. 24. Brother Hart joined the ranks of the SIU in 1970 in Detroit. He first sailed aboard the Raymond Reiss. Born in Michigan, Brother Hart sailed as a member of the engine department, last working on the H. Lee White. He went on pension in 1991. New Matamoras, Ohio was his home. JOHN McCLINTON Pensioner John McClinton, 78, died Oct. 21. He became a Seafarer in 1960, joining in Detroit after serving in the U.S. Navy. His first SIU ship was the Mt. McKinley, an American Tramp Shipping & Development vessel. Brother McClinton shipped in the deck department and worked in both the Great Lakes and deep sea divisions. His final voyage was on the Paul H. Townsend. Brother McClinton was born in Detroit but lived in Alpena. Mich. He became a pensioner in 1991. Continued on page 20 March 2004 �21722p6_8_11_15-23.qxd 2/27/2004 5:11 PM Page 19 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. CHEMICAL PIONEER (USS Transport), Dec. 22—Chairman Kelvin S. Cherington, Secretary Mark Wertanen, Educational Director Marvin Wilmoth, Deck Delegate Phillip A. Morris, Engine Delegate Joseph L. Sam, Steward Delegate Wilbert Williams Jr. Chairman praised crew for good job on recent fire incident; everyone reacted quickly and efficiently. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer stated $470 donated to steward for death in his family. No beefs reported. Engine department requested clarification on weekend time off for day workers and information about cleanup of greasy equipment while on watch. Many thanks given to Seamen’s Center in Texas City and Freeport for gifts and support given to mariners working during holiday season. Next port: Norfolk, Va. COAST RANGE (Intrepid), Dec. 23—Chairman Marvin P. Zimbro, Secretary Lanette A. Lopez, Educational Director Candido Castro, Deck Delegate Donnie Collins. Chairman announced end-of-year payoff in Garyville, La. Dec. 31. He encouraged crew members to read LOG to keep current on union and maritime issues, with particular attention to president’s report. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to reduce age and seatime requirements for pension. ENDURANCE (USSM), Dec. 20 —Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Michael L. Baker, Educational Director Ron M. Schexnayder, Deck Delegate Feliciano M. Gimutao Jr., Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter, Steward Delegate Thurman C. Johnson. Chairman reported good trip. He and secretary wished happy holidays to crew members. Treasurer stated $1,825 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department (Steward Baker, Chief Cook Johnson and GSU A. Saleh) for fine holiday meals. Next ports: Oakland and Long Beach, Calif. 1st LT. JACK LUMMUS (Amsea), Dec. 17—Chairman William L. Bratton, Secretary John J. Fallon III, Educational Director Michael S. Rueter. Chairman announced crew change Jan. 6. Secretary read minutes from last meeting. Educational director stressed importance of education and spoke about opportunities available at Paul Hall Center to help mariners upgrade skills. Treasurer stated $198 in ship’s fund. DVD player was recently purchased for crew lounge. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone reminded to pay dues in order to continue sailing. Thanks given to steward department for delicious Thanksgiving Day meals and to engine department for fixing range. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Dec. 28—Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary Steven M. Dickson, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate Erowin C. Udan. Chair- March 2004 man announced arrival Jan. 3 in Tacoma, Wash. with payoff following customs inspection. He noted that repairs to garbage disposal completed. Fans will be placed in rooms currently without them. Secretary noted sanitary inspection due Dec. 31. Educational director stressed importance of contributing to SPAD and for crew members to keep all documents and paperwork up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to San Francisco union officials for assistance and information. Everyone reminded to vote on contract changes. Steward department given vote of thanks for holiday meals and festivities. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), Dec. 7—Chairman Werner H. Becher, Secretary Vainuu L. Sili, Educational Director Daniel F. Dean, Deck Delegate Robert J. Natividad, Steward Delegate Glenn A. Taan. Chairman announced arrival Dec. 9 in Oakland, Calif. with payoff same day. He asked that everyone have change of linen for relief and that doors be kept locked in port. Secretary added that everything running smoothly. Educational director talked about opportunities available at Piney Point to upgrade skills. Good time to do so would be from Dec. 30 to Jan. 21, 2004, when vessel is in Hong Kong shipyard. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about tax withholding on vacation checks. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), Dec. 17—Chairman Howard W, Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Educational Director Lorance D. Pence. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 19 in Tacoma, Wash. He thanked everyone for following safety procedures and for donating money for fresh fish in Guam. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Schedule of upgrading courses is listed in each issue of Seafarers LOG. He also stated that the Southern Maryland facility is good place for family summer vacations. Treasurer stated $210 in video fund. New movies to be purchased next trip. New tape rewinder needed as well. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for getting ship in holiday spirit with decorations, good food and lots of cookies. Next ports: Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam; Hong Kong. ITB BALTIMORE (USS Transport), Dec. 28—Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, Secretary Pedro R. Mena, Educational Director Geoffrey L. James, Deck Delegate Khaled Munassar, Engine Delegate Ahmed Salim. Chairman spoke about vital importance of contributing to SPAD. He reminded crew to keep passageways quiet, respect each other’s work and keep laundry facilities clean. He also encouraged everyone to utilize excellent facilities at Paul Hall Center for upgrading and improving skills, and he informed them of new prescription drug program and of need to renew z-cards early. Educational director stated $200 in movie fund and said that magazine subscription to Sports Illustrated will be renewed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Cherry Point, Wash.; Long Beach, Calif. ITB JACKSONVILLE (USS Transport), Dec. 23—Chairman John R. Lamprecht, Secretary John A. Stephen, Educational Director Stanley M. Sporna. Chairman noted long trip to Pakistan. He requested list of everyone who wants to be relieved. Captain will send those names to manpower. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to contribute to SPAD and vote for legislators who support maritime issues. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members asked to help steward department keep ship clean. Bosun trying to establish new system for storing trash. Request made that prior arrangements be made for shore leave. Repair to bosun’s sink needed, and new mattresses on order. Next ports: Portland, Maine; Houston. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), Dec. 30—Chairman Thomas P Banks, Secretary James A. Jackson, Educational Director Alton P. Hickman Jr., Steward Delegate Romalies J. Jones. Chairman announced next trip to Haifa, Israel. Educational director advised crew members to take full advantage of upgrading courses available at Piney Point. Some disputed OT noted in deck department; no beefs reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Lines), Dec. 17—Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director John A. Collins Jr., Deck Delegate Juan I. Arzu, Engine Delegate Alexander Koroteyev, Steward Delegate John Padilla. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 21 in Newark, N.J. Educational director advised crew members to check expiration dates on z-cards and submit for renewal at least six months in advance. He also encouraged everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point whenever possible. Treasurer stated $1,516.63 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase vacation benefits. Everyone asked to rewind movies and return them to locker and to continue keeping laundry room clean and orderly. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C. Seen in San Juan ... Bosun Charles David James works aboard the Atlantic Guardian at Pier 10 in San Juan, P.R. The Global Marine Systems vessel is one of the most advanced cable ships in operation. OVERSEAS PHILADELPHIA (OSG), Dec. 20—Chairman Timothy J. Olvany, Secretary Jose A. Rivera, Educational Director Edgar G. Pacana, Deck Delegate Daniel Vasquez, Engine Delegate William Pough, Steward Delegate Henry Greene Jr. Chairman informed crew members of possibility of lengthy job on coastwise tankers. Secretary advised everyone to check that all shipping documents are kept current. Educational director spoke about upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $1,100 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone asked to check crew mess information board daily. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into option of retiring after 20 consecutive years in union. Vessel in need of all forms on board (e.g., minutes, crew lists, medical, vacation). Next port: Tampa, Fla. SEABULK CHALLENGE (Seabulk Tanker), Dec. 28— Chairman Harold L. Sebring, Secretary Timothy J. Dowd, Educational Director Daniel W. Fowers. Chairman noted new washing machine on board. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Safety money from company (for 500+ days with no lost time) available after first of year. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested about endof-year pay. Thanks given to steward department members Timothy Dowd, Heath Bryan and Nelson Bernardez for great holiday spread. Next ports: Jacksonville and Port Everglades, Fla., Texas City, Texas. SEALAND ACHIEVER (USSM), Dec. 28—Chairman David N. Martz, Secretary Andrew Hagan, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Frank L. Thompson, Engine Delegate John A. Osburn Jr., Steward Delegate James R. Thacker. Chairman thanked crew for pleasant voyage and for good job separating plastic items from garbage. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and to remember importance of supporting SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. New mattresses and recliner chairs received aboard ship. Steward department given vote of thanks for great holiday meals. Thanks also given to those who helped fix washing machine and ice machine. Next port: Houston. MAERSK GEORGIA (Maersk Lines), Jan. 1—Chairman Raymond Henderson. Chairman announced payoff Jan. 3 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He asked crew members to keep all doors locked while in port and to follow new Coast Guard security procedures. Educational director reminded members to take advantage of union’s upgrading program at Paul Hall Center and of need to renew z-cards early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to purchase larger TV, new DVD player and treadmill for gym. Laundry parts on order. Crew wishes all union brothers and sisters and their families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thanks given to Steward Billy Gigante for wonderful holiday dinner and GU John Nunez for keeping ship clean. Next ports: Newark, N.J.; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C. Seafarers’ Training Helps Save Crew Member’s Life The following letter was received from Tony Mociun, chief mate aboard the SIUcrewed Mahimahi during voyage 79. Guam, January 15, 2004. At 0940 in the port of Guam, quick thinking by the crew members of Matson’s MV Mahimahi saved Ernesto (Ernie) Villanueva, the steward utility, from choking to death. The recertified steward, Lou Laupati, heard Ernie choking in the pantry as he was preparing for the afternoon meal. He heard Ernie cough loudly three times and then the coughs became softer. Lou called to Ernie from the galley but there was no answer. Lou quickly dropped what he was doing and rushed into the pantry to find Ernie bent over the sink with his finger in his mouth. He immediately noticed that Ernie’s face and neck were dark blue. Lou did what he was trained to do first: He called for help by dialing Capt. Ted Bernhard’s number. The captain got on the radio to the deck gang and passed the word for the sailors to ‘drop everything’ and make haste in getting to the galley. Without missing a beat, the captain radioed the tower and reported the emergency. Ron Barrer responded that he was calling the paramedics. All of this happened in the space of less than one minute! With everyone racing toward the galley, AB Brian Burns ran to the sailor’s deck and grabbed the Automatic Emergency Defibulator (AED), which was easily accessible, being hung on a hook outside his room. The bosun, Vernon Haik, grabbed the resuscitator, and the captain retrieved the emergency medical “go-bag.” In the meantime, after Lou hung up the phone, he returned to Ernie, whose head was now hanging into the sink. Putting together the clues that Ernie had given him—choking and a finger Recertified Steward Lou Laupiti put his Piney Point and shipboard training to practice when he helped save a crew mate’s life aboard the Mahimahi. in his mouth, Lou figured Ernie had something stuck in his throat. He grabbed Ernie from behind, clasped his hands together just under Ernie’s rib cage and gave a mighty thrust. Nothing happened. He gave another more powerful thrust, and a piece of ham flew out of Ernie’s throat. The captain and crewmembers arrived just as Ernie’s breathing was restored. It was a happy ending to what could have resulted in death had it not been for the quick thinking all around. As Laupiti said, “I knew what to do because I pay attention to those lectures and demonstrations we get on the ship.” Seafarers LOG 19 �21722p6_8_11_15-23.qxd 2/20/2004 3:27 PM Page 20 Letter 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.) A Grateful Family Of Seafarers The SIU has been good to me ever since I finished high school and went to work. I am grateful to the Seafarers International Union for all the Final Departures Continued from page 18 good work on union ships that it has brought to my family. Most of my family worked and organized out of New Orleans. Nearly 50 years later, uncles and sons and nephews of my brothers still are working aboard union vessels. My uncle, J.A. Spina, and my brother, S.J. Canales Sr. were full book members and lifelong Seafarers. They began in the ’40s from New Orleans. I was taken to the union hall on Decatur Street in New Orleans by an uncle to see Harry Lundeberg and hear Paul Hall speak. I began working tugs and Higgins boats intercoastal to Orange and Port Arthur. I got my Coast Guard papers in Mobile and then sailed deep sea. Back in 1945 and ’46, the line around the Customs House on Canal Street was two and three rows thick. I gave up my permit in 1950 to go to Korea. I had sailed Delta and Alcoa bauxite and coffee runs to South America. But I had to sign up to go fight the communists. I knew the battle it was to keep them out of the halls. God bless the SIU. the SS Galveston Bay. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1995. Dec. 2. Brother Ransom joined the NMU in 1943 in the port of Houston. Born in Texas, his first voyage was on the SS O.M. Bernuth. Brother Ransom initially worked in the steward department and frequently upgraded his skills. Moving to the deck department, he became a bosun in 1957. His last voyage was on the Gulf Supreme. Brother Ransom began collecting retirement stipends in 1980. TEOFILO CAMACHO WAYNE PERKINS Pensioner Wayne Perkins, 85, passed away Dec. 28. A veteran of the U.S Army, Brother Perkins joined the SIU in 1963 in Detroit, initially working on an Inland Lakes Management vessel. Born in West Branch, Mich., he sailed in the steward department. Brother Perkins’ last voyage was aboard the Niagara, an Erie Sand vessel. He began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1984 and called Claire, Mich. home. Pensioner Teofilo Camacho, 92, passed away Feb. 15. Born in Chorillis, Peru, he joined the NMU in the port of Philadelphia. A deck department member, Brother Camacho’s first ship was the SS Mormacland. He began receiving his pension in 1978. WEYMAN DICKERSON Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. Pensioner Weyman Dickerson, 75, died Dec. 21. Brother Dickerson joined the ranks of the NMU in the port of Philadelphia. A native of Pennsylvania, he worked in the deck department. Brother Dickerson last went to sea in 1966. He began collecting his retirement pay in 1967. EMILIO ALDARONDO THEODORE FERGUSON Pensioner Emilio Aldarondo, 83, died Jan. 12. Brother Aldarondo launched his NMU career in 1947. Born in Puerto Rico, his first ship was the SS Boringuen. Brother Aldarondo shipped in the steward department and frequently upgraded his skills. He started receiving his pension in 1970. Pensioner Theodore Ferguson, 80, passed away Jan 25. A native of St. Louis, he initially sailed from the port of San Francisco. Brother Ferguson’s first ship was the SS American Carrier. The steward department member began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1989. He last sailed on the SS Dawn. ANTHONY ARNICEVICH EDWARD HASKINS Pensioner Anthony Arnicevich, 84, passed away Jan. 30. He joined the NMU in 1937 and initially went to sea out of the port of Philadelphia. Brother Arnicevich’s first ship was the SS Astral. Born in Italy, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Arnicevich began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1986 and last sailed on the Chesapeake. Pensioner Edward Haskins, 92, died Nov. 11. Brother Haskins launched his career with the NMU in 1963. Born in Birmingham, England, he initially went to sea aboard the Santa Mariana. Brother Haskins worked in the steward department and last sailed on the American Legend. He began receiving his pension in 1977. DEATRICE BEACHUM Pensioner Edward Kisner, 80, passed away Dec. 30. The West Virginia-born mariner commenced his NMU career in 1961. Shipping from the port of New York, he first went to sea on the Gen. R.M. Blatchford. Brother Kisner worked in the engine department and began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1983. His last ship was the SS Texaco Trader. Pensioner Deatrice Beachum, 70, died Nov. 29. Brother Beachum began his NMU career in 1963. A native of Mount Calm, Texas, his first ship was the SS Gulftiger. Brother Beachum worked in the steward department, last sailing on 20 Seafarers LOG Know Your Rights DAVID KISNER FRANK RANSOM Pensioner Frank Ransom, 79 died Modesto Canales San Benito, Texas LEON VANTERPOOL Pensioner Leon Vanterpool, 86, passed away Jan 16. He began his NMU career in 1946. Born in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Brother Vanterpool initially sailed on the Mitchell. He sailed in the steward department as a chief steward. Brother Vanterpool last shipped on the Santa Elena. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1967. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following NMU brothers and sisters, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. Name Age DOD Barabash, Frederick 83 Dec. 12 Berghaus, Herbert 62 Jan. 9 Brown, Charlie 79 Jan. 21 Covington, Curtis 92 Jan. 7 Diaz, Luis 83 Jan. 4 Durborow, Edgar 87 Jan. 2 Ebanks, Erlin 99 Jan. 2 Hernandez, Ramiro 84 Jan. 20 Hunt, Jeanette 82 Dec. 21 Irigoyen, Manuel 82 Dec. 18 Martin, Gilbert 81 Jan. 18 Martinez, Angel 86 Dec. 18 Ortiz Rabassa, Antonio 85 Nov. 15 Ramos, Alejandro 70 Dec. 22 Reyes, Nick 76 Nov. 23 Riva, Antonio 94 Jan. 13 Rivers, Robert 76 Jan. 24 Rodriguez, Mario 84 Jan. 8 Schultz, George 84 Jan. 5 Uscocovich, Marcos 80 Sept. 8 Yoko, Kumagai 90 Mar. 4,’03 FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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 April 5 headquarters membership meeting to review the 2003 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/NMU 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. March 2004 �21722p6_8_11_15-23.qxd 2/20/2004 3:27 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Engine Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for the next few months. 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. Date of Completion Engine Utility (EU) March 22 May 17 April 16 June 11 Marine Electrician May 10 July 2 Refrigeration April 12 May 21 Welding March 29 April 16 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* April 19 April 30 Basic Safety Training (BST) March 15 March 29 April 19 May 10 May 24 March 19 April 2 April 23 May 14 May 28 Fast Rescue Boat May 3 June 7 May 7 June 11 Government Vessels March 22 April 5 May 17 June 28 March 26 April 9 May 21 July 2 Medical Care Provider March 8 March 12 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* March 29 May 17 April 9 May 28 March 15 March 19 (*must have basic fire fighting) Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman March 1 April 12 May 24 March 26 May 7 June 18 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids * (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) March 8 March 12 Celestial Navigation March 29 April 23 GMDSS (Simulator) March 1 March 12 Lifeboatman/Water Survival March 29 May 10 April 9 May 21 Navigation Fundamentals April 26 May 7 Radar May 10 May 21 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) April 5 May 31 April 16 June 11 Course Start Date Course (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Steward Upgrading Courses Academic Department Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning February 16, 2004. 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. Recertification Bosun (to be announced) See page 24 for an overview of the Government Vessels courses. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No 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? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ March 2004 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 3/04 Seafarers LOG 21 �21722p6_8_11_15-23.qxd 2/27/2004 5:12 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 646 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 646 (in alphabetical order) Carlo Balajadia, Robert Beck, Branden Blees, Nicholas Collins, Michael Cox Jr., Timothy Dexter, Rocky Dupraw, Kevin Ford, Peter Jensen, Kevin Johnson, Brandon Jones, Jayme Jones, Joseph Maloney, Jaime Medina Vazquez, John Niday IV, Jose Nunez, Orlando Pabon, Hashiem Pittman, Antoine Rainey, Coda Russell, Shawn Sayers, Christopher Stroh, David Tran, Patrick Van Heck, Ty Varnadoe, Vinh Vo and Djuan Wright. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Welding — Certificates of graduation for completion of the welding course were given Jan. 23 to (in alphabetical order) Towanda Brown, Thomas Cleary, Adnan Nasser, Johanna Saul and Mark Wain. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is second from left. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Unlicensed apprentices completing the tanker familiarization/assis- Crane Operations — Malcolm Harris (left) and Tony Corcino (center) successfully completed the crane operations course Jan 16. With them is their instructor, Greg Thompson. tant cargo (DL) course Jan. 16 are (in alphabetical order) Brannon Adams, Michael Alexander, Robert Brady, Gary Cruz, Jim Farmer, David Guthrie, Raymond Hotchkis, Ramsey Ingram, Reginald Jackson, Damien James, Carlo Johnson, Ryan Krom, Lance McFarland, Jermaine McNish, Richard Nemanic, Robert Any student who has registered for a class and finds, for whatever reason, Patterson, Christopher Paul, James Perkins, Xavier Rivera, that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that Rimothy Ross, Gregory Scott, Jonathan Scurry, John Selman, another student may take that place. Kenneth Sharp, Daniel Smith, Keith Smith and Brett Younginger. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — Jan 23: John Adkins, Alberto Arhas, Patrick Clarke, Keiva-Lei Cadena, Randall Coard, Paul Conway, Chad Costa, William Gartland, Fernando Grant, Latchesara Kaymakanova, Tyson Kurtz, Garrett Ireland, Bjorn Ramskog, Jacob Lippertz, Jarrod McNeil, Tor Nygren, Jennifer Ranada, Chris Robinson, Frosti Smith, Ken Stanley, Derrenda Strother, Gay Netta Taay, Joseph Taylor IV, Jerald Topasna, Joseph Winningham, Latasha Woodruff and Heidi Zibell. STCW — Jan 9: Mark Campbell, Victor Cintron, Malcolm Demery, George Heyson, Nathan Hollander, Mark Lance, Jose Montero, Kenneth Nance Jr., Robert Nelson Jr., Jason Peters, Charles Peyton III, Richard Sullivan and Jeffrey Williams. STCW — Jan 9: André Gross, Benjamin Blanchard, Regina Moore, Errol Menair, Ralph Lawson, Thomas Solnok, Erin Richardson, Luis Lopez, Glenn Ferguson, Angelo Golden, Donna Laulu, Danielle Mueller, Tyson Kurtz, Daniel Stock, Jaime Mullins, James Herring, Santiago Corre, Jon Chavez, Jonathan Heu, Fernando Grant, Jerald Topasna, Selena Francisco, Rodel Austria, Bryan Abuluyan, Francis Sueño, Michael Sakalauskas, Adam Brown, Christopher Barnett, Anna Wagner, Kepola Ahin, Dimitre Mladenov and Todd Steele. 22 Seafarers LOG March 2004 �21722p6_8_11_15-23.qxd 2/27/2004 5:12 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Lifeboatman/ Water Survival With instructors Stan Beck and Tony Sevilla are Jan. 16 graduates Glenn Ferguson, Tyson Kurtz, Selena Francisco, Kepola Ahin, Daniel Stock, Dimitre Mladenov, Jonathan Heu, Fernando Grant, Erin Richardson, Luis Lopez Jr. and Jaime Mullens. Another group of Jan. 16 water survival course graduates includes Ricardo Salazar, Jerry Guglielmeno, Mario Suazo, Angelo Golden Jerald Topasna, Bryan Abuluyan, Rodel Austria, Francis Sueño, Todd Steele and John Janis. In the rear is instructor Tom Gilliland. Under the instruction of Stan Beck (standing) are Dec. 5 graduates of the water survival course. They are (in no particular order) Brenda Nett, Richard Sabino, Eric Johnson, Luis Rhee, Ryan Bucasas, Pauahi Maikai, Giuseppe Saverino, Timothy Daily, Benjamin Paulo, Lamberto Palamos Jaime Manzon, Renato Ballestero, Bianca Contreras, Celia Acacio, Gabrielle DePaulis and Pamela Phillips. Completing the water survival course Jan. 16 are Latasha Woodruff, Andrea Urlie, Bonny Pak, Derrenda Strother, Joseph Taylor, Greg Gandeza, Jacob ZLippertz, Joseph Winningham, Chad Costa, Daryl Whitney, Randall Coard, Willy Gartland, Latchesara Kaymakanova, John Janis, John Adkins, Clint Nishimiya and Stacy Ann Nishimura. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Another recent group of graduates of the water suvival course are Donna Laulu, Jeff Howard, Danielle Mueller, Ben Blandard, Santiago Corre, Mike Hayden, Kyle Riley and Anna Wagner. GMDSS — With instructor Brad Wheeler (left) are Jan. 16 graduates of the GMDSS course. They are (in alphabetical order) Daniel Lovely, Brian Miller, Nebojsa Milosevic, William Powell, Fernando Rigonan and David Steinberg. March 2004 Jan. 30 was graduation day for Garret Ireland, Jarod McNeill, Frosti Smith, Heidi Zibell, Keiva-Lei Cadena, Jennifer Ranada, Patrick Clarke, Chris Robinson, Ken Stanley, Gay Netta Taay, Scott Dayoan, Tanya Fau, Sean Nakamura, Michele Lono, Melanie Acpal, Renee Hill, Kathleen Silva, Joanne Walden, Brandy Filtzer and Andrew Ancog. Their instructor was Tony Sevilla. Graduating recently from the water survival course are André Gross, Geroge Richardson, Adam Brown, Regi Moore, Michelle Hayes, Jon Chavez, Cheri Conklen, Chris Burnett and Hilary Lohman. ARPA — Boatmen from New York Waterway completed the ARPA course Jan. 30. From the left are Mike Smith (instructor), Richard Silverthorne, John Willette, Norman Littles, John Winiarski and Brad Johnsen. Seafarers LOG 23 �21722p1_2_4_5_9-10_14_24.qxd 2/27/2004 4:06 PM Page 24 Volume 66, Number 3 March 2004 Upgrading at the Paul Hall Center Take advantage of the upgrading courses available at the Paul Hall Center. See page 21 for a schedule of upcoming classes. Government Vessels Courses Seafarers Train to Support U.S. Military T he Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. offers a curriculum of Government Vessels courses to boost and refine the skills of mariners who sail aboard military-contracted vessels. Because of the unique requirements of the military contracts, the program is structured as three 1-week modules which are open to mariners sailing in any department—but are mandatory for all QMED Oiler/Motor and Able Seaman (AB) ratings. The modules may be taken in any order. Upon completion of the full Government Vessels curriculum, a certificate will be issued by the Paul Hall Center. 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), Level I: Anti-Terrorism/ Personal Protection Brief 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. Students learn the safe way to operate and maintain the necessary equipment and are given opportunities for practical application. The next Government Vessels course at Piney Point is scheduled to begin March 22. Damage Control — This course is designed to provide mariners with the specific objectives of damage control and the knowledge, understanding and practical experience required for damage control at sea. Cargo Handling and Crane Operations — Included in the third week of the government vessels course of study, this class provides students with a comprehensive examination of cargo handling situations aboard vessels. The operation and maintenance of equipment is stressed, along with safety precautions and requirements. Students are given opportunties for practical application. Anti-Terrorism Briefing Given to All Upgraders Each week, as new students arrive to upgrade their skills and ratings at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., they are required to attend “Level I: Anti-Terrorism/Personal Protection Brief,” a one-hour course designed to familiarize them with the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to protect themselves when traveling abroad, particularly those who are employed, or may be employed, on government vessels. Currently being taught by Pat Vandegrift, assistant manpower coordinator, the classroom lecture meets the requirements issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. Vandegrift incorporates a training video and student handouts as part of the course, each item of which has been selected to support, identify or reinforce specific learning objectives. All members of a ship’s crew are critical to vessel security, he stresses, and need to be in compliance with the current maritime security program. Only through individual awareness, knowledge and an ability to effectively communicate can there be an effective security plan aboard ship. Following a brief introduction of the course in which Vandegrift defines terrorism as “the calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear intended to coerce or to intimidate governments of societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious or ideological,” he then talks about possible causes (e.g., intimidation, notoriety, revenge), characteristics of terrorists (e.g., political, religious, criminal, mentally disturbed), various tactics used by terrorists (including bombs, kidnapping, hostage- Assistant Manpower Coordinator Pat Vandegrift instructs new students at the Paul Hall Center about vessel and personnel safety and security in a one-hour anti-terrorism course. taking), identification of threat conditions (normal, heightened, imminent risk) and explains the factors involved in assessing threats. The next part of the briefing deals with individual actions that may be taken to avoid a terrorist attack and what to do in the event of being taken hostage. Of particular importance is knowing the locations of local police, fire departments, the U.S. Embassy or other safe, public places. He discusses the importance of a personal contingency plan (upto-date will, power of attorney), and gives the students important telephone numbers they can use to keep informed of terrorism alerts. Material Handling (Forklift) — This course provides students with a comprehensive examination of basic material handling operations, maintenance and safety. The class concentrates on the proper use and care of equipment and the prevention of user or handling errors. Students are provided an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned through participation in actual cargo handling operations. � 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 2004 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ITF SECURES MILLIONS FOR CREWS APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA STEPS UP TO PROTECT SHORE-LEAVE RIGHTS LIBERTY EAGLE JOINES SIU FLEET SEAFARERS-CREWED LMSRS CARRY VITAL MATERIAL FOR ‘BIG RED ONE’ SIU RALLIES WITH GROCERY WORKERS MERLIN RESCUES EGYPTIAN OFFICER DENNIS IS NEW PLANS ADMINISTRATOR DELMA RETIRES AFTER 38 YEARS, WILL REMAIN AS CONSULTANT NMU MEDICAL PLAN MERGES INTO SEAFARERS HEALTH PLAN SIU MOURNS RETIRED PATROLMAN JOE SIGLER MISSISSIPPI MISHAPS TRUSTEE MIKE SWAYNE PASSES AWAY AT AGE 69 U.S.-FLAG CRUISE PLAN REMAINS ON SCHEDULE FREE CHOICE ACT GAINS SUPPORT IN CONGRESS MARITIME ADMINISTRATION APPROVES DEEPWATER LIQUID NATURAL GAS PORT LIBERATOR CREW WELCOMES SIU PRESIDENT, OTHER OFFICIALS JOINT ACTION WITH SAUID ARABIA AIMS TO FIGHT TERRORIST FINANCING MULHOLLAND RETIRES FROM MATSON SIU PRESIDENT DESCRIBES KEY ASPECTS OF UNION, SCHOOL ALASKA TANKER COMPANY REACHES SAFETY MILESTONE U.S.-FLAG VESSELS, PORT FACILITIES SUBMIT SECURITY PLANS TO COAST GUARD SENTENCING ANNOUNCED IN MARINER DOCUMENT SCAM KILAUEA COMPLETES RECORD TRANSFER USNS MERCY BECOMES HOME FOR DISPLACED FIRE VICTIMS BILL CALLS FOR MONTHLY PAYMENT TO WWII MARINERS ST. LOUIS AMMV CHAPTER HELPS SECURE RECOGNITION FOR WWII MERCHANT MARINERS SIU DELIVERS FOR U.S. TROOPS IN IRAQ SEAFARING CAREER AGREES WITH HANSON SEAFARERS TRAIN TO SUPPORT U.S. MILITARY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 03/01/2004 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. 66, No. 3 2004 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/a5715f242f9f637f0483d8e434a5e497.pdf 233302a3669fb414f78d99dff5623331 PDF Text Text 22284_p1,2,6,10,14, 24.qxd 3/30/2004 3:50 PM Page 1 Volume 66, Number 4 April 2004 MTD Speakers Tell It Like It Is: America Depends On U.S. Mariners! The U.S. Merchant Marine’s role as the fourth arm of defense and the worsening U.S. health care crisis were two of the main topics discussed March 4-5 during meetings of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO executive board in Hollywood, Fla. Members of Congress and the administration as well as military officers and labor officials examined those issues as well as port security, workers’ rights, cargo preference, shipbuilding, runaway-flag shipping and more. In photos above, MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (left) welcomes U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta (left photo) and U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow to the meetings. Pages 3, 8, 9. Seafarers Continue Sailing in ‘OIF2’ SIU-Crewed Cable Ship Instrumental In Tough Mission SIU members are sailing aboard at least 60 ships that have mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom 2, including the Flickertail State (above). Page 3. U.S. Military Leaders Speak Up for Maritime Puerto Rico Towing Boatmen Join SIU Page 2 Page 4 Stewards Complete Recertification Class Page 7 Seafarers on the Tyco Decisive last month helped in the mission to recover bodies from a water-taxi tragedy that claimed five lives. The accident happened March 6 in Baltimore when a 36-foot boat capsized in a fastmoving storm. Bosun Thor Young (left, top photo) and Bosun’s Mate Tony Sibola were among the many Seafarers who assisted in the recovery. A remotely operated vehicle (bottom photo) deployed from the Decisive proved particularly vital in recovering the last two bodies. Page 3. �22284_p1,2,6,10,14, 24.qxd 3/30/2004 12:33 AM Page 2 President’s Report A Crisis America Must Solve Everyone who cares about America’s working families owes a debt of gratitude to the 70,000 union brothers and sisters from the United Food and Commercial Workers who recently approved a new contract after more than five months on the picket lines. The union members’ courage and determination in the fight to maintain good, affordable health care benefits is admirable by itself. But the fact is those members were laying it on the line for all workers, not just themselves. They Michael Sacco made a stand that had to be made, and while they may not have gotten everything they wanted, I believe they won. Unfortunately, nationwide, the health care crisis isn’t going away. In fact, it’s getting worse. And we as a nation must solve it. You’ve probably heard the saying that there are three types of lies: lies, damn lies and statistics. But when it comes to health care, the numbers are frighteningly true. Today, the average family health premium is more than $9,000 a year. When you consider that the national median household income is a little more than $42,000, it’s obvious the cost of health care is out of control. We’re all aware that the price of health benefits normally only goes one direction—up. But did you know that more and more steadily employed workers are losing their coverage, either because their employers take it away or because they simply can’t afford the premiums? For example, the news media recently reported that a new survey by the state of South Carolina revealed that 19 percent of its citizens didn’t have health coverage the previous two years. Well over half of those uninsured people were employed. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney recently reminded us of a bigger, even more disturbing number. Namely, 44 million people in the U.S. don’t have health coverage. “The damage being done to their families is matched perhaps only by the damage being done to union members, union employers and our ability to compete in the world economy,” Sweeney said at last month’s meeting of the Maritime Trades Department executive board. “Who do you think picks up the tab for those uninsured workers—6 million of whom are fully employed? Our union employers do, and we as union members do, through higher premiums and lower benefits and through the taxes we pay.” Look beyond the statistics and you see the real costs of this crisis. Seniors who can’t afford their prescriptions. Parents who agonize over whether they’ll have enough money to maintain their family’s coverage and still save for their children’s education. Hard-working individuals who literally must choose between keeping their insurance and paying other bills. American citizens of all ages who let treatable conditions go unchecked because they don’t have the funds for health coverage. This is a national disgrace. It simply shouldn’t happen in the United States—or anywhere else. America’s unions are leading the fight to ensure good, affordable health insurance for every man, woman and child across the country. But we obviously can’t do it alone. A challenge this big demands full national debate and complete cooperation among labor, government and business. It’s a puzzle that’s long overdue for a solution. I’m proud of the way the SIU supported our UFCW brothers and sisters during the recent strike and lockout. Seafarers marched with them in California, New York and Missouri, and we also donated food and money to help them through a tremendously difficult time. But what I really look forward to is the day when health care is a given for everyone. In working toward that goal—in fighting for our very well-being—America should spare no resource. Volume 66, Number 4 April 2004 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2004 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Military Leaders Make It Clear: Strong U.S. Fleet Is Imperative Three highly respected U.S. military leaders last month jointly testified before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee’s Seapower Subcommittee, where they reaffirmed the U.S. Merchant Marine’s importance in national security. Gen. John W. Handy, USAF, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, USN, commander, Military Sealift Command (MSC); and Maj. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, USA, commanding general, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC—formerly the Military Traffic Management Command), submitted a joint statement to the subcommittee March 10. Chaired by Sen. James Talent (R-Mo.), the hearing pertained to a mobility requirements study. Both in their prepared text and in answering questions from Talent and Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), the military officers offered powerful words detailing the merchant marine’s significance. “Our sealift force is vastly more capable than ever before,” the officers noted. “Strategic sealift is critical to our nation’s power projection strategy.” During the discussion with the senators, Brewer described the Maritime Security Program— which helps ensure the presence of up to 60 militarily useful U.S.flag vessels—as “extremely important. We can’t exist without it…. But more importantly, ships don’t run themselves. Mariners run them. The Maritime Security Program is providing us with a U.S.-flagged fleet that will provide us with the mariners to man these particular ships. And I have to commend some of the people sitting behind me who represent the Maritime Trades Department and unions because, without them, we could not have fought this war.” Continued on page 11 Gen. John W. Handy, USAF, Commander, U.S. Transportation Command Ready Reserve Force Is ‘Great Success’ During last month’s Seapower Subcommittee hearing, U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, the ranking Democrat on the subcommittee, described the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF) as “one of the great successes. We followed that very closely in this (Armed Services) committee. Their ships have done an extraordinary job.” In a prepared statement, Gen. John W. Handy, USAF, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, USN, commander, Military Sealift Command (MSC); and Maj. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, USA, commanding general, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, noted, “The increased readiness standards and maintenance of our RRF have made it more efficient and better able to meet lift requirements than ever before. The RRF today is a well-maintained, ready force of 31 surge roll-on/roll-off ships and 37 special-purpose sealift ships.” During the first phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, about 22 percent of the cargo moved to support the war effort was carried aboard U.S.-flag RRF ships, most of them crewed by Seafarers. The U.S. Maritime Administration, which oversees the RRF, described the program as “a key element of strategic sealift. The RRF is specifically structured to transport Army and Marine Corps unit equipment and initial resupply for forces deploying anywhere in the world during the critical period before adequate numbers of commercially available ships can be marshaled.” The RRF made a major contribution to the success of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm from August 1990 through June 1992, when 79 vessels were activated and operated to meet military sealift requirements. Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, USN, Commander, Military Sealift Command Maj. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, USA, Commanding General, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command Grocery Workers Win Contract Protecting Health Care Benefits Southern California grocery workers on Feb. 29 ratified a new three-year contract that ended the longest grocery strike and lockout in U.S. history. The new pact, which covers some 70,000 members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) at three major supermarket chains— Kroger Co., Albertsons Inc. and Safeway Inc.—was approved by 86 percent of voting members after a two-day tally which commenced Feb. 28. As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, the dispute began Oct. 11 when the UFCW members refused to give in to demands to slash their health care benefits. Kroger’s, Ralphs and Albertsons, bargaining jointly with Safeway, locked out their union workers the next day. Nearly 900 stores were affected by the work stoppage. The five-month dispute centered on health care costs. The supermarket chains asserted that they could no longer afford to pay for the benefits without what many deemed unfairly high con- tributions from workers in the face of competition from nonunion rivals like Wal-Mart Stores Inc. Following 20 weeks without paychecks, the union workers won their fight to protect affordable health care, their pensions and job security. Under the new contract, workers won: „ Affordable health care benefits for new and current workers with no weekly employee premiums in the first two years, and only nominal payments, if needed, in the third year. „ Employer contributions of nearly $190 million to rebuild the health plan reserves. „ A combined pension fund for new hires and current employees—ensuring a secure pension fund in the future. „ A wage increase averaging about $500 in the first and third years of the contract. By standing up for affordable health care, the grocery workers SIU Asst. VP West Coast Nick Celona, left, and Bosun Mike Hester join striking UFCW grocery workers on the picket lines in Southern California. kept health care on the national agenda and sent a message to employers everywhere that attempts to eliminate health care benefits will come at a high price. The strike also raised the alarm for national health care reform. Continued on page 11 April 2004 �22284_P3_5, 8, 9, 21, 22.qxd 3/26/2004 2:27 AM Page 3 ‘Maritime Is Essential’ Merchant Marine’s Defense Role, U.S. Health Care Crisis Addressed by MTD Insightful discussions about the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role as the fourth arm of defense and the worsening U.S. health care crisis dominated much of the proceedings March 4-5 during meetings of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO executive board in Hollywood, Fla. Members of Congress and the administration as well as military officers and labor officials examined those issues and others including port security, workers’ rights, cargo preference, ship- building, runaway-flag shipping and more. See pages 8 and 9 for full coverage of the MTD executive board meetings. The MTD consists of 29 international unions (including the SIU) and 24 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing 6.5 million working men and women. MTD President Michael McCartney Dies at 72 George McCartney, retired SIU vice president West Coast, died March 19 after battling various ailments that had sharply worsened. He was 72. McCartney retired in 1998 after serving the previous 17 years as an SIU vice president. But anyone who knew him understood that he never really left the union. McCartney remained intensely loyal to the SIU, constantly volunteering his time and always wearing his SIU colors with pride. He attended the March membership meeting in San Francisco the day before his death. McCartney began sailing with the SIU at age 17, joining in 1948. He sailed for a dozen years before coming ashore. When he retired, he noted, “The SIU has always been my life, my main interest, since I was a kid.” Next month’s Seafarers LOG will contain a more detailed remembrance. Seafarers Continue to Sail In Operation to Rebuild Iraq At this time last year, more than 2,000 Seafarers were sailing aboard military support ships providing aid for allied troops involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). They crewed more than 100 vessels used to deliver the troops, tanks, fuel and other materiel needed by coalition forces to achieve victory in removing Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s regime. One year later, SIU members are mobilized for the next phase, OIF2, which is now in full swing as more than 240,000 U.S. military personnel rotate into and out of the Middle East. Pentagon planners anticipate delivering fresh divisions, with all the necessary equipment, to Iraq, while bringing home those divisions that have been there since the start of the military operation. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the cargo moving into the area aboard ship includes less armored equipment than last year but more combat service support gear for forces trying to stabilize and reconstruct the war-torn nation. Approximately 24 million square feet of cargo (10 million into and 24 million out of the country) belonging to nine units in the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army and National Guard are being moved by ship As the Seafarers LOG went to press, 60 SIU-contracted ships already had been activated for OIF2. They include vessels oper- April 2004 ated by Amsea: the Cape Jacob, USNS Algol, USNS Altair, USNS Antares, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Capella, USNS Pollux, USNS Regulus and USNS Stockham. Crowley-operated ships include the Cape Inscription, Cape Intrepid, Cape Isabel, Cape Island, Cape Washington and Cape Wrath. Those vessels operated by IUM are the Cape May, Flickertail State, USNS Chesapeake, USNS Mt. Washington, USNS Petersburg, Northern Lights and Westward Venture. From Keystone Shipping are the Cape Race, Cape Knox, Cape Kennedy, Cape Orlando, Cape Victory and Cape Vincent. Maersk Lines is operating the USNS Charlton, USNS Dahl, USNS Pomeroy, USNS Red Cloud, USNS Sisler, USNS Soderman, USNS Watkins and USNS Watson. Additionally, Seafarers are serving aboard activated ships operated by Mormac: the Cape Decision, Cape Diamond, Cape Domingo, Cape Douglas, Cape Ducato, Cape Edmont, Cape Henry, Cape Horn and Cape Hudson. From MTL is the Cape Trinity. PGM has activated the Cape Farewell, Independence and Resolve. And Patriot contract-operated vessels include the USNS Brittan, USNS Benevidez, USNS Bob Hope, USNS Gilliland, USNS Gordon, USNS Fisher, USNS Mendonca, USNS Pillilau, USNS Seay, USNS Shugart and USNS Yano. Sacco, who also serves as president of the SIU, opened the meetings by noting that members of MTD unions continue handling important jobs in the current phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, known as OIF2. “Just like last year at this time, the unions of the MTD are playing key roles in the mission,” Sacco said. “Already, thousands of U.S. merchant mariners have crewed up military support ships that are transporting vital cargo and relief troops to the Middle East. They’re also sailing aboard commercial ships involved in supporting our troops. “At the same time, America’s war on terrorism, while full of ongoing challenges, has become an everyday fact of life,” he continued. “Here again, the unions of the MTD are doing our part. MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (left) greets U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow at last month’s executive board meeting in Florida. That’s true on the docks, in the shipyards, on the railroads and highways, in the skies, and on the streets of our cities.” SIU-Crewed Cable Ship Aids in Recovery Operation SIU members aboard the Tyco Decisive last month assisted in the grim task of recovering bodies from a water-taxi tragedy that claimed five lives. The accident happened March 6 in Baltimore when a 36-foot, two-ton pontoon boat, the Lady D, capsized in a fast-moving storm. Local rescuers quickly saved 22 survivors, but five passengers could not be found. It took 10 days to recover the bodies, the last three of which almost certainly wouldn’t have been found without equipment donated by Tyco and another private company for this mission. The Decisive, in addition to offering sonar, an underwater robotic device and other high-tech tools, served as the main staging point for the operation. Seafarers were at once determined, sympathetic, sad and relieved. “We were glad to help. We wished we weren’t out there having to recover bodies, but we wanted to help,” said Recertified Bosun Thor Young. “Once the last body was recovered…. I saw all three of them. It’s just very sad. Yet, we weren’t happy about it, but there was some elation just in the sense that it represented closure for the families.” “The whole atmosphere was, ‘Just get it done,’” noted Chief Cook Walter Schoppe, who submitted photos for this story. “Without Tyco helping, they never would have found those bodies. And we weren’t going back until we found them. Everybody was relieved afterwards—at least the families can bury their loved ones.” The story made international news. Victims included an engaged couple in their twenties; a 6-year-old boy; and a 60-yearold woman and her daughter, age 34. For a while, it appeared the last two bodies (those of the child and the 26-year-old woman) simply couldn’t be located in the murky, near-freezing, 51-feetdeep water, even after an extremely high-powered underwater camera was added to Tyco’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Nine days after the accident, there were no “targets” left, and the search momentarily was called off, according to news reports. Around that same time, the Decisive received an order for a cable repair job near Florida. “But we decided to stay out (and continue searching) for a few more hours,” Young recalled. That’s when the vessel’s equipment located the missing bodies. Baltimore Fire Department personnel, who did 35 dives altogether, recovered the last one on March 15. Both Young and Schoppe, like others involved in the task, said they felt strong mixes of compassion, sorrow and excitement as the mission ended. “To be honest, I was proud to be part of the experience,” said Young, who credited Bosun’s Mate Tony Sibola and the rest of the unlicensed crew for Board members approved 14 policy statements covering topics including the Maritime Security Program; shipbuilding; cabotage laws; support of U.S. troops; short sea shipping; runaway flags; overtime pay; health care; and other maritime and labor issues. Addressing the executive board were (in order of appearance) U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta; Lt. Gen. Gary Hughey, deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command; Thomas Mackell, managing director of The Kamber Group; Stephen Van Dyck, chairman of Seafarers-contracted Maritrans, Inc.; Vice Adm. David Brewer, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command; Robert Pearlman, president and CEO, Continued on page 5 doing their part. “Maybe someday I’ll tell my grandkids that I assisted in recovering some of the victims. “We assisted in launching the ROV, ran a lot of lines out to the piers,” he added. “The dive boat was tethered to the ship…. We gave full support to the fire department, whatever they needed. The mayor came aboard and the chief of the fire department came aboard. They were very appreciative.” Schoppe and the rest of the steward department—including Chief Steward Ed Tully and SAs German Solar, Francisco Calix and Danilo Achacoso—filled a more behind-the-scenes role but still had plenty to handle. “We worked our butts off,” Schoppe said. “We fed the mayor, fed 20 to 25 (extra) people every day we were out there. But everything went well.” The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident, including whether the captain of the Lady D offered lifejackets to the passengers, but its full report isn’t due for a year. The tragedy may have occurred as little as 100 yards from shore, according to press reports. The Living Classrooms Foundation is the owner and operator of Seaport Taxi, whose fleet included the ill-fated ferry. Rescue and recovery operations in Baltimore lasted 10 days following a tragic accident in which five people perished when their water taxi capsized. The SIU-crewed Tyco Dependable (in foreground) aided in recovering victims’ bodies. Seafarers LOG 3 �22284_P3_5, 8, 9, 21, 22.qxd 3/30/2004 12:40 AM Page 4 SIU Fleet Grows Boatmen at Puerto Rico Towing Choose Seafarers The SIU recently welcomed aboard new members when boatmen at Puerto Rico Towing chose to join the Seafarers. Puerto Rico Towing operates five tugs that perform docking and undocking in San Juan Harbor as well as in other ports in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and elsewhere in the Caribbean. The company is a subsidiary of Great Lakes Towing. Negotiations are well under way for a first contract covering unlicensed boatmen at Puerto Rico Towing, who sail aboard the Honcho, Punta Borinquen, Punta Lima, El Lobo Grande II and the Punta Tuna. Victor Nuñez, SIU port agent in San Juan, said that the union had unanimous support among the unlicensed mariners, and the company recognized that support. Seafarers sailing aboard Puerto Rico Towing tugboats provide services to commercial ships and barges and to military-contracted vessels. Longtime ARC Director Rick Reisman Dies at 57 Rick Reisman, longtime director of the Seafarers Addictions Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Valley Lee, Md., passed away March 8 after a long illness. He was 57. Reisman directed the ARC for nearly 28 years before retiring in August 2003. He earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Virginia in 1975 and was a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a member of both the American Mental Health Counselors Association and the American Counseling Association. More than 2,500 individuals have been admitted to the ARC since it opened in 1976. Reisman tried to help virtually all of them. “In a quiet way, he probably touched more people and saved more people than anybody I know,” said Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan, who knew Reisman for 28 years. “He was an administrator and left the day-to-day operation up to his counselors and let people do their job. But he was extremely dedicated, and he did his job with class.” Bill Eckles, clinical director at the ARC and a co-worker of Reisman for 25 years, described Rick as “devoted to the center and the union members. Between us, we brought the center along in the field, to the point where it has become one of the premier treatment centers in the country.” Kerrie Thompson, ARC secretary, worked with Reisman for nearly 24 years. “He was a very dedicated, loyal man,” she recalled. “Not just to the union and its members, but also to his family and friends. He created an atmosphere here where everyone was comfortable, like a team or a family. Teamwork was big to him. It worked. He’ll be missed.” One Seafarer who recovered through the ARC noted, “I remember him telling me, you and you alone know the truth about yourself. Honesty plays a big role in our program. He helped me a lot and he told me, if you can’t make it here, where else you got to go? I really had to think about that. I had nowhere 4 Seafarers LOG else to go. My career was on the verge of being washed out; my family didn’t want anything to do with me. I was so overwhelmed that I couldn’t focus on recovery. That really stopped me in my tracks. Thank God he told me the truth. He and Bill, they were big milestones. Very powerful instruments in my early recovery, and not only that, I kept in touch with him and Bill.” “We do still have people who call who came through 20 years ago,” Thompson said. “Sometimes 10 years will go by and someone will call us and let us know, ‘Hey, I’ve been sober for 10 years.’” Bud Adams, a consultant at the Paul Hall Center who directed the school’s arts and crafts center for many years, considered Reisman a close friend. “What I’ll miss about him is his friendship, his loyalty to people. He had a calming personality,” Adams said. He and Reisman worked together to start an “art incentive” program for those in recovery. “The idea was to give people a change of pace from therapy, and also help them follow through on things that they’d never done before or never thought they could do,” Adams noted. “We eventually found that the people who weren’t (fully) participating in their recovery also weren’t participating in the art part of it, and we used that discovery to help them.” Deborah Kleinberg of the SIU’s legal department knew Reisman for 20 years. They worked together on specific issues pertaining to the ARC and also beginning in 1989 when new drug-testing regulations for mariners were issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. “Throughout his tenure at the ARC, Rick helped thousands of seafarers during the most difficult periods of their lives,” Kleinberg said. “Seafarers seeking treatment met Rick at a time when they were most vulnerable—emotionally and physically. Rick treated each individual with respect and in a dignified manner. While he believed that each person was responsible for his or her own An avid boater in his free time, Rick Reisman helped thousands of people who enrolled at the Addictions Rehabilitation Center. recovery, Rick offered every client guidance, support and encouragement. Rick worked at the ARC with great dedication to his staff and his clients and he responded to the unique challenges of his work with humor, grace and compassion.” Kitty Eno knew Reisman from when she was the personnel director at the Paul Hall Center. “He was always a gentleman, always very professional and wonderful to work with,” she said. A native of Philadelphia, Reisman was an avid boater throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his only brother, Michael Terry Reisman, and is survived by his wife of 27 years, Liz, and their two sons. A memorial service took place March 12 at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Valley Lee. Reisman’s family thanked those who have sent expressions of sympathy, including those who let them know how he helped them change their lives. Memorial contributions may be made to: Johns Hopkins Cancer Center Head and Neck Cancer Research c/o Arlene Forastiere and Michael Gibson 1650 Orleans Street, Room G-90 Baltimore, MD 21231-1000 or to: Hospice of St. Mary’s P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown, MD 20650 Seafarers Mourn Retired Patrolman Paul Warren Retired New Orleans Patrolman Paul A. Warren passed away March 1 following a lengthy illness. He was 91. Born Jan. 4, 1913 in Byhalia, Miss, the charter member joined the SIU on Nov. 16, 1938 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Warren was a key figure for the union during its infancy and worked closely with late SIU Presidents Harry Lundeberg and Paul Hall on a variety of labor and maritime issues. He was believed to be the oldest surviving SIU charter member at the time of his death. Brother Warren sailed in the deck department as a bosun and worked for a number of shipping companies, including Waterman Steamship, Mobile Oceanic Line, Delta Steamship Lines, Calmar Steamship Corp., Seatrain Lines and Alcoa Steamship. Brother Warren initially went to sea when he was 18. His first ship was Waterman’s Kenowie. Brother Warren retired from the union effective Aug. 1, 1973, following 35 years of devoted service. A highly decorated military veteran, Brother Warren served in both the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army. He participated in the Battle of Anzio (Jan. 23 to May 25, 1944) in Italy. By all accounts, this was among the bloodiest battles of World War II. Records also indicate that Brother Warren was aboard the merchant freighter Andrew Jackson when it was torpedoed and sunk on July 12, 1942 in the Gulf of Mexico by a German U-boat. Brother Warren was highly respected by his peers, including SIU retiree George M. Milazzo, who said, “Paul was one of the few men that was tough enough to fight for his beliefs.” His personal effort was instrumental in helping to form what is now the SIU, Milazzo said. Capt. Murdock A. Jackson, another of Brother Warren’s longtime friends, also attested to the late mariner’s toughness and determination. “He was on a ship in Anchorage when he enlisted in the Army,” Jackson wrote in correspondence to the Seafarers LOG. “He was in the battle of Anzio Beach in Italy … and was wounded in the neck and leg by a sniper that jumped out of an olive tree. Paul survived, the enemy did not.” Survivors include his wife Antoinette Boscareno Warren; two sons, Jimmy and Paul Earl Warren; and two daughters, Leigh Ella Jane LaForte and Christa Warren Belesimo. Brother Warren also had nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Paul Warren was a hard worker who was 100 percent dedicated to the SIU. In this photo, taken in the mid 1940s, he is shown working aboard the War Shipping Administration’s Haiti Victory. Paul Warren, left, is shown during the union’s early years with Paul Hall, who became the SIU’s second president; Buck Stephens, longserving port agent in the union’s Gulf Coast region; and Bull Shepard, a founder of the school that became the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. All four Seafarers were charter members of the SIU. MC&S Organizer Boschetti Passes Away at 82 Roger Boschetti, a former SIU patrolman and business agent in San Francisco, passed away March 8. He was 82. Born on July 13, 1921 in Italy, Brother Boschetti embarked on his career with the SIU in 1943 in San Francisco. A member of the steward department, Brother Boschetti was instrumental in organizing the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S). He worked with both the SIU and the MC&S from 1956 to 1982 and was an MC&S Official when it merged into the Seafarers in 1978. Brother Boschetti sailed in 1943, 1944 and part of 1945. He shipped primarily aboard vessels operated by APL and Matson Navigation. He served as acting port agent for the port of Honolulu from 1961 to 1962. Brother Boschetti also served as patrolman and business agent for the port of San Francisco. He retired Feb. 1, 1982 and became a restaurateur. Brother Boschetti also was a well-known television host in the San Jose, Calif. area. Brother Boschetti is survived by his wife Rachel and daughters Rogine Couch and Zita Johnson. His step-son, Dino Lopez, preceded him in death. He also had two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. A funeral mass was held for Brother Boschetti March 9 in San Francisco. April 2004 �22284_P3_5, 8, 9, 21, 22.qxd 3/30/2004 12:44 AM Page 5 Growing Loss of White-Collar Jobs Harms America, Federation Warns The AFL-CIO executive council last month unanimously passed a resolution urging reversal of the growing loss of servicesector and other white-collar jobs in the United States. While the federation unfailingly battles to protect jobs for working families, the specifics of this latest fight include some startling statistics. According to the executive council: „ Forrester Research Inc. predicts that American employers will move about 3.3 million white-collar service jobs and $136 billion in wages overseas in the next 15 years, up from $4 billion in 2000. „ Gartner Inc., a high-tech forecasting firm, estimates that 10 percent of computer services and software jobs will be moved overseas by the end of this year. A survey by Deloitte Research found that the world’s 100 largest financial services firms expect to shift $356 billion worth of operations and about 2 million jobs to low-wage countries over the next five years. The study also revealed that one-third of all major financial institutions in the world are already utilizing offshore outsourcing, with 75 percent reporting that they would be doing so within the next 24 months. „ A recent study by INPUT Research, a market research firm in Reston, Va., projects that outsourcing of state and local government technology contracts will grow from $10 billion last year to $23 billion in 2008. „ A report published by the University of California at Berkeley projects that some 14 million jobs are at risk of being outsourced overseas, and that job losses will likely exceed what the Forrester study reports. In its resolution, the AFL-CIO executive council noted, “Recent studies and analyses predict dire consequences should current trends continue unabated. What these reports make clear is that any work that can be digitized and transmitted through cyberspace is a target for export… The labor movement has fought the flawed trade and tax policies of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s that rewarded companies for shipping American manufacturing jobs overseas. Today, we stand united in opposition to outsourcing away our best service-sector jobs as well. “Like Americans everywhere, we believe that American corpo- MTD Meetings Continued from page 3 our economic strength and to our productivity, as well as in the creation of American jobs.” Diabetes Research Institute; U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert; AFL-CIO President John Sweeney; United Food and Commercial Workers President Doug Dority; U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.); U.S. Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas); Stephen Cotton, head of the Special Seafarers’ Department for the London-based International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF); and U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow. Most of the speakers commended the unions of the MTD for their respective roles in helping preserve U.S. economic and national security. Many spoke at length about the importance of the U.S.-flag fleet. Secretary Mineta stated, “The maritime industry is essential to The U.S. Merchant Marine’s role in national defense was addressed by numerous speakers including SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco (left) and Vice Admiral David Brewer, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command. Welcoming New Affiliate Seafarers International Union of North American President Michael Sacco (second from right) recently presented American Maritime Officers National President Michael R. McKay with a charter identifying AMO as an affiliate of the SIUNA. Joining them are SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right) and AMO SecretaryTreasurer Robert W. McKay. As previously reported, the AMO became an affiliate of the SIUNA in November 2003. April 2004 rations have a moral obligation to create and to keep good jobs in America. We support raising living standards around the world, but we steadfastly reject and resist any notion that improving living standards elsewhere requires sacrificing good jobs and living standards for American workers and their families.” The board cautioned that America is on the verge of repeating mistakes that allowed “two decades of devastation of the U.S. manufacturing sector and the permanent loss of millions of highwage, good benefit, middle-class jobs. America is now threatened with a similar hollowing out of its service sector. Included among the millions of service jobs now threatened are high paying, professional and technical career opportunities which are at serious risk due to the growing offshoring trend.” While recognizing that offshoring by companies wanting to exploit workers in other countries instead of hiring U.S. workers will be difficult to deter, the federation declared, “Public policies that aid and abet runaway corporations must change, and the U.S. must proactively develop a coherent and comprehensive employment policy…. “Other issues also need to be addressed. Our health care system adds significantly to the cost of doing business and makes U.S. products and services uncompetitive, even with the economies of developed nations. Health care reform is long overdue and, if we are to compete effectively in the Questions Surround ISPS Code Deadline Chaos may lurk on the horizon in the global seaborne trade arena, according to industry sources and security experts. Nations are struggling to comply with requirements of the new International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), which goes into effect July 1. Adopted by the United Nations in December 2002 subsequent to the September 11 terrorist attacks, the ISPS Code contains detailed security-related requirements for governments, port authorities and shipping companies as well as guidelines on how to meet them. It specifically requires all ships to be security-certified by the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) before they are free to trade. The code regulates all vessels over 500 gross tons engaged in international voyages effective July 1, 2004. By this date, ports that are not ISPS compliant could face sanctions, and shipments from that port may face strict evaluation and be refused entry in all international ports, especially ports in the United States. The European Sea Ports Organization (ESPO) has warned that many of its members will struggle to comply with the ISPS Code in time. World Shipping Council President and Chief Executive Christopher Koch said shipping lines and their customers should work together in urging ports to ensure that the new global antiterrorist measures are in place by the July deadline. A survey by the Brussels-based body has revealed a backlog of work throughout the EU which might not be overcome by the time the new international rules are supposed to be in force. Of greater significance, the study showed that the implementation of the anti-terrorism measures is behind schedule in several areas: „ Few authorities have designated “recognized security organizations.” „ A “limited” number of countries have completed their port facility security assessments. „ Development of port facility security plans are “mostly in the early stages of preparation or have not been started.” The assessment’s lone positive item suggests that most countries have appointed port facility security officers. As far as funding for the new security measures is concerned, ESPO said “virtually no government has released or indicated it is planning to release public funding for the measures.” Elsewhere, anxiety also is rising in the global tanker market that a significant portion of the world’s fleet could be excluded from the charter market if the July 1 deadline to improve ship security is not met. United Nations estimates say more than 90 percent of world trade, including key raw materials such as oil, iron ore, coal and grain is conveyed by sea. But according to Andy Easdown, only three percent of the world’s 30,000 ships over 500 gross tons which are engaged in international trade global economy, it is imperative that the problem of sky-high health care costs be fixed.” Perhaps with grim irony, the board pointed out that when U.S. manufacturing jobs started moving overseas in large numbers, “American workers were told by free trade ideologues not to worry, that the U.S. comparative advantage was in services—especially high-tech and other knowledge-based industries. We were assured that the new global division of labor was both natural and benign—we would keep the highpaying, high-skilled jobs, while the workers in developing countries would do the actual work of making things. Displaced workers were smugly told to simply acquire new and better skills and more education in order to succeed in the changing American economy. Many workers did, but now they find that knowledge and talent can’t compete against the chase for higher profits and cheaper labor in the new global marketplace.” have been ISPS certified. He added that of the 6,000 port facilities receiving internationally traded goods, only a small proportion had been approved. Easdown is a maritime training manager at Lloyds Register in London, one of the world’s largest merchant ship classification societies. “We are in a state of panic—there is a very short space of time to comply,” he said in a March 15 article by Stefano Ambrogi of Reuters. “Not everyone is prepared, and there is a complete lack of direction from governments on how it should be done.” A parallel view was voiced in the same article by Gunnar Knudsen of Intertanko, the world’s largest oil tanker owners’ association. “The international axe will fall on July 1 and you are simply either in or out,” he said, “and right now it doesn’t look good.” The U.S. Coast Guard has stated that it will deny entry to any oil tanker lacking a security certificate after July 1, and is planning to monitor the last 10 ports each tanker has visited. It may deny entry to vessels if any of the ports they visited previously are thought to have inadequate security. 4 SIU Officials Appointed To Maritime Security Groups In an ongoing effort to protect members’ interests and to help safeguard U.S. mariners, ships and ports, four more SIU officials recently accepted appointments to separate maritime safety committees run by the U.S. Coast Guard. Receiving five-year appointments from the agency earlier this year were SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (Port of New York/New Jersey Area Maritime Security Committee, or AMSC); Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz (Baltimore AMSC); Hawaii Port Agent Neil Dietz (Central Pacific AMSC); and Boston Port Agent Gerard Dhooge (Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts AMSC). The positions are voluntary. “It’s an honor for SIU officials to be chosen to serve on the safety committees,” said SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who also serves as vice chairman of the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s Special Seafarers’ Section—a body that performs considerable work on maritime security. “They understand the committees will require a lot of time and effort, but there’s no question that the SIU must be involved. It’s another way to protect our members’ rights and to play a role in the ongoing effort to improve shipboard and port security.” As previously reported, SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey late last year was appointed to the HoustonGalveston AMSC. Seafarers LOG 5 �22284_p1,2,6,10,14, 24.qxd 3/30/2004 3:50 PM Page 6 Fire Damages Shughart in Kuwait, But No Serious Injuries Reported The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) credited the “quick thinking and action” of crew members aboard the USNS Shughart for limiting the scope of a shipboard fire that started March 5 aboard the vessel in Kuwait. MSC also lauded “the able assistance from crew members from USNS Red Cloud, USNS Sisler, Cape Ducato and Cape Douglas, and the invaluable help of Kuwaiti fire fighters” in minimizing the fire’s extent. SIU members sail in the steward department aboard the Shughart, a roll-on/roll-off ship operated by Patriot Contract Services for MSC. According to the agency, three crew members from the Shughart were treated for “minor smoke inhalation.” All of the ship’s cargo was safely delivered, but the vessel sustained serious damage—mainly to its electrical system. “It’s a big relief that no one was seriously injured,” Shughart Chief Steward Fernando Guity said from Kuwait. Guity said he recognized some fellow Seafarers from other ships who aided in the fire fighting— ironically, from time spent together in safety courses at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. “It was a big effort from all the ships, and there’s no question the training helped,” he observed. For nearly two weeks after the fire, Guity said the Shughart steward department utilized a barbecue pit for heating everything from coffee to full meals, because the ship had no electrici- Seafarers sail in the steward department aboard the USNS Shughart. ty. The vessel reportedly was scheduled to be towed in mid- to late March, as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press. “It turned out to be a huge fire,” Guity added. “The steward department did our part. We helped people suit up and provided water and whatever else was needed.” John Reinhart, CEO of Maersk Line, Limited, credited the crew and officers of the Red Cloud and Sisler for their efforts. “You put your own lives at risk to assist your fellow seafarers in the finest tradition of the sea,” Reinhart wrote in a letter to both ships. “We are proud of your actions and recognize that you have helped enhance the reputation of our entire organization.” MSC reported that the fire started while the Shughart was off-loading cargo for the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division. According to an MSC news release, “Although the U.S. Coast Guard investigation continues, it appears that the fire originated in the auxiliary machinery room on the starboard side of the 950-foot large, medium speed, roll on/roll off ship midway between the water line and the main deck. “Shughart was about 75 percent off-loaded when crew working in the area of the auxiliary machinery room area smelled smoke. Upon investigation, they found thick black smoke coming from the auxiliary machinery room and used extinguishers and water hoses to tamp down what they thought was a fire and to cool the area. After about 90 minutes and with smoke still billowing, it was clear the technique was not working. “The crew secured the engine room ventilation system and all other systems they could reach, and left the space to muster for a head count. Once all crew members were accounted for, the ship’s carbon dioxide fire fighting system was activated in the affected spaces. The system floods the area with carbon dioxide which depletes the oxygen in the space and extinguishes the fire…. “About six hours from the time smoke was discovered, the fire was declared to be out, and the spaces were left to cool. Stevedores worked quickly to finish off-loading the remaining cargo. Without warning about 12 hours later, fire flashed again. It appears that the re-flash may have come from fire in the electrical cables that penetrate the decks. Again, crew members and Benavidez Galley Gang Garners Rave Reviews U.S. Military Personnel Credit Seafarers Military personnel who sailed aboard the Seafarers-crewed USNS Benavidez during Operation Iraqi Freedom offered expansive compliments for the steward department. In a handful of recent letters, members of the armed forces commended Recertified Steward Lonnie Jones, Chief Cook Ambrose Gabriel, Assistant Cook James Macklin and SA Tommy Fiorella. “The professional courtesy we Seafarers Appeals Board Approves 2 Actions Amends Standby and Port Relief Jobs; Eliminates 120-Day Rotation for Some The Seafarers Appeals Board (SAB) last month issued two actions which amend the shipping rules. The first deals with extending reliefs when the merchant mariner documents (MMDs) of Seafarers have not been renewed in time; the second modifies tours of duty for rated unlicensed personnel employed on Ready Reserve Force Fleet vessels or other activated MSC ships. Both actions went into effect March 1, 2004. Action number 423 recognizes the additional time needed by the U.S. Coast Guard to process and renew MMDs in the wake of September 11, 2001. Under certain circumstances, it allows Seafarers to extend their reliefs when their MMD renewals have not been processed in time. In an effort to secure and maintain qualified personnel aboard various military vessels, Action number 424 eliminates the maximum period of employment of 120 days for rated unlicensed personnel aboard activated military-contracted vessels that do not have permanent rotations. The SAB is composed of representatives from the union and its contracted operators. The complete text of each of the actions is printed below. Action Number 423 The Seafarers Appeals Board acting under and pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Union and the various Contracted Employers, hereby takes the following action. 6 Seafarers LOG WHEREAS, by prior action the Board recognized the need for appropriate Shipping Rule adjustments from time to time to accommodate changes in the shipping industry; and WHEREAS, with the change in security measures since September 11, 2001 the application of merchant mariner documents (MMD) has become more in depth, thus taking the U.S. Coast Guard longer to process; and WHEREAS, the Seafarers Appeals Board wishes to make provisions to allow members under certain circumstances to extend reliefs when their MMD renewal has not been processed in time. NOW THEREFORE, the Seafarers Appeals Board wishes to add the following provision to the Shipping Rules: Amend Rule 6. Standby and Port Relief Jobs by adding a new item G. to read: “A seaman employed as a permanent or trip tour rating who has registered, in accordance with rule 2. Shipping Procedure, Item G., 7, and is waiting on the return of his Merchant Mariners Document (MMD) while renewing, and has submitted evidence that a renewal MMD has been applied for within at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration date of the MMD, may have a relief period extended until such time as his Merchant Mariners Document has been returned. Once the permanent or trip tour seaman has received the document, he may return to his permanent position aboard the vessel and transportation to the vessel shall be paid by the Company in accordance with the provi- fire fighters sprang into action. Flames were now visible from the starboard side of the ship, the first time actual flames were seen. Smoke had been the culprit during the first battle. “Fire fighters decided that the auxiliary machinery room was the likely epicenter of the fire, and getting foam into that space was crucial to extinguishing the fire. The crew immediately went to work cutting holes through the deck above the room, and the Kuwaiti fire trucks pumped foam into the machinery room. It worked. Twenty-four hours after discovery, the fire was finally out. “Three crew members were treated for minor smoke inhalation. The cargo had all been safely and successfully delivered, but the ship was seriously damaged. “Electrical systems were most affected. An auxiliary diesel generator and an adjacent power pack room were destroyed. The auxiliary switchboard appears to be damaged, and electrical cabling in the fire area must be replaced, but the best news was that everyone was safe.” sions of these rules. The departing relief shall also have his transportation paid by the Company back to his original U.S. port of engagement.” Action Number 424 Ready Reserve Force Fleet and other Military Sealift Command Activation Vessels The Seafarers Appeals Board acting under and pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Union and the various Contracted Employers, hereby takes the following action. WHEREAS, by prior action the Board recognized the need for appropriate Shipping Rule adjustments to secure and maintain an adequate supply of qualified and trained personnel aboard various military vessels; and WHEREAS, the Union acknowledges the importance proper manning plays in the successful operation of these vessels and because of Ready Reserve Force Fleet or other Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessel activations the Board wishes to amend the shipping rules to ensure that every rated unlicensed billet aboard Ready Reserve Force Fleet or other MSC vessels not having permanent rotations established is filled by eliminating the maximum period of employment. NOW THEREFORE, tours of duty shall be modified for rated unlicensed personnel employed on Ready Reserve Force Fleet vessels or other MSC vessels that activate to Full Operational Status that do not have permanent rotations established by eliminating the maximum period of employment of one hundred twenty (120) days. The maximum sixty days off will still be in effect. This SAB action shall remain in full force and effect until modified by future SAB action. have received from the entire crew on the ship has been nothing short of phenomenal,” wrote U.S. Army Capt. Elisabeth J. Collura, officer in charge of the 12-soldier detail assigned to the Benavidez. “Many thanks are due to the steward department. After almost a full year of deployment, the soldiers and I have come to appreciate the simpler things in life—in particular, good food.” Collura added, “The service from the crew in the galley has been exceptional. The food was absolutely amazing at every meal, and the steward’s crew was always willing to put in extra effort to accommodate our needs…. They provided a very refreshing and welcomed atmosphere after a year in the combat environment.” SFC Carlos M. Arzola praised the galley gang for “your outstanding support, professionalism and dedication during our mission. We appreciate your performance and the dedication of your department to maintain high morale in our soldiers. Keep up the good work.” Merchant marine officers aboard the Benavidez also were happy with the steward department. In a joint letter to Jones, five members of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association credited the galley crew for maintaining a positive attitude and delivering great service. “This steward department is to be commended for their efforts to feed around 50 people, maintain the sanitation of the galley, provide the officers with the service they expect, and maintain the sanitation of their areas of responsibility in the house,” the officers noted. Jones said, “Our department worked hard. We did our best, and everyone seemed happy with the department.” The Benavidez is a large, medium-speed roll-on/roll-off ship (LMSR). It is 950 feet long. April 2004 �22284_P7,11_13,15_20,23.qxd 3/24/2004 8:25 PM Page 7 Recertified Stewards Stress Pride in Union, Family, Selves As the seven recertified stewards came to the podium at last month’s membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. to receive their graduation certificates and say a few words about their experiences, the overriding theme was that of pride: pride in themselves, in their union, in their families and in the jobs they are performing. Michael Briscoe, Peter Crum, Robert Davis, Michael Gramer, George Maranos, Robert Valentine and Waymond Watson III comprised the latest group of Seafarers to complete the fourweek steward recertification curriculum at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point. Designed to upgrade members of the steward department and impart upon them culinary, social and union leadership skills, the course is considered the school’s top curriculum for members of the steward department. During the month-long program, the seven students were exposed to many different facets of steward department training, including menu planning, sanita- tion, contemporary nutrition, sauces, baking and a variety of culinary demonstrations. It also included computer lab work, fire fighting and small arms training and meetings with SIU department representatives at the Piney Point school, at the headquarters building in Camp Springs, Md. and at the offices of the Maritime Trades Department in Washington, D.C. Many of the graduates particularly enjoyed the small arms training sessions. As members of the steward department, they don’t expect to use a weapon while aboard ship, but they found it a useful experience and were thankful for the self-defense training. George Maranos, who ships from the port of Houston, was the first of the graduates to be called to the podium. When he joined the union in the early ’90s, he had been an unemployed victim of a sluggish economy. The union, he stated, took a chance on him and gave him numerous opportunities to work and support his family. His experiences at Piney Point have been positive ones, and he Waymond Watson III (right) and the other recertified stewards received instruction in the use of small arms, though they hope they never need to use weapons defending U.S.-flag ships. The union’s newest class of recertified stewards joins SIU officials after last month’s membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. at which they each addressed the audience with a few words of thanks and support. encouraged the unlicensed apprentices in the audience to use the chances they have been given to build and promote their lives as well. “Grow with us and keep the SIU to its highest standards,” he told them. “Be proud to be a member.” Robert Valentine comes from a large family of Seafarers. Like many of his classmates, he credits the SIU with helping him turn his life around. Valentine, who sails from the port of Tacoma, met his wife through his merchant marine career. He told the trainees, “If I can make it, you can, too.” The Paul Hall Center has the best teachers, he continued, but the main focus of his advice to the younger generation was “Take pride in what you do.” Another of the recertified stewards sailing from Tacoma, Michael Gramer has been a member of the SIU since graduating from the Piney Point trainee program in 1981. This was his seventh time returning to the school for upgrading. Gramer thanked all the union officials—past and present—for their hard work and dedication to the membership. He noted there are lots of opportunities available within the organization and advised the trainees to take advantage of them. Robert Davis, who joined the union in 1986 in Honolulu, now sails from the port of Houston. This was his sixth visit to the school, and he believes that the skills he learns each time continue to help him be a better crew member and shipmate. He congratulated the unlicensed apprentices on a wise and sound decision to join the merchant marine and stressed the need for them to “participate in Peter Crum and Waymond Watson The mystery basket cookoff allowed the recertified stewards to do what they do best: cook. The Seafarers were paired off randomly into four teams (and since there was an odd number, Michael Briscoe was paired with another student, Chief Cook Pat Davis). Each team was presented with a mystery basket of the same ingredients and was given 15 minutes to write their menus. They were required to have soup, salad and a main April 2004 your safety drills, be informed, know what’s expected of you, and do it well and with pride.” Michael Briscoe told those in attendance at the meeting that he was proud to have them share in his graduation. “Completing my steward recertification course has been a goal of mine since I left the cruise ships in Hawaii,” he said. Now sailing from the port of Tacoma, Briscoe has been a member since 1983 and has upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center five times previously. The SIU, he told the trainees, “has been there for me time and time again, insuring me living wage jobs, safe working conditions aboard our contracted vessels, and the best available medical coverage for my family, which provides me with peace of mind while I am away.” He added that when his children are old enough, they will have an opportunity to become “part of this proud tradition or go on to college with the help of our union-sponsored scholarship program and forge their own dreams and way of life.” In discussing the benefits of belonging to the SIU, Briscoe also spoke about the responsibilities. “Present and future members have and will continue to be there when our country calls to deliver the goods . . . No matter the risks, the SIU membership will proudly and unselfishly take their places in the galleys, on the decks or down in the engine rooms on board our nation’s vessels and continue to sail into harm’s way whenever and wherever we are needed.” This was Peter Crum’s fifth visit to the school for upgrading. A graduate of trainee class 434, himself, the recertified steward was in a good position to advise Robert Valentine and Michael Gramer Michael Briscoe spoke of how the SIU has helped him continue to attain his goals. the future members that by working hard and staying focused, they also could reach the highest level in their chosen department. Crum sails from the port of Mobile, Ala. Waymond Watson III thanked the SIU for the tremendous opportunity it has given him over the years to travel to places that most people only dream of. “Twenty years ago, I was a kid on the street with no college or degree,” he said. Watson was the third of this group of recertified stewards to have graduated from the school’s trainee program. He was in class 387. Watson, who ships from the port of Jacksonville, Fla., told the trainees that when they graduate and become members in good standing with the union, they, too, will become part of a foundation upon which this union is always building. And some of the benefits of their union membership, he noted, are continuous employment, great health benefits and prosperity to afford one’s family the best of everything. Robert Davis and George Maranos course with an accompanying starch and vegetable. After the menus were submitted, the teams were given three hours to prepare four servings of the three-course meal and an additional 15 minutes to serve the meal to a panel of judges. Ultimately, the team of Michael Briscoe and Chief Cook Pat Davis were declared the winners. All the judges agreed that the food was some of the best they had tasted in the four-year competition. Seafarers LOG 7 �22284_P3_5, 8, 9, 21, 22.qxd 3/30/2004 12:54 AM Page 8 Cabinet Secretaries Underscore Maritime’s Vital Importance Mariners Credited for Role in National Security U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow and U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert emphatically stated the administration’s support for the U.S. Merchant Marine during last month’s Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting in Hollywood, Fla. Mineta announced plans to move forward on a proposal he has long advocated. “I have called for a comprehensive marine transportation system/maritime industry initiative—a full-scale review of current policies with recommendations that will seek to increase the competitive standing of our domestic shipping industry,” he said on March 4. “The maritime initiative we envision, known as SEA-21, will complement other transportation efforts.” He explained that the SEA-21 initiative “will emphasize leadership and coordination within the Department of Transportation and across the federal government. It will focus on leveraging funds from federal, state, and local governments, as well as the private sector, to address the capital needs of the maritime transportation system. “While infrastructure is important, the heart and soul of our maritime system is its merchant mariners—the men and women who make this system work day in and day out,” Mineta continued. “I recognize that America’s merchant marine competes against foreignflagged vessels whose owners and crews pay minimal taxes. For this reason, I am advocating that the Bush Administration should carefully examine the tax burdens on our maritime industry and to our mariners, with the goal of improving our fleets’ and their workers’ ability to compete internationally.” The secretary described the U.S. maritime industry as essential to America’s economic strength and productivity, as well as to the creation of American jobs. “Nor can we afford to take for granted the crucial relationship between our maritime industry and national security,” he added. “I would like to personally thank all of you who have been there on the front lines of democracy and freedom.” Mineta cited the recent extension of the Maritime Security Program (MSP) as reflecting the administration’s “great respect for the role of the merchant marine and tremendous confidence in its future…. The Maritime Security Program, the Jones Act, and cargo preference laws are essential elements of America’s national maritime policy. This administration supports these laws and programs.” Snow, who once served as chairman and CEO of CSX Transportation (parent company of the U.S.-flag CSX Lines), said that passage of the new Maritime Security Program late last year was a good move for the country. “It is hard to overstate the importance of this program to the vital interests of the U.S.,” he declared. “Because of it the U.S. government has continual access to the global logistics system made possible by the modern and sophisticated container shipping industry, which ties the ports of the world together with an intermodal transportation system linking the rail and trucking industries with the U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert (left) says that the Iraq missions “once again show how invaluable the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine is to our national security.” Listening are SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco (center) and MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex. U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow Maritrans, Inc. Chairman of the Board Stephen Van Dyck ocean container ships. These extraordinary logistic capabilities are continuously at the ready in case of any need. “MSP is a vital element of our military’s strategic sealift and global response capability, so it was high time we got a bill through expanding it—because this country needs you more than ever before.” Snow said that the legislative process itself also proved benefi- cial, as “people got a chance to examine the realities of what the Merchant Marine does and how the program actually works. MSP is another example of questionable theory taking a back seat to observable facts and realities. This is a program that serves America well. It is a program that must be and will be preserved.” Turning his attention to the war on terrorism and the continuing mission in Iraq, Snow sated, “This country needs you to protect it, and help us win the war on terror and face the threats to our security wherever they arise. You are part of the legions of working men and women who have responded to the terrorists with guts and determination. Your patriotism and skills have made our response to September 11 as strong as it has been, and I want to thank you for that. You’re showing the enemy that we won’t be beaten or deterred. When we needed to defeat the Taliban in Afghanistan, you were there. And when we needed to remove Saddam Hussein from power, you were there.” He added a word of praise for the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education and for other vocational schools operated by MTD affiliates. “Through these schools you are giving people the opportunity to learn the skills they need to have good jobs, and that’s exactly what our country needs right now.” Lastly, Snow said he appreciates the cooperative, industry-wide efforts in tackling the enormous task of shipboard and port security. “I know that you and your membership really understand that we are living in a different world since September 11,” he said. “That’s why it’s so good to work with merchant mariners on the huge task of protecting our vessels and ports.” Schubert credited the MTD unions that mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom. “Over a year ago, when we first learned that U.S. armed forces would again be relying on American sealift to bring freedom to the Middle East, we called on you,” he recalled. “We knew there was the potential for danger, but we also knew that the U.S. Merchant Marine would ensure that equipment and supplies would get to where they needed to be and on time. Together, we planned for many contingencies and we coordinated for months before the Army landed in Iraq. We met the challenge—over 7,000 mariners and over 130 U.S.-flag ships brought the military their tanks, Humvees and other critical equipment that led to the freedom of the Iraqi people and the capture of Saddam Hussein. The work continues, and the men and women of the merchant marine remain actively engaged in replenishing equipment and supplies as our troops rotate into and out of Iraq.” Schubert said that the Iraq missions have “once again shown how invaluable the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine is to our national security. We have an opportunity to reinforce support for the merchant marine by demonstrating the economic value of a strong and vibrant U.S.-based maritime industry.” Stephen Van Dyck, chairman of the board for SIU-contracted Maritrans, Inc., also discussed the industry’s importance and future. He noted the vital importance of political action and also singled out SIU President Michael Sacco along with other union officials for their efforts to help maintain a viable U.S.-flag fleet. “My hat goes off to you,” Van Dyck said. “This is not a platitude—this is a fact of life. You guys have dealt with the reality of a very difficult situation in a realistic way. And the kind of working experience that our people have on our equipment today—where they get good pay, they work hard and they are true professionals—is due in no small part to the responsible attitude that you all have taken over the years.” TRANSCOM, MSC Officers Laud U.S. Crews’ Reliability Lt. Gen. Gary Hughey, deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); and Vice Adm. David Brewer, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), offered strong words of praise for U.S. mariners in remarks to the MTD on March 4. Hughey discussed Operation Iraqi Freedom and asserted that the sealift mission was much more efficient than that of the Persian Gulf War. “During Desert Shield and Desert Storm, we delivered a lot of things. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, we delivered combat capability,” he said. He credited U.S. mariners with creating “a steel bridge (of military support ships) that was and is maintained today by this nation’s merchant mariners, who sailed in harm’s way to deliver America’s power on distant shores and who stand ready to repeat that accomplishment anytime, anywhere…. The legacy of the U.S.-flag fleet in deploying and maintaining our war fighters cannot be overstated. OIF would not have happened without you. OIF couldn’t have happened without your vitality, determination and commitment.” Hughey concluded, “We will win the global war on terrorism. We will defeat this new ‘ism,’ just like we defeated fascism in World War II and communism during the 8 Seafarers LOG Cold War. I also know that our merchant mariners will go in harm’s way on a moment’s notice to maintain our war fighters, anyplace and anytime. The U.S.-flag fleet and our merchant mariners will literally carry forth our nation’s strength and resolve.” Brewer described the maritime industry as “America’s greatest and most vital industry.” He explained MSC’s role and said the agency couldn’t get the job done without the “unsung heroes” who are members of MTD unions. The admiral also discussed the USS Coronado “test program,” which marks the first time civilian mariners are deployed on a Navy ship in support of a combat mission (see story, page 24). He is very confident the program will succeed. Lt. Gen. Gary Hughey, deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) He cited an old blues song that notes, “‘You don’t miss your water until your well runs dry.’ This industry is the well that pumps the cargo, the commerce, and all of those good things that keep this country running....People in uniform cannot get this job done without you. You are, as far as I am concerned, our right hand in this war on terrorism.” He closed, “My fellow Americans, it’s the soldier, the sailor, the airman, the Marine, the Coast Guardsman, and yes, the maritime team members who understand best that freedom is not free.” Vice Adm. David Brewer says mariners are the U.S. military’s “right hand in this war on terrorism.” Also pictured is MTD Vice President Ernie Whelan. April 2004 �22284_P3_5, 8, 9, 21, 22.qxd 3/26/2004 3:40 AM Page 9 Health Care Crisis Only Gets Worse AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said the unending U.S. health care crisis hurts all working families but often is especially damaging to union workers and their contracted companies. Addressing the MTD executive board March 5, Sweeney and Doug Dority, the newly retired president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, urged the department’s affiliated unions to win the fight for good health care coverage. A day earlier, Thomas Mackell, managing director of The Kamber Group and deputy chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, also emphasized the devastating effects of America’s current health care woes. Sweeney pointed out that 44 million people in the U.S. don’t have health coverage. “The damage being done to their families is matched perhaps only by the damage being done to union members, union employers and our ability to compete in the world economy,” he said. “Who do you think picks up the tab for those uninsured workers—6 million of whom are fully employed? Our union employers do, and we as union members do, through higher premiums and lower benefits and through the taxes we pay.” For instance, the federation president referred to a new study “documenting how we’re all subsidizing Wal-Mart, which provides so-called health insurance for its employees that virtually none of them can afford to purchase. The study concluded that every Wal-Mart with more than 200 employees requires a $400,000 per year subsidy from the taxpayers, because when those workers need health care, they have to depend on taxpayer-supported medical facilities.” Thomas Mackell, managing director, The Kamber Group AFL-CIO President John Sweeney UFCW President Doug Dority Sweeney suggested that unfair competitive advantages through health care extend beyond U.S. shores. “At a time when trade and our trade deficit are hot topics of discussion, it’s useful to note that employers in other industrial countries have an advantage over American industry, because they all have some form of universal publicly financed health care—in effect, a giant subsidy,” he said. He also praised the 70,000 UFCW members who recently concluded a five-month strike that centered on health care. The strike was “a fight on behalf of all of us, on behalf of all working families. Because what the employer was trying to do was rip the guts out of collective bargaining and undermine a very good health program and a very good retirement security program,” Sweeney said. Dority said that while his union is proud of its members’ courage during the strike—and pleased with the contract it generated—the health care crisis virtually ensures more difficulties in the near future. “Working families in this country are taking it on the chin. I know that this strike in Southern California is not going to be our last strike,” Dority said. “We’re going to have strikes over health care in many areas. But it’s not just our industry, it’s every industry. “We as a labor movement, as people who care about workers, we’ve got to put health on the national agenda,” he continued. “But we’ve got to do more than that. We’ve got to mobilize our members. We’ve got to get our members registered to vote and signed up in our political action committee…. “Health care is an important issue in this country. We had incredible consumer support (during the strike) because they knew our people were out there fighting for something that’s near and dear. Working people in this country should have employer-provided health care, and we should never let them get away with not providing it.” Dority singled out Wal-Mart as the strike’s primary cause. He said that the West Coast grocery chains’ first contract offer was intended to cause a work stoppage. Those companies repeatedly cite their need to compete with Wal-Mart—a blatantly anti-union company—as the reason for driving down wages and benefits. “Wal-Mart doesn’t believe in pension plans, doesn’t believe in health and welfare. They pay the lowest wages in the retail industry,” Dority said. “A Wal-Mart employee that has health insurance—and way less than one-third have it—pay big premiums. They have to spend $6,400 a year before they get anything out of their health and welfare. That amounts to almost half of what they make—their total gross salary.” Mackell said America should strive to be a nation “where health care is a right and not a privilege. Today, health care represents 14 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). And we have 44 million people—by and large who are working—who have no health care coverage. The projections are that by 2008, health care represents 18.2 percent of GDP, and that number of 43 (million) goes to 50 million…. It’s our obligation to thoughtfully develop policies that will make this a better place to leave for our children and their children.” ITF’s Cotton Updates FOC Campaign Stephen Cotton, secretary of the Special Seafarers’ Department for the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), provided a detailed, interesting update on the federation’s campaign against runaway-flag shipping (also known as flag-of-convenience or FOC shipping) during the MTD meetings March 5. Cotton reported that the campaign has progressed well, but much work remains. SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco (left) welcomes U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) to last month’s meeting. Clyburn thanked mariners for their dedication. Port Security Deserves Attention Two members of Congress told the MTD executive board that port security is extremely important and should be addressed accordingly. U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (DS.C.), vice-chair of the House Democratic Caucus, and U.S. Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, spoke to the board March 5. Both are keenly aware of port security issues—Clyburn’s district includes Charleston, while Green’s includes Houston. “It’s very important that port security be enhanced—not just what happens once they get there, but that we ensure that proper inspections take place before they leave their point of origin,” Clyburn asserted. Additionally, he noted the importance of dredging, how it impacts local economies, and also credited mariners for their excellent work. “What you do is so important to the future growth and development of our nation,” he said. Green’s district includes a port as well as an airport. He noted that the maritime industry generates far more jobs and commerce than the airlines. “It worries me that we’re not seeing the emphasis on port security that we saw on airports,” Green stated. “It’s a threat. The aviation industry still hasn’t recovered from the attacks. I wonder how long it would take us to respond or recover from an attack on one of our ports. We have to deal with that, and the MTD has provided that leadership.” MTD Holds Annual Meeting The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, consists of 29 international unions (including the SIU) and 24 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing 6.5 million working men and women. The articles on this page and page 8 are based on remarks presented March 4-5 during the MTD executive board meeting in Hollywood, Fla. April 2004 SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (right) congratulates U.S. Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas) on his remarks to the MTD executive board. Seafarers LOG 9 �22284_p1,2,6,10,14, 24.qxd 3/29/2004 12:43 PM Page 10 Reliable SIU Boatmen Get the Job Done in Port Arthur, Lake Charles For SIU tugboat crews in Port Arthur, Texas and Lake Charles, La., the routines may not change much, but their approach to the next task also doesn’t vary. “Our union tug crews at Moran and Seabulk are some of the best and most well-trained in the industry,” asserted SIU Houston Patrolman Kevin Marchand, who supplied the photos for this story. “They aren’t always as visible as the deep sea members, but they’re the backbone of the river operations. And they take the same professional attitude, day after day, week after week.” SIU boatmen at Seabulk and Moran perform docking services, pushing vessels to berths or assisting while under way in the rivers. In between, they perform maintenance on the tugs. Seabulk is based in Lake Charles, while Moran works from Port Arthur (and elsewhere). The SIU crews normally maintain a seven-days-on, seven-days-off timetable, sometimes working overtime to ensure the ships stay on schedule. Many have been involved in assisting SIUcrewed military support ships that mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom and OIF2. “With the large movement of cargo and troops during the past year-plus, our tugboat crews have always been there,” Marchand noted. The photos were taken during recent meetings aboard the boats conducted by Marchand and SIU Assistant Vice President Gulf Coast Jim McGee. During those visits, the crews discussed upcoming boats including the contract negotiations as well as Seafarers-crewed Goliath handle important harbor towthe importance of maintaining ing services in Texas and Louisiana U.S. cabotage laws. (and elsewhere). SPARTAN, SAMPSON – Quartermaster Jamie Norsworth, Mate Rick Street, AB Darryl Jones, Assistant Engineer Richard Allen, Quartermaster Brent Goodridge, Assistant Engineer Curtis Abshire, Mate Brian Thibodeaux, AB Kenneth Poole Jr. GOLIATH – Mate James Shipley, Quartermaster James Y’barbo, Asst. Engineer Joseph Matte, Deckhand Gus Leday NIKE – Engineer Mark Phillips, Mate Denis Abshire, Quartermaster Larry DeWitt, OS Eric Moore CAPE ANN, MARY MORAN, GREG TURECAMO – Engineer Gary Davis, OS Eddie Heredia, OS James Bertrand, Captain Alan Self, Quartermaster Andy Ashworth, Engineer Gary Cormier, Engineer Chris Badgett, AB Glenn Dupree, Captain Gustavo Flores. HERMES – Wheelehouseman Bryan Welch, Quartermaster Chris Kibodeaux, Engineer Charles Durgin, OS Buck Shoenaker Seafarers Rally with Flight Attendants Houston-area Seafarers last month joined flight attendants from the Transport Workers Union who are battling to secure a new contract at Southwest Airlines. Negotiations have dragged on for nearly two years. The photos at left and at right were taken at Hobby Airport, about seven miles south of downtown Houston. 10 Seafarers LOG April 2004 �22284_P7,11_13,15_20,23.qxd 3/30/2004 3:01 AM Page 11 SIU Officials Visit Seafarers-Crewed Ships in L.A. Mid-February found SIU President Michael Sacco, Executive VP John Fay and Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel on the West Coast, where they met with some of the membership and took their place on the picket line in support of striking UFCW members. They also had an opportunity to visit crew members aboard the Horizon Consumer pierside in Los Angeles. In photo at left, from the left, are AB Gerry Gianan, Chief Cook Tom Kleine, VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Unlicensed Apprentice Adam Begleiter, Standby Steward/Baker Don Dwyer, Sacco and DEU Editho Barraca. UNITE, HERE Announce Merger Two unions for apparel workers and employees of hotels and restaurants tentatively have given the go-ahead for a merger, the executive boards of the two organizations announced Feb. 23. The Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees International Union (HERE), and UNITE, the clothing, textiles and laundry union, have unanimously agreed in principle to join forces to create UNITE HERE. Rank-and-file members from both unions are expected to ratify the tentative agreement in July during a special joint convention in Chicago. Should the merger be endorsed, the new organization will be headquartered in New York City and represent 460,000 active members and more than 400,000 retirees throughout North America. Chartered in 1891 by the American Federation of Labor, HERE has 260,000 members through 111 affiliated local unions across the United States and Canada. UNITE represents more than 200,000 workers through joint boards and local unions in the United States and Canada. UNITE was formed in 1995 by the merger of two of the nation’s oldest unions—the International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union and the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union. Bruce Raynor of UNITE will serve as general president of the new alliance, and HERE’s John Wilhelm will be president/hospitality industries. The two presidents will share executive, budgetary and personnel authority. Grocery Workers Ratify New Contract Continued from page 2 SIU officials surprised Seafarers on the Matsonia when they dropped by the Matson vessel in Long Beach. Above, with President Michael Sacco, is Steward/Baker Jennifer Jim. Other steward department members on the Matsonia, posing with SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and VP West Coast Nick Marrone (second from left), are Chief Cook Cleto Lindong (left) and GSTU Sam Rashid. After the Liberator cleared customs and immigration in Los Angeles, SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right in photo at right) speak with crew members aboard the USSM vessel, which had just returned from a 35-day run to the Far East. The support and solidarity of millions of people and organizations across America was essential to the workers, UFCW officials said. From the first day on, customers refused to cross the lines with an average of 75 percent of customers shopping elsewhere, amounting to estimated loses of more than $2 billion for the companies. Workers’ spirits were also lifted by community support including rallies and hundreds of thousands of dollars in food and financial aid. Many national and local political, faith and labor leaders defended the grocery workers and America’s middle class. Seafarers and SIU officials supported UFCW members in Washington, D.C., New York, St. Louis and Southern California. UFCW International President Doug Dority, who postponed his U.S. Military Leaders Reaffirm Importance of U.S. Merchant Marine Continued from page 2 Talent then noted, “It’s an amazing civilian and military synergy. I don’t know if there is a parallel for it in the history of warfare.” Brewer replied, “Yes, sir. Without them, it does not happen. Period.” Highlights of the prepared statement by Handy, Brewer and Dunwoody follow: Operation Iraqi Freedom “We successfully implemented a ‘force packaging’ strategy during OIF that synchronized the movement of combat-ready modules of unit equipment. This strategy allowed units like the Army’s 101st Airborne Division to quickly and coherently assemble upon debarkation overseas. SDDC loaded the entire division, nearly 4,000 vehicles and 250 helicopters, on only five vessels that offloaded overseas in just a 12day period, adding striking power to the combatant commander’s arsenal in a fraction of the time required during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. It ensured the integrity and rapid availability of a combat-effective fighting force far faster than the prior piecemeal movement of unit equipment.” Partnership between Labor, Management and Government “USTRANSCOM relies on its commercial transportation indus- April 2004 try partners and associated labor organizations to provide significant transportation capability during contingencies. Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom are no exception.” Value of LMSRs in OIF “The large medium-speed rollon/roll-off (LMSR) vessel emerged as USTRANSCOM’s strategic sealift success story. Procured based upon the lessons of Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm, 18 LMSRs completed 38 total voyages during initial OIF deployment operations, lifting more than 5.3 million square feet of cargo. This was approximately 26 percent of the total requirement. “By comparison, one LMSR in OIF carried the equivalent of six commercial charter ships during Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm. From another perspective, it requires 300 C-17s to deliver the amount of cargo carried by one LMSR.” Importance of U.S. Crews “Another USTRANSCOM area of concern is the availability of a sufficient number of qualified civilian mariners willing and available to fulfill the additional requirements created by the activation and long-term operation of MSC and MarAd surge sealift vessels. Volunteer commercial mariners crew the surge vessels. The decline in U.S.-flagged fleet size, increased training require- ments, and more attractive shoreside employment have led to a decrease in the number of fully qualified mariners. Fortunately, mariner availability was sufficient to consistently ensure on-time vessel activation of the ships supporting OEF/OIF, to include fast sealift ships (FSS), LMSRs, a hospital ship, and numerous MarAd RRF ships…. “In the future, there are no guarantees that sufficient mariners will be available when needed. USTRANSCOM, MSC, SDDC, and MarAd support the maintenance of a viable U.S. mariner pool through enforcement of cargo preference requirements, support for the Maritime Security Program (MSP), and vigorous maritime training and education. MSC has initiated a collaborative effort with USTRANSCOM and MARAD, in concert with the maritime industry, to revalidate and compare the peacetime/wartime requirements of mariner qualifications and availability in order to specifically identify potential shortfalls…. “We continue to urge the Administration and Congress to support programs to promote the expansion of the U.S. merchant mariner pool.” Maritime Security Program “MSP, another critical element of our commercial sealift program, provides assured access to sealift/intermodal capacity and a readily available, highly trained and qualified work force of merchant mariners employed in U.S.flagged shipping. The recent authorization of the Maritime Security Act of 2003 expands the current MSP fleet from 47 to 60 vessels. This increase allows the opportunity to better assure access to U.S.-flagged ‘low density-high demand’ assets (e.g., RO/RO and heavy lift ships). “MSP provides an underpinning for [the related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement] by helping to guarantee the continued presence of a minimal U.S.flagged commercial fleet operating in international commerce and that fleet’s availability to provide sustainment of sealift capability in time of war or national emergency. This guarantee is particularly critical should the U.S. find itself in a position where it must act alone. “Additionally, this increase in fleet size should play a critical role in expanding the U.S. mariner base. Currently, the MSP fleet accounts for more than 900 crew billets that provide jobs to roughly 1,800 trained and qualified mariners. “Finally, MSP provides financial assistance to offset the increased costs associated with operating a U.S.-flagged vessel. In return, participating carriers commit vessel capacity and their intermodal transportation resources for DOD use in the event of contingencies.” planned retirement until the strike ended, expressed his approval with the strike outcome. In a statement issued on the verge of the rank-and-file vote on the new contract, he said, “Today, I am pleased to join with the officers of the seven Southern California UFCW local unions in their announcement of a tentative agreement in the longest major strike in the history of the UFCW, the largest and longest strike in the history of the supermarket industry, and the first major strike of the 21st century … “The men and women on the picket lines are genuine heroes. Their sacrifice for affordable family health care has motivated and activated workers across the nation. I am honored to be part of their union, and I am humbled as well as inspired by their dedication, strength and selflessness… “These members will never be forgotten. They will always be honored and respected. We owe them a debt of gratitude. They have sent a message to employers everywhere that attempts to eliminate health care benefits will come at a high price. Workers will not sit idle as their families are denied health care protection. Workers will stand united and fight for health care… “Through their struggle, the striking and locked out workers have performed a service for the whole country. They have sounded the alarm for all of America— your health care benefits at work are at risk. If the supermarket giants—profitable, growing Fortune 50 mega-corporations— can launch an attack on health care benefits, then every employer is sure to follow. They have sounded the alarm that the American health care system is ready to collapse.” Although UFCW employees in Southern California reached agreement for their contract, labor experts say the uncertainty is just beginning for Bay Area grocery workers as well as others from across the country who also will seek new contracts this year. Two separate contracts covering about 50,000 workers in northern and central California expire in July and September, respectively. Contracts in Phoenix, Indianapolis and Chicago, which have already expired, were temporarily extended. The contract covering 29,000 workers in Baltimore and Washington ended March 27. Seafarers LOG 11 �22284_P7,11_13,15_20,23.qxd 3/24/2004 8:39 PM Page 12 The Steven Bennett is one of MSC’s seven containerships and is part of the 37 vessels in the prepositioning program. Positive, Produc Highlight Overs Seafarers Ably Man M Recertified Steward Manny Basas meets with Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus aboard the Eric Gibson in Diego Garcia. Seafarers aboard the Bennett confer with Port Agent Jeff Turkus (center) in midFebruary. From left, Frances Booker of the SIU’s Guam office; Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell; and Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus recently serviced vessels together. When SIU officials recently met with Seafarers aboard six U.S. military support ships (along with two other vessels) in Diego Garcia, Singapore and Malaysia, the discussions were wide-ranging—and overwhelmingly positive. “Overall, it was extremely upbeat,” noted SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell, who serviced the vessels with SIU Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus. “There are a few vessels that operate in those areas without returning to the United States very much if at all, and the crews seemed to appreciate the effort to service ships in remote areas. It was a very positive trip.” Powell and Turkus serviced the ships from early to mid-February. In Diego Garcia, they met with Seafarers on the USNS Capable, USNS Chesapeake, Bernard F. Fisher, and Steven Bennett. In Singapore and Malaysia, they serviced the Eric G. Gibson, USNS Invincible, Prince William Sound and Sagamore. All but the latter two of those ships are military support vessels. Understandably, the SIU’s role in both Operation Iraqi Freedom last year and the current OIF2 were prime topics during the shipboard gatherings. Seafarers crewed up more than 100 U.S.-flag ships during the allout combat phase of the war in 2003; they already have mobilized dozens of ships for the enormous sealift component of OIF2 (a mission that includes troop rotations and resupply as well as other cargo that’s needed to help stabilize and reconstruct Iraq). “As always, the members are very proud of their role as the nation’s fourth arm of defense, and very serious about it,” observed Turkus. “That was evident in all of our discussions but, more importantly, in their actions.” In this U.S. election year, political action also proved a Pictured in Diego Garcia, the Chesapeake carries Defense Logistics Agency petroleum products. Aboard the USNS Capable, Port Agent Bryan Powell discusses the vital role of political action for U.S. mariners. Taking on stores aboard the Sagamore in Singapore are Chief Steward Claudia Mauricio and AB Chris Amigable. 12 Seafarers LOG April 2004 m v f i s t e h a S C t I �22284_P7,11_13,15_20,23.qxd 3/24/2004 8:40 PM Page 13 uctive Meetings rseas Servicing The USNS Capable is MSC’s only air defense ship. Military Support Ships d ssia h se d It e n s S d d G. e ut y n st e pae g lof y if ross d s dd major subject. The SIU officials and crews discussed the vital role of SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. They also reviewed the importance of laws including the Jones Act and the Maritime Security Program. Other topics included updates, reviews and discussions concerning: NCL America, the new U.S.-flag cruise operation scheduled to begin offering voyages this summer. Numerous new shipboard job opportunities secured for SIU members during the past year. How the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan works. The bidding process for the “RFPs” to operate military vessels. U.S. health care woes, including the fact that many employers have cut benefits while increasing premiums and co-payments. The new agreement between the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan and Prescription Solutions, which has been extremely wellreceived by the membership. Methods of transportation to and from Diego Garcia. “We went away from each vessel with a sense that the crew felt better-informed,” Powell concluded. “The membership signaled their pleasure and high degree of satisfaction with the current SIU administration, particularly (SIU President) Mike Sacco’s leadership and (SIU Vice President Contracts) Augie Tellez’s hard work in securing better and better contracts.” Diego Garcia is home to a U.S. Navy support facility. It is a British Indian Ocean Territory located near India. Steward Lonnie Jones Jr. helps keep the crew well-fed on the USNS Capable. SIU members man the USNS Capable, a T-AGOS 16 vessel. Bosun Michael Habib (left) welcomes SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell aboard an SIU ship. s s f s s. ur rr, a Port Agent Jeff Turkus (second from left) meets with the unlicensed crew of the Fisher in Diego Garcia. The Bernard Fisher transports U.S. Air Force munitions. April 2004 Seafarers LOG 13 �22284_p1,2,6,10,14, 24.qxd 3/30/2004 1:13 AM Page 14 E njoy Your Summer Vacation at Burials at Sea Piney Point On the first beautiful day after a fairly rough passage from the Far East, crew members aboard the Liberator mustered on the ship’s stern for a service held by Capt. Douglas T. Fifield as the remains of John David Hanten and Mark Anthony Stevens were committed to the sea. At approximately 60 nautical miles, 230 degrees off the coast of Point Sur, Calif., the ashes of the two mariners were scattered in the ship’s wake, accompanied by a reading of Psalm 107:23-31 (In Praise of God’s Goodness). A mariner’s salute was then sounded on the ship’s whistle. On behalf of the entire crew, Capt. Fifield extended his sympathies to the families and friends of the two Brothers of the Sea. It’s been a long, cold winter, and thoughts of the summer’s warmth are becoming more of a reality. But with the approach of the summer season also comes the perennial question: Where will we spend our summer vacation? Many Seafarers, pensioners and their families have already found the answer. The Paul Hall UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family. Member $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child $10.00/day Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals but do not include tax. Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. offers just about everything one could possibly want to make a memorable summer holiday. For those who haven’t yet tried it, take your cue from those who have and make this year the first of an annual summer tradition. For up to two weeks at a time, the center opens its doors to SIU members and their families to enjoy a dream vacation of their own, spending their hard-earned time off in an excellent location—and at a great value. The facility offers affordable accommodations, three meals a day, a health spa, tennis courts, sailboats, Olympic-sized swimming pool, a maritime museum and so much more. There are plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, jogging and sumbathing at nearby beaches. Southern Maryland also hosts lots of other activities: festivals, celebrations, fairs and craft shows, to name a few. And then, of course, there are the museums, historic sites, baseball games and sightseeing 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. Are you ready? The first step is to decide when you want to arrive. Then, fill out the reservation form below, mail it to the Paul Hall Center, wait for summer, and kick back and enjoy. PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: ____________________________________________________________ Social Security number: _____________________ Book number: Working Aboard the Cape Kennedy Steward Eddie Taylor mans the griddle on board the Cape Kennedy, whose home port is New Orleans. The Cape Kennedy was activated in February for OIF2. Kent Law is the chief cook on the Cape Kennedy, a RO/RO vessel operated for MarAd by Keystone Shipping Co. ____________ Address:____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Telephone number: __________________________________________________ Number in party / 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 20674-0075. 14 Seafarers LOG Members of the deck department are (from left) ABs Leroy Taylor, Michael J. White, Jesley Callum and Willie Howard III. 4/04 April 2004 �22284_P7,11_13,15_20,23.qxd 3/24/2004 9:47 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea FEBRUARY 16 — MARCH 15, 2004 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 2 6 11 15 29 1 12 15 12 11 3 4 4 8 2 22 18 176 3 0 1 4 14 16 3 2 11 10 6 0 1 1 4 2 22 10 110 0 3 1 3 19 23 0 7 12 21 10 4 1 7 18 1 21 17 168 0 3 1 6 9 19 0 7 6 10 4 2 2 0 12 2 9 8 100 2 6 3 5 7 22 0 2 7 3 14 1 4 3 8 2 15 3 107 1 1 0 0 2 5 0 1 1 5 5 2 0 1 1 0 8 6 39 2 2 0 2 9 14 0 2 9 7 9 4 2 4 8 1 8 5 88 0 1 1 13 14 20 0 4 4 12 5 2 2 1 13 0 23 12 127 0 1 2 3 3 8 0 3 3 3 12 1 1 1 0 1 3 3 48 0 2 0 2 2 7 0 2 0 5 6 0 1 1 3 0 3 3 37 0 3 0 9 7 14 0 5 5 13 7 3 1 2 18 1 12 11 111 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 4 2 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 5 21 1 4 5 8 12 10 0 4 2 27 5 1 5 3 8 2 26 7 130 1 6 0 6 14 21 0 1 4 20 11 1 46 3 4 1 19 12 170 0 0 0 3 1 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 5 2 18 0 4 2 3 7 4 0 1 4 14 10 1 5 4 6 2 8 4 79 Totals All Departments 442 461 356 385 345 Port 0 4 3 8 8 24 0 7 11 14 13 3 6 6 5 2 22 14 150 1 1 1 1 7 7 2 2 5 4 4 1 0 1 3 2 22 7 71 0 0 1 2 7 10 0 1 9 6 3 2 1 5 7 1 9 11 75 3 9 0 14 30 51 0 14 22 32 19 3 0 12 31 1 45 28 314 1 1 5 13 21 35 1 15 20 16 15 4 3 4 11 1 25 23 214 2 0 2 3 22 21 1 1 11 16 6 2 1 2 2 3 19 15 129 0 3 0 2 4 6 0 2 2 1 4 0 0 4 5 0 10 3 46 0 6 1 9 18 34 0 9 7 16 5 1 3 6 16 2 18 15 166 2 2 2 9 10 28 0 6 10 4 17 2 4 2 11 4 18 7 138 2 1 0 2 7 6 0 1 4 10 4 1 1 1 2 0 11 8 61 1 8 2 2 6 16 0 4 5 2 8 1 2 3 2 1 12 5 80 0 1 0 1 4 7 0 1 4 6 1 1 1 1 8 0 7 5 48 0 1 2 17 26 28 0 7 9 15 9 4 3 1 26 0 30 26 204 0 3 2 2 5 17 0 4 7 6 17 0 1 1 4 0 7 4 80 0 1 0 2 4 9 0 3 1 6 4 0 0 2 2 0 2 6 42 0 8 0 2 7 12 0 1 1 8 11 0 19 1 4 0 13 8 95 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 4 2 0 2 3 6 0 0 0 2 6 0 5 4 43 1 1 4 12 20 13 1 7 8 30 5 0 5 4 15 1 28 13 168 2 2 0 10 21 23 0 2 5 29 8 1 45 2 6 2 18 19 195 211 169 727 600 427 0 0 1 0 4 8 0 1 1 3 3 1 0 0 0 0 3 2 27 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port 0 1 0 5 1 7 0 2 1 5 3 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 36 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 5 0 2 0 3 0 3 0 18 ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2004 Piney Point .............Monday: May 3, June 7 Algonac ..................Friday: May 7, June 11 Baltimore ................Thursday: May 6, June 10 Boston.....................Friday: May 7, June 11 Duluth .....................Wednesday: May 12, June 16 Guam ......................Thursday: May 20, June 24 Honolulu .................Friday: May 14, June 18 Houston ..................Monday: May 10, June 14 Jacksonville ............Thursday: May 6, June 10 Joliet .......................Thursday: May 13, June 17 Mobile ....................Wednesday: May 12, June 16 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 1 7 0 4 24 28 0 14 9 22 13 1 0 7 17 2 27 18 194 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs May & June 2004 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters New Bedford ..........Tuesday: May 18, June 22 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: May 11, June 15 New York................Tuesday: May 4, June 8 Norfolk ...................Thursday: May 6, June 10 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: May 5, June 9 Port Everglades.......Thursday: May 13, June 17 San Francisco .........Thursday: May 13, June 17 San Juan..................Thursday: May 6, June 10 St. Louis..................Friday: May 14, June 18 Tacoma ...................Friday: May 21, June 25 Wilmington ...............Monday: May 17, June 21 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. IMPORTANT NOTICE SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. Seafarers LOG 15 �22284_P7,11_13,15_20,23.qxd 3/24/2004 8:49 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report FEBRUARY 16 — MARCH 15, 2004 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 Port TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 7 1 4 13 2 0 4 31 0 0 1 3 3 0 0 3 10 0 7 0 3 3 0 0 0 13 Port 0 7 3 3 17 1 0 4 35 0 1 1 1 3 0 0 0 6 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 0 6 2 8 4 3 5 0 4 4 30 0 14 14 12 37 3 4 13 97 0 2 7 4 6 0 1 5 25 0 18 10 15 0 0 0 2 45 0 3 1 1 1 2 0 0 8 0 10 9 4 16 2 3 16 60 0 4 5 2 3 0 1 7 22 0 17 10 12 0 0 1 0 40 0 3 0 0 1 1 2 0 7 0 4 4 5 14 4 3 12 46 1 2 1 3 10 0 4 6 27 0 15 5 9 0 0 0 2 31 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 6 2 2 6 1 2 10 29 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 4 0 3 0 4 0 0 0 0 7 Port 0 2 3 3 6 0 3 4 21 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 1 3 4 1 0 5 14 0 1 0 1 4 0 0 1 7 0 4 1 0 3 0 0 0 8 Port 0 2 2 2 7 1 0 2 16 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 1 1 0 3 0 0 0 5 ENTRY DEPARTMENT NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Totals All Departments 74 21 28 72 11 12 46 203 74 119 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST 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 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 Charles Cvetich in 1943 as a cadet at Kings Point . . . . . . catching salmon on the Columbia River . . . These photos were sent to the LOG by Gordon P. Driscoll. of Warren, Ore. They are of his friend Chuck Cvetich, a former NMU member. Cvetich was a cadet at Kings Point in 1943, but decided to join the war effort as an AB. He sailed on six Liberty ships and a T2 tanker. He says he enjoyed sailing with the NMU so much that he . . . working in his garden today. never bothered to test for his officer’s rating. He further remarked that going to sea was an education one could not learn in college. He left sailing in 1947 to become a teacher, but continued to work aboard tugboats in Alaska during the summer months. Today, at the age of 83, Cvetich enjoys hunting, fishing and the Seafarers LOG. April 2004 �22284_P7,11_13,15_20,23.qxd 3/24/2004 8:55 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA YAHYA A. ALHAHJ, 66, commenced his seafaring career in 1972 in Detroit. Brother Alhahj’s first vessel was American Steamship Corp.’s Saginaw Bay. The Arabian-born mariner worked in the deck and engine departments and sailed in both the deep sea and Great Lakes divisions. Brother Alhahj upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1971 and 2001. He last sailed aboard the TOTE’s Northern Lights. Brother Alhahj lives in Detroit. CARLOS E. BONILLA, 65, hails from Puerto Rico. He joined the SIU in 1977 in the port of New Orleans. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Brother Bonilla first sailed aboard the USNS Potomac. He worked in the deck department and enhanced his skills on four occasions at the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Bonilla last went to sea on the Horizon Navigator. He makes his home in Wilmington, Calif. WILLIAM DEAN, 45, joined the Seafarers in 1978 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Dean first worked aboard the Sea-Land Portland. Born in St. Louis, he shipped in the deck department as a bosun. Brother Dean also worked in the engine and steward departments and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. He completed the bosun recertification course there in 1992 and last shipped on the Sea-Land Defender. Brother Dean resides in Auburn, Calif. HAMID HIZAM, 57, was born in Arabia. Brother Hizam started his career with the SIU in 1969. His first voyage was aboard American Steamship Corp.’s American Sea Ocean. Brother Hizam shipped in the engine department and sailed in both the deep sea and Great Lakes divisions. His last voyage was aboard the Sam Laud, another American Steamship vessel. Brother Hizam is a resident of Dearborn, Mich. CARL T. LARSON, 68, became an SIU member in 1989 in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. Brother April 2004 Larson’s first voyage was aboard the USNS Harkness. Born in Rhode Island, he worked in the deck department. Brother Larson honed his skills in 2001 when he attended the Seafarers training school in Piney Point, Md. His last trip to sea was on the USNS Mt. Washington. Brother Larson lives in his native state in the city of Middletown. NORBERTO PRATS, 69, commenced his seafaring career in 1968 in the port of New York. Brother Prats’ first voyage was aboard the Merrimac, a Merrimac Transport, Inc. vessel. A native of Puerto Rico, he worked in the deck department as a bosun. Brother Prats was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. He attended the institution on four occasions, including in 1981 when he completed the bosun recertification course. Brother Prats last sailed on the Horizon Expedition and lives in his native commonwealth. BLADEMIRO S. SANTANA, 58, began his seafaring career in 1976 in the port of New York. His first vessel was the Sea-Land Boston. Brother Santana sailed in all three departments and upgraded his skills on three occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last worked aboard the Chemical Explorer. Brother Santana, who was born in South America, makes his home in Rochester, N.Y. INLAND JAMES E. FOSTER, 61, was born in Alabama. Boatman Foster joined the SIU in 1964 in the port of Mobile, Ala. after serving in the U.S. Army. Boatman Foster initially worked aboard a Dravo Basic Materials Co. vessel and was last employed on a Martin Marietta vessel. A member of the deck department, he makes his home in Semmes, Ala. GREAT LAKES ALBERT L. CROPEK, 61, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1970 in Detroit. Prior to joining the SIU, he served in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Cropek shipped in the deck department, working primarily aboard Luedtke Engineering Co. vessels. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1994 and 2001. Brother Cropek, who was born in Westfield, N.Y., now resides in Girard, Pa. SAIF K. SHAJIRA, 59, began his seafaring career in 1967 in Detroit. His initial voyage was aboard a Bob-Lo Island vessel. Born in Arabia, Brother Shajira worked in the deck department. He upgraded his skills at the Piney Point training school in 1980. Brother Shajira last worked on American Steamship Corp.’s H. Lee White. He makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1948 Headquarters of the SIU Atlantic and Gulf District announced this week that two tanker companies, Tanker Sag Harbor Corporation and Petrol Tanker Industries had agreed to wage increases which granted unlicensed seamen in those outfits the highest wages in the industry. The wage boosts ranged from $5 to $25 per month, and overtime rates were also increased. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. NAME (last, first) AGE Ali, Mohamed 70 Aurelio, Perez 65 Cyrus, Carlton 69 Manousaridis, Stavros 65 Martinez, Ernesto 80 Maynard, Leroy 65 Price, Egbert 65 Rocker, Steven 56 Shields, Thomas 60 EDP Feb. 1 Feb. 1 Jan. 1 Mar. 1 Feb. 1 Feb. 1 Dec. 1 Jan. 1 Oct. 1 1975 SIU Headquarters Representative Edward X. Mooney was one of three labor representatives who served on the Virgin Islands Minimum Wage Industry Committee last month. The committee, which reviewed minimum wage rates for all industries in the Virgin Islands, met for two weeks on the islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix. This Month In SIU History 1968 As a result of protest by the SIU and management officials of the unsubsidized sector of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the Maritime Administration has set slightly higher guideline rate ceilings for U.S.-flag vessels carrying full loads of government-sponsored cargoes. They replaced temporary rates in effect since last December and are effective until January 1, 1969. The main objection of the SIU and the industry to MarAd’s method of establishing ceilings for the so-called 50-50 cargo rates has been that they discriminate against the more efficient intermediate-sized vessels—those between 15,500 tons and 39,999 tons—and cater to higher-cost smaller ships. 1991 The head of the U.S. Transportation Command visited the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship to inspect the training facility and to thank the members of the manpower office for their work in crewing merchant vessels for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. “We want to thank all of you for the great work you have done,” Air Force General Hansford T. Johnson told members of the recertified bosun course and other classes at the school as well as the manpower staff. “At the very beginning—on a moment’s notice— we pulled everything together and broke out 17 fully manned and loaded ships in just five days. We appreciate all your efforts. Many said it would not work, but it did work because of you. Many thanks.” Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to help 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 or e-mail corrections to kclements@seafarers.org HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone No.: ________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ Active SIU Pensioner Book No.: ________________ 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. Seafarers LOG 4/04 17 �22284_P7,11_13,15_20,23.qxd 3/24/2004 9:09 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JIM ABELLANO Pensioner Jim Abellano, 55, passed away Dec. 8. Brother Abellano began his career with the SIU in 1966 in the port of New York. His first vessel was the Steel Artisan, operated by Isco. Born in the Philippines, Brother Abellano worked in the steward department. He last went to sea on the Sea-Land Patriot and resided in Daly City, Calif. Brother Abellano began receiving compensation for his retirement in 2003. JOHN ADAMS Pensioner John Adams, 76, died Jan. 5. He started his career with the SIU in 1951 in New Orleans. The Louisianaborn mariner worked in the steward department and started receiving retirement compensation in 1980. He made his home in Tyler, Texas. ROSCOE ALFORD Pensioner Roscoe Alford, 85, passed away Feb. 4. Brother Alford joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of Mobile, Ala. A native of Mt. Herman, La., he worked in the steward department and lived in Franklinton, La. He last worked on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Jefferson Davis and started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1980. PERTWEE ANDREPONT Pensioner Pertwee Andrepont, 76, died Nov. 11. He started his SIU career in 1967 in the port of Houston after serving in the U.S. Navy. His first ship was the Globe Explorer, a Sea Liberties vessel. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the engine department. The Lake Charles, La. resident last went to sea on the USNS Mt. Vernon. Brother Andrepont started receiving retirement stipends in 1992. GUADALUPE BANDA Pensioner Guadalupe Banda, 69, passed away Jan 1. Brother Banda began his career with the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of New York. A native of Sugar Land, Texas, he shipped in the engine department. Brother Banda last worked on Pacific Gulf Marine’s Diamond State and began collecting his pension in 2003. He was a resident of Galveston, Texas. JOHN L. BELLAMY JR. Pensioner John L. Bellamy, Jr., 76, died Nov. 18. Brother Bellamy commenced his career with the SIU in 1969 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first vessel was the Buckeye Victory. Born in Florida, Brother Bellamy shipped in the steward 18 Seafarers LOG on pension in 1992. department. His last voyage was on Puerto Rico Marine Management’s Guayama. A resident of Center Hill, Fla., Brother Bellamy went ALFRED BODIE Brother Alfred Bodie, 63, passed away Nov. 27. He joined the SIU in 1962 in the port of New York. Brother Bodie’s first voyage was aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Wild Ranger. The Alabama-born mariner sailed in the steward department and lived in Mobile, Ala. Brother Bodie last worked on American Ship Management’s Cape Breton. BIAGIO CARUSO Pensioner Biagio Caruso, 87, died Nov. 14. Brother Caruso joined the SIU in 1972 in San Francisco. The steward department member worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Michigan Tankers. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1980. Brother Caruso, who was born in North Carolina, made his home in Merced, Calif. SHONG LING CHIANG Pensioner Shong Ling Chiang, 82, passed away Jan. 2. He launched his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. Born in China, he worked in the steward department. Brother Chiang began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1973. He lived in San Francisco. JOHN CONNORS Pensioner John Connors, 82, died Nov. 26. Brother Connors began his seafaring career in 1969 in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Navy. His first ship was the Sea Georgia, a Seatrain Lines vessel. The Massachusetts-born mariner worked in the deck department and made his home in Seabrook, N.H. Brother Connors last went to sea on Interocean Management Corp.’s Patriot State. He went on pension in 1987. MAURO G. GUTIERREZ Brother Mauro G. Gutierrez, 58, passed away Jan. 22. He joined the SIU in 1980 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Gutierrez was born in the Philippines. He worked in the deck department as a bosun, sailing in both the deep sea as well as inland divisions. His last ship was the Horizon Consumer. Brother Gutierrez was a resident of Norwalk, Calif. THOMAS HARRIS Pensioner Thomas Harris, 64, died Dec. 3. Brother Harris started his seafaring career in 1962 in the port of Philadelphia. His first vessel was Calmar Steamship’s Losmar. Born in Maryland, he worked in both the engine and deck departments. Brother Harris resided in Huntingdon, Tenn. and last sailed on the LNG Capricorn. He went on pension in 1998. ALLEN McKELLIPS Pensioner James Higgins, 69, passed away Nov. 9. He began his career with the SIU in 1967 in New Orleans after serving in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force. Brother Higgins’ first voyage was aboard the Oceanic Wave. The Louisiana native worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Sea-Land Achiever. Brother Higgins made his home in Fairfield, Calif. and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 2000. Brother Allen McKellips, 56, passed away Nov. 8. He joined the SIU in 1995 in the port of Honolulu. Brother McKellips first sailed aboard American Hawaii Cruises’ SS Independence. A deck department member, he last sailed on the American Tern. Brother McKellips, who was born in California, made his home in Honolulu. PHILLIP HUSS HARVEY MILLS Pensioner Phillip Huss, 80, died Dec. 24. Brother Huss joined the SIU in 1952 in Boston, Mass. His first vessel was the Sand Captain. Born in Ft. Scott, Kan., Brother Huss shipped in the engine department. His last ship was the Horizon Discovery. A resident of Moorestown, N.J., he began receiving retirement stipends in 1989. Pensioner Harvey Mills, 67, died Jan. 3. Brother Mills began his career with the Seafarers in 1967 after serving in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. His first ship was the Del Alba. The Manchester, Ky.-born mariner shipped in the deck department and worked in all three divisions. He last worked on the SeaLand Quality and started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1998. Brother Mills lived in his native state. JAMES HIGGINS CHEE JANG Pensioner Chee Jang, 84, passed away Jan 3. He started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Born in California, Brother Jang worked in the steward department. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1970 and resided in San Francisco. JOSEPH KORCHAK Pensioner Joseph Korchak, 75, died Nov. 5. Brother Korchak joined the ranks of the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Navy. The deck department member was born in Pennsylvania and made his home in Ridgefield Park, N.J. Brother Korchak went on pension in 1993. He last went to sea on Liberty Maritime’s Liberty Wave. JOHN LAN Pensioner John Lan, 96, passed away Jan 3. He began his seafaring career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Born in China, Brother Lan shipped as a member of the steward department. He started receiving his pension in 1974 and made his home in San Francisco. JOSEPH McGILL Pensioner Joseph McGill, 77, died Dec. 12. Brother McGill became a Seafarer in 1950, joining in Tampa, Fla. His first vessel was Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Monarch of the Sea. Born in Bay Minette, Ala., he worked in the deck department. Brother McGill lived in Orange Beach, Ala. and went on pension in 1976. TEODULO PADERES Pensioner Teodulo Paderes, 92, passed away Dec. 31. He embarked on his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Brother Paderes worked in the steward department and resided in San Francisco. He began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1971. ADOLPH RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Adolph Rodriguez, 74, died Nov. 11. Brother Rodriguez joined the ranks of the SIU in 1980. Born in Texas, he sailed as a member of the deck department. The Texas City, Texas resident went on pension in 1994. ALFRED ROY Pensioner Alfred Roy, 75, passed away Nov. 4. Brother Roy joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Houston after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Roy’s first vessel was the Sabine. Born in St. Martinville, La., he sailed in the engine department. Brother Roy last worked aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Sam Houston and lived in Lafayette, La. He started receiving his pension in 1993. STANLEY SCHNITZER Pensioner Stanley Schnitzer, 81, died July 31. He launched his seafaring career in 1955 in the port of San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Navy. The California-born mariner sailed in the engine department and last worked on Delta Steamship’s Santa Mariana. Brother Schnitzer went on pension in 1987. He made his home in San Francisco. GILBERT SCHUSTER Pensioner Gilbert Schuster, 75, passed away Dec. 16. Brother Schuster commenced his Seafaring profession in 1959 in New Orleans. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he first sailed for the SIU aboard Pennsylvania Transportation Co.’s Manta. Brother Schuster was born in Iowa and sailed in the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the SS Independence. Brother Schuster began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1996. He made his home in Madison, Wis. NANCY SCOTT Pensioner Nancy Scott, 75, died Dec. 4. Sister Scott began her career with the MC&S in 1978 in San Francisco. She worked in the steward department and made her home in Clovis, Calif. Sister Scott last went to sea on American Hawaii Cruises’ SS Constitution. Sister Scott began receiving her pension in 1980. ROBERT SIPSEY Pensioner Robert Sipsey, 77, passed away Dec. 13. Brother Sipsey embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1943 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first vessel was Sinclair Oil Co.’s Robin Mowbray. Born in Massachusetts, Brother Sipsey sailed as a member of the deck department. He last worked aboard the Horizon Spirit. Brother Sipsey, who lived in Vallejo, Calif. began receiving his retirement compensation in 1996. THOMAS SPANGLER Brother Thomas Spangler, 63, died Dec. 29. He joined the SIU in 1963 in the port of Baltimore after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Spangler’s first voyage was aboard the Transyork. The Maryland-born mariner sailed in the deck department, last working on the OMI Missouri. Brother Spangler was a resident of Baltimore. YOCIE WILSON Pensioner Yocie Wilson, 91, passed away Dec. 12. Sister Wilson commenced her career with the MC&S in San Francisco. She sailed as a member of the steward department and began receiving compensation for her retirement in 1975. Sister Wilson lived in San Francisco. INLAND EUGENIO GESTIDO Pensioner Eugenio Gestido, 83, died Jan. 22. Boatman Gestido launched his seafaring career in 1962 in the port of Baltimore, Md. Born in Spain, Boatman Gestido shipped in the engine department. He last worked aboard a Continued on page 20 April 2004 �22284_P7,11_13,15_20,23.qxd 3/30/2004 1:22 AM Page 19 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. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), Jan. 9—Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Fausto D. Aranda, Educational Director Lamar A. Parker, Engine Delegate Anibal O. Vega, Steward Delegate William M. Simmons. Bosun announced payoff Jan. 11 in New York. He led discussion of president’s report in Seafarers LOG and advised crew to read LOG to stay informed about union matters. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. whenever possible. He stressed importance of safety on board vessel at all times and asked that any safety problems be reported to supervisor immediately. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. Crew gave thanks for good food and look forward to happy new year. Next ports: Greece and Israel. USNS CHESAPEAKE (IUM), Jan. 27—Chairman David B. Zurek, Secretary Michael E. Hammock, Educational Director Earl M. Macom, Engine Delegate Justin Valencia. Chairman announced ship to start discharging cargo Feb. 20 in Diego Garcia before cleaning up and heading to shipyard in Singapore. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade skills by taking courses at Paul Hall Center and reminded them to check that all documents are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new TV. Crew thanked steward department for good job. ALLEGIANCE (Maritrans), Feb. 1—Chairman Philip A. Corl, Secretary Henry E. Manning, Deck Delegate Ray G. Johns, Engine Delegate George B. Lockett, Secretary Sherman Harper. Chairman stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Educational director said new movies and books have been purchased. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Engine department delegate asked for clarification of wages for absent crew member. Request made for hookup of washing machine expressly for dress clothes and whites. ATLANTIC (USSM), Feb. 15— Chairman David B. Campbell, Secretary Gerald B. Kirtsey, Deck Delegate Carl J. Sands, Steward Delegate Charles K. Fincher. Chairman announced receipt of communications from headquarters. Educational director advised those needing z-cards renewed do so one year in advance. He also reminded crew members of opportunities available for upgrading skills at Piney Point. No beefs reported; some minor discrepancies brought up in deck department relating to overtime. Suggestions made for option of direct deposit of vacation checks and to allow pension with 20 years’ seatime, regardless of age. Request put in for new mattresses, lounge chairs and keys to drawer locks. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next ports: April 2004 Elizabeth, N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; Miami; Houston. EL MORRO (IUM), Feb. 1— Chairman David I. Murray, Secretary Michael M. Amador, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty Jr. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 7 in San Juan, P.R. Secretary thanked everyone for helping take on stores and reminded them to leave fresh bed linen for relief person. Educational director urged crew members to take advantage of upgrading courses held at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding retirement benefits and money purchase pension plan. Vote of thanks given to steward department for putting out delicious meals, especially over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. GREAT LAND (IUM), Feb. 4— Chairman Ernest J. Duhon, Secretary Antoinette M. Spangler, Educational Director Azeem A. Modak, Steward Delegate Mose Peacock Jr. Chairman reported new prescription plan now in effect. Treasurer noted $240 in ship’s fund. Recommendation made to purchase DVDs instead of videos. Crew voted to buy new DVD/VCR player. No beefs or disputed OT noted. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), Feb. 1—Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Donnell C. Tagart Jr., Deck Delegate John T. Emrich, Engine Delegate Eric Campbell, Steward Delegate Thomas E. Kleine. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 10 in Oakland, Calif. Secretary thanked bosun and deck gang for good painting job. He also reminded crew members that this is an election year and to help support maritime industry by contributing to SPAD. Educational director encouraged everyone to attend upgrading classes at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding transportation home. Steward department thanked for good service. Crew sends condolences to Gutierrez family for their loss. “Brother Mauro G. Gutierrez was a recent crew member aboard the Horizon Consumer, and he will be missed.” Next ports: Oakland; Los Angeles; Honolulu. HORIZON KODIAK (Horizon Lines), Feb. 8—Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Melvin E. Morgan, Educational Director David S. Goodpastor, Engine Delegate Ralph D. Thomas, Steward Ahmed Sharif. Chairman announced vessel payoff Feb. 11 in Tacoma Wash. with blanket relief that day. He advised everyone to check with boarding patrolman and be sure to pay dues. Educational director spoke about courses offered at Paul Hall Center and of keeping all necessary shipping documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for bosun or steward to accompany captain during room checks. Request put in for locker repair in all departments. Next ports: Tacoma; Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), Feb. 15—Chairman William E. Lough, Secretary Richard A. Riley, Educational Director Benny A. Orosco. Chairman stated that special informational meeting was held at request of Wilmington Port Agent John Cox. Information was passed out to crew regarding draws and checks. Chairman noted supply fan now working again. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. He stated Coast Guard station moved to downtown Oakland; no longer in Alameda, Calif. Beefs reported in engine department. Crew agreed that furniture in crew lounge should be replaced as soon as possible. Suggestion made that DVD player and VHS rewinder be purchased from ship’s fund. Request made for better mattresses and pillows. Vote of thanks to Chief Cook Carlito Navarro for good food. Next ports: Oakland; Honolulu; Long Beach, Calif. INNOVATOR (USSM), Feb. 1— Chairman Stephen R. Kastel, Secretary Charles A. Medeiros, Educational Director Christopher L. Earhart, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Adel B. Irani. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 4 in Los Angeles. He thanked deck department for job well done and asked those getting off to clean rooms for next persons. Secretary noted tax time is near and advised crew members to get necessary documents ready. He also talked about new prescription plan and posted information for all to read. No beefs or disputed OT reported. LIBERATOR (USSM), Feb. 8— Secretary Guillermo F. Thomas, Educational Director Elwyn L. Ford, Deck Delegate Edward F. OBrien, Engine Delegate Si I. Hughes. Chairman posted president’s report from recent Seafarers LOG and advised everyone to read it. Educational director suggested crew members check that all necessary shipping documents are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made that dinner meal be only 30 minutes while in port. Crew members were asked to help maintain lounge and laundry areas and to keep lounge locked during stays in port. Clarification requested on 90day working rule for emergency trip off. Next ports: Oakland and Los Angeles, Calif. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Lines), Feb. 1—Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director John A. Collins Jr., Engine Delegate Stephen J. Dillon Jr., Steward Delegate John Padilla. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 9 in Newark, N.J. He noted good trip and thanked crew for outstanding team effort in keeping good gangway security watches in all ports. He reminded crew members to keep up to date on union news by reading monthly Seafarers LOG. He also asked those getting off to be sure to clean room, provide fresh linen for next person and remain on board until properly relieved. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean. Educational director reminded crew members about courses offered at Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $1,545.85 in ship’s fund. Beef noted in steward department regarding duties of chief cook; no disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for job well done, including great food and service. Clarification requested on extra days of vacation for completion of assigned tours. Next ports: Newark; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C. PERFORMANCE (USSM), Feb. 1—Chairman Jimmie L. Scheck, Secretary Gualberto M. Mirador, Educational Director Daniel P. Gibbons, Steward Delegate Joel A. Molinos. Chairman informed crew of payoff upon arrival Feb. 8 urged Seafarers to take advantage of upgrading facility at Paul Hall Center. He also talked about keeping all required shipping documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have one day’s pay in lieu of day off. Thanks given to steward department for good job. SEALAND ACHIEVER (USSM), Feb. 1—Chairman David N. Martz, Secretary Winston E. Marchman, Educational Director Niko M. Monsales, Deck Delegate Frank L. Thompson, Engine Delegate John A. Osburn Jr., Steward Delegate Obercio M. An Enterprising Mid-Winter’s Barbecue Thanks to the hard work of (from left) Chief Cook Henry Wright, Chief Steward Steve Dickson and SA Abdullah Musaid, crew members (below) enjoy a mid-winter barbecue on the Horizon Enterprise. The vessel was en route from Honolulu to Guam. in New Jersey. He thanked everyone for their hard work and encouraged them to read Seafarers LOG and communications from headquarters. Secretary noted smooth trip. Educational director asked mariners to pay close attention to expiration dates on shipping documents. Treasurer stated $340 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new linen. Vote of thanks given to all patrolmen and officers. Special vote aboard ship to Steward Mirador, Chief Cook Molinos and Steward Utility Janusz Z. Smolik for great job— and to AB Charles B. Collins for wonderful barbecues. SAMUEL L. COBB (Ocean Shipholding), Feb. 2—Chairman Aristeo M. Padua, Secretary Thomas C. Barrett. Chairman read president’s report from LOG and thanked crew for job well done. He stated vessel will be in shipyard for about 50 days. Secretary noted that with shipyard time coming up, laundry bags will be out for dirty linen. Educational director said that shipyard time would be good time for upgrading at Paul Hall Center. He also advised them to be sure shipping documents are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SEABULK MARINER (Seabulk Tankers), Feb. 8—Chairman Ramon Castro, Secretary Abraham M. Martinez, Educational Director Oscar Garcia, Deck Delegate Michael A. Riley, Engine Delegate Gregory A. Grove, Steward Delegate Spencer Moxley. Chairman announced arrival Feb. 9 in Long Beach, Calif. He noted ship will stay on West Coast run for several months. Those crew members getting off ship were asked to leave room clean for next person. Educational director Espinoza. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 10 in Houston. Educational director talked about the importance of upgrading one’s skills at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SEALAND COMMITMENT (USSM), Feb. 21—Chairman Kyle F. Schultz, Secretary Douglas A. Hundshamer, Educational Director Ahmet K. Yazansoy, Deck Delegate Greg Johnson, Engine Delegate Mohammed Hadwan, Steward Delegate Ali Hassan. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 22 in Houston with patrolman due aboard upon arrival. He stated trip was good overall and encouraged everyone to keep up with union and maritime matters by reading Seafarers LOG. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new mattresses, fans in rooms and chairs for crew lounge. Suggestion made that contracts department look into reducing age and seatime requirements for full pensions. VOYAGER (USSM), Feb. 7— Chairman Glenn R. Christianson, Secretary Grady C. Ingram III, Educational Director Morris A. Jeff, Deck Delegate Konstantinos Prokovas, Steward Delegate Ruben Padilla. Chairman reported arrival Feb. 10 in Newark. N.J. He thanked crew for safe trip with no injuries. Secretary and educational director stressed need for Seafarers to improve skills by upgrading at Paul Hall Center. Educational director further advised members to make sure all documents are kept current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new vacuum cleaner. Suggestion made to increase pension benefit. Thanks given to entire unlicensed crew members for working well together. Seafarers LOG 19 �22284_P7,11_13,15_20,23.qxd 3/30/2004 1:24 AM Page 20 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.) Support H.R. 3729 I’m writing this letter to all active and retired merchant mariners to ask for their support of H.R. 3729 to amend Title 46, United States Code, to provide a monthly monetary benefit to certain individuals who served in the United States Merchant Marine (including Army Transport Service and Naval Transport Service) during World War II. H.R. 3729 was introduced in the House of Representatives on Jan. 27 by Congressman Bob Filner of California. The short title is, Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2004. H.R. 3729 would pay a monthly benefit of $1,000 to qualified merchant mariners who served during the period Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946. Your readers can give us their support by writing to their congressperson and senators requesting they cosponsor Bill No. 3729. Thank you for your help and smooth sailing. James W. Hassett President, American Merchant Marine Veterans of WWII Hudson Valley Chapter Baldwin Place, N.Y. Thanks and a Request First, I and my veteran shipmates would like to thank you and your union for helping get us (U.S. World War II merchant seamen) our veterans’ status. It was a long and tough battle. Thank you for a job well done. Without the union, you don’t have anything. We feel very proud of what the U.S. Merchant Marine is doing today in Iraq and around the world. While there’s nothing we can do for the 238,000 mariners who’ve passed away since World War II, we can do something for the surviving U.S. Merchant Marine veterans—if we can get Bill No. 3729 through Congress. You can help us by contacting your congressman and senators. To write to a senator, address the letter to: The Honorable (Name) United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 To write to representative, address the letter to: The Honorable (Name) U.S. House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 If your representatives agree to vote for H.R. 3729, please let me know by email at dickwiggins@yahoo.com Here is a sample letter: Regarding H.R. 3729, Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act 2004, almost a quarter-million men volunteered to serve in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. In 2004, approximately 5 percent are alive. The Know Your Rights average age of WWII U.S. Merchant Marine veterans is about 81 years. Merchant mariners delivered 85 percent of all goods used by U.S. armed services. They delivered guns and ammunition, bombs, airplanes, aviation gasoline and a lot more. They “delivered the goods”—but not without a cost. Approximately 800 ships were sunk and almost 8,000 mariners gave their lives. They were torpedoed, bombed, shot and taken prisoner. Many ships were hit by Kamikaze planes. They died for their country so we could be free. In 1944 President Roosevelt signed the G.I. Bill for the military, and they deserved it. On signing the bill, he said, “It is my wish that our Congress will do the same for our Merchant Marine.” They didn’t and FDR died. Forty-four years later, the U.S. Merchant Marine veterans of World War II were granted veterans’ status. The U.S. Merchant Marine missed out on low-pay education, G.I. housing, medical care and job preference, to name a few. They were forgotten. H.R. 3729 will give them some compensation for lost benefits. Therefore, I am asking for your support and sponsorship of this bill. Since I live and vote in your district, will you vote for H.R. 3729? To our friends in the SIU, God bless you. Thank you very much. Richard Wiggins Kansas City, Mo. Final Departures Continued from page 18 Moran Towing Co. vessel. The Lineboro, Md. resident began collecting stipends for his retirement in 1985. GEORGE NAUGLE Pensioner George Naugle, 75, passed away Nov. 11. Boatman Naugle began his seafaring career in 1969 in the port of Philadelphia after serving in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Naugle shipped in the deck department as a barge captain and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Interstate Oil Transport Co. Born in Alliance, Ohio, he made his home in Waynesville, N.C. Brother Naugle went on pension in 1989. The following brothers, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, passed away on the dates indicated. NAME (last, first) Alvarez, Justino Anderson, Ernest Ballard, James Bell, George Bentsen, Palle Bergeron, Ronald Chabot, John Cook, William Cruz, Antonio Cruz, Gregorio 20 AGE 86 83 89 81 81 76 76 78 85 99 DOD Jan. 1 Aug. 23 Jan. 21 July 6, ’03 Aug. 21, ’03 Jan. 25 Feb. 8 Feb. 5 Aug. 29, ’03 Feb. 3 Seafarers LOG HENRY PUTEGNAT Pensioner Henry Putegnat, 85, died Nov. 8. He started his career with the Seafarers in 1969 in the port of Houston. A veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard, Boatman Putegnat sailed in the deck department, working primarily aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing. He lived in Galveston, Texas. Boatman Putegnat started receiving his pension in 1986. LLOYD TAYLOR Pensioner Lloyd Taylor, 76, passed away Dec. 1. Boatman Taylor embarked on his career with the SIU in 1970 in the port of Philadelphia. Cruz, Pablo 68 DeSilva, Charles 78 DeSilva, Jose 101 Faughtenbery, Jesse 79 Fernandez, John 89 Foster, Walter 76 Geron, Caldwell 78 Gilliam, Arthur 85 Graves, Allen 73 Griffin, Freddie 86 Harris, Robert 87 Kotch, Stephen 88 Lacombe, Ludger 82 Lazorko, Steve 81 Montgomery, James 80 Murray, Vernon 75 Pequeno, Jose 72 Pitts, William 84 Feb. 18 July 11, ’03 Jan. 1 Feb. 9 Feb. 4 Jan. 19 Feb. 17 Jan. 16 Nov. 1 Jan. 29 Sept. 1, ’03 June 23, ’03 Jan. 24 Feb. 14 July 23, ’03 Feb. 1 Feb. 2 Feb. 3 Born in Genesco, Kan., he sailed in the deck department as a captain. The Mocks Corner, S.C. resident last shipped on a Pennsylvania Maritime Inc. vessel. Boatman Taylor went on pension in 1996. WILLIAM TUCKER Pensioner William Tucker, 63, died Dec. 19. He began his seafaring career in 1967 in the port of Houston. Boatman Tucker shipped in the deck department as a captain, last working aboard a Crescent Towing and Salvage Co. vessel. He was a resident of Chickasaw, Ala. Ponce, Ramon 77 Powell, Warren 80 Rasco, Hermogenes 98 Rathstone, Robert 77 Reeves, Curtis 75 Rodriguez, Isidro 91 Rogers, John 76 Roldan, Vincent 86 Rubin, Bernard 79 Sampson, Samuel 78 Sanza, Miguel 84 Talley, Freddie 76 Taylor, Earl 83 Ventura, Julio Walker, Thomas Warner, Gerald Williams, Charles Zemis, Charles 75 79 72 78 78 Feb. 16 Feb. 17 Feb. 17 Feb. 2 Feb. 1 Jan. 7 Jan. 11 Dec. 23, ’03 Feb. 5 Feb. 6 June 24 Jan. 29 Jan. 31 Jan. 29 Jan. 18 Jan. 17 Feb. 8 May 21, ’03 FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. April 2004 �22284_P3_5, 8, 9, 21, 22.qxd 3/26/2004 3:59 AM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for the next few months. 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 Advanced Fire Fighting* April 19 April 30 Basic Safety Training (BST) April 19 May 10 May 24 June 21 July 19 August 2 August 30 April 23 May 14 May 28 June 25 July 23 August 6 September 3 Fast Rescue Boat May 3 June 7 May 7 June 11 Government Vessels April 5 May 17 June 28 April 9 May 21 July 2 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* May 17 May 28 (*must have basic fire fighting) Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion April 12 May 24 July 5 Aug. 16 May 7 June 18 July 30 Sept. 10 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 10 June 21 August 2 May 21 July 2 August 13 Navigation Fundamentals April 26 May 7 Radar May 10 May 21 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) April 5 May 31 August 9 April 16 June 11 August 20 Course Able Seaman (*must have basic fire fighting) 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning March 29, 2004. Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Engine Utility (EU) May 17 July 26 June 11 August 20 FOWT July 12 September 3 Marine Electrician May 10 July 2 Refrigeration April 12 May 21 Course � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ April 2004 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 4/04 Seafarers LOG 21 �22284_P3_5, 8, 9, 21, 22.qxd 3/30/2004 1:31 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 647 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 647 (in alphabetical order) Michael Broadway, Christopher Czarske, David Gibson, Jonathan Hardiman, Brian Leach, Douglas Lewis, Michael Maskalenko, Daniel Miller, Jose Nunez, Terry Smith, Michael Snowden Jr., Joseph Waldera, Russell Wall, Joseph Waller Jr., Christopher Wheeler, Richard Wiltison and Christopher Yohe. Celestial Navigation — Completing the six-week navigation course Feb. 6 are (from left) Janet Baird, Joseph Butasek, Arvid Friberg, Vessislav Dyoulgerov and Ian Ferguson. Advanced Fire Fighting — Earning their advanced fire fighting endorsements Feb. 13 are (from left) Joe Grandinetti, Tom Cessna (instructor), Edgardo Plarisan, Abdullatif Ahmed, Chris Waldo, Andrzej Tlalka, Daniel Lovely, Fernando Rigonan, Charles Sadler, Harlan Hulst and Brian Miller. Fundamental Concepts of Navigation — Upgrading deck department members who successfully completed the navigation fundamentals course Feb. 20 are (from left) Brian Miller, Robert Wobil, Fernando Rigonan and Harlan Hulst. ARPA — With their instructor, Mike Smith (right) are Feb. 13 graduates of the ARPA course. From the left are William Powell, Mark Pruitt, Edward Rittenhouse and Daniel Lovely. Medical Care Provider— Feb. 13 graduates of the medical care provider course are (from left) Lawrence Holbert, Alexander Fyodorovykh, Nebojsa Milosevic, Joseph Butasek, Vessislav Dyoulgerov, Kenneth Salgado and Hal Owen. Any student who has registered for a class and finds— for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Engine Utility — Seafarers and unlicensed apprentices in phase III of their training completed the engine utility course Feb. 20. They are (in alphabetical order) Michael Alexander, Timothy Belcher, Robert Brady, Rollin Crump, Noland Earl, Elvin Ellis, Jim Farmer, Damien James, Carlo Johnson, Mitchell King, Ryan Krom, James Perkins, Jonathan Scurry and Daniel Smith. Their instructor was Ben Vernon (far right). Computer Lab Class Kenneth Salgado (left) and Wesley Slattery (right) show off their certificates of achievement for completion of computer classes at the Paul Hall Center. With them is their instructor, Rich Prucha. Able Seaman — Working their way up in the deck department are SIU members who completed the AB course Feb. 13. From the left are Roy Logan, Jamie Parker, Tom Gilliland (instructor), Jerry Guglielmello, Ricardo Salazar, Wesley Slattery, Christopher Gustafson, William Mele, Felipe Zepeda and Manuel Davis. 22 Seafarers LOG April 2004 �22284_P7,11_13,15_20,23.qxd 3/24/2004 9:17 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — Feb. 9: Antonio Bastidas, Sergio Beldean, Kenneth Click, Ian Corriette, Orozco Delacruz, David Garcia, Robert Gates, Christopher Grant, Renee Hill, Richard Jones, Jeno Koch, Damian Kreipe, Chad Leibner, Thomas Maillelle, Pam Mancilla, Tom Miller, Sean Nakamura, Brian Nash, Jan Payne, Osborn Pinder, Christian Schagerl, Laura Stock, Sean Sullivan, Andreas Tuma, Francisco Valencia, Tore Wiksveen, Douglas Wilson, Terrence Koch, Audrey Brown, Ronald Merfeld, Gill Sickles, Heather Racine, Peter Galia, Lubomir Dvonc Jr. and Etburn Gordon. STCW — Feb. 20: Barbra Allbritton, Otsman Baudin, David Benito, Dominic Carr, David Chairez, Keith Cleary, Dori Cook, Austin Dimmick, Mark Dominiak, Jonathan Fiske, Lauren Grice, Darin Heine, Patrick Helmuth, Robert Horhager, and Thomas Krapil. STCW — Feb. 13: Francisco Arguilla, Khaled Ayad, Dariusz Czepczynski, Juanito Julaton, Maji Musaid, Jose Navarro, David Parker, Ronald Poole, Justin Rodgers, Yadira Rosa, Victor Tayeri, Rose Vasilas, Edward Washington Jr., Jonathan Watkins, Brock Wilson, Marisa Escher, Jose Rojas-Morales and Michael Denny. STCW — Feb. 20: Amber Akana, Robert Baucum, Daniel Biggs, Cliff Broussard, Joseph Butasek, Sixto Carcamo, Leo Curry, Noah Curtiss, Evan de Harne, Shannon Fitzpatrick, Amy Gillette, Kristin Green, David Hicks, Eric Johnson, Michelle Johnson and Daniel Kilimann. Lifeboatman/Water Survival Water Survival — Feb. 20: Khari Hatten, Danilo Ramos, David Smith, Kyle Barril, Ann Ziegler, Kolomona Purdy, Eddie Johnson, Winston Madayan, James High, Guy Traynham, George Ashbridge and Eric Borys. Their instructors were Stan Beck and Tony Sevilla. Water Survival — Feb. 13: Wayne Agustin, Elmer Clemente, Evan de Harne, Leighton Enomoto, Shannon Fitzpatrick, Kristin Green, Michelle Johnson, Daniel Kilimann, Tiana Lau, Edward Lewis, Mindy Napoleon, John Niedbalski, Tiffany Niven, Nathan Ono, Ferindo Renedios, William Schropp and Kenneth Yuret. Water Survival — Feb. 13: Francisco Valencia, Osborn Pinder, Lubomir Dvonc Jr., Christian Schagerl, Andreas Tuma, Sean Sullivan, Etburn Gordon, Jeno Koch, Peter Galia, Brian Nash, Damien Kreipe, Antonio Bastidas, Pam Mancilla, Douglas Wilson, Sergio Beldean, Laura Stock, Heather Racine, Chad Leibner, Robert Gates, Agustin Orozco, Cliff Broussard, Noah Curtiss, Amy Gillette, Robert Baucum, Eric Johnson, James Lines, Daniel Biggs, Christopher Nall, Jonathan Fiske and Roger Mellen. April 2004 Water Survival — Feb. 6: Gary Barnett, Lorenzo Calasicas, Herman Cobile, Christina Costanzo, Desiree Kalankoa, Holly Kiyabu, Stephanie Nieves, Randolf Rabago, Christopher Rosse and Barrett Winning. Seafarers LOG 23 �22284_p1,2,6,10,14, 24.qxd 3/30/2004 11:42 AM Page 24 Volume 66, Number 4 April 2004 Attention Seafarers: Get a head start on planning your summer vacation. See page 14 for more information. Government Services Division Seafarers Make Historic Climb onto USS Coronado Transfer Ceremonies Mark Official Start of Pilot Program Members of the SIU’s The Coronado Government Services carries more Division made history last than 100 CIVNovember when they crewed MARS and is up the USS Coronado for the 567 feet long. U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The Coronado is believed to be the first Navy command and control ship manned with a largely civilian crew. Normally, significant numbers of senior military officers and their staffs (from each of the armed services) sail aboard such vessels during military operations and exercises. The transfers marked the start of a pilot program which may lead to additional Navy ships joining the MSC fleet. Vice Adm. David Brewer, MSC commander, recently expressed great confidence that the test program will succeed. It is scheduled to run through September 2005. Ceremonies marking the transfers took place on the West Coast Feb. 18 and March 4. At the latter event, a number of SIU Government Services Division members who sailed during Operation Iraqi Freedom received U.S. Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals, issued by the U.S. Maritime Administration. During both ceremonies, speakers noted the effective work of SIU Government Services Division Representative Chester Wheeler in leading the successful effort to secure a high-quality habitability agreement for Coronado crew members. Wheeler was credited for keeping the negotiations on track during challenging periods. Highlights of the contract include MSC’s agreeing to follow “prevailing maritime practice regarding wages and working conditions aboard the USS Coronado.” MSC also agreed to pay habitability allowances to specified unlicensed mariners at the rate of $35 per day. Further, the agency committed to utilizing available habitability funds, CIVMARS or others to make necessary habitability improvements whenever possible. Other beneficial provisions address everything from email for the unlicensed crew to the establishment and furnishing of the crew lounge and much more. The USS Coronado was built by Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company in Seattle. Its keel was laid May 3, 1965, and the ship was launched July 30, 1966. It was commissioned May 23, 1970. The Coronado was designed as an Amphibious Transport Dock (LPD), built to transport Marines and their equipment to the scene of an amphibious assault and move them ashore by landing craft and helicopters. The ship is one of seven fitted with additional superstructure for command ship duties. Rear Adm. Deborah Loewer, USN, vice commander of MSC, congratulates Chet Wheeler on the pilot program’s start. Honor for Retired Port Agent Martin Retired SIU Port Agent Jim Martin (left) last month was inducted into the Louisiana State AFL-CIO Hall of Fame. Celebrating the occasion with him were (from left) SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd (who serves on the state AFL-CIO executive board as special assistant to the president on maritime affairs), SIU New Orleans Safety Director Chris Westbrook and SIU Representative James Brown. The ceremony took place March 1 in Baton Rouge, La. Martin still serves as a consultant to the union and as president of the Greater New Orleans Port Council of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. He also is a vice president on the state federation. Members of the SIU’s Government Services Division await presentation of their U.S. Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals last month aboard the USS Coronado. SIU Rep Chet Wheeler (left) and 3rd Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Michael McCabe confer during the Feb. 18 ceremony in San Diego. Pictured at the San Diego event are (from left) SIU Rep Chet Wheeler, USS Coronado Captain Chris Noble, Bosun Billy Bonds and Bob Rosemeyer, director of the West Coast customer service unit of the Afloat Personnel Management Center. Merlin Rescues Mariner As previously reported, the Seafarers-crewed MV Merlin on Jan. 23 rescued Egyptian Second Officer Eslam Hassan Osman Morgan (standing center with arm in sling) near Malta. Morgan’s vessel, the 390-foot Greek-owned MV Kephi, sank in rough seas while carrying some 8,800 pounds of cement from Istanbul, Turkey to a West African port. Moore was the lone survivor of the Kephi’s 17-person crew. Joining Moore on the deck of the Merlin are Seafarers and officers including GSU Terrance Bing, AB Harry Champagne, AB Jules Delgado, AB John Holmes, DEU George Melton, Bosun Michael Nee, AB Joey Pauley, AB Luisito Tabada and OMU Michael Watkins. Eslam Hassan Osman Morgan (center) poses with Steward Prescillano Gamboa, left and Chief Cook Eddie Siplin in the galley of the MV Merlin. � 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 2004 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES MILITARY LEADERS MAKE IT CLEAR: STRONG U.S. FLEET IS IMPERATIVE GROCERY WORKERS WIN CONTRACT PROTECTING HEALTH CARE BENEFITS ‘MARITIME IS ESSENTIAL’ MERCHANT MARINE’S DEFENSE ROLE, U.S. HEALTH CARE CRISIS ADDRESSED BY MTD MCCARTNEY DIES AT 72 SIU-CREWED CABLE SHIP AIDS IN RECOVERY OPERATION SEAFARERS CONTINUE TO SAIL IN OPERATION TO REBUILD IRAQ SIU FLEET GROWS LONGTIME ARC DIRECTOR RICK REISMAN DIES AT 57 SEAFARERS MOURN RETIRED PATROLMAN PAUL WARREN MC&S ORGANIZER BOSCHETTI PASSES AWAY AT 82 GROWING LOSS OF WHITE-COLLAR JOBS HARMS AMERICA, FEDERATION WARNS QUESTIONS SURROUND ISPS CODE DEADLINE 4 SIU OFFICIALS APPOINTED TO MARIITME SECURITY GROUPS FIRE DAMAGES SHUGHART IN KUWAIT, BUT NO SERIOUS INJURIES REPORTED BENAVIDEZ GALLEY GANG GARNERS RAVE REVIEWS SEAFARERS APPEALS BOARD APPROVES 2 ACTIONS RECERTIFIED STEWARDS STRESS PRIDE IN UNION, FAMILY, SELVES CABINET SECRETARIES UNDERSCORE MARITIME’S VITAL IMPORTANCE MARINERS CREDITED FOR ROLE IN NATIONAL SECURITY TRANSCOM, MSC OFFICERS LAND U.S. CREWS’ RELIABILITY HEALTH CARE CRISIS ONLY GETS WORSE PORT SECURITY DESERVES ATTENTION RELIABLE SIU BOATMEN GET THE JOB DONE IN PORT ARTHUR, LAKE CHARLES UNITE, HERE ANNOUNCE MERGER POSITIVE PRODUCTIVE MEETINGS HIGHLIGHT SERVICING SEAFARERS ABLY MAN MILITARY SUPPORT SHIPS GOVERNMENT SERVICES DIVISION SEAFARERS MAKE HISTORIC CLIMB ONTO USS CORONADO Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 04/01/2004 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. 66, No. 4 2004 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/6aa2198a751556be7de56723b69c9389.pdf 6fffa80bffce724b21309928a5562677 PDF Text Text 22755_P01.2.3.9.10.21.qxd 4/28/2004 7:05 PM Page 1 Volume 66, Number 5 Tanker Charleston Joins SIU Fleet May 2004 LAKEN SHIPPING GOES SIU! Mariners at Laken Shipping LLC recently voted to join the SIU. The Cleveland-based company operates an integrated tug-barge (ITB) that primarily hauls stone from Kelley’s lsland, Ohio to Cleveland and Sandusky, Ohio. Page 3. Newly Added Vessel Signals More Jobs for Seafarers The union last month welcomed new shipboard job opportunities as the chemical carrier Charleston joined the SIU fleet. Seafarers crewed up the 635-foot tanker in Houston. Page 3. Seafarers Deliver the Goods For U.S. Troops in ‘OIF2’ The sealift mission known as Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 continues running smoothly, and SIU members are doing their part to support U.S. troops in Iraq. Sixty SIU-crewed ships are sailing in OIF2, including the Cape May (pictured above and at right). AB George Papuchis (left, at Cape May’s helm) is one of more than 2,000 Seafarers who have mobilized for this phase of the mission. Page 2. SMPPP Statements Mailed Page 9 George McCartney Remembrance Page 6 �22755_P01.2.3.9.10.21.qxd 4/28/2004 7:05 PM Page 2 President’s Report Training and Security Shipboard and port security may be the hottest topic in our industry. With the approach of the July 1 deadline for compliance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act, U.S.-flag operators and their crews along with American ports are making sure they’re ready. The vast majority of affected U.S. vessels and facilities already have submitted their respective security plans to the U.S. Coast Guard—a significant accomplishment, according to the agency’s commandant. Michael Sacco As with most, if not all new maritime regulations that impact shipboard procedures, proper training will be essential for Seafarers and our contracted companies. On that front, the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is ahead of the game. Working closely with SIU-contracted operators, the union and the school have developed and implemented useful courses related to maritime security. For instance, every student at the Paul Hall Center must complete a four-hour class called “general security awareness.” The course complies with requirements spelled out in both the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). It is not only offered at the school in Piney Point, Md., but also has been taught by Paul Hall Center instructors aboard SIU ships. Several other classes also deal with security. All students at the Paul Hall Center receive a government-approved anti-terrorism briefing. For many years, the school has conducted a government vessels course that includes anti-terrorism components. Also, the Paul Hall Center offers instruction for vessel security officers, as well as security-team training which includes small-arms lessons (for those sailing aboard military-contracted ships). Naturally, providing the most up-to-date security training is an ongoing process. With that in mind, I’m especially looking forward to the upcoming advisory board meeting next month in Piney Point, where representatives of the school, the armed forces, maritime labor, the Coast Guard, the U.S. Maritime Administration and U.S.-flag operators will thoroughly examine new security requirements and the best ways to fulfill them. Meanwhile, the Paul Hall Center is living up to its tradition of constantly staying a step ahead of the industry’s needs. OIF2 The U.S. Military Sealift Command didn’t exaggerate when it promised that Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 (OIF2) would be the largest, fastest combat cargo movement since World War II. Already, 60 SIU-crewed ships have mobilized for OIF2. They are helping transport an estimated 24 million square feet of cargo for U.S. troops into and out of Iraq. Counting members of our Government Services Division, more than 2,000 Seafarers are sailing in support of the mission. Once again, I couldn’t be more proud of the way our members are upholding our legacy as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. Just as they did before and during the all-out combat phase of the war in Iraq, SIU members are answering the call in OIF2 with quiet, determined patriotism and a level of professionalism that’s second-tonone. The OIF2 sealift is yet another great example of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s value to our national and economic security. It’s also further proof of something that’s been true since our founding in 1938: Seafarers deliver the goods. George McCartney Finally, I encourage all Seafarers to spend a few minutes reading about the career of our recently departed brother George McCartney, retired vice president of the union’s West Coast region (page 6). We’ve been fortunate over the years to have had many officials and members who have gone above and beyond when it comes to promoting not just the SIU but the whole U.S. Merchant Marine. Even by that standard, George was exceptional. He found a home early on with the SIU and spent the next 50-plus years doing everything possible to strengthen our union. That type of dedication is essential to our continued success. We all would do well to live up to the model that George provided. Volume 66, Number 5 May 2004 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Jeanne Textor. Copyright © 2004 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Seafarers Deliver the Goods In Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 While the overall mission of stabilizing Iraq remains complex, the sealift operation known as Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 (OIF2) is proceeding smoothly—and Seafarers continue playing a key role in the process. Approximately 60 SIU-crewed vessels remain active in the massive resupply mission that commenced early this year. As previously reported, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) estimates that more than 240,000 U.S. military personnel will have rotated into and out of the Middle East by the time OIF2 concludes. MSC also reported that U.S.-flag ships are carrying heavy volumes of combat service support gear for forces working to steady Iraq. Overall, approximately 24 million square feet of cargo belonging to nine units in the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army and National Guard are being moved by ship during OIF2. One early highlight of the mission involved five Seafarers-crewed large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) ships loading out more than 70,000 tons of Army hardware in Antwerp, Belgium for the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division— known as Big Red One. From Jan. 25 to early February, the LMSRs (USNS Brittin, USNS Wiper Ryan Neathery pre- Red Cloud, USNS pares for a safety drill Dahl, USNS Charlton and USNS Watkins) aboard the Cape May. Pictured aboard the Cape May, one of 60 SIUcrewed ships that mobilized for OIF2, are (from left) Third Mate Ed McDonnell, AB George Papuchis, OS Jeff Perez and QMED/Electrician Emmett Neathery. The SIU-crewed Cape May carries military gear after loading in Norfolk, Va. took on a wide range of materiel for delivery to an area northwest of Baghdad, where Big Red One relieved the 4th Infantry Division. The cargo included M1-A1 Abrams heavy battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, Bradley fighting vehicles, heavy trucks, Humvees, fuel trucks and containers loaded with various supplies. For Seafarers, OIF2 is the continuation of a patriotic duty that began with pre-war mobilizations for the all-out combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. As U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert recently noted, “Over a year ago, when we first learned that U.S. armed forces would again be relying on American sealift to bring freedom to the Middle East, we called on you (U.S. mariners). We knew there was the potential for danger, but we also knew that the U.S. Merchant Marine would ensure that equipment and supplies would get to where they needed to be and on time. Together, we planned for many contingencies and we coordinated for months before the Army landed in Iraq. We met the challenge—over 7,000 mariners and over 130 U.S.-flag ships brought the military their tanks, Humvees and other critical equipment that led to the freedom of the Iraqi people and the capture of Continued on page 10 Rank-and-File Finance Committee Okays Union’s Records for 2003 A seven-person committee of rank-and-file union members, elected by their fellow Seafarers during the April headquarters/ Port of Piney Point membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. has completed its review of the SIU’s financial records for the year 2003 and found them in good order. Serving on the committee were Gerard Costello, port of Baltimore; Herbert Davis and Michael Dempster from the port of Norfolk, Va.; Michael Joel and William Kelly from the port of Philadelphia; David Martz, port of Baltimore; and Jamie Miller from the port of Piney Point. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel worked with the committee and made himself and the records of his office available to them. In its report, the committee noted, “We … do hereby state that we have examined the procedure for controlling of the funds of the Union and have found that the system of internal control is ade- At the conclusion of their business, members of the union’s 2004 finance committee joined SIU Secretary David Heindel, left, for this photo. Pictured with Heindel are, from the left, Herb Davis, William Kelly, David Martz, Mike Dempster, Jamie Miller, Gerard Costello and Mike Joel. quate to safeguard them properly.” Article X, Section 15 of the SIU Constitution mandates that a financial committee annually examine the union’s financial records. That segment 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.” The committee is hard at work. May 2004 �22755_P01.2.3.9.10.21.qxd 4/28/2004 7:05 PM Page 3 Laken Shipping Mariners Vote SIU Union Contract Brings Many Gains for Newest Seafarers Mariners at Laken Shipping LLC recently voted to join the SIU. The Cleveland-based company operates an integrated tug-barge (ITB) that primarily hauls stone from Kelley’s Island, Ohio to Cleveland and Sandusky, Ohio. Leading the organizing drive were SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski, SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak and Seafarer Tim McKenna, the union’s port steward for Great Lakes Towing Company in Cleveland. “Congratulations are in order, both to our newest members and to those who worked on the organizing campaign,” said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. “Their contract is something to be proud of, and it’s great to have them aboard with the SIU family.” Laken mariners in late March expressed unanimous support for joining the SIU, and the company quickly recognized the union as the exclusive bargaining representative for all seamen employed on its vessels. Laken’s ITB Cleveland/Cleveland Rocks is crewed by a captain, mate, engineer, lead deckhand and three other deckhands. The newest Seafarers include Mate Garland Attaway, Deckhand Joel Budzar, Lead Deckhand Patrick Carney, Deckhand Tony Cenname, Deckhand Aaron Gordon, Engineer Matthew Hoban, Captain James Long, Deckhand Jeffrey Marin, Deckhand/Cook Eric Piascik and Engineer Mark Stevenson. The ITB entered service for the season on April 7—one week after crew members unanimously approved a five-year contract that brought substantial improvements. Previously, the mariners had not received a pay raise for three years. They also had no holiday pay or pension plan, and their health insurance required co-payments. Under the new contract’s terms, the crews received immediate wage increases and are scheduled for raises in each subsequent year of the pact. They are covered by the union’s top medical plan (Plan G), which does not require co-payments. Additionally, they are enrolled in the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) and are eligible to upgrade at the union’s affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Other contract highlights include holiday and bereavement pay, establishment of a grievance procedure and implementation of a seniority system for layoffs, promotions and transfers. The self-unloading barge Cleveland Rocks is a new addition to the SIU fleet on the Great Lakes. More New Jobs! Tanker Charleston Joins SIU Fleet The union last month welcomed new shipboard job opportunities as the chemical carrier Charleston joined the SIU fleet. Seafarers crewed up the 635foot tanker in Houston. The Charleston is the eighth ship in the United States Shipping LLC U.S.-flag fleet. Built at Louisiana’s Avondale Shipyard in 1983, the vessel has a breadth of 106 feet and a deadweight tonnage of slightly more than 48,000. It is equipped with 43 cargo tanks. Seafarers also sail aboard United States Shipping’s integrated tug-barges Baltimore, Groton, Jacksonville, Mobile, New York and Philadelphia, as well as the Chemical Pioneer. The ITBs typically carry refined petroleum products including gasoline, heating oil and jet fuel to the Caribbean as well as the East, Gulf and West coasts. The Chemical Pioneer, acquired by United States Shipping in July 2003, transports a wide variety of chemicals from U.S. Gulf Coast ports to U.S. East Coast ports. The Jones Act tanker company is based in Edison, N.J. “This ship means more new jobs for Seafarers, so the union obviously welcomes the addition of the Charleston,” stated SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. “The SIU’s ongoing commitment to gaining new, good jobs for Seafarers continues to get results. Our crews are dedicated, productive, safe and reliable—all of which helps tremendously when it comes to securing new work.” He added that the union and the company enjoy a good working relationship and will continue exploring ways to expand the U.S.-flag fleet. Aboard the tug Cleveland, Seafarers review details of their new fiveyear contract before unanimously approving the pact. The tug Cleveland is part of an ITB that hauls stone from Kelley’s Island, Ohio to Cleveland and Sandusky, Ohio. U.S. ITF Affiliates Meet in Washington Officials from numerous affiliates of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) met in Washington, D.C. in late March to discuss potential strategies for increased grassroots activities and international solidarity. David Cockroft, general secretary of the London-based federation, addressed the gathering. SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who also serves as vice chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, participated and offered their insights. They are pictured seventh and eighth from left, respectively. Speaking is Tom Keegel, secretary-treasurer of the Teamsters. Letter to NMU Welfare Plan Participants Editor’s note: The following letter was scheduled for mailing May 1 to participants in the NMU Welfare Plan. As previously reported, the Plans’ merger doesn’t change anyone’s benefits. May 1, 2004 Dear Participant: As you know from Membership Meetings and the Seafarers LOG, the NMU Welfare Plan will merge with the Seafarers Health & Benefits Plan on June 1, 2004. May 2004 You will continue to receive the exact same benefits that you now receive from the NMU Welfare Plan. The new identity for the merged plan will be Seafarers Health & Benefits Plan, Level N. Effective June 1, 2004, all outpatient medical claims should be submitted to the following address: Seafarers Health & Benefits Plan – Level N P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 Telephone: 1-800-252-4674 You should continue to call First Health at the same number you already use (1-800-8391980) for pre-certification for hospital stays and facility locations. Your group number with First Health, Plan 501, remains the same. First Health may also help you locate a doctor in your area. Hospitals should continue to send their claims to the First Health address on your membership card. Your new membership card, which contains all of this information, is enclosed. As in the past, you may show this card to the doctor or hospital when they request information regarding your health insurance plan. Please note, this card does not guarantee eligibility for benefits. You must continue to earn eligibility in accordance with plan requirements. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the NMU Welfare Plan staff for their years of service and dedication to Plan Participants and their families. The Seafarers staff will continue the tradition of service and dedication to the membership. In fact, the level of service should be better because of the Seafarer’s larger network of ports and staff. You should continue to contact the NMU Benefit Plans’ office for questions concerning vacation, annuity and pension benefits. Very truly yours, William J. Dennis Administrator Seafarers LOG 3 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:27 PM Page 4 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 release 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 ballot. Voting will begin Nov. 1 and continue through Dec. 31. Those elected will serve a four-year term from 2005 through 2008. A total of 27 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 2004 pre-balloting report. May 3, 2004 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 2005-2008 will commence on Nov. 1, 2004 and continue through Dec. 31, 2004. The election will be conducted under the provisions of our constitution, as amended and effective March 16, 2001, and such other voting procedures as our secretary-treasurer 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 meeting the ever-changing demands. It is my recommendation, in accordance with our constitution, that the following offices be placed on the ballot in the 2004 general election of officers for the term 2005-2008: 1 President 1 Executive Vice President 1 Secretary-Treasurer 1 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 Southern Region, Great Lakes, and Inland Waters 1 Vice President in Charge of the West Coast 1 Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries 2 Vice Presidents at Large 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Contracts and Contract 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 Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of the West Coast 1 Assistant Vice President in Charge of Government Services and Fishing Industries ITF Secures Aid for Crews Of Two FOC Bulk Carriers The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) at the beginning of the year secured more than $64,960 in back pay for crew members aboard two runaway-flag vessels in the Houston area. Upon being informed of complaints from three SriLankan crew members (electrician, bosun and AB) aboard the Taxiarchis Sierra, SIU ITF Inspector Shwe Tun Aung, who works out of Houston, visited the Cyprus-flag bulk carrier when it arrived in that port Jan. 18. He discovered that the managers, Argosy Shipmanagement Inc., based in Piraeus, Greece, had not been paying the crew in accordance with their ITF contract. Aung negotiated with the company and secured the sum of $9,147.60 as per the agreement, which included two months’ wages, overtime and leave pay, along with repatriation for the three crew members. Unfortunately, the mariners could not sign off at that time since they did not have the necessary visas, so Aung arranged for repatriation in the next foreign port. Additionally, he ordered more provisions for the crew, paid by the owner, and recommended that the ITF inspector in the next port check to make sure that everything was Mariners aboard the Turkish-owned Sealight, which flies the flag of Malta, informed the ITF of their complaints. still okay. Aung also was alerted to the plight of the crew aboard the Sealight, managed by Furtrans Shipping Group, a Turkish company based in Istanbul and flying the flag of Malta. The mariners claimed they had not been paid according to the ITF agreement covering that vessel. And wages that were being paid had been delayed for periods of two months or more. The ITF inspector visited the bulk carrier when it arrived in Freeport, Texas and demanded that the company pay all wages, back pay and repatriation costs. In addition, he demanded that the owners take no action against the seafarers for demanding their contractual rights. Aung negotiated with Furtrans and received $55,812.95, which covered Seafarers LOG Fraternally submitted, Michael Sacco President The tug Honcho is part of the Puerto Rico Towing fleet. Negotiations Underway At Puerto Rico Towing two months’ wages for five crew members, as well as overtime, leave pay and repatriation. The remainder of the crew had just boarded the vessel and did not want to claim wages at that time. Aung asked that other inspectors keep an eye out for the Sealight, checking to ensure that the company continued to comply with the ITF agreement. The ITF, based in London and founded in 1886, is an alliance of 594 transportation-related trade unions in 136 countries, representing approximately 5 million workers. The SIU is an ITF affiliate. Three Sri-Lankan crew members aboard the FOC vessel Taxiarchis Sierra count the money they received in back pay, thanks to the assistance of ITF inspector Shwe Tun Aung. 4 10 Port Agents There shall be one (1) port agent in each of the ten (10) constitutional ports; namely: New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, DetroitAlgonac, San Francisco, St. Louis and Piney Point. In accordance with the above-mentioned 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 a recommendation to the membership before such deadline. As provided for in Article XIII, Section 1, nominations open July 15, 2004 and close Aug. 15, 2004. 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. Negotiations for a first contract are continuing at Puerto Rico Towing, where boatmen recently chose to join the SIU. The company operates tugboats that perform docking and undocking in San Juan Harbor as well as in other ports in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and elsewhere in the Caribbean. Its duties include providing harbor towing services for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) at the U.S. Naval Station at Roosevelt Roads, approximately 50 miles from San Juan. Puerto Rico Towing is a subsidiary of Great Lakes Towing. The SIU represents ABs and deckhands at Puerto Rico Towing, while the licensed personnel are represented by the Seafarersaffiliated American Maritime Officers. The company operates five boats and has reported plans to “expand and deploy additional tugboats in the near future.” Victor Nuñez, SIU port agent in San Juan, credited AB Angel Lozada (among others) with “being a great asset during the organizing drive. He continues to do outstanding work as a union delegate.” Pictured from left to right are AB Angel Lozada, Deckhand Sixto Franco and Deckhand Sinforiano Negrou. Left: Reviewing contract proposals on the tug Punta Borinquen are (from left) Deckhand Sinforiano Negrou, Deckhand Sixto Franco, AB Angel Lozada and SIU San Juan Port Agent Victor Nuñez. May 2004 �22755_P05.7.8.12.13.18.19.qxd 4/26/2004 11:22 AM Page 5 Unions Voice Strong Objections to MMD Provisions The SIU and seven other maritime unions, along with the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, early last month submitted comments objecting to numerous provisions in a U.S. Coast Guard interim rule (47 CFR Part 12, USCG-2003-14500) covering forms and procedures for the issuance and renewal of merchant mariners’ documents (MMDs). The joint statement came from the SIU; MTD; American Maritime Officers; Inland Boatmen’s Union of the Pacific; International Longshore and Warehouse Union; International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots; Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association; Marine Firemen’s Union; and the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific. The unions called for a public hearing “in order to develop a complete and accurate record regarding the provisions and consequences of the Interim Rule.” “At the outset, we believe it is extremely important to emphasize that the procedures and requirements governing the issuance and renewal of MMDs determine whether a trained and qualified individual will or will not in fact be able to pursue his or her chosen profession,” the unions wrote. “It is absolutely essential that such procedures and requirements be reasonable, realistic, clear and fair, and that they do not serve to arbitrarily deny qualified persons with the opportunity to work aboard U.S.-flag commercial vessels. “It is also important to empha- size that to the extent American citizens are denied the chance to pursue a career in the United States merchant marine for reasons that have very little if anything to do with their current qualifications and on-the-job performance, our country will lose a valuable, irreplaceable component of its militarily-useful commercial sealift.” The unions argued that the interim rule “is directed at mariners least in need of additional regulation and is thus an unnecessary means to improve security.” They also pointed to runaway flags (also known as flags of convenience) as “the real threat to the security of the United States,” from a maritime perspective. “While we commend the United States Coast Guard for the steps it has taken in recent years to regulate foreign-flag vessels, far more regulation is needed in this area rather than against United Statesflag ships.” Further, they noted that the interim rule “simply further regulates the group of people in the maritime industry who are already the most regulated. Adding to the complexity of merchant mariner documentation does not itself enhance the security interests of the United States. Our country needs more, not less, U.S.-flag ships and more, not fewer, U.S. citizen crews if the United States wants to seriously address the threats to our ports, our economy and to our citizens posed by flagof-convenience vessels and their foreign citizen crews.” Among other objections, the unions particularly took issue with the “character and habits of life” standard included in the interim rule. “The Interim Rule provides that the ‘character and habits of life’ of the applicant, and whether the applicant is determined to be a ‘safe and suitable person’, shall be considered by the Coast Guard when deciding whether or not to issue or renew a merchant mariners’ document,” the unions wrote. “These terms are not defined, but rather will, according to the Interim Rule, be left to the ‘appropriate Coast Guard official’ to decide. “We understand that prior to the promulgation of this Interim Rule, 33 CFR section 6.10-1 permitted the Coast Guard to grant MMDs only if ‘the Commandant is satisfied that the character and habits of life of such person are such as to authorize the belief that the presence of the individual on board would not be inimical to the security of the United States.’ However, we know of no instance in the last twenty years when this rule was used to deny the issuance of an MMD. In fact, this rule has all but been struck down by the United States Supreme Court, and the Coast Guard’s attempt to resurrect it and to make it part of the regular MMD application process cannot succeed….” They also pointed out, “We understand that the intent of this standard is to thwart terrorism and terrorist activities. However, we are greatly concerned that as writ- Land Management Agreement Geared Toward ‘Environmentally Sound Energy Development’ Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton has signed a document that finalizes the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) plan for managing 8.8 million acres of public land in the Northwest portion of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. In signing the document, known as a Record of Decision, Norton said the BLM’s management plan “will help meet America’s need for environmentally sound energy development as directed by the president’s National Energy Plan.” Under its management plan, the BLM will make 7.23 million acres of the 8.8 million Northwest portion acres available for energy leasing and will defer 1.57 million acres from leasing for 10 years. All energy leases will be subject to strict environmental standards. In addition, the plan includes provisions to protect water quality, vegetation, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitats, and subsistence uses. This plan was the result of extensive consultations with Alaskans. “With America’s dependence on foreign oil growing each year, energy from the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska can help in the long term to increase our domestic energy production and stabilize prices,” Secretary Norton said. “This plan will help produce energy in an environmentally responsible manner with the best available technology, while protecting the important biological, subsistence and cultural values found in this area.” The U.S. Geological Survey May 2004 estimates that the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska has between 5.9 and 13.2 billion barrels of technically recoverable oil with a mean estimate of 9.3 billion barrels. President Warren A. Harding created the Naval Petroleum Reserve Number 4 in 1923. In 1976, BLM assumed management responsibility for the area, and the name was changed to the National Petroleum ReserveAlaska. In 1980, Congress instructed the interior secretary to undertake “an expeditious program of competitive leasing of oil and gas” in the Reserve. Throughout the past two years the BLM has used various studies to develop the Northwest Plan for the National Petroleum ReserveAlaska. “With today’s signing, we can continue to access these vital reserves and in doing so we can increase our national security, provide more stable energy prices for America’s families, reduce our dependency on foreign oil and create new jobs in America,” Secretary Norton said. As part of the Record of Decision, Norton designated 102,000 acres as the Kasegaluk Lagoon Special Area. “This area is important for migratory birds and marine mammals and features marine tidal flats that are rare on the North Slope. I concur with BLM’s recommendation for this area, and it will be protected,” Secretary Norton said. BLM will include “no surface occupancy” restrictions that pro- hibit permanent structures and contain other protective stipulations on any leases issued in this special area. The plan, detailed in the Final Northwest National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska Integrated Activity Plan/ Environmental Impact Statement, includes a variety of restrictions and designations designed to protect water quality, vegetation, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, subsistence uses and scenic/recreational values. ten, the undefined ‘character and habits of life’ criteria could be used as a catch-all excuse to deny individuals an opportunity to work aboard U.S.-flag vessels based not on their qualifications or on-thejob performance, but rather on their unpopular but legitimate and legal politics; personal habits and lifestyle; or other equally irrelevant, non-terrorist related matters. Without clear definition and specific criteria, United States citi- Alaska to Offer Drilling Leases On Some State-Managed Waters Oil and gas drilling leases for up to 350,000 acres of state-managed waters along the whole coast north of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in October will be offered by the state of Alaska, according to published reports. Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski (R) made the announcement March 31. By law, the state manages waters up to three miles offshore. State administrators can enact land-use policies without the Alaska Legislature’s approval. “It’s a solid answer to America’s energy shortage,” said Murkowski during a Washington, D.C. press conference. “It sends a very strong message that we are not going to be held hostage by OPEC.” The governor’s announcement came after OPEC ratified a pledge it made in February to reduce the cumulative target oil output of its 15 member nations by a million barrels per day. Experts say that the pledge likely will further increase U.S. gas pump prices, which have averaged more than $1.75 per gallon nationwide in recent weeks. In a related development, Interior Secretary Gale Norton said that oil reserves in the far Northern Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) represent the nation’s largest single prospect for future oil production—greater than any state, including Texas and Louisiana. The secretary in March shared statistics about ANWR’s energy potential with members of the U.S. House Resource Committee during testimony on Capitol Hill. Coast Guard Admiral Reminds ‘Maritime Partners’ About MTSA’s July 1 Implementation U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Thomas H. Collins, the agency’s commandant, recently distributed a letter to “maritime partners” concerning deadlines related to the Maritime Transportation Security Act. The mid-March communication includes a reminder about the Coast Guard’s “help desk” that provides the latest details on maritime security regulations. Extensive details of the Act have been published in previous editions of the Seafarers LOG. The text of Admiral Collins’ letter follows. “As you are by now well aware, the January 1, 2004 deadline for submitting security plans required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) has passed, and the implementation date of July 1, 2004 for ves- zens are in the position where they may lose their right to work in the profession of their choice based on purely subjective determinations by an agency of the United States government.” Lastly, the unions asserted that the appeals process for mariners whose applications are denied “is unclear and insufficient,” while the cost of the interim rule to mariners “is vastly underrated.” sel and facility security will soon be upon us. “To date, we have received security plans from over 95 percent of those vessels and facilities required to comply with the MTSA. This is no small accomplishment. However, plan approval is only a part of the security process. The implementation of those security plans by the vessel and facility operators is the crucial element that will solidify the MTSA foundation. I ask that you please ensure your members are aware of the approaching compliance date and are fully prepared to implement their individual security plans. The Coast Guard takes these security requirements very seriously, and we will aggressively enforce the July 1 deadline. “Additionally, if they have not “The administration firmly believes that we can develop energy at home while protecting the environmental values we all hold dear,” Secretary Norton said. “The Coastal Plain of ANWR’s 1002 area is the nation’s single greatest onshore oil reserve. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that it contains a mean expected value of 10.4 billion barrels of technically recoverable oil. To put that into context, the potential daily production from ANWR’s 1002 area is larger than the current daily onshore oil production of any of the lower 48 states. “ANWR could produce nearly 1.4 million barrels of oil, while Texas produces just more than one million barrels a day, California just less than one million barrels a day and Louisiana produces slightly more than 200,000 barrels a day,” the interior secretary said. Secretary Norton reiterated the Interior Department’s support for energy production in the far Northern Coastal Plain of ANWR—the area set aside for possible oil and gas production in 1980 by President Carter and Congress. “Energy production in Alaska’s Northern Coastal Plain will reduce dependence on foreign oil; will create new jobs; is strongly supported by organizations that represent working men and women; and will protect wildlife with the toughest environmental regulations ever applied,” she said. “With American ingenuity and new technologies, we can protect the tundra and wildlife on the Northern Coastal Plain.” already done so, I strongly urge your members to submit their security plans now. To facilitate this effort, the Coast Guard has established a help desk to provide a “one-stop-shop” for up-to-date information on implementation of the maritime security regulations. Your members can visit the help desk web site at the following address: http://www.uscg.mil/hq/gm/mp/mtsa.shtml “The help desk itself operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday, and can be reached at 1877-MTSA-Aid (1-877-6872243) or 202-366-9991 for all MTSA-ISPS needs. The help desk staff will either immediately respond to questions or will research the issue and promptly provide a written response. “I thank you and your members for their efforts thus far, and look forward to the full implementation of the MTSA so that, together, we can make our waterways safe and secure.” Seafarers LOG 5 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:28 PM Page 6 Remembering George McCartney Lifelong Passion for SIU Defined Retired VP Retired SIU Vice President West Coast George McCartney, one of the union’s most enthusiastic champions for more than a half-century, died March 19 at his home in San Mateo, Calif. following a long illness. He was 72. McCartney spent his entire career with the Seafarers. At age 17 he climbed the gangway to his first SIU ship, the Liberty tanker Catahoula, in 1948. He retired as vice president of the union’s West Coast region in 1998, but remained very active with the SIU. In fact, he attended the monthly membership meeting in San Francisco the day before his passing. In remembering the New York City native, union officials and former shipmates pointed to McCartney’s lifelong passion for the Seafarers. “I go back a long way with this union. I can honestly say that I never met anyone who cared about the SIU any more than George did,” SIU President Michael Sacco said March 26 at a graveside service at Seafarers Haven Cemetery in Piney Point, Md. “I always thought that if someone X-rayed George’s heart, they’d see a ship’s wheel inside, with the words ‘Brotherhood of the Sea.’” SIU Executive Vice President John Fay described McCartney as “an eloquent spokesman for the SIU. He loved the SIU and, like most of us that came around in that era, it was his whole life…. You never heard anybody say anything unkind about him.” Nick Marrone, who succeeded McCartney upon his retirement, noted, “I knew him for 20-plus years. He was a very honest, forthright individual. What I During a 1993 meeting of the American Merchant Marine Veterans in Portland, Ore., McCartney pledges the SIU’s support in the fight to extend the cutoff date for veterans’ status for WWII mariners. remember most was his positive attitude and his thumbs-up gesture…. George loved the union. This was the biggest part of his life and he enjoyed every moment of it.” SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez observed, “George embraced the cause and fought for the membership literally until his last days. In our line of work, you simply can’t have enough people like George McCartney.” SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona first met McCartney in 1977 and later worked for him on the West Coast. “He was extremely loyal, he loved the union and we worked well together,” Celona said. “When it came to the merchant marine and the SIU in particular, he would always stand up. He just loved the SIU and the membership. Since he retired, he attended every meeting. I’m glad I worked with him.” Retired SIU Vice President Contracts Red Campbell sailed with McCartney during the 1950s and later worked with him again when both were officials. “He was an excellent shipmate and he always knew his job,” Campbell stated. “Beyond that, he was ‘Mr. Union.’ George took part in many of the waterfront beefs and really was involved in all of the union’s campaigns.” Retired SIU Bosun Joseph Morrison knew McCartney for more than 40 years. “George was a dedicated official and union member,” Morrison said. “He knew everyone and treated everyone equally. He’d be in the office very early in the morning. As the members would come in, he would shake their hands. He knew everyone’s name.” McCartney also was a friend to the Seafarers LOG. He regularly kept in touch with the union’s newspaper staff and was quick to offer background, story ideas, compliments and constructive criticism. “When he called our office, he identified himself as the West Coast cub reporter,” recalled Jeanne Textor, longtime office manager at the LOG. “He kept us updated on maritime issues on the West Coast and he shared his wealth of information when an SIU or MC&S member or official retired or passed away. George absolutely will be missed by all of us.” Raised in the Hell’s Kitchen area of New York, McCartney sailed in the engine and steward departments from 1948 until 1960, when he came ashore as part of the maintenance gang in McCartney enjoyed attending meetings of the Maritime Trades Department, first as an active official (top photo, flanked by SIU President Michael Sacco, left, and current SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone) and later as a retiree (below, with MFOW President Whitey Disley). his native city. During the 1960s, he worked as a patrolman in New York and also served as the port agent in Wilmington, Calif. for two years. He was the union’s New York port agent from 1972-76, then moved to the West Coast. McCartney worked as the Seattle port agent in 1977, then as San Francisco port agent beginning in 1978. In 1981, he was appointed to the newly created position of West Coast vice president—a slot to which he was reelected several times, until his retirement. McCartney was instrumental in aiding the union’s return to the passenger trade, and he also played a part in many of the SIU’s historical and central campaigns. He was active in local port councils, central labor councils, state labor federations—and anywhere else he saw an opportunity to promote the SIU’s interests. “He was a friendly, hardworking, decent, loyal person,” SIU President Sacco remembered. “Most of all, he was—and always will be—a Seafarer.” Duly credited with helping the SIU return to the passenger trade, McCartney is pictured aboard the SS Independence in 1984. McCartney’s SIU career began in 1948. Whether working with Seafarers (top two photos) or supporting members of other unions in times of need (bottom), his efforts were tireless. Pictured in New York in 1974 are (from left) McCartney, SUP President Morris Weisberger, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Lane Kirkland and ILA President Ted Gleason. 6 Seafarers LOG May 2004 �22755_P05.7.8.12.13.18.19.qxd 4/28/2004 8:15 PM Page 7 Lakes Seafarers Complete Fitout Shipboard Security Plans in Place on SIU Vessels SIU crews on the Great Lakes completed a busy but routine fitout in mid-April. “It was very busy from the beginning of March, but everything went smoothly,” noted SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak. “All of our contracted companies are running. The last one (Great Lakes Associates) broke out the weekend of April 17.” The SIU halls in Joliet, Ill. and Duluth, Minn. reported similar activity levels in March and April. 2nd Cook Earl Hicks American Spirit The Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA), a trade group representing U.S.-flag operators, reported that 45 American-flag vessels were operating on the Lakes by early April. That figure is more than double the number from last year at the same time. “Equally important, the April 1 tally is the highest since 2000, when 51 U.S.-flag ‘Lakers’ were in service,” the LCA noted. “Most of the increase comes in the category of vessels that carry iron ore, limestone and coal.” SA Darlene Weymouth American Spirit AB Terry Arlt American Spirit Shipments of coal on the Great Lakes in March totaled 1.1 million net tons, more than double the total recorded a year earlier, the association reported. Weather played a big role in the increase, as icy conditions in March 2003 slowed or delayed some shipments. “For the year, the Lakes coal trade stands at 2.6 million tons, again more than double the volume recorded at the same point in 2003, and a slight increase over the 5-year average for the January-March timeframe,” the association said. “It must be noted that the 2004 season-todate total includes a number of western coal cargos that moved as a result of the one-time extension of the closing date for the locks at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.” Like other segments of the U.S.-flag fleet, Lakes crews and operators have begun complying with the requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) well in advance of the July 1, 2004 deadline. “An LCA-developed Alternative Security Program for Great Lakes Dry-Bulk Carriers was approved by the U.S. Coast Guard in late December, and LCA members have begun training personnel in the requirements of the Program,” the association noted. While many elements of the LCA Program are deemed Security Sensitive Information (SSI) by the federal government and therefore are not for public disclosure, the Program details the responsibilities of shipboard and land-based employees in complying with the security requirements set forth in the MTSA, passed by Congress in 2002. ASC Bosuns Address Key Issues SIU bosuns who sail with American Steamship Company (ASC) took part in informative meetings March 16 at the union hall in Algonac, Mich. The first part of the day-long session covered many topics including shipping rules, contract administration, responsibilities of the ship’s chairman and the importance of political activity. During the afternoon meeting, the bosuns tackled vessel security, shipboard safety, the 2004 outlook for maritime trade on the Great Lakes, and more. The following Seafarers participated: David Barber, Ronald Bochek, Albert Brzezinski, Jeffrey Eckhart, Scott Gallagher, Michael Keogh, William Mulcahy, Charles Niegebauer, Michael Schaff, Larry Smith and Rudolph Tahtinen. Helping conduct the initial meeting were SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski, Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak, Joliet Port Agent Don Thornton and Patrolman Chad Partridge. Representing the company were ASC President Jerry Welsch, Safety and Security Officer Tom Anderson, Vice President of Operations Noel Basset, Vice President of Traffic and Sales Keith Collingnon, Human Resources Manager Kathy Elinski and Human Resources Vice President Kevin McMonagle. ASC’s SIU-crewed Great Lakes fleet includes the Indiana Harbor, Walter J. McCarthy, St. Clair, American Mariner, H. Lee White, John J. Boland, Adam E. Cornelius, American Republic, Buffalo, Sam Laud and American Spirit. QMED John Norick American Spirit AB Issam Hani American Spirit Among other rules, the MTSA requires security training for mariners and shore staff and various safeguards such as inspection of holds prior to and during loading and unloading of cargo. It also calls for screening of noncrewmembers boarding the vessel. Lakes Boatmen Okay Pact By an overwhelming majority, Seafarers who sail aboard line boats operated by Material Services Corporation on the Great Lakes recently ratified a new five-year contract. The new pact, which covers 34 mariners, became effective Jan. 1 and runs through Jan. 15, 2009 with a wage and benefit re-opener on Jan. 16, 2007. Among other gains, the new contract features a $1,500 signing bonus in the first year and three percent wage increases in both the second and third years. Benefits also improved, as the pact calls for an increase to $22.50 per day for maintenance and cure. Additionally, SIU members will receive travel reimbursement from the company when they successfully complete upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. “The members seem very pleased with the features of the new contract,” said Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak, who served on the negotiating committee. Talks for the contract commenced in December and continued for about two months. “We had a total of three meetings, each of which lasted two days,” Brdak said. “The hours were long and challenging, but the end results were well worth it.” In addition to Brdak, the negotiating committee was composed of Joliet Port Agent Don Thornton and Delegates John Kline, Lonnie Hibner and Wallace Killion. Material Services Corporation operates three tug/barge units in the Chicago River System. Attention Seafarers: Bosuns Al Brzezinski (left) and Michael Schaff review the Great Lakes Standard Freightship Agreement. American Steamship Company Security Officer Tom Anderson addresses the bosuns about the vessel security plan scheduled to take effect July 1. Participating in the meeting are (from left) Patrolman Chad Partridge, Bosun Bill Mulcahy, SIU VP Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski and Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak. May 2004 Seafarers LOG 7 �22755_P05.7.8.12.13.18.19.qxd 4/28/2004 8:36 PM Page 8 Former Scholarship Winner Gives $5,000 to Help Others The cover page of the May 1978 Seafarers LOG includes a picture of James Mann as one of the scholarship winners for that year. He is the center photo in the top row. When James F. (Jimmy) Mann received a $5,000 award from the union’s scholarship program in 1978 for two years of study, it helped him on the road to attaining his educational goals. Twenty-six years later, Mann has contributed a check in that same amount to the scholarship fund in the “sincere hope and expectation that it will help another young person realize a part of their dreams, as it once did for me in my younger years.” He initially planned to use his scholarship money to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston Mass. and did, in fact, study jazz piano there. He transferred to Newbury Junior College, also in Boston, where he received an associate degree in hotel and restaurant management and then completed his studies at the hotel school at Cornell University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Mann came out of the trainee program at Piney Point in 1973 and returned the next year to upgrade to second cook and baker. Between classes and colleges over a 13-year period, he continued to go to sea and upgrade his skills, working his way up the ranks to become chief steward in 1983. The deep sea member then took the position of fleet commissary manager with Sea-Land Service Inc., which involved managing a 42-ship feeding and steward department operation. At the same time, he shared his food service management skills with the steward upgraders at the Paul Hall Center several times a year. A memorable moment for Mann came when in 1989, SIU President Michael Sacco awarded him with an honorary steward recertification certificate for all his work with the school. Mann now has his own company, Mari-Serve Network Inc.—a steward department management and consulting firm in San Leandro, Calif.— and also works full time as supervisor of vessel operations with Matson Navigation Co., an SIU-contracted operator, where he has been for 11 years. Twenty-six years after being awarded an SIU scholarship, James Mann contributes $5,000 to help another young person on the path to success and personal fulfillment. The former Seafarer continues to view his association with the SIU as “nothing short of a wonderful experience in life. That experience has included many great memories, a college scholarship, education and training opportunities and enduring friendships that have lasted to this day,” he wrote in a note accompanying the check. Memorial Planned to Meredith Victory Captain, NMU Crew The Korean monks of St. Paul’s Abbey in Newton, N.J. are raising funds for the building of a monument to be dedicated Oct. 14, 2004 for the rescue of 14,000 Korean refugees by Captain Leonard P. LaRue, master aboard the Meredith Victory and the ship’s officers and NMU crew. The ceremonies are scheduled to take place on the third anniversary of the captain’s death. The two-fold story behind this effort is an interesting and uplifting one that was brought to the attention of the Seafarers LOG by Charles P. Thole, a retired member of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association who lives in Newton. The Korean Conflict The first part of the story occurred during the Korean Conflict, when the 455foot Meredith Victory, operated by Moore-McCormack Lines under charter to the Military Sea Transportation Service with Capt. LaRue at the helm, was carrying supplies to American servicemen in Korea on behalf of the Navy. Three days before Christmas in 1950, the vessel— along with about 200 other American ships—was summoned to the North Korean port of Hungnam to evacuate American and South Korean marines and soldiers as well as more than 90,000 North Korean civilians. Capt. LaRue saw refugees thronging the docks, carrying everything they could in their flight from Communist troops. He ordered his crew of 47 to begin loading them onto the vessel until it could hold no more. There were 14,000 crammed into the five cargo holds and covering the entire main deck of a freighter that was designed to hold 60 persons, and set sail for the port of Pusan in South Korea, 28 hours away—a treacherous voyage through the heavily mined Sea of Japan, which was being patrolled by enemy submarines. The ship also was carrying 300 tons of jet fuel in 52-gallon drums. Food and water were scarce and sanitary conditions were deplorable, but the 8 Seafarers LOG freighter eventually arrived in Pusan, only to be turned away by Korean officials who were inundated with other refugees. They were told to head for the island of Koje Do, 50 miles away. They arrived there on Christmas day, but the port was too small and crowded, so the refugees had to wait on board another night at sea until Navy LSTs finally were able to transport the refugees from the ship to the shore. In the ship’s log, Capt. LaRue wrote: “The nearness of Christmas carries my thoughts to the Holy Family—how they, too, were cold and without shelter.” The amazing part of this journey was that not one refugee died in the evacuation and, in fact, five babies were born during the harsh voyage! Capt. LaRue, a Philadelphia native and veteran of World War II merchant marine operations in the Atlantic, remained in command of the Meredith Victory until it was decommissioned in 1952. In 1960, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Merchant Marine’s highest honor. He also received many citations from the governments of America and South Korea for his rescue, and the freighter was designated a Gallant Ship by Congress. The ship was put back in service in 1966 for service in the Vietnam War. It was finally sold for scrap on Oct. 1, 1993. In 1954, the captain, always a religious man, retired from seafaring life and, under the name of Brother Marinus, joined the Benedictine monks at St. Paul’s Abbey, where he lived until his death at 87 in October 2001. In an obituary printed in The New York Times, they quoted Capt. LaRue’s view of the rescue as a turning point in his life. “I think often of that voyage. I think of how such a small vessel was able to hold so many persons and surmount endless perils without harm to a soul. The clear, unmistakable message comes to me that on that Christmastide, in the bleak and bitter waters off the shores of Korea, God’s own The Meredith Victory saw action in World War II, the Korean Conflict and in Vietnam. hand was at the helm of my ship.” The Korean Monks The second part of the story pertains to the arrival of the Korean monks at St. Paul’s Abbey. In 1949, after Korea was divided, the Communists closed the monasteries in North Korea and killed or imprisoned the monks. Some managed to escape and make their way south. One monk, who had taken home leave from his abbey in Korea, stayed at St. Paul’s Abbey until 1951, when he was asked to return to Korea to gather up the monks and start a new monastery. With the help of U.S. Army chaplains, a new monastery was established at Waegwan, South Korea and became very successful. Meanwhile, St. Paul’s Abbey started to decline as some of the older monks began to die off and no new ones took their places. In the summer of 2000, it was decided that St. Paul’s Abbey would have to close. But the very next year—just two days before Brother Marinus died—the abbot at Waegwan agreed to send monks to St. Paul’s. And in 2002, the Koreans formally took over the operation of the Newton, N.J. abbey. Since their arrival, they have been working very hard to improve the grounds and repair the deteriorating buildings. They all know about the rescue of the Koreans and the role Brother Marinus played—and want to build a monument commemorating that event. The monks have a theme: “Brother Marinus saved the Korean people. Now the Koreans are going to save the monastery.” In addition to planning the monument and seeking contributions, the monks have a book for sale that tells the story of the Meredith Victory. It describes the rescue as well as the suffering of the Korean people and their strong desire for freedom. “Ship of Miracles,” with a foreword written by former Secretary of State Alexander Haig Jr., is for sale ($28.83, which includes tax and shipping). Contributions for the building of the monument, or checks for the purchase of the book, may be sent to St. Paul’s Abbey, P.O. Box 7, Newton, NJ 07860. The telephone number is (973) 383-2470. Be sure to indicate that the contribution is for the building of the monument. In addition, please list the name of the organization to which you belong. May 2004 �22755_P01.2.3.9.10.21.qxd 4/28/2004 7:06 PM Page 9 SMPPP Earned 15 Percent Last Year Annual Statements Mailed in March Annual statements from the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) were mailed to Plan participants during the final week of March, according to SMPPP Administrator Bill Dennis. Based on year-end reports received from Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, SMPPP investment manager, the Plan continues to perform well despite recent and ongoing market volatility. Interest earned on the accounts during 2003 was 15 percent; the total amount in all accounts was more than $22.1 million. The SMPPP originated in 1996, as the SIU successfully negotiated the new benefit into standard freightship and tanker agreements. The SMPPP subsequently has been included in other SIU contracts. 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 may make voluntary contributions to their respective accounts through a Vacation Plan deduction. The SMPPP is completely separate from a member’s defined benefit pension. Under the SMPPP, a Seafarer is immediate- Reminder New Towing Licenses For boatmen seeking to qualify for a license as a mate (pilot) on towing vessels, May 21 is the deadline for completing service or training requirements. After that date, new requirements take effect. The U.S. Coast Guard’s National Maritime Center (NMC) in March 2002 issued Policy Letter 07-02, which provided information for license applicants who began serving or training aboard towing vessels before May 21, 2001 and for those who would complete all requirements for license issuance before May 21, 2003. The latter date subsequently was extended to May 21, 2004. According to the policy letter, “A mariner may obtain a license as a mate (pilot) of towing vessels … provided he or she holds documentary evidence demonstrating relevant service or training before 21 May 2001. The applicant must also fully qualify for the license, including completion of all testing requirements, before 21 May 2003. (Editor’s note: Again, the latter deadline was bumped back to May 21, 2004.) To be eligible for the license, a mariner must either: a. Provide proof of at least 18 months service on deck, including at least 12 months on towing vessels, and at least three months of training or duty in the wheelhouse of towing vessels. The sea service must include at least three months of service in each geographic area for which licensure is requested; or b. Provide proof of at least six months of service on towing vessels while holding a merchant mariner’s document endorsed as able seaman unlimited, able seaman limited, or able seaman special. The service must include three months service in the wheelhouse in each particular geographic area for which licensure is requested. In addition, the applicant must provide proof of either two months of training or duty in the wheelhouse or one month of training or duty in the wheelhouse along with completion of an approved course that substitutes for such service.” The policy letter further points out that mariners who provide evidence of the above service “may qualify for a license as mate (pilot) of towing vessels, and may be issued an endorsement as master of towing vessels for a limited local area within the scope of the inland route (inland waters or Western rivers) within the authority of the license. After completion of an additional 18 months of service operating towing vessels, the mate (pilot) of towing vessels license may be upgraded to master of towing vessels. Those mariners with limited service, as determined by the cognizant Officer in Charge Marine Inspection, will receive licenses as mate (pilot) of towing vessels (limited). After an additional 12 months of service, operating towing vessels, the licenses will be upgraded to master of towing vessels (limited).” The old license for operator, uninspected towing vessels (OUTV) is replaced by the new license, for master of towing vessels. Similarly, the old 2nd class OUTV license is replaced by the license for mate (pilot) of towing vessels. For more information on the new towing licenses, contact your nearest U.S. Coast Guard regional exam center (see box, this page), preferably before May 21; or visit the Coast Guard’s licensing and documentation web site at: http://www.uscg.mil/stcw/ (The site also is linked to www.seafarers.org, in the “Member Benefits and Resources” section.) May 2004 ly vested from the first day money is received on his or her behalf. Unlike the Seafarers Pension Plan, there is no minimum amount of seatime needed to receive the money from an SMPPP account. Seafarers can collect the funds from their SMPPP account when they reach retirement age, become totally and permanently disabled, or leave the industry. Widows/widowers may collect the funds in the event of their spouse’s death. The annual statements include the following information: Member’s name, address and Social Security number (which is also the participant’s account number); Statement date; The opening balance for 2003 (which was the year- end 2002 closing balance); Interest earned and administrative expenses charged; Any payouts made to the member in 2003; and The closing balance for 2003 (which will appear as the opening balance on next year’s annual statement). Members who have questions about their accounts, or do not receive their year-end statements within a reasonable time, may call 1-800-485-3703. Notice: Sailors’ Snug Harbor The Sailors’ Snug Harbor Mariners Outreach Assistance Program offers assistance paying bills directly to the service provider. If you are retired with 10 years worth of sea time, the program may be able to help. To find out if you qualify, contact: Mariners Outreach Assistance Program P.O. Box 99 Sea Level, NC 28577 Telephone 1-800-257-5456 Email sshoutreach@bizec.rr.com Web www.thesailorssnugharbor.com The program involves completing an application, submitting proof of the required sea time (3,650 days aboard ship) and having a case manager visit in the home. If approved, the financial stipend is paid directly to the vendor for expenses such as electricity, rent, insurance, etc. With Seafarers in Puerto Rico When the Horizon Discovery was in San Juan recently, SIU Port Agent Victor Nuñez was on hand to meet with the crew members. From the left are Chief Steward Joseph Laureta, Chief Cook Jorge Salazar, Nuñez and SIU secretary Wildaliz Rivera. Left: Recertified Bosun Joseph Osorio (left) receives a check from his Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan account from SIU Port Agent Victor Nuñez. Brother Osorio currently resides in the Domincan Republic. SIU Port Agent Victor Nuñez (left) meets with Francisco Merced, a program director at the local Department of Labor, who works closely with maritime labor. Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers 800 E. Diamond Blvd., Suite 3-227 Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: (907) 271-6736 2760 Sherwood Lane, Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-8545 Phone: (907) 463-2458 40 South Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 Phone: (410) 962-5132 1001 S. Seaside Avenue, Bldg. 20 San Pedro, CA 90731-0208 Phone: (310) 732-2080 455 Commercial Street Boston, MA 02109-1045 Phone: (617) 223-3040 200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 1302 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-3297 196 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 720-3250 Claude Pepper Federal Building 51 S.W. 1st Ave., 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: (305) 536-6548/6874 433 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: (808) 522-8264 9820 Lake Forest Blvd., Suite P New Orleans, LA 70127-3077 Phone: (504) 240-7300 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77017-6595 Phone: (713) 948-3350 Battery Park Building 1 South Street New York, NY 10004-1466 Phone: (212) 668-7492 6767 N. Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 Phone: (503) 240-9346 915 Second Ave., Room 194 Seattle, WA 98174-1067 Phone: (206) 217-6115 Oakland Federal Bldg., North Tower 1301 Clay Street, Room 180N Oakland, CA 94612-5200 Phone: (510) 637-1124 Fax: (510) 637-1126 E-mail: recsfbay@d11.uscg.mil 1222 Spruce Street, Suite 8.104E St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 Phone: (314) 539-3091 420 Madison Ave., Suite 700 Toledo, OH 43604 Phone: (419) 418-6010 Seafarers LOG 9 �22755_P01.2.3.9.10.21.qxd 4/28/2004 7:06 PM Page 10 Free Choice Act Gaining Support On paper, America’s workers have the right to form unions, but the laws protecting that right are so shattered that employers routinely block workers from exercising their freedom of association. To resolve this situation, workers and their allies in November joined with congressional legislators to launch an unprecedented effort to provide people in the workforce who want to join unions an adequate chance to do so. The proposed legislation, the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), S. 1925 and H.R. 3619—sponsored by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.)— ensures that when a majority of employees in a workplace decide to form a union, they can do so without the debilitating obstacles employers now use to block their workers’ free choice. At press time for the Seafarers LOG, 180 U.S. representatives and 30 senators had signed on as co-sponsors of the EFCA. The proposed bills would allow employees to freely choose whether to form unions by signing cards authorizing union representation, provide mediation and arbitration for first contract disputes and establish stronger penalties for violations of employee rights when workers seek to form a union. Recent polls show some 45 million workers would join a union tomorrow if they had the chance, but few are able to exer- cise this fundamental freedom because employers routinely create barriers to thwart workers’ choice. To ensure workers who want a union are free to form one, the union movement is mobilizing behind the EFCA to make the freedom to join unions a key issue in the 2004 elections and a top priority for the next Congress and the winner of the presidential election. In summary, the EFCA calls for: Certification on the Basis of Signed Authorizations—Provides for certification of a union as the bargaining representative if the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) finds that a majority of employees in an appropriate unit has signed authorizations designating the union as its bargaining representative. The certification also requires the NLRB to develop model authorization language and procedures for establishing the authenticity of signed authorizations. First Contract Mediation and Arbitration—Provides that if an employer and a union are engaged in bargaining for their first contract and are unable to reach agreement within 90 days, either party may refer the dispute to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) for mediation. If the FMCS has been unable to bring the parties to agreement after 30 days of mediation, the dispute will be referred to arbitration and the results of the arbitration shall be binding on the parties for two years. Time Seafarers Deliver in OIF2 Continued from page 2 Saddam Hussein. The work continues, and the men and women of the merchant marine remain actively engaged in replenishing equipment and supplies as our troops rotate into and out of Iraq.” Schubert also said that the Iraq missions have “once again shown how invaluable the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine is to our national security. We have an opportunity to reinforce support for the merchant marine by demonstrating the economic value of a strong and vibrant U.S.-based maritime industry.” Among the SIU-crewed ships SA Mary Ann, AB John Nelson, OS Howard Vick Cape May OS Ali Mohamed Alnassiry Cape May 10 Seafarers LOG limits may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties. Stronger Penalties for Violations—Makes the following new provisions applicable to violations of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) committed by employers against employees during any period while employees are attempting to organize a union or negotiate a first contract with the employer: Mandatory Applications for Injunctions: Provides that sailing in OIF2 are SL-7s operated by AMSEA; Ready Reserve Force vessels operated by Crowley, Keystone, Mormac, Marine Transport Lines, Pacific Gulf Marine, and Patriot Contract Services; and LMSRs operated by Maersk Line, Limited. Editor’s note: Ed McDonnell, third mate aboard the Cape May, provided the photos accompanying this story, including the OIF2 pictures on the front page. Pictured from left to right on the Cape May are AB Tecumseh Williams, AB Clay Brown, AB Billy Ray Hanbury, Bosun Greg White and OS Ali Mohamed Alnassiry. Wiper Allen Hammond Cape May just as the NLRB is required to seek a federal court injunction against a union whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that the union has violated the secondary boycott prohibitions in the NLRA, the NLRB must seek a federal court injunction against an employer whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that the employer has discharged or discriminated against employees, threatened to discharge or discriminate against employees or engaged in conduct that significantly interferes with employee rights during an organizing or first contract drive. Triple Back Pay: Increases the amount an employer is required to pay when an employee is discharged or discriminated against during an organizing campaign or first contract drive to three times back pay. Civil Penalties: Provides for civil fines of up to $20,000 per violation against employers found to have willfully or repeatedly violated employees’ rights during an organizing campaign or first contract drive. A waterspout is visible from the Cape May’s stern. The SIU-crewed roll-on/roll-off vessel Cape May (top) and tanker Mt. Washington earlier this year took part in joint logistics over the shore operations ordered by the U.S. military, which normally involve discharging cargo from vessels anchored off-shore and transporting it to various shore-based sites. The Seafarers-crewed Flickertail State also was mobilized for the operation. AB Billy Ray Hanbury Cape May May 2004 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:28 PM Page 11 Left: AB Richard Benoit secures a lifeboat raft aboard the double-hull tanker. Right: Bosun Juan Castillo (left) and AB Mustafa Ahmed pose for a photo in the crew lounge. Aboard the Seabulk Arctic These photos, sent to the LOG by Bosun Juan Castillo, were taken aboard the SIU-crewed Seabulk Arctic in Kenai, Alaska. Owned by Seabulk International, the 46,000-dwt vessel is one of the company’s five new double-hull petroleum and chemical tankers engaged in the domestic Jones Act trade, transporting petroleum products, chemicals and crude oil along the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts, and Alaska. Left: Chief Cook Evelina Barnes can attest to the fact that the snow on the vessel’s deck makes great snowballs. AB Robert Duncan knows that there’s always something that needs repair aboard ship. Right: Posing with Frosty the Snowman on the deck of the Seabulk Arctic are (from left) QMED/Pumpman Salome Castro, Bosun Juan Castillo and AB Mike Jalbert. AB Chris Chikwere warms up with a hot cup of coffee. Below: Chief Steward Alan Bartley (left) keeps QMED/ Pumpman Salome Casto company during lunch. Enjoying a nourishing meal on the Seabulk Arctic are (from left) Wiper Fathi Almuraisi, OMU Roger Saxon and GUDE Faissal Alamri. May 2004 Seafarers LOG 11 �22755_P05.7.8.12.13.18.19.qxd 4/28/2004 10:32 PM Page 12 Sea DEEP FRE BELOW: Because of icy conditions, McMurdo normally is accessible via ship only two months out of the year. LEFT: The vessel draws interest. tradition by deli Antarctica—the McMurdo is siderations, the ble during Janu “It was a pre way down, roug January), althou in the thirties, b tough, real fast. The Gianella and the Polar S and other stores Gianella Cap Foundation (NS base) “for all th Bosun Bernardino Eda QMED Jason Powell AB Ray Elsner, AB Mike Bay, DEU Mark Juan Abrincia, Bosun Bernardino Eda, AB George Lammers, AB Leroy Williamson SIU members sailing aboard the Gianella during the resupply mission included Bosun Bernardino Eda; ABs Leroy Williamson, George Lammers, Raymond Elsner, Timothy Dunn and Mike Bay; QMEDs Jason Powell, Joseph Stanford and Richard Huffman; DEUs Mark Abrincia and Nasser Kassim; Steward/Baker James Lewis; Chief Cook Gerald Archie; GSUs Brandy Parmer and Abdulnaser Saeed; and Unlicensed Apprentice Nicholas Doffoh. 12 Seafarers LOG May 2004 �22755_P05.7.8.12.13.18.19.qxd 4/28/2004 10:33 PM Page 13 afarers Help Resupply McMurdo Station EEZE For Seafarers who help resupply the McMurdo scientific research station, going to the end of the Earth is routine. Earlier this year, the SIUcrewed USNS Lawrence Gianella continued the yearly y delivering gasoline, diesel and jet fuel to McMurdo’s U.S. station, located in —the planet’s coldest, driest and windiest place. do is the southernmost ground that’s accessible by ship. Because of weather con, the annual resupply mission—known as Operation Deep Freeze—only is possiJanuary and February. a pretty smooth trip,” said QMED Jason Powell. “We had good weather on the rougher weather on the way back. We were at the base for a week (in late lthough we were actually in Antarctica for three weeks…. The temperatures were ies, but the last couple of days, the wind started to blow quite a bit. It gets real fast.” anella received assistance from two U.S. Coast Guard ice cutters: the Polar Star lar Sea. Another Seafarers-contracted vessel—the American Tern—delivered food tores to McMurdo in mid-February. a Captain John Giacchino credited the Coast Guard and the U.S. National Science n (NSF, which manages the U.S. Antarctic Program and coordinates research at the all their assistance throughout Operation Deep Freeze. It was a pleasure working with all involved in McMurdo and their hospitality and efforts are appreciated,” he noted in a written account of the voyage. SIU members sailing aboard the Gianella during the resupply mission included Bosun Bernardino Eda; ABs Leroy Williamson, George Lammers, Raymond Elsner, Timothy Dunn and Mike Bay; QMEDs Powell, Joseph Stanford and Richard Huffman; DEUs Mark Abrincia and Nasser Kassim; Steward/Baker James Lewis; Chief Cook Gerald Archie; GSUs Brandy Parmer and Abdulnaser Saeed; and Unlicensed Apprentice Nicholas Doffoh. The vessel is operated by Ocean Ships, Inc. for the U.S. Military Sealift Command. Powell said that for him and many others aboard the Gianella, this was their first trip to Antarctica. “I absolutely would do it again,” he concluded. McMurdo Station houses anywhere from 1,100 scientists and support personnel (during the austral summer) to approximately 250 people (from February to late October). The station opened in 1955 and is built on volcanic rock at the southern end of Ross Island, which measures 45 miles by 45 miles. According to the NSF, the Antarctic Program’s goals are “to understand the Antarctic and its associated ecosystems; to understand the region’s effects on (and responses to) global processes such as climate; and to use Antarctica’s unique features for scientific research that cannot be done as well elsewhere. Research is done in Antarctica only when it cannot be performed at any other location on Earth.“Among the scientific disciplines encompassed by this broad mandate are astronomy, atmospheric sciences, biology, earth science, environmental science, geology, glaciology, marine biology, oceanography, and geophysics.” CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: AB Mike Bay, QMED Joe Stanford, ABs Tim Dunn and Leroy Williamson The station (left) houses anywhere from 1,100 scientists and support personnel (during the austral summer) to approximately 250 people (from February to late October). The Gianella (above) is one of two SIU-crewed ships that called on McMurdo this year—the American Tern is the other. May 2004 Seafarers LOG 13 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/23/2004 10:11 AM Page 14 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.) Remembering the Old Days at Sea At the February and March meetings of the Merchant Marine Vets, Desert Mariners, we received copies of the Seafarers LOG, and I was very glad to see them as it brought back memories. I was a member of the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific (SUP) in World War II and for several years after the war ended. I had worked as an electrician ashore, so I applied for and received an electrician’s endorsement to my OS papers. There was inter-district shipping between the SUP and SIU then, and I sailed on several ships owned by Bull Lines, Waterman Steamship Corporation and Isthmian Company. My discharges were lost several years ago, and I can’t remember them all. I was surprised to see that women are now crew members, and that the SIU headquarters is no longer located in New York City...and the recent affiliation with the NMU. AFL and CIO unions were enemies when I was sailing. After I married, I left the sea, but I miss it. I am now a few months from 80 years, and retired from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. I guess it’s too late for me to go back to sea. Howard Forman Cave Creek, Ariz. Help Needed Locating Lost Family My name is Kathleen Lawrence, and 27 years ago, my mother gave birth to me. I have not seen her since. I am actively searching for my lost family. I know that I was born in September 1976, and at that time, my mother’s brother (my uncle) was 18 years old and had completed the trainee program at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. I am writing to see if one of his classmates would remember a friend with a pregnant sister. The sister (my mother) would have had a 3-year-old son with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was not married, and her son was in and out of the hospital, diagnosed as a hydrocephalic. The sister may have been a trained beautician and waitress. I believe that at that time, to have a friend with a nephew that is really ill, a sister with a sick son and another baby on the way would have been something to remember. From the information I have, my uncle’s mother (my grandmother) was a civil service secretary. I also know that my uncle’s father (my grandfather) died at the age of 65 from a stroke and heart attack. This information is a bit confusing, but it may be possible that my uncle will read this and will contact me. I am a happily married mother of three children and wish to embrace my birth family with love and appreciation. I am hoping that someone may even have a remote memory of who my uncle may be and lead me in the right direction. Does anyone still keep in contact with him? When and where was the last place he was known to live? I would be happy and most grateful to talk to anyone with even the smallest piece of information and anyone who graduated in the class of 1975-1976. Kathleen M. Lawrence (301) 884-0314 (daytime) (301) 884-3647 (evenings) e-mail: klawrence@cbs-legal.com Summer + Vacation = Piney Point That’s an equation that can add up to fun for the whole family. As many SIU members already have discovered, the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. offers all the ingredients for a memorable summer vacation—and it’s a benefit available only to Seafarers and their families. UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family. Member $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child$10.00/day Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals but do not include tax. The facility offers comfortable accommodations, three meals a day, lots of activities (including tennis, swimming, boating) and an ideal location from which to make this vacation one to talk about throughout the year. All the historic sights of Washington, D.C.; Baltimore and Annapolis, Md.; and Arlington and Alexandria, Va. are but a short drive away. Take a tour of the FBI Building or the White House, visit the National Zoo or one of the Smithsonian’s many museums, go for an outing at Camden Yards to see the Orioles play. The options are endless. But within Southern Maryland, itself, there are many events planned for the summer months that can be fun for everyone in the group. Craft fairs, family concerts, crab feasts and horse tournaments are just a fraction of the many activities going on this summer. By taking advantage of the vacation package at the Paul Hall Center, you, too, can be right in the center of all the activity. Join the many Seafarers and their families who have discovered the additional benefits of fun and recreation provided by the Paul Hall Center. Simply fill out and mail the application printed below, and you will have taken the first step toward a vacation you and your family will talk about for years. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: ______________________________________________________________ Social Security number: _____________________ Book number: ______________ Address: ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Telephone number: ____________________________________________________ Number in party / 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 20674-0075. 14 Seafarers LOG 5/04 May 2004 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:29 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2004 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 3 3 3 9 17 27 0 9 16 16 17 1 8 6 13 5 28 25 206 1 1 1 0 17 11 0 5 8 18 8 3 0 0 4 2 14 18 111 1 6 1 7 24 27 0 9 20 16 8 3 2 6 22 0 23 9 184 0 5 1 5 13 18 0 3 4 11 11 0 1 5 15 1 17 8 118 0 1 2 5 14 30 0 3 5 10 15 3 3 2 8 4 14 12 131 1 1 0 1 4 2 0 2 2 6 3 0 0 0 3 1 5 5 36 0 5 0 2 10 16 0 4 2 7 3 1 0 6 11 0 15 3 85 0 3 0 16 11 19 0 3 6 15 11 2 0 2 17 2 17 19 143 2 1 1 8 2 11 0 7 6 8 13 1 2 2 5 0 6 5 80 0 0 0 1 3 6 0 1 1 8 7 1 0 0 1 1 5 4 39 0 2 0 6 12 13 0 1 2 12 6 1 0 2 12 1 14 14 98 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 6 4 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 2 3 0 6 3 28 1 2 5 13 15 14 0 5 6 23 15 0 4 0 10 0 10 5 128 2 2 1 10 11 22 0 0 7 26 14 2 30 1 6 0 26 9 169 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 1 1 3 0 0 0 0 4 0 5 1 20 0 1 0 3 7 7 0 4 2 15 12 0 6 0 5 0 16 2 80 Totals All Departments 505 545 355 387 318 Port 0 1 4 4 11 18 0 7 13 6 7 1 10 1 8 3 15 14 123 0 0 3 1 8 6 0 2 1 1 6 0 0 1 0 0 6 6 41 0 0 1 1 10 15 0 4 4 5 6 2 0 0 14 0 13 13 88 1 9 1 11 45 52 0 25 19 45 20 5 2 6 30 2 47 41 361 4 5 3 18 30 46 1 12 17 32 20 2 8 10 16 3 45 36 308 3 3 0 4 30 25 2 8 17 38 9 3 2 1 4 5 31 26 211 0 1 0 4 4 5 0 2 1 3 5 1 1 2 1 0 3 2 35 0 7 1 14 20 32 1 8 10 18 12 1 3 2 17 2 17 12 177 0 3 4 9 16 42 0 5 12 22 28 5 2 3 12 6 28 18 215 2 1 1 1 11 8 0 1 6 15 7 1 0 1 5 2 11 8 81 0 0 0 2 1 8 0 2 1 3 2 1 1 0 6 1 7 9 44 0 4 1 21 23 35 0 8 16 25 12 4 7 0 34 1 34 34 259 2 1 3 8 3 13 0 8 11 16 24 2 3 3 8 0 8 6 119 0 0 0 1 5 13 0 2 3 9 8 1 1 1 1 1 4 7 57 0 1 1 0 2 5 0 0 2 5 9 0 12 0 1 0 10 6 54 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 4 5 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 5 7 0 8 5 50 2 1 7 22 31 26 0 6 9 50 9 0 7 4 18 1 29 9 231 3 3 1 19 29 44 0 3 16 53 18 2 42 4 18 1 41 23 320 125 167 847 873 669 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 0 5 0 10 26 38 0 13 12 23 13 0 3 2 15 1 27 28 216 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs 1 0 1 5 7 13 1 3 3 4 7 1 4 1 2 1 16 7 77 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 1 9 Piney Point .............Monday: June 7 ................................Tuesday: July 6* ............................................*(change created by Independence Day holiday) Algonac ..................Friday: June 11, July 9 Baltimore ................Thursday: June 10, July 8 Boston.....................Friday: June 11, July 9 Duluth .....................Wednesday: June 16, July 14 Guam ......................Thursday: June 24, July 22 Honolulu .................Friday: June 18, July 16 Houston ..................Monday: June 14, July 12 Jacksonville ............Thursday: June 10, July 8 Joliet .......................Thursday: June 17, July 15 Mobile ....................Wednesday: June 16, July 14 New Bedford ..........Tuesday: June 22, July 20 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: June 15, July 13 New York................Tuesday: June 8, July 6 Norfolk ...................Thursday: June 10, July 8 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: June 9, July 7 Port Everglades.......Thursday: June 17, July 15 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 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port 0 0 0 4 1 10 0 3 1 0 5 0 1 0 3 0 4 6 38 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 1 0 3 2 1 2 0 1 0 3 2 21 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals CHIH-HUA CHANG Please contact Linda Yuan at 142-27 Barclay Ave., Apt. 306, Flushing, NY 11355; or call (718) 886-1852. TROY WOOD Please contact your grandmother, Josephine Betz, at 483 Sanborn Road, Newport, WA 99156; or call (509) 447-5770. Celebrating Cesar Chavez Day ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2004 June & July 2004 Membership Meetings Deep Sea, Lakes, Inland Waters In honor of Cesar Chavez Day in Los Angeles, March 31, crew members aboard the Mokihana passed the hat and contributed more than $4,100 to the working families of the UFCW who were severely affected by their recent long strike in California. Pictured are Captain Jim Hill and crew members representing all unions aboard the vessel: SIU, MMP, MEBA, ARA, SUP and MFU; an official representative from each union; and Shannon D. Donato, director of the Harry Bridges Institute, who accepted the cash donation on behalf of the families. Seafarers LOG 15 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 Seafarers International Union Directory 7:30 PM Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2004 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON 520 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA 02127 (617) 269-7877 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 14 2 6 15 2 0 7 46 0 2 1 3 2 0 0 5 13 0 9 0 1 0 0 1 0 11 0 15 1 2 12 2 0 5 37 0 2 1 2 1 0 0 2 8 0 3 0 1 0 0 1 0 5 4 7 3 3 6 0 0 1 24 0 19 15 14 48 3 2 15 116 0 2 7 6 6 0 1 8 30 0 24 10 13 0 0 0 2 49 0 2 3 2 5 3 0 0 15 0 11 11 6 11 2 4 15 60 0 5 4 2 2 0 0 7 20 0 19 9 10 0 0 0 0 38 0 2 2 1 3 0 0 1 9 0 5 6 7 11 3 2 10 44 0 1 1 3 12 0 1 5 23 0 19 5 9 0 0 0 2 35 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 4 2 4 4 0 1 5 20 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 6 0 1 1 0 0 0 8 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs 0 3 0 1 6 0 0 2 12 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 4 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 4 2 3 8 0 0 1 18 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 5 0 5 0 1 1 0 0 0 7 Port 0 4 0 1 11 0 1 3 20 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 1 5 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 ENTRY DEPARTMENT NEW BEDFORD 48 Union St., New Bedford, MA 02740 (508) 997-5404 Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 Totals All Departments 84 21 26 69 16 11 53 220 73 125 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Seafarers LOG PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the LOG by Pensioner Richard E. McAll of Saraland, Ala. It was taken at sea aboard the SS Alcoa Cavalier in the mid-1950s. In the front, kneeling, is the deck steward, Ralph Smith. McAll is directly behind him. Also included in the photo is Bill Lassiter (seated, left). Next to him are Whitey Plumkett, McAll, Quartermaster Bill “Red” Roach, Bill Terry (former New York Giants pitcher, and a passenger on the vessel), Bosun Jimmy Hunt and Jimmy Patterson. Captain Alfred Jump is standing second from right. Others pictured in the snapshot are Morris J. Danzey, Dewey Saxon, George Dean, Armando Salazar, George Gill and James “Fat Boy” Williams. McAll, 75, joined the SIU in the port of Mobile in 1955. He sailed as a chief cook. Brother McAll was on the picket line in the 1946 General Maritime beef. He was a former member of the Boilermakers Union, Local 693 and the Industrial Union of Marine and Shipbuilding Workers of America, Local 18, AFL-CIO. Seafarer McAll was born in Louisiana. He retired from the union in 1986. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. May 2004 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/23/2004 10:13 AM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA CAYO C. CEPEDA, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1971 in New Orleans after serving in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. Brother Cepeda first went to sea aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Kyska. He worked in the deck department and in 1975 enhanced his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Brother Cepeda last shipped aboard the Horizon Challenger. Born in Central America, he now makes his home in Belle Chase, La. ALBERT COALE JR., 54, hails from Alabama. Brother Coale joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first voyage was on Pan Oceanic Tankers Corp.’s Fairisle. Brother Coale worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills in 1990 when he completed steward recertification training at the union’s school. He last shipped on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Atlantic Forest and currently lives in Mobile. LEON DZIESINSKI, 64, embarked on his seafaring profession in 1958 in Alpena, Mich. after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Dziesinski’s first SIU ship was the Mt. Whitney, an American Tramp Shipping & Development Co. vessel. Born in Detroit, he worked in the engine department. Brother Dziesinski most recently sailed on the OMI Charger. He lives in Alpena. HENRY B. EDWARDS, 54, started his SIU career in 1973 in the port of New York. The Louisiana-born mariner first went to sea on Hudson Waterway’s Pecos. Brother Edwards shipped in the steward department and upgraded his skills on three occasions at the Seafarers’ training school in Piney Point, Md. His last voyage was aboard the Overseas Marilyn. Brother Edwards is a resident of New Orleans. GARY HANSON, 65, began his seafaring career in 1991 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Hanson’s first SIU vessel was the USNS Lynch. He worked in the steward department and last went to sea on the USNS Pathfinder. Brother Hanson makes his home in Grants Pass, Ore. SILVIO J. IGLESIAS, 64, hails from Havana. He joined the SIU in 1973 in the port of Houston. Brother Iglesias’ first ship was an Intercontinental Carriers vessel. The engine department member May 2004 enhanced his skills in 1995 and 2001 at the Paul Hall Center. A resident of Houston, Brother Iglesias last worked aboard the Horizon Challenger. THOMAS KREIS, 51, began his seafaring career in 1969 in the port of Mobile, Ala. after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. Brother Kreis was born in Montgomery, Ala. and shipped in the steward department. He upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center, including completion of the steward recertification program in 1999. He last sailed on the Liberty Sea. Sarasota, Fla. is his home. BILLY JOE LOCKHART, 64, started his seafaring career in 1981 in the port of Houston after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Brother Lockhart initially sailed aboard Bay Tankers’ New York. The Arkansas-born mariner worked in the deck department and last shipped on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Sam Houston. He makes his home in Little Rock, Ark. PAUL MATSOS, 64, hails from Greece. Brother Matsos launched his career with the Seafarers in 1956 in the port of New York. He worked in the deck department as a bosun and enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center where, in 2000, he completed the bosun recertification course. The Baltimore resident last went to sea aboard the Horizon Pacific. DOCK McGUIRE JR., 59, joined the SIU in 1964 in the port of Mobile, Ala. after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother McGuire worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills on a number of occasions at the Seafarers’ training school in Piney Point, Md. He makes his home in Mobile. JOSEPH MOORE, 62, was born in Louisiana. He started his career with the SIU in 1963 in New Orleans. Brother Moore initially sailed aboard the Inger, a Reynolds Metal Co. vessel. A member of the deck department, he shipped as a bosun. Brother Moore frequently upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center and completed the bosun recertification course in 1987. He last worked on the Liberty Sun and makes his home in Independence, La. PATRICK B. RANKIN, 55, joined the Seafarers in 1967 in the port of Mobile, Ala. after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Rankin’s first voyage was aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Fairport. The Alabama-born mariner worked in the deck department as a bosun. A frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center, he completed the bosun recertification course there in 1992. Brother Rankin last went to sea on the Sea-Land Florida. He makes his home in Mobile. SERGIO ROJAS, 67, commenced his profession with the SIU in 1995 in the port of Houston. His first ship was American Hawaii Cruises’ Independence. Born in Chile, Brother Rojas shipped in the engine department. He enhanced his skills in 1998 and 2001 at the Seafarers’ training school. Brother Rojas last worked on the Horizon Pacific. He resides in Houston. THOMAS B. SCHROEDER, 70, began his seafaring career in 1982 in the port of Honolulu after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Schroeder’s first voyage was aboard the Independence. The Hawaii-born mariner worked in the deck department and last went to sea on the Horizon Kodiak. Brother Schroeder is a resident of Tacoma, Wash. INLAND DARYL DELANEY, 51, joined the SIU in 1976 in New Orleans. Born in Louisiana, Boatman DeLaney worked primarily on vessels operated by Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. The deck department member resides in his native state in Gretna. AUBREY R. JORDAN, 61, started his seafaring career with the union in 1975 in New Orleans. Born in Alabama, Boatman Jordan shipped in the deck department. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Dravo Basic Materials Co. Range, Ala. is his home. WILLIAM S. JUDD JR., 49, joined the SIU in 1972 in New Orleans. The Louisianaborn mariner worked in the deck department, primarily aboard Crescent Towing & Salvage Co. vessels. Boatman Judd is a resident of Metairie, La. LEW N. LaHAYE, 62, hails from Eunice, La. Boatman LaHaye launched his SIU career in 1963 in Port Arthur, Texas, working in the engine department. He lives in Nederland, Texas. GREAT LAKES DEAN BROWNING, 63, began his career with the SIU in 1967 in Toledo. Ohio. Born in Michigan, Brother Browning first sailed on American Steamship Co.’s McKee Sons. He shipped in the deck and engine departments and upgraded his skills in 1992 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Browning last worked aboard the H. Lee White. He makes his home in Algonac, Mich. ALBERT L. CROPEK, 61, started his seafaring career in 1970 in Detroit after serving in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Cropek worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Luedtke Engineering Co. He shipped in the deck department and enhanced his skills in 1994 and 2001 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Cropek was born in Westfield, N.Y. and now resides in Girard, Pa. THOMAS S. FORGRAVE, 62, joined the SIU in 1966 in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. Born in Michigan, the deck department member upgraded his skills in 1992 at the Paul Hall Center. He makes his home in Brimley, Mich. JAMES R. WERDA, 65, began his seafaring career in 1960 in Alpena, Mich. Born in Michigan, he sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother Werda last sailed aboard Inland Lakes Management Co.’s Alpena. He lives in his native state. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU pension Trust, recently went on pension. FERNANDO L. DAVIS, 55, hails from Newport News, Va. Brother Davis embarked on his NMU career in 1976, initially sailing out of the port of Norfolk, Va. The steward department member’s first ship was the Marine Floridian. Brother Davis last went to sea on the Cape Archway. ARTHUR DIAS, 55, joined the NMU in 1968. He first sailed aboard the P.W. Thirtle. Born in Providence, R.I., Brother Dias worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills on several occasions. His last voyage was on the American Osprey. EDDIE J. FILER, 66, was born in Louisiana. Brother Filer began his NMU career in 1987. His first voyage was aboard the Galveston Bay. Brother Filer shipped as a member of the steward department. He last sailed on the Marine Duval. AURELIO PEREZ, 69, joined the NMU in 1968. He first went to sea out of the port of San Francisco. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Perez worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the Ashley Lykes. HERMAN YOUNG JR., 65, started his NMU career in Charleston, S.C. His first ship was the Pioneer Moon. Born in Charleston, Brother Young worked in the steward department. He upgraded his skills on several occasions and last worked on the Cape Ducato. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following NMU brothers went on pension effective the dates indicated. Name Cruz, DeJesus Age EDP 61 April 1 Marshall, Vernal 71 April 1 Pruneda, Ramon 57 April 1 Shorte, Herman 70 April 1 Seafarers LOG 17 �22755_P05.7.8.12.13.18.19.qxd 4/26/2004 7:53 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA RAYMOND AGBULOS Pensioner Raymond Agbulos, 76, died Feb. 10. Brother Agbulos embarked on his SIU career in 1970 in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Navy. His first SIU ship was the Sea Ohio. Born in the Philippines, he shipped in the steward department. The Freemont, Calif. resident last worked on the Horizon Hawaii. Brother Agbulos began receiving his pension in 1998. AKE ANDERSON Pensioner Ake Anderson, 86, passed away Feb. 26. Brother Anderson joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of New York. He sailed in the engine department and lived in Monmouth, N.J. Brother Anderson started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1981. ROMEO AZCARATE Brother Romeo Azcarate, 57, died Jan. 23. He began his seafaring career in 1994 in New Orleans. The Philippine-born mariner first shipped aboard the USNS Pollux. Brother Azcarate worked in the deck department and resided in Green Bay, Wis. He last sailed on the Liberty Glory. WILLIAM BRIMHALL Pensioner William Brimhall, 69 passed away Jan. 15. Brother Brimhall began his SIU career in 1967 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. The U.S. Army veteran’s maiden voyage was aboard Vancor Steamship’s Van Venture. Brother Brimhall was born in California and shipped in the engine department. His final voyage was on the Overseas Joyce. Brother Brimhall began receiving his pension in 2000. He made his home in Santa Rosa, Calif. JAMES CARTER Brother James Carter, 52, died Jan. 15. He joined the SIU in 1971 in the port of New York. Born in Tennessee, Brother Carter’s first voyage was aboard Hudson Waterways’ Transoregon. He sailed in the deck department as a bosun and last shipped on the Sea-Land Explorer. Brother Carter resided in Simi Valley, Calif. ROBERT CHRISTENSEN Pensioner Robert Christensen, 67, passed away Feb. 8. Brother Christensen began his career with the Seafarers in 1958 in the port of New York. Born in Long Island, N.Y., he was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Brother Christensen was a member of the deck department. He last sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Robert E. Lee. Brother Christensen, who lived in Perry, Fla., started receiving his pension in 1995. 17. Brother Davis embarked on his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. Born in Grundy, Va., he shipped in the steward department. Brother Davis began receiving retirement income in 1979 and resided in White Plains, N.Y JOSEPH DeCINQUE Pensioner Joseph DeCinque, 79 passed away Feb. 26. Brother DeCinque joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of Baltimore. The Cedarville, N.J.-born mariner’s first voyage was aboard Eagle Carriers’ Bluestar. Brother DeCinque worked in the engine department and last went to sea aboard an Asbury Steamship Co. vessel. He began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1979 and resided in Vineland, N.J. ISADORE FLAHERTY Pensioner Isadore Flaherty, 84, died Jan. 18. He became a Seafarer in 1947, joining in the port of New York following service in the U.S. Navy. His first ship was Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Wild Ranger. A native of Boston, Brother Flaherty worked in the deck department. He lived in New Hampshire and last went to sea on the Point Revere, a Point Resolute Corp. vessel. Brother Flaherty went on pension in 1981. ALPHONSE JOHNSON Pensioner Alphonse Johnson, 79, passed away Feb. 2. Brother Johnson launched his profession with the SIU in 1965 in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Johnson’s first vessel was Delta Steamship’s Southwestern Victory. The Alabama-born mariner shipped in the steward department and last sailed on Puerto Rico Marine Management’s Osprey. Brother Johnson lived in Mobile, Ala. and went on pension in 1995. GEORGE MALENDES Pensioner George Malendes, 88, died Feb. 9. Brother Malendes began his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. Born in Kohali, Hawaii, he worked in the steward department. Brother Malendes started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1959 and resided in Midwest City, Okla. CHARLES MARTIN Pensioner Charles Martin, 83, passed away Feb. 15. Brother Martin joined the SIU in 1949 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Army. The Brownsville, Pa.-born mariner worked in the engine department and sailed on many vessels during his career, including the SS Potomac. Brother Martin made his home in Middlefield, N.Y. He began receiving his pension in 1982. RUFUS DAVIS YOUNG MCMILLIAN Pensioner Rufus Davis, 94, died Jan. Pensioner Young McMillian, 81, 18 Seafarers LOG died Feb. 27. He joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother McMillian’s first voyage was aboard Alcoa Steamship’s Martin Behrman. Born in Alabama, he worked in the steward department and last shipped on the Cove Sailor. Brother McMillian began collecting stipends for his retirement in 1985, He lived in his native state. FRANCISCO MOLINA Pensioner Francisco Molina, 92, passed away Feb. 11. Brother Molina beganhis seafaring career in 1973 in San Francisco. His first ship was the Overseas Valdez. Brother Molina worked in all three departments and last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Endurance. A resident of the Philippines, he started receiving his pension in 1996. JIMMY MORRIS Pensioner Jimmy Morris, 73, died Feb. 4. Brother Morris joined the SIU in 1949 in Tampa. Fla. Born in Pensacola, Fla., he sailed in the deck department. Brother Morris’ last ship was the OMI Champion. He resided in Jacksonville, Fla. and started receiving his pension in 1986. INLAND JOHNNIE BROWN Pensioner Johnnie Brown, 67, died Feb. 15. Boatman Brown launched his career with the SIU in 1980. Born in Loudon, Tenn., Boatman Brown was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Red Circle Transport Co. and shipped in the steward department. Boatman Brown resided in Interlachen, Fla. and began receiving retirement stipends in 2000. JAMES GILLILAND Pensioner James Gilliland, 77, passed away Feb. 18. Boatman Gilliland joined the SIU in 1958 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Okeechobee, Fla., he initially worked on a Moran Towing of Philadelphia vessel. Boatman Gilliland shipped in the deck department as a captain. He was last employed aboard a McAllister Towing Co. vessel in Philadelphia. Boatman Gilliland began collecting retirement stipends in 1983 and called Monroe Township, N.J. home. ROBERT HENNINGER Pensioner Robert Henninger, 70, died March 5. Boatman Henninger joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. The Maryland-born mariner worked primarily aboard vessels operated by McAllister Towing of Baltimore. He shipped in the deck department and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1988. Boatman Henninger was a resident of Jarretsville, Md. RALPH HUGHES Pensioner Ralph Hughes, 67, passed away March 14. Boatman Hughes began his seafaring career in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. He was born in Collenswood, N.J. and worked in the engine department. Boatman Hughes started receiving his retirement pay in 1998. He made his home in Ferresburgh, Vt. ROBERT MELBE Boatman Robert Melbe, 56, died March 8. He joined the SIU in 1988 in the port of Mobile. Boatman Melbe sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions as a member of the deck department. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, including the Liberty Island. Boatman Melbe was a resident of Pottsville, Ark. DON P. MORGAN Pensioner Don P. Morgan, 73, passed away Feb. 24. Boatman Morgan began working with the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Houston after serving in the U.S. Navy. He sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing as a member of the deck department. Boatman Morgan, who went on pension in 1992, made his home in Corpus Christi, Texas. GREAT LAKES MICHAEL BASHORE Brother Michael Bashore, 54, passed away Jan. 16. He joined the SIU in 1996 in St. Louis. The U.S. Coast Guard veteran’s first SIU vessel was the Steel T. Crapo. Born in Shelby, Ohio, Brother Bashore worked in the deck department, last sailing on American Steamship Co.’s Sam Laud. He made his home in Effingham, Ill. JOHN MONACO Pensioner John Monaco, 70, passed away Feb. 5. Brother Monaco launched his seafaring career in 1961 in Cleveland after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Monaco worked in the Great Lakes as well as inland divisions. Born in Ohio, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Monaco last shipped aboard the Lemmerhirt. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1994 and was a resident of Westlake, Ohio. WILLIAM NEWHOUSE Pensioner William Newhouse, 57, died Feb. 20. He launched his seafaring career in 1965 in Alpena, Mich. The Michigan native worked in the deck department as a bosun. Brother Newhouse sailed mainly aboard vessels operated by Inland Lakes Management, Inc. including the Lewis G. Harriman and Paul H. Townsend. He went on pension in 1987 and lived in his native state. RAILROAD MARINE JOHN CALBY Pensioner John Calby, 78, died Feb. 24. Brother Calby joined the Seafarers in the port of New York following service in the U.S. Army. Brother Calby worked in the deck department and began receiving his pension in 1988. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he made his home in Algona, Iowa. HUGO HUETSCH Pensioner Hugo Huetsch, 80, passed away March 14. Brother Huetsch joined the SIU in 1960. Born in West Hoboken, N.J., Brother Huetsch was a member of the deck department and last worked on a Pennsylvania Central Transportation Co. vessel. The Little Ferry,. N.J. resident went on pension in 1984. HOLLIS MAUPIN Pensioner Hollis Maupin, 78, died Jan. 4. Brother Maupin started his career with the Seafarers in 1964. A deck department member, he worked chiefly aboard vessels operated by Erie Lackawanna Railroad Co. The Virginia-born mariner began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1988. Jersey City, N.J. was his home. In addition to the foregoing Seafarers, the following brothers, all former members of the NMU and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, passed away on the dates indicated: NAME AGE Baugh Jr., George Benson, Charles Bronko, Peter Brown, Harry Bruce, Charles Cassen, George Centeno, Panfilio Clark, Solomon DeBrosse, Michael Duncan, Lionel Green, Joseph Hennes, Paul Jules, Henry Lawrynkiewicz, John Marrero, Antonio Regman, Frank Rhinehart, Abraham Riley, Isley Whitehead, Augustus Williams, Robert 77 70 79 79 78 84 89 89 78 83 86 77 86 78 89 86 77 80 91 77 DOD Feb. 2 March 3 March 20 March 9 March 21 March 5 March 20 March 15 March 3 March 3 March 21 Feb. 12 March 17 March 11 March 21 Feb 7 March 3 Feb 24 Feb 1 Feb 22 May 2004 �22755_P05.7.8.12.13.18.19.qxd 4/28/2004 7:39 PM Page 19 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. ALLEGIANCE (Maritrans), Feb. 29—Chairman Samuel L. Porchea, Secretary Donna M. DeCesare, Educational Director Ronald Celious, Deck Delegate Thomas E. Howell, Steward Delegate Sherman Harper. Chairman stated vessel to anchor in Panama March 4 and transit canal next day. Arrival in Houston scheduled March 10. Secretary thanked everyone for keeping house clean and working well together. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. He also reminded everyone to check expiration dates on all seamen’s documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Question arose as to value of turning on satellite system for 3 days in port (and be charged for whole month). Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. EL MORRO (IUM), Feb. 29— Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Michael M. Amador, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty Jr., Engine Delegate Stephanie S Brown, Steward Delegate Theodore Quammie. Chairman announced payoff March 1 in San Juan, P.R. He asked that everyone return to ship before 1800; ship sails at 1900. Secretary thanked crew for leaving quarters and mess hall clean. Educational director urged Seafarers to take advantage of upgrading courses offered at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to reduce years of seatime needed for pension benefits. Crew members expressed interest in how money purchase pension plan funds are invested. Steward department given vote of thanks by happy crew for good food. Next port: Jacksonville, Fla. ENDURANCE (USSM), Feb. 24 —Chairman Salvatore J. Lagare, Secretary Rolando M. Lopez, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Carlos R. Bonilla, Engine Delegate Rhonda Koski, Steward Delegate Thurman Johnson. Secretary reminded crew members to clean rooms and provide clean linen for next person. Educational director stressed need for everyone to renew expiring documents early and enroll in upgrading courses at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department delegate requested increase in rate for extra meals served in port. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. LIBERTY SPIRIT (Liberty Maritime), Feb. 29—Chairman Thomas P. Banks, Secretary Artis E. Pilgrim, Educational Director John C. Orr, Steward Delegate Wilfred Lambey. Bosun thanked deck department for safe and productive trip. Payoff expected March 5 in New Orleans. He reminded crew of new security measures now in place and that ship will be “locked down” while in port. Educational director encouraged crew members to take full advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported, although chairman requested con- May 2004 tract clarification on opening and closing hatches after cargo has been loaded. Suggestion made to look into restructuring of pension plan. Requests made for new toaster in crew mess hall and additional gym equipment. (Previous toaster caught fire in Haifa, Israel at 2330. Alarm sounded and all hands aboard ship promptly reported to emergency stations. Training paid off.) Vote of thanks given to steward department for job very well done. LTC JOHN U.D. PAGE (Maersk Line), Feb. 29—Chairman William N. Henderson, Educational Director David Watkins. Chairman announced payoff March 6 in Wilmington, Calif. He stated pay raise effective March 1 and thanked deck workers for great job. Educational director talked about upgrading programs available at school in Piney Point. He noted college courses available as well. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new mattresses and fans. Information sought on possibility of increase in pension plan benefits. Thanks given to galley gang for great job. RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Ships), Feb. 29—Chairman Dana Naze, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director Kelly L. Mayo, Deck Delegate Scott Horton, Engine Delegate Jose Irigoyen, Steward Delegate Thomas Gingerich. Chairman announced payoff March 1 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Educational director reminded crew members to renew z-cards several months before expiration. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have third cook on board MSC vessels that carry extra personnel, like 15-man security team aboard Matthiesen. Additional dryer needed in laundry room to accommodate extra persons. Recommendation made to raise SIU benefits and increase vacation days. Vote of thanks given to steward department for top-notch meals. Next ports: Manchester, Wash.; Portland, Ore.; Ferndale, Wash.; Pearl Harbor. EL YUNQUE (IUM), March 1— Chairman Luis J. Ramirez, Secretary Rudolph D. Shields Jr., Educational Director John J. Walsh, Deck Delegate Douglas A. Hodges, Engine Delegate Edgar B. Young, Steward Delegate Frederick L. Saffo. Chairman reminded crew members not to wait until last minute to renew merchant mariner documents. Do it early since security issues are causing delays. Educational director advised Seafarers to take courses at Paul Hall Center to upgrade skills and ratings. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to increase pension and dental benefits. Special thank you given to steward department. Next port: San Juan, P.R. EXPRESS (USSM), March 14— Chairman George H. Perry Jr., Secretary Richard E. Hicks, Educational Director John M. Cronan, Deck Delegate Lorenzo Tifre Jr., Engine Delegate Theodore Wallace, Steward Delegate Rudy A Lopez. Chairman an- nounced payoff March 17 in Port Newark, N.J. Reliefs will be available in Charleston, S.C. Secretary suggested everyone make effort to vote in upcoming elections. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food and service. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), March 7—Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary William E. Bryley, Educational Director Juanito P. Dansalan. Chairman announced payoff March 13 in Tacoma, Wash. No one allowed ashore until ship clears customs. Room inspections to take place March 10. Steward reminded those getting off to leave clean linen for next crew member. Educational director spoke about April 15 deadline for SIU scholarship program. He also stressed importance of keeping shipping documents up to date, of contributing to SPAD and of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification received from Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell about STCW requirements. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food, especially salad bar and barbecue. Next ports: Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. INDUSTRIAL CHALLENGER (Pacific Gulf Marine), March 15— Chairman Jeremiah J. Harrington, Secretary Norman S. Bush, Educational Director Earl F. Ebbert, Deck Delegate Robert C. Hoppenworth, Engine Delegate Luis Ruiz, Steward Delegate Rodrigo Jiminez. Chairman announced payoff March 20 in Wilmington, N.C. He said all went well during 90-day trip to Iraq, Portugal and Libya. He advised crew members to read LOG and keep abreast of important issues including MMD renewals, new prescription procedures, tax information, anthrax and smallpox vaccines, etc. Educational director reiterated importance of keeping MMDs, passports, drug cards, TRBs, etc. current. Know when they expire. He also encouraged everyone to take advantage of school’s upgrading courses. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested regarding rest periods for dayworkers, carrying dangerous cargo and day’s pay in lieu of day off. Crew asked for new TV and microwave oven. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Industrial Challenger apparently was first U.S. vessel to call on port of Tripoli, Libya in 23 years since trade and travel restrictions were put into place. Next ports: Wilmington and Houston. INNOVATOR (USSM), March 7—Chairman Stephen R. Kastel, Secretary Charles A. Medeiros, Educational Director Christopher L. Earhart, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Adel B. Irani. Chairman announced payoff March 10 on arrival in Long Beach, Calif. He thanked crew for great camaraderie and job well done keeping ship clean. He also thanked union for two good unlicensed apprentices that joined ship’s crew. Secretary spoke about tax returns due April 15 and suggested everyone read Feb. 2004 LOG article on tax tips for Seafarers. Educational director noted listing of upgrading courses in each issue of LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. ITB BALTIMORE (USS Transport), March 2—Chairman Richard A. Szabo, Secretary Pedro R. Mena, Educational Director Daniel N. Daligcon, Deck Delegate Hussein Mohamed. Chairman noted all’s well on board ITB Baltimore. Educational director highlighted need to keep shipping documents up to date and encouraged everyone to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated VCR recently purchased with ship’s funds. More movies will be bought. No beefs or disputed OT reported. LIBERATOR (USSM), March 14 —Chairman Joel G. Miller, Secretary Guillermo F. Thomas, Educational Director David M. Parker, Deck Delegate Edward F. OBrien, Engine Delegate Si Hughes. Chairman announced vessel going in for yard period. Everyone should turn in keys at MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line), March 2—Chairman Luke F. Wells, Secretary Kenneth A. Roetzer, Educational Director Timothy E. Pillsworth. Chairman announced change in schedule, and vessel to pay off March 5 in Charleston, S.C. He asked crew to keep rooms clean, make sure all documents are up to date, and upgrade skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship to receive new ice machine with stores this trip in Norfolk, Va. New crew will join ship in Elizabeth, N.J. Clarification of contract and money purchase pension plan requested. Suggestion made that large container vessels Thumbs Up to Ewa Steward Department Tom Stapleton, captain aboard the Matson container vessel, SS Ewa, sent the Seafarers LOG this photo of the “tremendous SIU steward department” preparing “another award-winning barbecue” en route to Honolulu. From the left are OBR Kasem Ali, Assistant Cook Philip Desett, Chief Cook Steve Bowmer and Steward/Baker Robert Miller. layoff. After recrewing, vessel heading for Middle East shuttle run. New DVD player and X-box received for crew entertainment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. SIU President Michael Sacco visited ship last trip and met with crew members. LYKES DISCOVERER (MTL), March 11—Chairman John E. Pegan III, Secretary Charles H. McField, Educational Director Daniel G. Ramirez Jr. Secretary read communications received and posted on bulletin board. Educational director talked about opportunities available at Piney Point for upgrading skills and urged crew members to take advantage of them. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Questions raised regarding pensions and medical benefits. Next ports: New Orleans, La.; Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Houston. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line), March 7—Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Secretary John G. Reid, Educational Director John E. Conn, Deck Delegate Mohsin Abdulla, Engine Delegate Rahul Bagchi. Chairman announced payoff March 12 in Charleston, S.C. He reminded everyone to report possible unsafe conditions to department heads at any time. He thanked crew members for smooth and safe trip and reminded them to clean rooms before getting off. Secretary stated 60-day stores to be taken in Portsmouth, Va. He thanked crew for helping keep house and passageways clean. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to contribute to SPAD and upgrade at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. He further advised them to check expiration dates on shot card and all other documents necessary for shipping. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for small refrigerators in each room. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Charleston; Portsmouth; Newark, N.J.; Algeciras, Spain. like Maersk Missouri get additional dayworkers and wiper. MARINE COLUMBIA (ATC), March 1—Chairman Gregory L. Hamilton, Secretary John F. Huyett, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Deck Delegate Bonifacio Fortes, Engine Delegate Detricke Kelly, Steward Delegate Albert Sison. Chairman reminded crew of no-smoking policy in lounge and of company’s aggressive environmental safety policies. Treasurer stated $5,762 in ship’s fund. Suggestions made on items to buy, including DVD players and scale for gym. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification raised about missing man wages. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (ATC), March 14—Chairman Carlos Loureiro, Secretary Nancy Heyden, Educational Director Edward Self. Chairman announced that after Long Beach, Calif., vessel going to shipyard in Singapore and will remain there for about three weeks. Crew will remain on board and receive lodging pay. Before leaving, everyone will sign foreign articles. No word yet if shots are needed, but if they are, doctor will come to ship. Anyone with current shots should take shot card to captain. On way to Singapore, tanks will be cleaned. Steward explained how new prescription coverage works. She asked crew to bring dirty linen to locker before arrival in port. Educational director reminded crew to be ready to answer questions regarding company’s policies and individual job duties when rep from BP comes aboard. Treasurer stated money received from company’s performance contract fund. Bosun bought several movies in Valdez, Alaska. Anyone else who wants to buy movies should give receipts to captain. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to improve medical/dental/prescription coverage. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. Seafarers LOG 19 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:30 PM Page 20 The Seafarers LOG is bringing back a feature we ran several years ago—The Galley Corner. We invite our members (in any department) to contribute some of their favorite recipes and, perhaps, a story about an unforgettable experience Steward Jack Williams shows off aboard ship. probably the largest loaf of bread We will start ever baked on a tugboat. this month with a submission from Steward Jack Williams. An accomplished chef with 10 years in the maritime industry in addition to many years experience in country clubs and restaurants, Brother Williams currently is working aboard the MV Button. He loves to cook and bake, and he notes that Buffalo Shrimp “every time I go out on a vessel, my lbs peeled and deveined goal is to serve the crew the best food they have ever had on a ship.” shrimp THE GALLEY CORNER The Storm Soup Saga by Steward Jack Williams I have been cooking in the marine industry for the past 11 years. During that time I have worked on tugboats, coastal freighters and research vessels in various oceans and seas of the world. As the cook on a boat, you are at the center of it all. You hear and see everything that goes on: the gossip, the news, the weather—and you are always right in the middle of those fantastic sea stories that everyone likes to tell about their experiences on the water. It was at the galley table that I overheard a discussion between a salty old tugboat captain and a crusty veteran chief engineer about split pea soup. The captain was relating an old superstition that warns that making split pea soup while you are underway will bring up a storm. Of course I had to jump right in and stir the pot by challenging the whole idea. I asked the captain if he had ever seen proof of this first hand. He replied that he had, and he had no desire to see it again. I countered that it sounded like an old wives’ tale to me and told him that one day I would try it out and see for myself. The captain then warned me that if I ever made split pea soup on a boat that he was running, I would end up out on the bow standing a very long watch in the wind and rain. So I left it at that, went about my business and forgot all about it. A year later I was on a tugboat with the same captain and engineer heading across the Gulf of Alaska in the middle July. We were on our way to Bristol Bay, Alaska with a very heavily loaded barge of cargo. One evening I went up to the wheelhouse to chat with the captain and noticed the weather map. Although these can be stormy seas, I couldn’t see anything that even resembled wind or rain on the map. I asked the captain if there was any bad weather heading our way and he confirmed that there wasn’t. Feeling mischievous, I decided that the next day we would have split pea 5 2 2 2 1 2 cups flour cups Louisiana hot sauce cups melted butter cup smokey BBQ sauce tablespoons blackening spice Mix the hot sauce, butter and BBQ sauce together in a bowl and set it aside. Season the shrimp with the blackening spice and toss them around in the flour so they are coated well. Deep fry the shrimp until they are brown and crispy. Place the shrimp in a large mixing bowl and smother them with the sauce. Put them in a hotel pan and set them on the steam table. soup for lunch. Of course, I didn’t say a word to the captain because I knew what kind of a discussion that would lead to. I just went to bed knowing what I was going to do that next morning. Well, I did it! I made split pea soup when no one was around, and proceeded to serve it for lunch. The captain went ballistic! He told me to take the pot off the stove and throw it over the side. “You’ve done it now,” he said. “Our good luck is over. Get ready for some rough riding!” I laughed. “Come on, captain. It is just an old tall tale like walking under a ladder or something.” He just got up, gave me a stern look and left me standing there with this to ponder. The rest of the day went smoothly, no problems, and nobody mentioned anything else to me about the soup. However, later on that night, I was wakened from a sound sleep, being violently tossed from one side of the bed to the other. I got up, pulled on my jeans and went up to the wheelhouse to see what was going on. I was not a welcome visitor at that moment! The mate at the wheel told me we were getting gale force winds holding at 45 knots, that the seas had picked up to 15 feet, and that it was all my fault we were getting pounded like this. Go figure. There hadn’t been any indication of weather like this on the map. And to tell you the truth, I was dumfounded. It had to have been the split pea soup. Storm soup. The blow lasted only until morning, but we had a terrible ride all night long, and everyone was very upset with me. The next day was picture perfect, and the captain very kindly asked me if I had learned my lesson. Of course I had to admit that I had, and peace was restored between all of us. The rest of the trip was smooth as silk, and to this day I have never made split pea soup at sea again. That should be the end of my story, but storm soup came back to haunt me a little while ago. The research ship I sailed with had a complement of more than 50 people, so there were two cooks on board. We were headed for the Azores in calm waters when the other cook made split pea soup for lunch. I was shocked! “Are you crazy?” I asked. “Do you have any idea what you are doing?” He replied just as I had years before that it was a silly superstition with nothing to back it up. So we served the split pea soup, and as everyone went through the line, I apologized in advance for the probable bad weather. Most everyone just laughed and thought nothing of it. Well, to make a long story short, the next day it blew so hard that we had to cancel work for a day and lay low. Needless to say, that made believers out of everyone. I have no good explanation for this superstition, but if you are ever brave enough to make split pea soup while you are at sea, I hope that you are also smart enough to batten down the hatches when you do. IMPORTANT NOTICE SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. 20 Seafarers LOG Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. May 2004 �22755_P01.2.3.9.10.21.qxd 4/26/2004 9:56 AM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for the next few months. 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 Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman May 24 July 5 Aug. 16 June 18 July 30 Sept. 10 GMDSS (Simulator) July 19 July 30 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 10 June 21 August 2 May 21 July 2 August 13 Radar May 10 May 21 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) May 31 August 9 June 11 August 20 Course Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* April 19 April 30 Basic Safety Training (BST) May 10 May 24 June 21 July 19 August 2 August 30 May 14 May 28 June 25 July 23 August 6 September 3 Fast Rescue Boat May 3 June 7 May 7 June 11 Government Vessels May 17 June 28 May 21 July 2 Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* May 17 July 5 May 28 July 16 (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be selfstudy. Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning April 26, 2004. Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Engine Utility (EU) May 17 July 26 June 11 August 20 FOWT July 12 September 3 Marine Electrician May 10 July 2 Course � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ May 2004 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 5/04 Seafarers LOG 21 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:30 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 648 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 648 (in alphabetical order) Benjamin Anderson, Ernest Cannon, Orlando Caro, Kenneth Casteel, Forrest Cornelison, Michelle Garon, Mark Kane, Matthew Locklear, Lon Maduro, Jonathan Miller, David Quade II, Gilberto Quinones-Reyes, Jamar Reed, Nelton Rodriguez, Keith Rost, Cody Stasch, Mario Torrey and Brandon Jones. ARPA — Earning their ARPA certificate March 12 are (from left) Mike Smith (instructor), John Brady, Jawaid Pardesi, Arvid Friberg, Fernando Rigonan, Harlan Hulst, Kenneth Salgado, Boyce Wilson and Brian Miller. AB — Seafarers who successfully completed the AB course March 26 are (in no particular order) Victor Perez, Tavid Lewis, Ed Majesky, Jared Taylor, John Fain, Keith Gibney, James Osborne, Sergio Centeno, Keith Livermon, George Ashbridge, Jan Payne, Erik Borys, Chuck Palmer, John Smith and Guy Traynham. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. GMDSS — Upgrading Seafarers who finished the 70-hour GMDSS course are (in alphabetical order) Victor Antunez, Alexander Fyodorovykh, Denis Kay, Donald Larsen, Sherman Sakatani and John Sparks. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is at far right. FOWT — Completing the six-week FOWT course March 12 are (in alphabetical order) Timothy Blakley, Reginald Colbert, Terrance Colbert, Garson Elliott, Bryan Fletcher, Corey Hann, Memphis Herring, Jerrold Maggard, Gregory McKinnon, Degrick McLendon, Antonio Myrick, Antonio Perez, Richard Rowland, Steven Ruppert, John Shea, Sam Vanderbrug, William Wakeman, Brandy White, Ralph Williams and Aaron Wood. Tanker Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)— Feb. 20 gradu- ates of the tanker familiarirzation/assistant cargo (DL) course are (in alphabetical order) Abdullatif Ahmed, Richard Gathers, Nathan Hollander, Rubin Mitchell, John Nelson, Edgardo Plarisan and Juan Ruiz. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Stewards from NOAA completed a number of courses at the school, including steward department courses, safety classes and computer lab work. The students were (in no specific order) Mickey Gronski, Deana Jennings, Jo Locke, Paul Jarvi, Jesse Stiggins, Larry Phillips, Raul Monillas, Joe Lefstein, Adam Staiger, Rowell Legaspi, Romulo Reynante and Steve Ralson (not all are pictured). Also in the photo are Paul Hall Vice President Don Nolan and instructors Ed White, John Hetmanski and Shannon Twigg. Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Computer Lab Class Showing off their certificates of achievement for completion of computer classes at the Paul Hall Center are (from left, seated) Hugo Infante, Emmett Wattigny, (standing) Rick Prucha (instructor), Frank Ramones and Albert Bharrat. At right is B.R. Hickman with instructor Rick Prucha. 22 Seafarers LOG Advanced Fire Fighting — Earning their advanced fire fighting endorsements March 5 are (in alphabetical order) Abdullatif Ahmed, Charles Cambra, Christopher Edyvean, James Fekany, Glenn Gross, Miles Janecka, Roy Logan, Freddie Malbas, Brian McLarnon, Jimmy Orr and Jerome Wong. Their instructor, Tom Cessna, is at far right. May 2004 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:31 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Radar — March 3 was completion day for students in the radar class. From the left are Mike Smith (instructor), Harlan Hulst, Jawaid Pardesi, Edgardo Plarisan, Fernando Rigonan, Kenneth Salgado, Boyce Wilson, Brian Miller and Samuel Cox. Junior Engineer — With their instructor, Jay Henderson, are Seafarers who completed the junior engineer course April 2. They are (in alphabetical order) Stephen Bradfute, Kevin Cooper, Milan Dzurek, Steven Haver, Quincy Wilson and Nathan Wirt. Small Arms — Completing the small arms training course March 5 are (from left) Richard Nemanic, Brannon Adams, Raymond Hotchkiss, Christopher Paul, Gregory Scott and Lance McFarland. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW STCW — Feb. 20: Edward Lewis, Ismael Manley, Robert Melendez, Jason Moore, Joseph Morris, Evelyn Nordbrok, Olivia Pabalan, Miguel Pilgrim, Peter Ramos, Ricardo Salazar, William Schropp, Heather Van Benschoten, Brent Varney, Will Walters, Adam Young and Roger Mellen. STCW — Feb. 20: Christine Lemke, Mario Lopes, Jim Mattson, Terry Murphy, Chris Nall, John Niedbalski, Nasser Omar, Katie Piper, Donna Raymond, Fernando Remedios, Harry Rogers, John Stewart, Mary Toledo, Stephen Wehner, Donald Williams, Jerome Wong, Kenneth Yuret and Joseph Schultz. — Feb. 27: (Two groups): Rowena Applestill, Mallory Bannister, Matthew Barry, Charles Bolig, John Brown, Eric Campbell, Chris Collins, Paul Corsentino, Milane Cremeans, Kristen Cruz, Leonard Dawson, Robert Garay, Viviana Gavronski, Wesley Godon, Donald Hagerty Jr., Richard Hernandez, Joshua Hoffman, Calvin Jacobs, Scott Johnston, Kathleen Jones, Shannan Lynn, Shelley Mallow, Scott McCabe, Sarah McLaughlin, Amber Michel, Ross Murphy, Derek Partida, Justin Querubin, Dino Pleho, Dwayne Rouse, Megan Sherman, Elizabeth Smith, Stephen Smith, Samuel Styve, Irene Tassie, Jamil Walli, Kenneth White, Don Wilhite and Gary Johnson Jr. Their instructors, Stan Beck and Larry Malone, are at far right. Lifeboatman/Water Survival Water Survival — Feb. 27: Otsman Baudin, Stephen Wehner, Jason Moore, Mary Toledo, Dana Hicks, Amber Akana, Olivia Pabalan, David Benito, Barbra Allbritton, Victor Rapez, Tremaine Ferris, Janelle Helg, Eric Calo, Duncan Nishimura, Adrian Tam, Ryan Nitta, Greg Hayama, Jesse Nakamura, Bjorn Ramskog and Alan Schiller. Their instructors were Bernabe Pelingon and Tony Sevilla. Water Survival — Feb. 27: David Chairez, Dori Cook, Thomas Drapil, Robert Melendez, Dominic Carr, Darin Heine, Jim Farmer, Joseph Schultz, Jim Mattson, Joe Morris, Kaleinainoa Asentista, Leo Curry, Keith Cleary, Brent Varney, Patrick Helmuth, Lauren Grice, Donald Williams Sr., Migel Pilgram, Katie Piper and Adam Young. Specially Trained OS — Unlicensed apprentices in the third phase of their training completed the STOS course Feb 20. They include (back row) Brannon Adams, Chris Paul, Brett Younginger, Kenneth Sharp, David Guthrie, Raymond Hotchkiss, Gregory Scott, Lance McFarland, (kneeling) Robert Patterson, Xavier Rivera, Ramsey Ingram, John Selman, Richard Nemanic and Timothy Ross. May 2004 Specially Trained OS — Upgrading Seafarers who graduated from the STOS course Feb. 20 are Kenneth Click, David Garcia, Richard Jones, Thomas Maillelle, Ronald Merfeld, Hal Owen, Jan Payne, Gill Sickles, John Truss, Joseph Willett and Rick Worthington (not all are pictured). Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is at far right. Seafarers LOG 23 �22755_P4.6.11.14-17.19.20.22-24.qxd 4/28/2004 7:31 PM Page 24 M 2 2 m l o A t l c i s D s AB Gangway Watch Jack Kemp Chief Cook Tommy Kleine ACU Ricky Williams Chief Cook Edyson Chaniago Night Engineer Steve Bvkovies and OMU Curtis Barnett Right: Recertified Steward Allen Terry Thalis Ealy is the chief cook aboard the APL China. Recertified Steward Ben Opaon Left: SIU Rep Romy Lumanlan prepares to make a deposit. Right: AB Kermit Bengtston fills out paperwork for his vacation. RMST John Vierra ACU Moosa Mohamed t � 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 2004 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SEAFARERS DELIVER THE GOODS IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM 2 RANK-AND-FILE FINANE COMMITTEE OKAYS UNION’S RECORDS FOR 2003 LAKEN SHIPPING MARINERS VOTE SIU UNION CONTRACT BRINGS MANY GAINS FOR NEWEST SEAFARERS MORE NEW JOBS! TANKER CHARLESTON JOINS SIU FLEET MEMBERSHIP RECEIVES PRESIDENT’S PRE-BALLOTING REPORT ITF SECURES AID FOR CREWS OF TWO FOC BULK CARRIERS NEGOTIATIONS UNDERWAY AT PUERTO RICO TOWING UNIONS VOICE STRONG OBJECTIONS TO MMD PROVISIONS ALASKA TO OFFER DRILLING LEASES ON SOME STATE-MANAGED WATERS LAND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT GEARED TOWARD ‘ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND ENERGY DEVELOPMENT’ COAST GUARD ADMIRAL REMINDS ‘MARITIME PARTNERS’ ABOUT MTSA’S JULY 1 IMPLEMENTATION LIFELONG PASSION FOR SIU DEFINED RETIRED VP LAKE SEAFARERS COMPLETE FITOUT LAKES BOATMEN OKAY PACT ASC BOSUNS ADDRESS KEY ISSUES MEMORIAL PLANNED TO MEREDITH VICTORY CAPTAIN, NMU CREW SMPPP EARNED 15 PERCENT LAST YEAR FREE CHOICE ACT GAINING SUPPORT OPERATION DEEP FREEZE SEAFARERS HELP RESUPPLY MCMURDO STATION SEAFARING SCENES FROM SAN FRANCISCO Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 05/01/2004 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. 66, No. 5 2004 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/9725735ce57e39eefbcf6f52c93ed5d5.pdf cd05b926db73f382af6d3c264c35c9f9 PDF Text Text 23075_P01,2,24.qxd 5/28/2004 5:30 PM Page 1 Volume 66, Number 6 June 2004 ALASKAN FRONTIER CHRISTENED Double-Hull Tanker To Join SIU Fleet The SIU last month welcomed the christening of its newest ship, the double-hull tanker Alaskan Frontier. Among those attending the event May 20 in San Diego were (from left) OSG Ship Management Executive VP Bob Johnston, BP Alaska President Steve Marshall, MEBA President Ron Davis, SIU President Michael Sacco, BP West Coast Region President Bob Malone, Alaska Tanker Co. President Anil Mathur and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez. Page 3. Seafarers and SIU officials participated in National Maritime Day ceremonies May 20 in Washington, D.C. Left: U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta (left) and SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel are e s n e f y e a D D f e o m i m t i r r A a h on M t r u Fo ored Hon BELOW: U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao meets apprentices from the Paul Hall Center and SIU officials including (front row, from left) Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta, SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel and Assistant VP George Tricker. Pages 12-13. pictured at the event hosted by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Right: U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) chats with Unlicensed Apprentice (and Mississippi resident) Thomas Nicely at MSC’s ceremony. Scholarship Winners Announced Pages 2, 7 ITF Inspectors Help Foreign Crews Page 3 Mariners Included in WWII Memorial Page 2 Crescent Boatmen Approve Contract By a vote of 123-8, SIU members who sail aboard tugs operated by Crescent Towing (including the Point Clear, left) recently approved a new three-year contract. Page 3. �23075_P01,2,24.qxd 5/28/2004 5:30 PM Page 2 President’s Report Meeting Our Goals This month’s LOG provides an especially revealing snapshot of what the SIU is all about. Good jobs for Seafarers. Top-notch training. Fair contracts. Helping fellow mariners. Upholding our legacy as the nation’s fourth arm of defense. The SIU continues to achieve all of those things and more. As I’ve said before, it all starts with jobs. Michael Sacco On that front, I was proud to represent Seafarers last month at christening ceremonies for a new double-hull tanker in San Diego. Whether it’s replacement tonnage or outright new additions, it’s obviously vital that we continue maintaining and growing the SIU-contracted fleet. The new tanker Alaskan Frontier and its soon-to-come sister ships represent continued employment opportunities for SIU members. That’s our No. 1 priority, as always. We also recently welcomed a newly contracted tanker, the Charleston, to our fleet. Other new job opportunities are on the horizon and approaching fast. As the Paul Hall Center’s Deep Sea and Inland Towing Advisory Board prepares to meet this month at the campus in Piney Point, Md., I again congratulate our affiliated school for leading the way when it comes to maritime security training. The school’s directors and instructors have worked hard to stay on top of what can only be described as a complex and evolving subject. As a result, our crews are well prepared at a time when shipboard and port security have reached unprecedented levels of scrutiny and importance. I also extend congratulations to our negotiating team at Crescent Towing, where SIU boatmen recently approved a new three-year contract. Having served on more than a few bargaining committees, I understand and appreciate what it takes to secure a good agreement like the one at Crescent. Once again, our team delivered. Likewise, our team of inspectors for the International Transport Workers’ Federation recently came through for foreign crew members who were owed substantial amounts of back pay. Our involvement in the ITF is crucial on many levels, and we often find ourselves working together on very complicated global issues. But, as in the recent cases reported on page 3, it really all boils down to one thing: helping fellow mariners. Finally, a word about National Maritime Day. At a time when U.S. mariners—including more than 2,000 SIU members—are handling the largest sealift effort since World War II, it’s great to see our industry receive the recognition we deserve. This year, at National Maritime Day ceremonies across the country, military and government leaders paid tribute not only to our heroic crews from past conflicts, but also to today’s mariners. Additionally, World War II-era mariners were included in the National World War II Memorial in Washington that was dedicated at the end of May. The gratitude to those who paid the ultimate price is fitting. The acknowledgment that America continues to rely on U.S. citizen crews to support our armed forces is essential. As U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao put it, “In peace and war, the merchant marine supports the twin pillars of America’s strength: economic prosperity and national security.” The SIU remains a proud part of that formula. Our commitment to delivering the goods has never been stronger. Volume 66, Number 6 June 2004 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2004 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG U.S. Merchant Marine Included In WWII Memorial Dedication The new National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., scheduled for official dedication as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, includes a tribute to the U.S. Merchant Marine. Two identical merchant marine bronze emblems atop marble bases are featured at the memorial, which was slated to formally open May 29. More than 1,200 members of the Seafarers International Union gave their lives in World War II. The U.S. Maritime Administration called the inclusion “long overdue recognition.” U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert was to represent American mariners during the dedication. “Merchant mariners crewed the Liberty ships, the Victory ships, and thousands of other ships that carried troops and many tons of materiel for the Allied cause in World War II,” the agency noted in a news release announcing its participation in the dedication. “Nearly 215,000 people served in the U.S. Merchant Marine in World War II, and almost one mariner in 30 died in the line of duty. The Merchant Marine suffered higher casualty rates than any branch of the Armed Services except the Marine Corps.” Schubert stated, “The contribution of merchant mariners to the war effort has too often been overlooked. Their inclusion on The new monument was open for public viewing a month before its official dedication May 29. the memorial and in the ceremonies is a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made by the merchant marine.” According to Maritime Administration figures, 733 American cargo ships were lost to enemy action during WWII and more than 6,000 civilian American seafarers were killed. Thousands were injured during attacks and nearly 600 were held as prisoners of war. “Merchant mariners are consistently first in, last out,” Schubert added. “In World War II, they The U.S. Merchant Marine emblem appears were the ones carrytwice at the National World War II Memorial, at ing cargo across the the bases of two flagpoles. North Atlantic to Britain, and making the runs to Murmansk before the United States entered the war. And when the war was over, it was the merchant marine who also brought the troops home.” The National World War II Memorial, located on the Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, opened for public viewing in late April, a month before the official dedication. It is the first national memorial dedicated to all who served during the Second World War. The memorial was authorized by Congress in 1993. Construction began in September 2001 after several years of fund raising and public hearings. The dedication ceremonies were scheduled to span four days. 1 Seafarer, 5 Dependents Selected for Scholarships The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has announced this year’s scholarship recipients. Selected by a panel of professional educators last month were one Seafarer and five dependents of SIU members—for a total monetary value of $106,000. In past years, Seafarers were eligible for three of the scholarships—one four-year, $20,000 award and two $6,000 stipends for a two-year course of study at a college or vocational school. This year, however, none of the applicants was eligible for the fouryear award, and only one applicant was eligible for the two-year award. Mark Anthony Dyer from Newbern, N.C. is the Seafarer selected for the two-year scholarship. The five dependents of SIU members are Mary A. Hornby, daughter of James L. Hornby; Eleanor R. Preston, daughter of Chester W. Preston, Aaron J. Gilson, son of James O. Gilson; Rafika J. Shibly, daughter of Mohamed Shibly; and Glenys I. Castro, daughter of Salome M. Castro. This year’s selection committee, meeting in San Juan, P.R., was appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. The panel was composed of the following scholars and academicians: Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College of Maryland; Dr. Gayle A. Olson, University of New Orleans; Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Charles County (Md.) Community College; Dr. Charles Lyons Jr., American Association of Colleges and Universities; Father David A. Boileau, Ph.D., Loyla University; Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical College of Ohio; and Professor Louis Fernandez, provost and vice president of academic affairs, California State (San Bernardino). See page 7 for brief descriptions of the backgrounds and educational goals of the six collegebound students. The selection committee goes over each of the applications submitted for one of the eight scholarships awarded annually by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. June 2004 �p3,4,12,13.qxd 5/28/2004 5:33 PM Page 3 Tanker Alaskan Frontier Christened Seafarers will crew up the Alaskan Frontier, christened May 20 in San Diego. The Alaskan Frontier, the first in a series of double-hull oil tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA, was christened May 20 at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) shipyard in San Diego. SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez represented the union at the event. The ship will be operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. (ATC). “The Alaskan Frontier represents upcoming job opportunities for Seafarers,” Sacco noted. “It’s also important from the standpoint of helping maintain a pool of qualified, loyal U.S. mariners who may be called upon to support our troops in times of conflict.” The state-of-the-art doublehull ship (as well as its sister ships being built at NASSCO) has a length of 941feet and a beam of 164 feet. The design of the 1.3million-barrel-capacity tankers in the Alaska Class will allow maximum flexibility for oil deliveries from Alaska to West Coast ports, including BP refineries in Los Angeles and Cherry Point, Wash. According to the shipyard, the vessels employ the latest in international marine technologies, including twin-screw, mediumspeed, diesel-electric propulsion that can achieve a speed of more than 15 knots. The ships come fitted with the most modern machinery and cargo control systems and an integrated navigation system. Pam Olver, spouse of Richard Olver, deputy group chief executive of BP, was the ship’s sponsor, naming the Alaskan Frontier and striking a ceremonial bottle of champagne on the ship’s hull. Bob Malone, chief executive of BP Shipping, Ltd., was the keynote speaker at the event. Altogether, four Alaska Class tankers are scheduled to be delivered between this summer and the end of 2006. “These environmentally friendly ships use seawater instead of oil to cool and lubricate the propeller shafts, thus eliminating accidental oil leaks,” Malone said. “Their cargo piping, normally installed on the deck, is inside the cargo tanks, to reduce the risk of small spills.” Crescent Boatmen Okay 3-Year Pact SIU members who sail aboard tugs operated by Crescent Towing approved a new three-year contract that improves health benefits and maintains four-person crews. The vote, which took place from late April to early May aboard the boats and at the SIU hall in New Orleans, was 123-8 in favor of the agreement. The SIU represents Crescent crew members on a total of 18 boats in New Orleans; Mobile, Ala.; and Savannah, Ga. Serving on the union’s negotiating committee were New Orleans Engine Delegate David Walker, New Orleans Captain Delegate Joseph Carson, New Orleans Deckhand Delegate Richard Rosser, Mobile Captain Delegate Ronnie Walker, Mobile Engine Delegate Kyle Tucker, Mobile Deckhand Delegate John Wint, Savannah Deckhand Delegate Charlie Warren, SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, and SIU Consultant (and retired Port Agent) Jim Martin. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez credited the union’s bargaining committee for “outstanding work” and also noted that Crescent “refused to bow to certain pressures from elsewhere in the industry. They realized, at the end of the day, that it benefits all concerned to have safe, reliable, enthusiastic crew members who feel like they’re partners, so to speak, rather than just numbers.” Like everyone else involved, Corgey described the negotiations as tough, despite the long-standing productive working relationship between the union and the company. “But in very challenging economic conditions, we bargained in good faith to a fair compromise that protects the standard of living for employees while maintaining the competitiveness of the company,” Corgey noted. “I take my hat off to the rank-and-file delegate committee for doing a superb job and hanging in there. They really looked out for the people they work with.” Negotiations took place in New Orleans and lasted about three weeks. In addition to gaining the top medical benefits offered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (Plan G) and maintaining crew size, the contract changes rules concerning lay-ups so that Seafarers almost certainly will gain additional work. “I’m proud we maintained people’s jobs,” Judd stated. Carson said, “I feel we did very well, considering what we were up against. I think we came out of it great and the company did, too. We made compromises for the medical benefits, which is what everyone wanted. (Maintaining) the fourth man was first, then the benefits. We came out with both.” A 24-year member of the SIU, Carson added that his spirits were lifted by “the strength of the union. If it wouldn’t have been for our brotherhood and the leadership of the SIU…. We knew we had their support, absolutely. We had everything from legal advice to guys from another union company willing to walk our picket line if we needed help.” Walker, who also has served on numerous negotiating teams, said, “We got a little bloody but we lived to fight another day. I feel pretty good about the contract. (Keeping) the fourth man was the most important thing, along with the new medical plan. I’m 100 percent good with that.” He pointed out that Crescent boatmen now will have full coverage for their dependents, including prescription coverage. Among those participating in negotiations were (front, from left) Crescent Senior VP Arthur Kulp, SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey, Crescent Executive Scott Cooper, (standing) Crescent Assistant Operations Manager Jodie Scharfenstein, Crescent Safety Director Keith Glass, Crescent Assistant Vice President Eddie Pinner, SIU New Orleans Captain Delegate Joseph Carson, SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, SIU New Orleans Deckhand Delegate Richard Rosser and SIU New Orleans Engine Delegate David Walker. Among those not in the photo but also taking part in negotiations were Seafarers Ronnie Walker, Kyle Tucker, John Wint and Charlie Warren, SIU Consultant Jim Martin and Crescent CEO Keith Kettering. Similarly, Rosser noted, “The medical plan is a raise in itself—a lifesaver for a lot of people. I think we should be very happy with what we accomplished.” A 30-year veteran of the tugboats, Rosser asserted, “One man’s job lost is one too many, and four men is what’s needed on Cresent tugs in the Gulf. I really do believe that. It’s safe and reasonable, and I hope other companies follow our precedent.” SIU ITF Inspectors Secure $186,000 In Back Wages for Foreign Crews Four SIU International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) inspectors recently secured a total of $186,000 in back wages for the foreign crews of three vessels. SIU ITF Assistant Coordinator Enrico Esopa along with SIU ITF Inspectors Arthur Petitpas, Tony Sacco and Shwe Tun Aung came through for the mariners in March. “Unfortunately, back-wage claims are nothing new aboard some foreign-flag ships,” Esopa said. “Many foreign mariners are afraid to come forward because of (potential) retaliation by the shipowners, but the crews have a great ally in the ITF and its inspectors. When given the chance, we can help.” In early March, Petitpas met with mariners aboard the Maltaflagged SafMarine Douala in Camden, N.J. after receiving written complaints from the Filipino crew alleging double bookkeeping (meaning they were paid a lower rate than what their contract called for). The crew also said they had been forced to work unpaid overtime. Petitpas quickly secured a written agreement from the ship manager (Ormos Compania Naviera of Greece) including not Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, July 5, 2004 for the observance of Independence Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. June 2004 only back pay, but also a onemonth wage bonus. He subsequently met with the crew in Norfolk, Va. and supervised the payment of more than $53,000 in back wages. Aung then met the vessel in Houston to check on the final payments (totaling more than $24,000) and repatriation. He also successfully fought off alleged attempts by the ship’s master to blacklist the crew. Later that month, mariners aboard another Malta-flagged ship operated by Ormos (the Alice) contacted the ITF after learning that the SafMarine Douala crew had received back pay. At the Red Hook terminal in Brooklyn, N.Y., the Alice crew told Esopa that they also were owed money by the company. In this case, Esopa the next day secured more than $30,000 in back pay for the crew, along with repatriation for five Filipino crew Crew members from the SafMarine Douala show their thanks to the ITF. They received more than $77,000 in back pay, thanks to the federation. members. Finally in March, Sacco met with Ghanaian crew members of the British-flagged ship Kent Trader in Georgetown, S.C. after receiving a report from the ITF’s London-based headquarters. The mariners were concerned about unpaid wages. Sacco contacted the new fleet manager in Germany and secured back pay according to the ITF contract, along with a bonus and repatriation that were promised to the crew if they sailed the vessel to the next port (Halifax, Nova Scotia). In total, the mariners received more than $78,000. The ITF is a federation of more than 550 transport workers’ unions, including the SIU. Those unions represent more than 4.5 million workers in 130 countries. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel serves as vice chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section. Seafarers LOG 3 �p3,4,12,13.qxd 5/28/2004 5:34 PM Page 4 SIU-Crewed M/V Resolve Praised for Rescue at Sea The SIU-crewed Resolve recently received a Meritorious Public Service Award from the U.S. Coast Guard for rescuing two fishermen late last year. AB Paul Altenor was among those who manned the lifeboat which rescued the survivors. The Resolve is crewed by Seafarers and members of the American Maritime Officers (AMO). It is operated by Pacific-Gulf Marine. The following SIU members were aboard the vessel when the rescue took place: Bosun Ruben Rivera; ABs Altenor, Julio Alvarez and Earl Bostrom; OSs Flora Garland and George Peters; QMED Mark Mosher; OMUs Scotie Beezley and Michael Joel; Chief Steward Griffin Carter; Chief Cook Pedro Edar; SA Eric Hernandez; and Unlicensed Apprentice Lloyd Clark. The text of the award follows. “The Commander, Fifth Coast Guard District takes great pleasure in presenting the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award to Captain Michael R Frye and the crew of the M/V RESOLVE for actions in the rescue at sea of two shipwrecked fishermen on the afternoon of December 13, 2003. Notice: Philadelphia Clinic The Philadelphia health clinic has moved to a different floor in Methodist Hospital (from the first to the second floor). As of May 21, the clinic is located on the second floor. The address is unchanged: Healthmark Clinic, 2301 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148. Captain Frye, master of the M/V RESOLVE, was at the beginning of a transatlantic passage off of Frying Pan Shoals, North Carolina, when his crew overheard a partial distress call from the F/V ALL HOOKED UP. Captain Frye notified the nearest Coast Guard station of the call and then, lacking more precise location of the distress, diverted his ship to begin a precarious search based only upon the maximum potential range of radio reception of the call. “Shortly thereafter, the Coast Guard correlated the distress Captain Frye had heard to an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) signal and a cellular telephone call from two fishermen who had abandoned the F/V ALL HOOKED UP as it sank, and now were adrift in the vessel’s life raft. The Coast Guard notified Captain Frye of this additional information and the specific distress position received through the EPIRB. Captain Frye immediately altered course and made best speed to the identified coordinates. Combating heavy seas and deteriorating weather, Captain Frye and his crew located the life raft containing the two survivors. Working in the extremely dangerous seas and near gale force winds, the crew lowered a rescue boat to retrieve the two hypothermic survivors. After providing essential medical attention, Captain Frye coordinated the transfer of both survivors from the M/V RESOLVE to a Coast Guard helicopter. The two survivors were then safely brought ashore for medical evaluation and treatment. “The heroic, unselfish actions of Captain Frye and his crew, despite the treacherous weather conditions and the danger to his own vessel, saved two lives and upheld the highest traditions of humanitarian service.” Instructor Relishes Chance To Help Students Advance two daughters. “Rendering assistance to others has always been something I wanted to do, and being here (at the Paul Hall Center) as a maritime instructor provides me with the ideal way of doing it.” Pelingon, who still sails on SIU-contracted vessels, currently serves as the deck department’s lead instructor for able seamen. He teaches various deck department courses, including lifeboat/water survival, specially trained ordinary seaman and basic safety training/STCW. So far, Pelingon has achieved a 100 percent passing rate for students in the subject areas of: deck and marlinespike seamanship, cargo handling, navigation, shiphandling, rules of the road and deck safety. Born in the Philippines, Pelingon is a natural for the classroom. “I come from a family of many educators,” he shared. “My mother, sisters, uncles as well as other relatives all are or were educators in the Philippines. At some point in their careers, most of them have been associated with seafarers because in the Philippines you either work on the farm or you work at Maritime Instructor Bernabe Pelingon con- sea. These are the two ducts a marlinespike seamanship class at the largest professions Paul Hall Center. Pelingon is the deck depart- back home, but I knew ment’s lead instructor for able seamen at the I did not want to be a Piney Point, Md.-based school. A third generation mariner who comes from a family of educators has concocted the perfect recipe for his diversified talents. After spending 20-plus years in the U.S. Navy and two more sailing aboard deep sea vessels for the SIU, Bernabe S. Pelingon in 1999 became an instructor at the union’s affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Becoming a maritime instructor, in his estimation, has translated into the fulfillment of his destiny. “I’ve always wanted to be in a position to help people,” said Pelingon, a husband and father of 4 Seafarers LOG full-time farmer.” Pelingon attended the Iloilo Maritime Academy in the Philippines where he earned an associate’s degree in Nautical Science and a bachelor’s in Marine Transportation. He also received his third mate’s license (unlimited foreign). Pelingon enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1977. After serving for 20 years as quartermaster first class, earning numerous decorations along the way and attending a myriad of military training schools, he retired and began contemplating second career options. While a number of professions attracted his interests, his handsdown favorite was the merchant marine. “I attended a job fair in Norfolk, Va., where I met representatives of the SIU,” Pelingon said. “I talked to them about joining the SIU because, based on past experiences, I already knew what was happening with the merchant marines and it was nothing new to me. I guess I really was born one (a merchant mariner).” In 1997, Pelingon was accepted for the veteran’s program at Piney Point. “I was the first veteran in the program that year,” he recalled. “Once aboard, I upgraded in all areas of the deck department and then began shipping out.” Completely satisfied with his second career, Pelingon soon began thinking of ways to spread the good news about the merchant marine and the SIU to others. When not shipping, he The Seafarers-crewed Resolve (formerly the Tanabata) earned recognition for rescuing two fishermen. Seafarer’s Last Request Honored Recertified Steward Robert S. Davis reports that on March 27, 2004, under clear skies, the earthly remains of his late wife, Chief Steward Tracy Jane Davis (pictured aboard the Overseas New Orleans in 2001), were scattered on the calm waters of Kailua Bay on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Sister Davis was a longtime Seafarer, and her last request was that she be set free in the sea in Hawaii on her birthday. Joining Robert Davis at the remembrance were Tracy Davis’ father, sister and several close friends. Tracy passed away at her home in Montgomery, Texas in December 2002. Anyone wishing to share their memories of her, or to express any related thoughts, may contact Robert Davis at 99 Lakeview Village in Montgomery, Texas 77356-5917 or telephone (832) 656-6843. thought it might benefit the union as well as military veterans if he attended Navy Transition and Separation Programs in Norfolk and introduced job seekers to the transportation industry. “My idea was well-received, partly because I had access into the Navy’s personnel system, knew how it worked and was a retired military ID card holder,” he said. “I started speaking during seminars, sharing my personal experiences and giving various presentations on behalf of the merchant marine. We appealed to the interests of several hundred of people who later came into the SIU under the vets program.” In addition to being a volunteer recruiter, Pelingon helps enlist instructors and serves as a peer tutor and mentor for upgraders at the Paul Hall Center, some of whom have English as a second language. When asked to share his guiding philosophy on life, Pelingon said, “Take care of people, they are your most valuable asset. Help them, for they may find it hard not to help you when you’re the one in need.” Sailing, Teaching Are Right Mix For Pelingon Seafarer Bernabe Pelingon has found a winning combination: sailing and teaching. Pelingon sails in the deck department with the SIU and also serves as an instructor at the union’s affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. When not in the classroom, he returns to the sea. “I’m still an active Seafarer today,” he said. “Making the transition from being an instructor to going back to sea or vice versa is not a problem for me because in either case I’m in a position to help people.” Mariners who may be interested in teaching at the Paul Hall Center (either full- or part-time) are asked to contact John Mason at (800) 360-1068. Crewing Up the Charleston The chemical carrier Charleston is a new addition to the SIU-contracted fleet, as reported last month. Seafarers in April crewed up the 635-foot tanker in Houston. Among those signing on were Bosun John Nichols, ABs Randell Paredes, Donald Clotter, Harvey Ramos, Tavell Love and Janaro Jackson, QEPs John Bonefont and Clarence Verdun, Chief Cook John Stephen, GUDE Machavellia Bagsby, ACU Gamal Asaad and SA Faustino Castillo. The Charleston is the eighth ship in the United States Shipping LLC U.S.-flag fleet. June 2004 �PG5_7,19,21.qxd 5/24/2004 4:59 PM Page 5 SIU President Honored by St. Louis AMMV A group of St. Louis-area U.S. Merchant Marine veterans went all out to honor SIU President Michael Sacco last month during an early National Maritime Day ceremony that attracted high-ranking officials from government and the military. The S.S. Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) and Navy Armed Guard hosted the May 15 event at the Soldiers Memorial in downtown St. Louis. “We just want Mike Sacco to know how much we appreciate everything he’s done for us,” noted George Ward, an officer with the 90-member Samuel Parker Chapter who sailed as an NMU member during World War II. “I’ve met him on several occasions and he’s an A-number-1 guy.” Among other efforts, Ward cited the SIU president’s active role in helping secure extension of the cutoff date for veterans’ status for World War II mariners. The morning ceremony also featured tributes to war-era mariners, including members of the local AMMV chapter who passed away since last year’s National Maritime Day ceremony. But much of the event was dedicated to Sacco, a St. Louis resident who received plaques and proclamations, including declara- Pictured from left to right are St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, SIU President Michael Sacco and Soldiers Memorial Superintendent Ralph Weichert. tions from the governor, mayor and other elected representatives. The AMMV chapter dedicated an anchor chain in his honor (situated outside the museum) and also displayed a banner recognizing Sacco as “America’s No. 1 Merchant Marine.” SIU St. Louis Port Agent Becky Sleeper introduced the SIU president to the crowd. “The U.S. Merchant Marine has no greater friend than Mike Sacco. He has devoted his life not only to his own union, but really to the entire industry,” Sleeper stated. “He is a leading voice in Washington when it comes to promoting the merchant marine’s important role as America’s fourth arm of defense.” Sacco thanked everyone involved with the day’s events and then turned his attention to those mariners who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice. “The best way we can honor them and confirm that they did not die in vain is to keep the American flag flying on the high seas,” he said. “History has taught us, again and again, that when America is involved in conflicts, it depends on the sealift provided by a strong merchant marine. There is no other reliable, practical alternative, as we’ve again seen during Operation Iraqi Freedom.” Among those attending were Lt. Gen. Gary Hughey, deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); Lt. Col. Todd Robbins; St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay; Alderman Stephen Gregali; State Senator The S.S. Samuel Parker Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) and Navy Armed Guard surprised SIU President Michael Sacco with a banner (held by, from left, chapter members Don Adams and Harry Student) and also dedicated an anchor chain to him. ITF Questions Elimination of Crew List Visa International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) General Secretary David Cockroft recently wrote to the U.S. State Department expressing his disappointment that the government is planning to abolish crew list visas for visiting mariners—despite advice from, among others, the heads of the International Labor Organization and International Maritime Organization that this will penalize mariners and may even undermine major new developments designed to enhance security. Cockroft wrote in part, “Further to our previous communications during the rule making process, we are extremely disappointed that the United States has issued the Interim Final Rule in Public Notice 4654. We also note that the Public Notice advises that the proposed rule solicited 81 comments from seafarers’ trade unions, shipowners and Governments, all of which argued against the elimination of the crew list visa. Moreover, earlier this year the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization and the Director-General of the International Labor Office wrote a joint letter to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security requesting the United States to recognize the June 2004 exceptional position of seafarers in terms of entry into foreign countries and to facilitate shore leave for seafarers. “The joint letter by the heads of two United Nations Specialized Agencies notes the way the international community has, in the wake of September 11, put in place additional stringent and comprehensive measures to address the question of maritime security. The International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) Code, adopted by the IMO, which comes into force on July 1 this year, puts seafarers at the forefront of the new maritime security regime. The IMO Diplomatic Conference that adopted amendments to the SOLAS Convention and the ISPS Code also adopted a Conference Resolution on Human Element Aspects and Shore Leave for Seafarers. “The ILO also promptly responded to a request, which originated from the United States, to revise the Seafarers’ Identity Document Convention and adopted ILO Convention No.185 in June 2003…. The fact that two United Nations Specialized Agencies adopted such Resolutions, which recognize that seafarers need special protection, shore leave and facilitation of travel to and from ships, are indicative of the importance the international community attaches to such matters. “The requirement that seafarers secure individual visa is causing great hardship. The State Department Public Notice wrongly suggests that individual visas would be cheaper as most seafarers would receive a multiple entry, long-term visa. However, it ignores the SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left) joins members of the St. Louis AMMV chapter (from left) Bill Hessi, Tex Cannady and George Ward for the ceremony. Anita Yeckle; State Senator Jack Jackson; Ralph Weichert, superintendent of the museum; and SIU officials including Executive Vice President John Fay; Vice President Great Lakes Tommy Orzechowski; and SIU of Canada President Roman Gralewicz.. Congratulating SIU President Michael Sacco (left) on the ceremony as well as joining in observing National Maritime Day are (from left) Lt. Col. Todd Robbins; Monsignor Sal Polizzi; and Lt. Gen. Gary Hughey, deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM). Guests are greeted by Bill Hessi (standing) of the Samuel Parker Chapter of the AMMV. fact that the cost of a crew list visa was borne by the shipowner, while the costs associated with the issuance of an individual visa are generally met by the seafarer. As many seafarers come from developing countries and live in communities some distance from a United States Embassy or Consulate, the costs are not insubstantial…. “The State Department Public Notice erroneously suggests that the new seafarers’ identity document, which contains biometric details, would take many years to be developed. The Convention has been adopted and the necessary technical standards to ensure global interoperability have just been agreed. Moreover, a number of countries have started to ratify the ILO Convention and some are receiving technical assistance from the United States to implement the onerous provisions associated with the issuance of seafarers’ identity documents. We would have hoped that the United States would have encouraged widespread ratification of the ILO Convention, through the provision of an incentive that would have provided more favorable treatment for seafarers holding the new seafarers’ identity document. “The State Department Public Notice states: ‘By eliminating the crew list visa, the Department will ensure that each crewmember entering the United States will be required to complete the nonimmigrant visa application forms, submit a valid passport and undergo an interview and background checks.’ It also suggests that ‘one of the principal reasons for requiring individual visas is the need, for security purposes, for a consular officer to personally interview each applicant.’ “However, this ignores the modalities of the shipping industry and the fact that many ships, crewed by seafarers who do not hold a valid United States visa and who have not been subject to a consular interview, are likely to call at ports in the United States…. “We are firmly of the view that the new seafarers’ identity document, coupled with other measures, most notably the 96 hour rule that requires the details of all persons on board to be submitted to the United States Coast Guard 96 hours prior to the arrival of the vessel, provide an equivalent level of security and adequate time for background checks…. “Seafarers cannot understand why they are subject to such a visa regime by the United States and are, at the same time, expected to be responsible for the ship’s security and for the implementation of the onerous duties imposed by the ISPS Code…. “The ITF stands ready to co-operate with the various United States agencies to put in place a regime which will improve maritime security and the homeland security of the United States, while at the same time, providing for the more equitable treatment of seafarers and recognizing their crucial role in terms of functioning of the global economy and their pre-eminent role in enhancing maritime security.” The ITF is a federation of more than 550 transport workers’ unions which represent more than 4.5 million transport workers in 130 countries. Seafarers LOG 5 �PG5_7,19,21.qxd 5/24/2004 4:59 PM Page 6 Ed Turner, Retired SIU VP and MC&S Founder, Dies Retired SIU Executive Vice President Ed Turner, a link to the union’s storied past and a former president of the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S), died April 30. He was 82. Nearly 70 years ago, with the seamen’s movement facing extreme challenges, Brother Turner was part of a generation of labor leaders who recognized the deep sea sailor and laid the foundation for improved wages, working conditions and job security. He also played a pivotal role in many of the union’s early organizing drives. “Ed was an extremely loyal and dedicated member of our union for more than six decades,” noted SIU President Michael Sacco. “He always promoted the interests of Seafarers and the good of the maritime industry first. We all will miss him a great deal.” “He did a lot of good things for the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S),” noted SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona, referring to the union that merged into the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District in 1978. “Ed was one of the old guard and he enjoyed helping people. He was politically active and stayed involved with the union well past retirement.” United States Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), in a letter of condolence to Turner’s son Tom, said, “Ed was a man who wore may hats and wore them all very well. I remember him when he served as President of the Marine Cooks and Stewards and later became a hardworking and wellrespected Executive Vice President of the Seafarers Union. He served with honor and distinction and earned the reputation of integrity and fairness. He worked hard to ensure a high standard of safety in the workplace and fair wages for workers. He did so much for so many in San Francisco, and he will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate to know him, especially by his friends at the Calamari Club. He has set a standard of excellence for all who will follow in his footsteps.” Turner was born in Flemingsburg, Ky., and was raised in Lucasville, Ohio. He was a man of many adventures and many accomplishments. Before the outbreak of World War II he joined the Navy. He was present during the bombing of Pearl Harbor. After serving his time in the Navy, he joined the SIU and quickly moved up the ladder to become a bosun. In 1947 he became an organizer for the SIU. Four years later, Turner organized and founded the MC&S. Turner in 1957 was elected president of the MC&S and shortly thereafter founded one of the first maritime training schools in the hills of Santa Rosa, Calif., training thousands of men and women for the steward department in the maritime industry. He held the MC&S presidency until 1978 and was instrumental in merging the union with the AGLIWD. Following the merger of the two unions, Turner became SIU vice president West Coast. Prior to his retirement in 1985, he became executive vice president of the SIU. In addition to the maritime industry, Turner also was active in many other organizations. He was a member of the San Francisco Blue Lodge No. 120 F&A.M., a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner. Turner was a member of the San Francisco Calamari Club, a director of the Red Cross Disaster Corp., Commonwealth Club of San Francisco., Irish/Italian Israeli Society, Navy League of the United States, and Propeller Club of the United States. He also was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In past years, Turner was active in advising a number of humanitarian groups including the Apostleship Of the Sea, American League for the Handicapped, Colombian Missionary Fathers, Jewish Labor Committee, Samoan Civic Association, Seven Step Foundation, USO and the City of Hope, for which he was named Man of the Year and awarded the 6 Seafarers LOG Ed Turner stands at the wheel during the early 1980s. Retired UIW Director Edney Dies at 87 The union last month lost a stanch labor pioneer with the passing of retired United Industrial Workers (UIW) National Director Steve Edney. Brother Edney died May 4 in California following a lengthy illness. He was 87. “Our union and the labor movement as a whole has lost a truly devoted combatant who never backed down from a fight,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “Steve selflessly and generously gave of himself so that things would get better for all of his union brothers and sisters. “Through his efforts over the years,” Sacco continued, “thousands of workers on the West Coast and especially in the Terminal Island, Calif. area gained improved treatment in terms of working conditions, wages, and benefits. We all owe him a debt of gratitude and he will be sorely missed.” Union Mourns Passing of Retired NMU Port Agent Ike Williams Retired NMU Port Agent Isaiah “Ike” Robert Williams Sr. passed away May 2 in California. He was 71. Born just outside the city limits of Dardanelle, Ark., Brother Williams was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He launched his NMU career in 1966 and sailed on deep sea vessels until 1977. During his days at sea, he served on several vessels as engine department delegate and ship’s chairman. As a rank-and-file member, Brother Williams constantly was involved in the affairs of the union’s membership. A staunch advocate for worker rights, he was actively engaged in organizing. Brother Williams was a delegate to the 17th National NMU Convention from the port of San Francisco and served on the contract committee in 1976. After becoming a union official, he served as a registrar, patrolman and port agent in the ports of San Pedro, San Francisco and Seattle. Brother Williams also served as the NMU national representative in charge of the West Coast. “Ike was a very compassionate person who related to and identified with the membership,” said former NMU President and current SIU Vice President at Large René Lioeanjie. “No member’s beef was ever too small to be considered by him. To those who knew him, he was a true brother. He will be missed.” Golden Torch Award in 1971. He was a founding member and the first president of the American Merchant Marine Veterans Golden Gate Chapter. Funeral services for Turner were held May 6 in Richmond, Calif. His wife of 54 years, Betty Jean Reynolds Turner, preceded in him death. Survivors include his daughter, Jackie Hernandez; son and daughter-in-law, Tom Turner and Susan Turner; grandchildren, Betsy Dye, Larry Hernandez, Jeff Tice, Ed Turner II and Tom Turner Jr.; and great-grandchildren, Daniel Dye, Nicole Dye, Ashley Dye, Brittany Hernandez, Justin Turner, Simone Turner and Ed Turner III. “Ike was a unique person,” offered Talmage Simpkins, executive director, AFLCIO Maritime Committee, who knew Williams personally and professionally. “His large physical presence was deceiving in Isaiah Williams (left) joins former NMU President that he was always and current SIU VP at Large Rene Lioeanjie and mild-mannered and Talmage Simpkins, executive director, AFL-CIO receptive to the Maritime Committee (right), during the 1999 members regard- Maritime Trades Department meetings in Los less of the situa- Angeles. tion.” Simpkins conWilliams were held May 10 at the cluded, “He never—in the 30-plus Harrison Ross Mortuary’s Fireyears that I knew him—let any- stone Chapel in Los Angeles. The thing interfere with what was best burial was private. for the members and the union.” Survivors include Brother John Cox, SIU port agent in Williams’ seven children: Isaiah Wilmington, Calif., worked with Robert Williams Jr. of Arizona; Brother Williams on several occasions. “All I can say about Ike is Greg Williams of Reno, Nev.; that he was a true union man Keith Williams and Scott through and through. He’d go to Williams, both of Muskogee, bat for his brothers and sisters Okla.; Terry Williams of Tulsa, without hesitation and regardless Okla.; Judy Roberta Williams of of the nature of their respective Minnesota and Linda Hubson of Oklahoma City, Okla. situations. In addition to the foregoing “With a champion like Ike fighting for their cause, union family members, Brother Wilmembers could always rest liams had three stepchildren: assured that their concerns would LaShaun Roper, Vance Crawford be addressed,” Cox continued. and Uchenna Mbelu, all of Los “We all have suffered a tremen- Angeles. Brother Williams also leaves behind a host of siblings, dous loss with his passing.” Funeral services for Brother other relatives and friends. John Spadaro, who in 2001 succeeded Edney as national director of the SIU-affiliated UIW, also remembered Edney as a labor stalwart. “I have only good things to say about Steve because he did it all for the UIW for such a long time,” Spadaro stated. “He made so many contributions to the UIW and the labor movement as a whole. We will miss him a great deal.” UIW Wilmington, Calif. Representative Beatrice Ortegon described Edney as “a real peoples’ person … one who always put the needs of others ahead of his own. Steve was one of the finest and most honest people I have ever known,” Ortegon said. “He was very knowledgeable and well versed in all aspects of the labor movement and laborers’ rights … In so many ways, he taught me the real meaning of the word union.” A native of Anderson, S.C., Edney became acquainted with organized labor during in the late 1940s after he migrated to the West Coast. His first job there was with Todd’s Shipyard in San Pedro, Calif. where he worked as a member of the shipbuilders union. Not long thereafter, Edney left the shipyard in the midst of massive layoffs to take a position in a canning plant, which then was represented by the Cannery Workers Union of the Pacific, an SIU affiliate. Soon after coming aboard at the canning plant, Edney was elected shop steward. Then, he was voted in as chief shop steward. At this juncture, he became increasingly agitated by the quality-of-life issues affecting his fellow cannery workers—especially the absence of benefits. Workers had no health insurance or pension plan. Edney organized a shop stewards council. Among other functions, the council would address health insurance and pensions. Edney approached union officials about these concerns and remained persistent until they were addressed and ultimately remedied. In the process, Edney became a union representative as well as president of the shop stewards council that he had earlier formed. Over the years the Cannery Workers Union of the Pacific grew in numbers as well as strength, reaching its peak with more than 10,000 members. As the union grew, so did Edney’s role in it. He became a business representative, then vice president, and later president of the union. In September 1970 Edney was elected a vice president of the California Federation of Labor. This marked the first time in the history of the 1.3-million member California AFL-CIO that a black person was elected into office. Some 10 years later, Edney met with then SIU/UIW President Frank Drozak to discuss a merger of the Cannery Workers Union of the Pacific with the SIU/UIW. After their talks the merger was approved. Edney was elected to the UIW national director post in 1981. He retired from that position in 2001 following more than a half century of dedicated service. Funeral services were conducted for Edney May 12 in Culver City, Calif. He is survived by his wife Alberta; daughter, Lena; son, Henry and daughter-in-law, Barbara; two grandsons, Russell and Tyus Edney; three great grandchildren, Kennedi, Kolbi Rae and Tyus Dwayne Edney; a sister, Elizabeth Winkfield; and a host of other relatives and friends. Photo credit: Ray Crowell/Page One Retired UIW National Director Steve Edney, center, receives an award recognizing his 50-plus years of service to organized labor during the April 2001 AFL-CIO Union Industries Show in Los Angeles. Making the presentation are AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka (left) and Union Label & Service Trades Department President Charles Mercer (right). June 2004 �PG5_7,19,21.qxd 5/24/2004 5:00 PM Seafarer Mark Anthony Dyer Two years ago, Mark Anthony Dyer, 36, of Newport, N.C., received a two-year scholarship for study in the culinary field at Johnson & Wales University in Norfolk, Va. This year, the deep sea member again was awarded a two-year stipend, and he will use it to continue his degree in applied science and culinary arts. Dyer began sailing in 1989 at the urging of his younger brother Aaron. (Two other brothers, Jeff and Lance, also sail.) Over the years, the chief steward has received many compliments and praises for his dedication and professionalism in the galley and for his strong interest in the welfare and morale of his fellow crew members. His brother Aaron passed away at the age of 20, and Dyer, in winning this and the previous scholarship, is keeping a promise he made to his younger brother to better himself in his chosen field. In addition to his studies, Dyer is a member of the American Culinary Federation. He and his wife, Kicia, have one son and two daughters. Dependents Five $20,000 scholarships were awarded to dependents of SIU members. Page 7 When the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) scholarship program was introduced in 1953, it was considered one of the most progressive and forward-looking measures to be adopted by any trade union. At that time, four full college scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each were awarded to children of Seafarers or to Seafarers not over 35 years of age who qualified in competitive examinations. For more than half a century, the SHBP has continued to award scholarships to deserving Seafarers as well as to spouses and dependents of SIU members. This year, the plan has selected six recipients—for a total monetary value of $106,000. Chosen by a panel of professional educators last month were one Seafarer and five dependents. In past years, Seafarers were eligible for three of the scholarships—one four-year, $20,000 award and two stipends for $6,000 each. This year, however, none of the Seafarers who applied qualified for the four-year award, and only one was eligible for a two-year scholarship. On this page are brief descriptions of the backgrounds and educational goals of the six college-bound students. Union Scholarship Program Awards $106,000 to Six College-Bound Students University in Provo, Utah. As the youngest of eight children, Hornby has always been an avid reader. She notes that “when I wasn’t busy doing chores or farm work, I would read to entertain myself.” She excels academically (a 3.99 grade point average), participates in school sports (volleyball, cross country, track and field) and has a love of learning that is contagious. She is a member of her school’s Knowledge Bowl, jazz and honor bands, National Honor Society, Spirit Club, Student Leadership Team and has held a number of class offices as well as performed community volunteer work. Hornby would like to make a career of writing. “I may not care to write with the intent of changing the world,” she stated in her application, “but if, by some strange chance, I do revolutionize the planet, I would not be displeased. I merely want to write about things that make me smile and, hopefully, brighten the lives of other people, too.” University of Virginia, majoring in biomedical engineering. She hopes to be a nuclear med-tech or engineer, and looks forward to going full time into the medical field. Preston already has participated in the Magnet School for the Science and Health Professions held at Eastern Virginia Medical School, where she took chemistry, physics, AP biology, anatomy and physiology, and had an opportunity to examine organs and cadavers. But her interests span a wide variety of subjects: She also plays sports and musical instruments and is involved in other school activities as well as with her family, church and community. heavy schedule of courses along with membership in the RIT Honors Program and membership in the Air Force ROTC—and still has been able to maintain a 3.95 grade point average, volunteer his time to help others, lead an active social life and participate in intramural sports. As a member of the Air Force ROTC, Gilson is assured a career straight out of college. After graduating from RIT with his computer engineering degree, he plans to enter the U.S. Air Force as an officer. “This opportunity will provide me with a stable environment in which to begin my adult life, providing a chance to serve and protect my country while also allowing me to grow and experience my career field.” Aaron J. Gilson Eleanor Preston Mary A. Hornby Mary A. Hornby is graduating this month from White Pass Junior/Senior High School in Randle, Wash. She is the daughter of Liatris and AB James Hornby, who joined the union in 1961 and currently sails as an AB. The 17-year-old plans to major in journalism or linguistics at Brigham Young June 2004 Eleanor Preston is graduating this month from Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, Va., where she ranks second in a class of 264 students and is the class salutatorian. She is the daughter of Elena and Chester Preston, a deep sea member since 1991, who works in the engine department. The 18-year-old loves science and plans to attend the Nineteen-year-old Aaron J. Gilson of Norris, Tenn. is the son of Debra and James O. Gilson. His father, who works in the deck department in the inland division, has been with the union since 1997. A 2003 graduate of Anderson County High school in Clinton, Tenn., Gilson was ranked first in his class, was valedictorian at his graduation and was listed in “Who’s Who Among American High School Students,” as well as receiving many other honors. He already has completed one year at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, N.Y., where he is majoring in computer engineering, and will use his scholarship money to continue his studies there. Gilson has taken on a Rafika M. Shibly With a love for business and the international community, Rafika M. Shibly plans to use her scholarship to study managerial and international business at the undergraduate level and then obtain an MBA. She has applied to George Washington University in Washington, D.C. as well as the University of Washington and Seattle University, both in Seattle, Wash. The 18-year-old is the daughter of Marianne and Mohamad Shibly. Her father sails as a chief cook in the deep sea division and has been a member of the SIU since 1985. Shibly is graduating from Franklin High School in Seattle, where she carries a 4.0 grade point average. She has taken honors and college prep courses and was elected president of the school’s Academy of Finance program. She has served as vice president of the National Honor Society, cochair of the Seattle Academy Student Leaders, and participated in other clubs, including the Key Club, as well as girls’ tennis. She also has volunteered her time to tutor students and provide clerical support in the main office. Last summer, Shibly was selected for an internship at the investment firm of Smith Barney. Shibly, who wants to incorporate travel into her future career, eventually hopes to head up her own corporation and take it global. Glenys Castro Glenys Castro is graduating this month from McDonough #35 High School in New Orleans, La., 7th in her class of 243 students. She is the daughter of Glenys and OMU Salome Castro. Her father joined the union in 1989 and sails in the deep sea division, most recently aboard the Seabulk Arctic. Castro plans to use her scholarship money to attend Louisiana State University, where she will major in premedicine and later specialize in pediatrics. Throughout her high school years, where she maintains a 3.9 grade point average, Castro has received numerous awards. She has been an active member of the National Honor Society (vice president), student council (secretary), Future Health Professionals and Mu Alpha Theta. She also is enrolled at Xavier University of Louisiana, where she is taking college courses for credit. The 18-year-old volunteers her time to tutor her peers and also has a part-time job as a cashier at a local supermarket. Castro says she has the dedication to become a doctor, and with the help of this scholarship, she is one step closer to achieving her ultimate goal. Those Seafarers and dependents who previously applied for a scholarship and were not selected are encouraged to apply again next year, provided they still meet all the eligibilty requirements. Seafarers LOG 7 �PG8_11,14,16_18,20_23.qxd 5/20/2004 6:50 PM Page 8 Bosun Ralph Moore (center) welcomes SIU President Mike Sacco (left) and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel to the open house. Retiree Joe Clark (left), Chief Cook Luis Caballero AB Thomas Corrales, VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Bosun Rafael Pereira, Bosun Robert Zepeda, VP Dean Corgey Houston Hall Hosts ‘Open House’ More than 150 Seafarers and retirees and their families stopped by the Houston SIU hall for an “open house” May 6. Houston Patrolman Kevin Marchand sent the following summary: “Over the past several months, the Houston hall has gone through many improvements. The hall was remodeled with new furniture, the place was completely painted, new carpet was laid in the office area, and the tile floor was redone. Also, a new TV set was purchased for the membership. “Several officials from SIU headquarters came to check out the remodeling and visit with the Houston-area Bosun Ralph membership on May 6. President Mike Sacco, Executive Moore volunVice President John Fay, Vice President Contracts Augie teered his time Tellez and Secretary-Treasurer Dave Heindel were on and cleaned hand for the enthusiastic but informal gathering. and painted “We at the hall had invited all the local membership the hall. A big and their families to attend the open house and enjoy the vote of thanks famous barbecue delights that were served. More than goes to 150 members and their families were on hand to greet Brother Moore Mike and the other officials as well as the local staff, and for all his we all enjoyed a good time. help. “Mike took the podium and addressed the member“Patrolman ship with an inspirational speech that moved everyone. Jimmy White He talked about the importance of the U.S.-flag fleet and held the how well we’ve performed during Operation Iraqi counter down AB Thomas Haney and his wife, Julie, were among 150 or so Seafarers and Freedom 2. He also touched on topics concerning MMD while everyrenewals and Coast Guard issues; the importance of one was on the their families who came to the open SPAD and how the funds are used; and the Jones Act. third floor. All house. He stressed the importance of making sure we all have the members the training we need and the value of upgrading at Piney had a great time and enjoyed the food. Point. “Lastly, I can’t forget the rest of the staff that works “Father Sinclair Oubre was on hand for the invocaso hard around our office day in and day out. Houston is tion. a very busy hall and the staff gives it their all.” “A number of Seafarers presented SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey with a ship’s wheel (with a clock) in appreciation Hands-On Training in Piney Point of all the good work he has done keeping people working. “This whole gathering wouldn’t have happened without SIU Assistant Vice President Jim McGee (Jimbo), who worked what The Houston hall has undergone many improvements in seemed like endless hours putting it together. recent months. Patrolman Jimmy White, President Mike Sacco On behalf of numerous Houston-area Seafarers, Bosun John Cain (left) presents SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey with a ship’s wheel as a thank-you for the official’s work. Active and retired Seafarers took part in the event. Among those pictured here are Retiree Joe Clark, SA Rodrigo Jimenez, Chief Steward Mariano Norales, Chief Cook Luis Caballero and OS Brian Kinard. 8 Seafarers LOG Pictured here are students (including Seafarer Joe Kadak, top photo) honing their skills last month at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. As part of an ATB Operations class, the Seafarers worked on a CAT 3608 engine which was donated to the school by Marine Transport Lines. Other students, including unlicensed apprentices, also utilize the engine for various courses. VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Bosun Clyde Smith June 2004 �PG8_11,14,16_18,20_23.qxd 6/1/2004 8:23 PM Page 9 In the Port of San Francisco ABOARD THE APL SINGAPORE — Churney William (above left) is the chief cook on the APL Singapore (above right), which recently sailed into the port of San Francisco. Steward/Baker Peter Schmitt (below left) is at work in the galley of the vessel, and ACU Quarish Abdulla is below right. ABOARD THE APL KOREA — Chief Cook Ali Yahya (left) and ACU Moega Talama start breakfast aboard the American President Lines vessel. ABOARD THE R.J. PFEIFFER — Working in the galley of the Matson Navigation Co. vessel are Chief Cook Mark Cabasag (left) and ACU Christopher Hyatt. SLUSHING — Cleaning and lubricating the wires (slushing) takes place on a regular basis. Deck department members took advantage of their port time in San Francisco to get some of the work done, as on the Keystone State (above). Performing the task are (below, from left) AB Gheorghe Savencu on the Keystone State, AB Mike Carvalho on the Grand Canyon State and AB John Young on the Gem State. These are three of the Military Sealift Command’s 10 crane ships. ABOARD THE GRAND CANYON STATE — GUDE Larry Ganon is operating a a crane on the Grand Canyon State. June 2004 Seafarers LOG 9 �PG8_11,14,16_18,20_23.qxd 5/20/2004 8:40 PM Page 10 Annual Union-IIndustries Show Gets Great Turnout in St. Louis Pictured at the SIU-UIW booth are (from left) UIW VPs Herb Perez and Bill Ellis, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, retired UIW VP Bill Dobbins, UIW Representative Kevin McDonald, SEATU member Ron Griffin, SIU President Michael Sacco and UIW National Director John Spadaro. The annual AFL-CIO Union-Industries Show drew an estimated 300,000 visitors last month at the America’s Center in St. Louis. Themed “America at Its Best” and produced by the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department, the show took place April 2326. The SIU and its affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW) participated. The show featured the latest in union-made-in-the-USA autos and accessories, motorcycles, hardware, clothing, sporting goods, furniture, baked goods and groceries, appliances and housewares spread across an area equal to four football fields. Interspersed with product displays were exhibits by skilled craft workers demonstrating everything from ornate sheet metal work to bricklaying, carpentry, decorative plastering, iron work and plumbing while offering information on how to get training to prepare for good union jobs and the pay and benefits those jobs provide. UIW-contracted companies that participated in the show included Bron-Shoe; Church & Dwight; Franklin Glue; Worthington Foods; Sealy Mattress; Juanita’s Foods; Cott Beverages; the Queen Mary; La Victoria; and Chicken of the Sea. According to the Union Visitors stop by the SIU-UIW booth Label and Service Trades Department, the show received “major play” at the annual Union-Industries Show in the St. Louis media, including newspaper stories and generous last month in St. Louis. radio and television news coverage. Missouri Governor Bob Holden and St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay joined with AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka, Missouri AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Herb Johnson and St. Louis AFLCIO Secretary-Treasurer Bob Soutier to open the event. “The story behind every product you see here is the story of what makes our country great,” Trumka said. Holden echoed the message of pride in labor’s accomplishments. “Unions have made our nation what it is today . . . and labor is critical to the nation’s future, essential to make sure our nation can grow and sustain a middle class,” he said. The show also hosted 500 local schoolchildren in an outreach to the St. Louis-area school system. “The theme—America at Its Best—was a great description of the content and the purpose of the SIU President Michael Sacco hands out some free samples of unionshow. Hard work and dedication by union leaders from St. Louis and throughout the state helped make made products that were donated this show one of the best we’ve ever had,” noted Charles Mercer, president of the Union Label and for the show. Service Trades Department. Next year’s show is scheduled to take place at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland (April 29-May 2). Great prizes like this union-made motorcycle are part of the attraction at the annual trade show. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka (left) chats with UIW officials (from left) VP Bill Ellis, National Director John Spadaro and VP Herb Perez. A number of UIW-contracted companies loaned or donated display items, including Juanita’s Foods and Chicken of the Sea (left), Bron-Shoe (above) and Church & Dwight (right). 10 Seafarers LOG June 2004 �PG8_11,14,16_18,20_23.qxd 5/20/2004 7:27 PM Page 11 Earl Shakes and his wife, Lashawn, met at the Paul Hall Center when both were in the trainee program. They now live in Jacksonville with their son, Anthony. Earl sails as an oiler while Lashawn works as a DEU. Children, birthdays, anniversaries, friendships . . . These are some of the images we all look forward to seeing —and sharing with our fellow Seafarers. If you have a family-related photo you would like to be included in the next family photo page, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photos will be returned, if so requested. If e-mailing digital images, please send them to dhirtes@seafarers.org. The higher the resolution, the better. Vern Poulsen (left), shoregang bosun in Tacoma, Wash., celebrated his 70th birthday March 6. Among the many in attendance were SIU Assistant Vice President Don Anderson (center) and Horizon Lines Senior Vessel Superintendent Jay Hess. Michael “Bubba” Neathery is a regular at the Norfolk, Va. hiring hall. His daddy is OMU Brad Neathery. Other family members who are in the SIU include uncles Anthony “A.J.” (FOWT), Keith (QMED) and Ryan (wiper), as well as “Paw-Paw” Emmett Neathery (QEE). June 2004 At home in Isabela, P.R. during vacation, GUDE Reina Mendez enjoys time with her daughter, Reyna Lee Mendez. AB Arthur Machado, (center) who retired last year, poses with his wife, Barbara, and a friend, AB Henney Haylock. On Nov. 6, the Machados will celebrate 32 years of marriage. They live in Belle Chasse, La. Thor Young, who sails as a bosun from the port of Baltimore, poses with his wife, Holly Beth, and their son, Baron Thor. Retired Seafarer Ian Allison (left) sailed with the SIU during World War II. He currently serves as president of the North Bay Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans and continues to seek support for H.R. 3729, which would pay a monthly benefit to qualified merchant mariners. With him is Congressman Bob Filner of California, who introduced the bill in the House of Representatives Jan. 27. Seafarers LOG 11 �p3,4,12,13.qxd 5/28/2004 5:37 PM Page 12 U.S. Mariners Past and Present Praised for Patriotism, Reliability proud to be part of a celebration honor- Shane said that SEA-21 will emphasize ing the brave merchant mariners who a new measure of leadership and coorhave sacrificed so much to keep our dination with DOT, and across the federal government. It will focus on levercountry free and secure.” Secretary Mineta, after receiving the aging funds from federal, state and local American Spirit Medallion from governments, as well as the private secNational D-Day Museum President and tor, to address the capital needs of the CEO Gordon H. Mueller, reflected on marine transportation system. “We will also carefully examine the the actions of merchant mariners during World War II who sacrificed their lives tax burdens on our maritime sector with the goal of improving our fleet’s and in service to the nation. Merchant mariners crewed crews’ ability to compete internationalthe Liberty ships, the Victory ly,” he said. At the Washington Navy Yard, ships, and thousands of other vessels that carried troops and Vice Adm. Brewer noted, “Since many tons of materiel for the 1949, Military Sealift Command Allied cause in World War II. has depended on America’s merNearly 215,000 people served in chant mariners to provide the best the U.S. Merchant Marine dur- ocean transportation system in the ing the campaign, and nearly one world. MSC is proud of our civilmariner in 30 died in the line of ian mariners, so it is fitting that duty. In fact, the U.S. Merchant today is set aside to acknowledge Marine suffered higher casualty the great debt of gratitude we owe rates than any branch of the to the dedicated men and women armed services except the of the U.S. Merchant Marine. “We especially remember those Marine Corps. “They traveled unarmed, who made the ultimate sacrifice,” the often into dangerous waters, to admiral concluded. U.S. Representative Gene Taylor (Dsupport our armed forces overseas,” Secretary Mineta said. Miss.) delivered the keynote address at “Their work was vital to the the MSC event. He paid tribute to the Allied cause, and without their courageous U.S. merchant mariners sacrifice our freedom might who have served in all conflicts. “The stories of their (merchant have been lost.” Using a quote from Supreme mariners) sacrifices are incredible,” Allied Forces Commander Gen. Congressman Taylor said. Dwight D. Eisenhower to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. demonstrate the role Mineta wears the American Spirit mariners played during the Medallion, which he received from National war, Mineta said, “Every D-Day Museum President and CEO Gordon man in this Allied comH. Mueller during Maritime Day celebra- mand is quick to express tions at the Navy Memorial. his admiration for the loyalty, courage and fortitude of Jeffrey N. Shane; Vice Admiral David the officers and men of the merL. Brewer III, commander, Military chant marine.” Secretary Mineta said a strong Sealift Command (MSC); and U.S. Congressman Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) U.S. Merchant Marine “is esseneach noted with praise and gratitude the tial to support overseas military varied contributions of U.S. crews past operations,” in today’s world. and present during events hosted by the “More than 5,000 merchant U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd), mariners voluntarily put themMSC and the Washington Chapter of selves in harm’s way to transport much-needed equipment and supthe Propeller Club. SIU officials and a large contingent plies to our troops serving in of apprentices from the union’s affiliat- Operation Enduring Freedom and ed Paul Hall Center for Maritime Operation Iraqi Freedom,” he said. “Our wonderful commander in Training and Education in Piney Point, chief, President George W. Bush Md. also attended the events. “In peace and war, the merchant … appreciates the mariners who marine supports the twin pillars of stand ready to support our nation’s America’s strength: economic prosperi- commerce and nation’s armed ty and national security,” Secretary forces whenever and wherever Chao said during her remarks at the they are needed,” Mineta said. “At MarAd ceremony at the U.S. Navy the U.S. Department of Transportation, we too stand ready to Maritime Administrator Capt. William G. Memorial. “In peace they keep America work- support our mariners and present.” Schubert noted that the U.S. Merchant Maritime Administrator Capt. ing with the world by transporting our Marine has served in every conflict in U.S. imports and exports,” she continued. William G. Schubert noted that the “They crew the ships that conduct our U.S. Merchant Marine was found- history. worldwide commerce and they are vital ed in 1775, and has served in every to our prosperity. In war, they serve conflict in United States history. “We owe a great debt of gratitude to alongside our soldiers as an auxiliary to “Merchant mariners were ready to serve the thousands of young Americans who their country at a moment’s notice in the stepped forward to serve their country the U.S. Navy.” Focusing on the vital role merchant past, are prepared to do so now, and will in times of war like World War II,” he mariners played during Operations Iraqi continue to be prepared in the future,” continued. “It was just remarkable sacFreedom and Enduring Freedom, he said. rifice. Jeffrey N. Shane, Under Secretary of Secretary Chao said, “The fall of “Today we grieve that we have now Saddam Hussein would not have hap- Transportation for Policy, was the lost over 700 young Americans in Iraq,” pened without the assistance of the U.S. keynote speaker during the Maritime the congressman added. “But to think of Merchant Marine fleet….When the his- Day ceremony at the Propeller Club. the thousands if not the tens of thoutory of this war is written, the U.S. Among other issues, he discussed sands of merchant mariners who Merchant Marine will be remembered progress on the industry-anticipated stepped forward and gave their lives as it has been in every war; that their SEA-21 program. Noting that the comprehensive during World War II is truly a testimony service was vital to our victory. “So today on National Maritime Marine Transportation System initiative first to them and then to the nation that Day,” Secretary Chao concluded, “I am is under final policy review, Secretary they were willing to die for.” A host of dignitaries on May 20 paid tribute to the U.S. Merchant Marine for its 230 years of service to the nation during the 71st observance of National Maritime Day in Washington, D.C. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao; Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta; U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William G. Schubert; Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy 12 Seafarers LOG M I T I R A 200 M May 21, 2 NATIONAL MARIT BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UN A PROCLAM National Maritime Day provides an opportunity to States Merchant Marine and their contributions to our Since they first offered their ships and services to a independence, to their distinguished service in World sacrificed to protect our country and defend our freed tributions of these patriots and established the U.S. M iary in time of war or national emergency." Today, m plies and equipment to our troops in Iraq and bravely play an important role in our Nation's efforts to adva the world, and we are grateful for their dedication. Merchant mariners also contribute significantly to th than 95 percent of non-North American trade enters o handle more than $740 billion and 2 billion tons of Those in the maritime industry, including merchant m help promote America's economic growth. Today, we honor the courage, determination, and s remember the many who have given their lives in def patriotism and devotion to duty that make America gr In recognition of the importance of the U.S. Merch approved on May 20, 1933, as amended, has des Maritime Day," and has authorized and requested tha calling for its appropriate observance. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, Presid by proclaim May 22, 2004, as National Maritime Day to celebrate this observance and to display the flag of communities. I also request that all ships sailing under IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my h of our Lord two thousand four, and of the Independe hundred and twenty-eighth. June 2004 �p3,4,12,13.qxd 5/28/2004 IM E 004 5:37 PM Page 13 Secretary Chao Issues Maritime Day Statement DAY Editor’s Note: U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao was a principal speaker during National Maritime Day ceremonies at the U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington D.C. Following is a statement she released for the observance. On this National Maritime Day 2004, I urge all Americans to honor the brave men and women who serve in the United States Merchant Marine and to remember those merchant mariners who have made the ultimate sacrifice and given their lives in the service of our country. The record of our merchant mariners and their contribution to our nation is long and distinguished. Their history of devoted service—in both war and peace—is an inspiration to every generation of Americans. Their tradition of courage, patriotism and perseverance has become an integral part of our nation’s heritage. Today, merchant mariners are crewing auxiliary vessels for the United States Navy and supporting our troops in Afghanistan and U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao expressed her pride at being part of a celebratrion honoring the “brave merchant mariners who have sacrificed so much to keep our country free and secure.” Iraq. Being part of a noble and patriotic profession, these merchant mariners always stand ready to respond to those situations when commercial ships are called upon to support military operations overseas. More than 5,000 brave merchant mariners have put themselves in harm’s way to deliver to our troops the combat gear, fuel, and other supplies needed to complete the liberation and reconstruction of Iraq. All told, merchant mariners have delivered more than 2.6 million short tons of cargo, representing more than 85 percent of the equipment and supplies needed by our brave troops. And true to America’s compassionate character, these courageous merchant mariners are also delivering food and supplies to the Iraqi people. The United States in the 21st Century is the single largest national economy in the world and a premier force in international trade. America needs a strong U.S.-flag merchant marine to carry our commerce, promote our exports and support our national defense. National Maritime Day 2004 keeps alive the memory of merchant mariners who sacrificed for us in the past and who honor us today with their committed service. It is altogether fitting to pay our respects to these men and women who have always been ready to assist in America’s defense. 21, 2004 RITIME DAY, 2004 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA LAMATION y to recognize the men and women of the United o our national security and economic strength. s to assist the Continental Navy in our struggle for orld War II, merchant mariners have courageously freedoms. In 1936, America recognized the conU.S. Merchant Marine "as a naval or military auxilay, merchant mariners are delivering essential supvely serving the cause of liberty. They continue to advance democracy, peace, and freedom around n. to the U.S. maritime transportation system. More ters our country through our seaports. These ports s of domestic and international freight each year. ant mariners, enhance waterborne commerce and and service of our Nation's merchant mariners and n defense of our country. Their work reflects the ica great. Merchant Marine, the Congress, by joint resolution s designated May 22 of each year as "National d that the President issue an annual proclamation Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III (above), commander, Military S e a l i f t iC o m m a n d , salutes as the colors are posted. U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (DMiss.) delivers the keynote address at the MSC event, which was held outdoors at the Washington Navy Yard. Left: Laying the memorial wreaths are (from left) Lt. Dan Fitzgerald, USCG Reserve; Walter Keane, USMM Academy; and AB Christopher Mortenson, USNS Comfort. President of the United States of America, do heree Day. I call upon the people of the United States ag of the United States at their homes and in their nder the American flag dress ship on that day. my hand this twenty-first day of May, in the year endence of the United States of America the two GEORGE W. BUSH SIU officials and a large contingent of apprentices from the Paul Hall Center attended the Maritime Day events. Here, they are joined by U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor (D-Miss.) at the Washington Navy Yard. June 2004 Seafarers LOG 13 �PG8_11,14,16_18,20_23.qxd 5/20/2004 7:28 PM Page 14 Hard Work Pays Off! At the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., Jor-el Holmberg (center) is presented with his high school diploma from the state of Maryland by SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez. Holmberg, who hails from Alaska, currently is in Phase 3 of the unlicensed apprentice program at the school. He studied for the state examination for a period of about six weeks on his own time, after regular classes—and the hard work paid off. New Opportunities for Displaced Alaskan Fishermen Following four weeks at the Paul Hall Center, in which they completed lifeboat training, fire fighting and STCW courses as well as STOS, the most recent group of Alaskan students is ready to return home to jobs in the merchant marine through a Ketchikan-based non-profit agency called SEA Link. From the left are Kyle Hudson, Reynaldo Dineros, Robert Makowski, Alexander Millendez, Ronaldo Aguirre, Ruben Aguirre and Dianna Baines. (Not pictured is Jay Jones.) In partnership with the SIU, the school and SEA Link—in a program begun last year—qualified dislocated Alaskan men and women previously employed in the fishing industry are being trained and placed into family-wage jobs as merchant mariners on board U.S.-flag commercial vessels engaged in the Alaska, domestic and international deep sea shipping industry. It’s Vacation Time at Piney Point UNION MEMBER VACATION RATES A vacation stay at the Paul Hall Center is limited to two weeks per family. Member $40.00/day Spouse $10.00/day Child $10.00/day Note: There is no charge for children 11 years of age or younger. The prices listed above include all meals but do not include tax. This summer, treat yourself and your family to an unforgettable vacation. Everything you could ask for in a summer holiday can be found at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. This benefit, unique to Seafarers, offers comfortable accommodations, three meals each day and lots of opportunities for activities that will please every member of the family—for up to two weeks—and all at very reasonable rates (see box at left). Swimming, boating, fishing and playing tennis are but a few of the options available within the center complex. For those who wish to venture farther afield, the choices are endless. Piney Point is just a little more than an hour’s drive to a number of exciting destinations in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area (which includes Arlington and Alexandria, Va. as well as Baltimore and Annapolis, Md.)—museums, ballparks, historical sights, craft shows, concerts and much, much more. Send the completed application form (below) to the address listed, and you will be able to look back on a memorable 2004 summer vacation spent with your family. PAUL HALL CENTER TRAINING & RECREATION CENTER Vacation Reservation Information Name: ____________________________________________________________ Social Security number: _____________________ Book number: ____________ Address:____________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Telephone number: __________________________________________________ Number in party / 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 20674-0075. 14 Seafarers LOG 6/04 IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 Procedure for SIU Absentee Ballots Elections for the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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 Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2004 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 midnight, Nov. 15, 2004 and 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2004. 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 Nov. 30, 2004. 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 Dec. 31, 2004 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2005. June 2004 �PG15,21.qxd 5/20/2004 6:45 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea July & August 2004 Membership Meetings APRIL 16 — MAY 15, 2004 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 3 4 1 9 26 40 0 12 8 21 16 3 0 6 12 1 25 14 201 2 4 0 4 21 29 0 7 8 19 13 0 0 3 12 0 16 11 149 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 1 3 5 8 13 24 1 9 12 17 15 5 17 9 9 3 29 18 198 1 3 0 0 17 20 0 6 11 15 10 0 2 2 7 2 14 15 125 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs 1 1 0 9 16 26 0 5 11 12 9 2 7 6 7 1 16 16 145 ............................................*(change created by Independence Day holiday) 0 1 0 1 12 5 0 3 4 3 7 0 1 0 2 0 11 11 61 0 3 0 2 14 20 0 1 11 12 5 0 0 4 4 0 14 7 97 2 8 2 15 46 58 0 26 18 45 18 8 2 9 25 3 55 36 376 4 8 8 12 18 38 2 14 17 33 26 5 18 13 16 5 49 35 321 3 5 0 2 30 33 1 11 23 42 11 3 2 3 9 5 29 28 240 0 2 0 3 1 8 0 1 3 6 1 1 0 4 5 0 13 4 52 1 5 1 18 19 29 0 9 21 16 14 4 6 3 16 2 19 12 195 1 5 4 10 14 47 0 6 14 19 24 5 4 4 10 5 28 13 213 5 1 1 1 13 13 0 1 10 17 4 1 0 1 5 1 7 8 89 0 0 1 2 6 15 0 0 1 4 4 1 0 1 3 0 6 4 48 1 6 0 20 20 25 0 7 14 28 10 4 7 3 34 1 37 32 249 2 1 0 11 2 18 0 8 12 18 19 1 4 1 6 0 6 9 118 1 1 0 1 7 16 0 0 3 9 10 1 1 0 1 1 8 10 70 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 1 4 0 11 11 14 0 7 12 5 5 3 5 3 13 2 12 6 114 1 3 4 4 10 24 0 5 10 7 9 2 2 3 5 0 14 4 107 4 0 0 0 4 8 1 2 6 7 1 1 0 0 1 0 3 4 42 1 3 1 9 11 13 0 2 6 15 7 3 5 4 17 1 21 11 130 0 0 0 6 3 14 0 4 7 6 7 1 1 1 3 0 3 5 61 1 0 0 1 6 8 0 0 1 2 8 0 1 1 1 0 8 6 44 0 1 1 6 10 19 0 1 7 11 9 3 2 1 13 1 9 10 104 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 3 4 3 0 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 9 0 2 0 27 1 1 4 11 11 20 1 8 5 34 4 1 17 5 9 2 24 10 168 2 3 2 7 19 19 0 1 7 23 13 1 18 1 7 2 21 12 158 0 0 0 4 2 1 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 2 7 0 4 2 25 1 1 4 3 7 5 0 3 5 12 4 0 7 1 4 0 11 5 73 1 2 1 0 5 6 0 0 0 1 7 0 17 1 6 1 11 7 66 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 6 7 0 1 3 5 0 0 0 4 7 0 5 3 49 2 1 4 27 27 35 1 10 8 56 10 1 14 5 19 3 34 12 269 4 4 2 21 34 44 0 3 19 62 22 3 27 3 16 2 42 22 330 Totals All Departments 472 534 369 353 335 162 197 869 921 729 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 5 0 3 9 13 1 3 1 6 3 0 1 3 12 1 10 4 75 0 0 2 3 4 12 0 2 5 8 8 1 0 3 4 0 13 10 75 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 2 0 2 2 0 0 1 1 1 4 1 17 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port 0 0 1 4 3 7 0 1 3 2 9 2 0 2 5 0 2 1 42 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 1 1 1 3 0 1 2 0 0 3 1 18 Algonac ..................Friday: July 9 August 6 Baltimore ................Thursday: July 8, August 5 Boston.....................Friday: July 9, August 6 Duluth .....................Wednesday: July 14, August 11 Guam ......................Thursday: July 22, August 19 Honolulu .................Friday: July 16, August 13 Houston ..................Monday: July 12, August 9 Jacksonville ............Thursday: July 8, August 5 Joliet .......................Thursday: July 15, August 12 Mobile ....................Wednesday: July 14, August 11 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: July 13, August 10 New York................Tuesday: July 6, August 3 Norfolk ...................Thursday:July 8, August 5 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: July 7, August 4 Port Everglades.......Thursday: July 15, August 12 San Francisco .........Thursday: July 15, August 12 San Juan..................Thursday:July 8, August 5 St. Louis..................Friday: July 16, August 13 Tacoma ...................Friday: July 23, August 20 Wilmington ...............Monday: July 19 ................................Tuesday: August 17* ............................................*(change created by Paul Hall’s birthday holiday) Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals FRIENDS OF JAMES “JIM” BYERS Mrs. Dorothy “Dee” Byers is trying to contact any merchant seaman who may have sailed with her late husband, James “Jim” Byers. Jim sailed mostly as a chief electrician. His last vessel before retiring was the Seatrain Florida, operated by Hudson Waterways Corp. If you sailed with Jim, please contact Dee at 19760 Hunters Loop, Fairhope, AL 36532. On the Galveston-to-Tampa Run ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2004 Piney Point .............Tuesday: July 6* ................................Monday: August 2 Cesar A. Gutierrez, recertified bosun aboard the Sulphur Enterprise, prepares for docking as the Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel heads to the unloading berth in Tampa, Fla. Bosun Gutierrez notes that the Sulphur Enterprise, which is on the Galveston-to-Tampa run, is “a good vessel with the best crew.” Seafarers LOG 15 �PG8_11,14,16_18,20_23.qxd 5/20/2004 7:29 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report APRIL 16 — MAY 15, 2004 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 23127, Barrigada, Guam 96921 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 11 4 3 9 4 1 9 41 0 5 2 3 1 0 0 4 14 0 6 0 0 1 0 0 0 7 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 0 13 1 6 12 2 0 2 36 0 2 2 3 1 0 0 2 10 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 4 3 4 4 6 2 1 2 26 0 24 18 11 41 4 3 21 122 0 5 5 5 5 0 0 8 28 0 27 8 11 0 0 0 0 46 3 2 3 1 4 0 0 3 16 0 13 9 6 12 1 4 16 61 0 7 4 1 2 0 0 6 20 0 19 6 11 0 0 0 0 36 0 0 1 0 3 2 0 1 7 0 6 6 8 12 2 1 10 46 1 1 1 3 16 0 2 3 28 0 3 4 10 0 0 0 1 36 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 3 1 3 4 0 2 3 16 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 4 1 0 0 0 6 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 0 7 3 3 3 0 0 1 17 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 2 3 3 6 1 0 3 18 0 1 0 1 6 0 1 0 9 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 1 6 Port 0 2 4 1 4 2 0 2 15 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 2 0 1 0 0 1 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 75 26 19 68 15 10 58 229 76 118 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo is from the archives of the Seafarers LOG. It was taken of the SIU hall in the port of Tampa, Fla. in 1948. The union hall at that time was located at 1809-1811 N. Franklin Street. Does anyone recognize himself in the picture? In 1967, the Tampa hall moved to 312 Harrison Street; in 1975, to 2610 W. Kennedy Blvd; and then for a short while it was located at 306 Plant Ave., before closing in 1982. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. �PG8_11,14,16_18,20_23.qxd 5/24/2004 4:57 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA JOSEPH BURKETTE, 56, joined the SIU in 1965 in New Orleans. His first vessel was the Marore. Born in Louisiana, Brother Burkette shipped in the engine department. He last worked aboard the Horizon Consumer and lives in New Orleans. RAYMOND E. GORJU, 54, began his seafaring career in 1967 in the port of Piney Point, Md. The Mobile, Ala. native first worked aboard the Alcoa Commander. Brother Gorju shipped in the deck department as a bosun and enhanced his skills frequently at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He completed the bosun recertification course in 1989. A resident of Fairhope, Ala., Brother Gorju last went to sea on the USNS Capable. CLAUDE LEE HOLLIER, 59, hails from Leonville, La. He began his seafaring career in 1980 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Brother Hollier’s first SIU ship was the Achilles. The deck department member resides in his native state. He last worked on the Overseas Marilyn. HURBERT KNUCKLES, 64, joined the SIU in 1966 in Seattle. Born in Georgia, Brother Knuckles is a U.S. Navy veteran. His first SIU ship was the Alice Brown. The steward department member last went to sea on the Seabulk Challenge. Brother Knuckles resides in Atlanta. PATRICK F. MATHES, 64, began his seafaring career in 1967 in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Mathes first sailed aboard the OMI Leader. He worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills several times at the Paul Hall Center. A resident of Holts Summit, Mo., Brother Mathes last went to sea aboard the Overseas New York. JOAN ANN RILEY, 64, initiated her SIU career in 1992 in the port of Honolulu. Sister Riley’s first vessel was American Hawaii Cruises’ Independence. A native June 2004 of Buffalo, N.Y., she shipped in the steward department. Sister Riley upgraded her skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1993 and 1995 and last sailed on Matson Navigation’s Maui. She resides in Gig Harbor, Wash. ROBERT SANTOS, 66, was born in Texas. Brother Santos joined the SIU ranks in 1960, first sailing aboard an Ore Navigation Corp. vessel. A frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school, Brother Santos resides in South Houston, Texas. He last sailed on Alaska Tanker’s Overseas Washington. MARK SERLIS, 61, joined the union in 1970 in the port of New York. Brother Serlis’ first voyage was aboard the Sea-Land Houston. Born in Egypt, he sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Serlis makes his home in North Bellmore, N.Y. INLAND ERNEST GINGLES JR., 65, hails from Memphis, Tenn. He joined the SIU in 1968 in Port Arthur, Texas after serving in the U.S. Air Force. Boatman Gingles shipped in the deck department and upgraded his skills on a number of occasions at the Seafarers training school. He makes his home in Temple, Texas. KENNETH R. KIRWIN, 64, launched his career with the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Kirwin worked in both the deep sea and inland divisions, initially shipping aboard Interocean Management’s Ft. Hoskins. The deck department member upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1978. Boatman Kirwin last worked on a McAllister Towing Co. vessel. He makes his home in Oaklyn, Pa. LEON PULLEY, 64, was born in Philadelphia. Boatman Pulley joined the SIU in 1964 after serving in the U.S. Navy. He worked in the deck department in all three divisions, sailing as a bosun for many years aboard Maersk vessels and most recently sailing as a captain. A frequent upgrader at the Seafarers training school, Boatman Pulley lives in Milwaukee. THOMAS C. REAVES, 61, joined the SIU in 1965 in the port of New York. The Henderson, N.C. native initially worked aboard the Steel Artisan. Boatman Reaves shipped as a member of the deck department, last working on a McAllister Towing Co.vessel. He makes his home in Virginia Beach, Va. MANUEL SAMPEDRO, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1972 in the port of Baltimore. Boatman Sampedro shipped as a member of the engine department. He upgraded his skills in 1977 at the union’s training school. Born in Spain, Boatman Sampedro makes his home in Baltimore. JULIAN WALTER, 63, launched his SIU career in 1985 in New Orleans. Boatman Walters worked primarily aboard Delta Queen Steamboat Co. vessels, including the Mississippi Queen. Born in Honduras, he shipped in the engine department. Boatman Walters upgraded his skills in 1987 at the Paul Hall Center and lives in New Orleans. GREAT LAKES ARTHUR BEAUCHAMP, 57, commenced his seafaring career in 1964 in Detroit. Born in Austria, he shipped in the deck department and worked primarily aboard American Steamship Co. vessels, including the American Mariner. Brother Beauchamp makes his home in Delton, Fla. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Unin (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. DEAN THOMAS HALE, 54, joined the NMU in 1980. Brother Hale’s first ship was the Marine Electric. Born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, he worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Green Bay. JOSEPH F. HOLLOMAN, 67, hails from New York City. Brother Holloman launched his NMU career in 1980 as a member of the stew- Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1943 The Recruitment and Manning Organization, a division of the War Shipping Administration, guaranteed the SIU that all steamship companies having contracts with SIU have been directed to secure all personnel through the hiring halls of the union. Craig S. Swenson, regional representative of the Recruitment and Manning Organization, told the SIU by letter that they would call the union halls for unlicensed personnel and he assured the SIU that his organization would not try to go around the union hall but would do everything they could to assist the union in recruitment of manpower. 1956 JOHN P. McLANE, 56, began his seafaring career with the NMU in 1980. Born in Olympia, Wash., his first ship was the Fort Worth. Brother McLane worked in the deck department and completed bosun recertification training in 1998. Brother McLane last went to sea on the Overseas New York. FRANK L. PERKOWITZ, 55, commenced his NMU career in 1969. The Woodbury, N.J. native worked in both the deck and engine departments, sailing primarily aboard the tug Brandywine. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following NMU brothers went on pension effective the dates indicated. Name Age EDP Allen, Joseph 70 April 1 Arce, Dagoberto 65 April 1 Jackson, Albert 55 May 1 Legore, Franklin 70 April 1 Salomon, Roberto 65 April 1 Vazquez, Agapito 65 April 1 the East Coast. About half of the 30-man unlicensed crew was on shore leave when the explosion ripped the ship. In addition to the 12 SIU men, the skipper, chief mate, second mate, radio operator and bosun were missing and presumed lost. This Month In SIU History Twelve SIU men were lost after an explosion and fire aboard the Salem Maritime, a Cities Service tanker, at Lake Charles, La. The explosion took place while the tanker was completing loading of 130,000 barrels of high-octane gasoline, kerosene and fuel oil for delivery to ard department. He initially sailed from the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Holloman’s first vessel was the same as his last, the Chemical Pioneer. 1967 Seafarers at regular monthly meetings in all constitutional ports enthusiastically voted to endorse and support the newly formed Maritime Defense League. In approving the purposes of the new organization, the membership called for maximum publicity in support of the league by all Seafarers. The new organization is a voluntary body set up to assure that maritime workers, faced with legal problems or charges threatening their personal liberties, are assured their fundamental American rights to counsel and other assistance. Robert A. Matthews, SIU vice president in charge of contracts and contract enforcement, has been selected chairman of the Maritime Defense League, and offices have been established on One Hanson Place in Brooklyn, N.Y. Seafarers LOG 17 �PG8_11,14,16_18,20_23.qxd 5/20/2004 8:17 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JOHN CARNES Pensioner John Carnes, 77, died April 2. Brother Carnes began his SIU career in 1959 in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Army. His first ship was the Oremar. Brother Carnes was born in Kansas City, Kan. and sailed in the deck department. He was a resident of Burien, Wash., and last worked on the Sea-Land Defender. Brother Carnes went on pension in 1992. ALLEN HOOPER Brother Allen Hooper, 51, passed away March 20. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he joined the SIU in 1973 in the port of Piney Point, Md. Brother Hooper worked in the engine department and last sailed aboard Maersk Lines’ Constellation. He lived in Leesburg, N.J. WILLIAM JOHNSON Brother William Johnson, 45, died March 1. Brother Johnson began his seafaring career in 1991 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Brother Johnson’s first ship was the Lawrence Gianella. Born in Panama City, Fla., the deck department member made his home in Cantonment, Fla. He last sailed on the Seabulk Challenge. JAN KROP Brother Jan Krop, 80, passed away Feb. 12. He launched his SIU career in 1962 in San Francisco. Brother Krop initially went to sea aboard Delta Steamship’s Santa Mariana. The Czechoslovakia-born mariner shipped as a member of the steward department, last working on American Ship Management’s California. Brother Krop resided in his native republic. JULIUS LUKACS Pensioner Julius Lukacs, 75, died Dec. 6, 2002. Brother Lukacs started his SIU career in 1946 in the port of New York. Born in Elizabeth, N.J., he resided in Yokohama, Japan. A member of the engine department, he went on pension in 1990. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Enterprise. ALFREDO ORTIZ Pensioner Alfredo Ortiz, 85, passed away March 27. Brother Ortiz joined the SIU in 1942 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first vessel was A.H. Bull’s Rosario. The Puerto Ricanborn mariner shipped in the deck department and last went to sea aboard the Borinquen. Brother Ortiz began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1981. He resided in his native commonwealth. 18 Seafarers LOG DAREN REDMOND JOHN TUCKER Pensioner Daren Redmond, 80, died Feb. 11. Brother Redmond launched his seafaring career in 1950 in the port of New York. Born in North Carolina, he sailed as a member of the deck department. Brother Redmond, who lived in Riverview, Mich., began receiving his pension in 1969. Pensioner John Tucker, 77, died March 7. Brother Tucker began his SIU career in 1951 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Army. He shipped as a member of the engine department, last sailing on the Stonewall Jackson. Brother Tucker was born in Moundsville, W.Va. and made his home in Cumberland, Md. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1985. MAURICE ROSENTHAL Pensioner Maurice Rosenthal, 85, passed away Feb. 20. Brother Rosenthal joined the Seafarers in 1941 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Coe Victory. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Brother Rosenthal worked in both the deck and engine departments. He lived in Tucson, Ariz. and began receiving his pension in 1981. EDWARD RUE INLAND WILLIAM BROOKS Pensioner William Brooks, 86, died March 28. Boatman Brooks joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Halliford, Va., he shipped in the deck department as a master. The Cobbs Creek, Va. resident went on pension in 1984. Pensioner Edward Rue, 79, died Feb. 20. Brother Rue joined the SIU in 1972 in Seattle. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, his first SIU ship was Delta Steamship’s Del Sol, and he last went to sea aboard Interocean Management Corp.’s Great Land. The Scranton, Pa.-born mariner worked in the steward department. He made his home in Federal Way, Wash. and began receiving his pension in 1996. CHARLES EFFORD JOSE SALCEDO WALTER PACHULSKI Pensioner Jose Salcedo, 60, passed away Feb. 10. He started his seafaring career in 1964 in Puerto Rico. Brother Salcedo worked in all three departments. His last ship was the USNS Algol. Brother Salcedo made his home in New Orleans and started receiving his pension in 2000. Pensioner Walter Pachulski, 86, died Jan. 20. Boatman Pachulski joined the SIU in 1956 in the port of Baltimore after serving in the U.S. Navy. Born in Maryland, he sailed as a member of the engine department. He continued to live in his native state and and went on pension in 1977. KATHY LEE SHANER Sister Kathy Lee Shaner, 54, died April 2. She joined the SIU in 1991 in San Francisco, first sailing aboard the USNS Lynch. Born in New Mexico, Sister Shaner worked in the steward department. She resided in Las Vegas and last sailed aboard the President Grant. RALPH STARNES Pensioner Ralph Starnes, 86, passed away Jan. 19. Brother Starnes began his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. Born in Montana, he worked in the steward department. Brother Starnes lived in Reno, Nev. and started receiving his pension in 1968. Pensioner Charles Efford, 84, passed away March 31. He began his seafaring career in 1957 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Maryland, Boatman Efford shipped in the engine department. He worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Moran Towing Co. Boatman Efford resided in his native state and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1982. JULIAN PICHOU Pensioner Julian Pichou, 85, passed away Feb. 18. Brother Pichou launched his career with the Seafarers in 1958 in New Orleans after serving in the U.S. Army. He was born in Bay St. Louis, Miss. and worked in the deck department. Boatman Pichou, who lived in his native state, began receiving his pension in 1984. Beach, Va., he began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1992. THOMAS RANCOUR Boatman Thomas Rancour, 55, passed away Jan 29. He joined the Seafarers in 1992 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Born in Winona, Minn., Boatman Rancour shipped in the deck department. He lived in Florida and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing Co. CHESTER RICKARDS Pensioner Chester Rickards, 92, died April 1. Boatman Rickards joined the SIU in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. The Millsboro, Del. native sailed in the deck department as a captain, having worked his way up from his first job as a deckhand when he was 15 years old. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1996. Boatman Rickards lived in Mantua, N.J. ROBERTO ROBLES Pensioner Roberto Robles, 67, passed away March 7. He joined the SIU in 1976 after serving in the U.S. Army. Born in Guaynabo, P.R., Boatman Robles shipped in the deck department, working primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing Co. Boatman Robles resided in his native commonwealth and began receiving his pension in 1998. DONNA SCHNAARE Seafarer Donna Schnaare, 58, died Feb. 14. Sister Schnaare joined the SIU in 1999, working primarily aboard vessels operated by Orgulf Transport Co. Born in Paducah, Ky., she shipped as a member of the steward department. Sister Schnaare resided in her native state. GREAT LAKES PAUL LaTOUR Pensioner Paul LaTour, 88, died March 23. Brother LaTour embarked on his seafaring career in 1962 in Duluth, Minn. He sailed as a fireman and lineman, working primarily aboard vessels operated by Great Lakes Towing. Born in Minnesota, Brother LaTour started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1979. He resided in his native state. ATLANTIC FISHERMAN LEO QUERY ANDREW ORLANDO Pensioner Leo Query, 76, died Jan. 26. He joined the SIU in 1965 in the port of Norfolk, Va. after serving in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Query was born in Virginia and shipped in the deck department. A resident of Virginia Pensioner Andrew Orlando, 95, passed away Jan. 1. Brother Orlando started his career with the Atlantic Fishermen’s Union in Gloucester, Mass., before it merged with the AGIWD. Born in Italy, he worked in the deck department. Brother Orlando lived in Gloucester and began receiving his pension in 1974. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. IRADELL ABNEY Pensioner Iradell Abney, 82, died April 15. Brother Abney joined the NMU in 1953. Sailing out of the port of New York, his first vessel was the Stephen A. Douglas. The South Carlonia-born mariner worked in the steward department as a chief steward, last sailing on the African Neptune. Brother Abney started receiving his pension in 1975. RALPH ALBARELLA Pensioner Ralph Albarella, 77, passed away April 13. Born in Pennsylvania, he joined the NMU in 1963. Brother Albarella first sailed on the Santa Cecilia and took his last trip on the American Merchant. He worked in the deck department and began receiving his pension stipends in 1988. HAROLD BROWN Pensioner Harold Brown, 75, died April 16. Brother Brown joined the NMU in 1957. His first ship was the Thomas Tracy. Born in Baltimore, Brother Brown shipped in the steward department, last sailing on the Cherry Valley. He began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1986. SCOTT DANIEL Pensioner Scott Daniel, 84, passed away Dec. 7. Brother Daniel started his NMU career in 1943. Born in Eagle Lake, Texas, he initially went to sea aboard the Fort Royal. The steward department member last worked on the Gansmill. Brother Daniel started receiving his pension in 1965. GEORGE EALY Pensioner George Ealy, 82, died April 8. Brother Ealy joined the NMU in 1967, first sailing aboard the Ryder Victory. Born in Houston, he worked in both the steward and deck departments. Brother Ealy began receiving retirement stipends in 1991. He last worked on the Ohio Intrepid. PEDRO ELIAS Pensioner Pedro Elias, 81, passed away March 13. Brother Elias started his NMU career in 1947. The Puerto Rican- Continued on page 20 June 2004 �PG5_7,19,21.qxd 5/24/2004 5:22 PM Page 19 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.``` COAST RANGE (Intrepid Ship Management), April 24—Chairman Terry D. Cowans Sr., Secretary Donna M. DeCesare, Educational Director David E. Switzer, Deck Delegate Ricky R. Wiemer, Engine Delegate Scott S. Fuller, Steward Delegate Lemuel E Robinson. Chairman announced arrival April 26 in Garyville, La. Payoff to take place May 1 or 2. Rooms to be inspected before mariners leave ship. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into lowering retirement age and increasing pension benefits. Request also made for copies of current contracts as well as Seafarers LOGs on board. EL MORRO (IUM), April 28— Chairman Robert T. Grubbs Jr., Secretary Abraham M. Martinez, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty Jr., Steward Delegate Theodore E. Quammie. Chairman announced payoff April 29 in Jacksonville, Fla. He thanked crew for safe voyage and reminded them to support union by contributing to SPAD and MDL. He advised everyone to check expiration dates on all documents needed for shipping, including STCW, passport, z-card. Educational director stated upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center can mean higher rating and more money in your pocket. Some disputed OT reported in deck department. Recommendation made to change eligibility requirements for retirement to 20 years. Everyone advised to check money purchase pension plan statements to verify that days are correct. Vessel due into shipyard around June 4, probably in Mobile, Ala. Vote of thanks given to steward department. After payoff in Jacksonville, vessel heading to San Juan, P.R. ENDURANCE (USSM), April 5—Chairman Paul S. Wills, Secretary Rolando M. Lopez, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Carlos R. Bonilla, Engine Delegate Rhonda Koski. Chairman thanked crew for good work and smooth trip. He led discussion of new courses offered at Paul Hall Center and of nice accommodations at newly constructed hotel there. Secretary thanked crew members for helping keep common areas tidy. He reminded those getting off to clean rooms and provide clean linen, towels, soap, etc., for next person. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility and contribute to SPAD. Treasurer stated about $900 available in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made that rotation aboard ship be one-on-one basis; e.g., two trips on, two trips off; three trips on, three trips off. Payoff scheduled April 7 in Long Beach, Calif. EXPLORER (USSM), April 25— Chairman Philip A. Corl, Secretary James E. Harper, Educational Director Edmond H. Hawkins Jr., Deck Delegate Abdulhamid F. Musaed, Steward Dele- June 2004 gate Fernando Onativia. Chairman reported great trip. He announced payoff April 28 in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary encouraged Seafarers to continue to educate themselves, especially since many changes are occurring in maritime industry due to homeland security issues. He suggested everyone check to be sure all documents are up to date. Treasurer stated $880 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for captain to consider steward department schedule when arranging bus rides at overseas ports so that they have time to go ashore as well. Recommendation made to address shipboard security issues relative to ABs being trained in task of searching visitors bags, etc. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into lowering age requirements and reducing required seatime for normal retirement HORIZON CRUSADER (Horizon Lines), April 27—Chairman Antonio M. Mercado, Secretary Joseph P, Emidy, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper, Steward Delegate Jose L. Garcia. Chairman announced payoff April 29 in Jacksonville, Fla. Educational director advised members to keep track of vacation pay. He also talked about improving job skills by upgrading at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about requirements for becoming union official. Suggestions made for covering 100 percent of medical costs, increasing pension and reducing seatime requirements for pension to 20 years, regardless of age. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), April 20—Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary Osvaldo Ramos, Educational Director Angel S. Hernandez, Deck Delegate Janan J. Driggers, Engine Delegate Michael G. Bautista. Chairman announced payoff April 23 in Jacksonville, Fla. All concerns and questions should be addressed to patrolman at that time. Bosun thanked crew for assisting in clean-up of ship after yard period in Portugal, with special thanks to electrician Angel Hernandez for re-wiring satellite system. Educational director advised all hands to make sure credentials are in order. He reminded them to start z-card renewal up to one year before expiration and talked about two newly approved SAB actions. Treasurer stated $2,227 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to raise pension, lower seatime and be able to collect pension after required seatime, regardless of age. Crew gave round of applause to GSU Angel D. Corchado for outstanding job. “This man is a true pro at his job and is well respected aboard this vessel.” Next ports: San Juan, P.R.; Elizabeth, N.J. INNOVATOR (USSM), April 11— Chairman Dirk W. Adams, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Paul B. Flores, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Adel B. Irani, Steward Delegate Ahmed M. Quraish. Chairman gave spe- cial thanks to both unlicensed apprentices for jobs well done. Secretary expressed gratitude to members for helping keep ship clean and safe. Educational director urged fellow shipmates to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center and to check expiration dates on all documents. Treasurer acknowledged donations to ship’s fund and stated balance of $758.14. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members informed that Coast Guard will board ship in port to implement new port security procedures. Suggestion made to increase retirement benefits and include cost-ofliving raises. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif. LIBERTY SUN (Liberty Maritime), April 25—Chairman Ronald Charles, Secretary Philip F. Lau, Educational Director Gualberto Salaria, Steward Delegate Lolita Sanchez. Chairman announced payoff April 28 in Beaumont, Texas. Secretary requested more stores and food for next trip. Educational director reminded crew members about upgrading opportunities available at Piney Point and about early renewal of z-cards. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new turning table for microwave oven and additional washing machine. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line), April 25—Chairman Brian K. Fountain, Secretary John G. Reid, Educational Director John E. Conn, Deck Delegate Abdulla Mohsin, Steward Delegate Victor M. Acevedo. Chairman announced arrival and payoff April 30 in Charleston, S.C. He thanked everyone for great trip and reminded them to clean rooms and turn in keys before leaving for vacation. Secretary added his thanks to crew for helping keep house clean. He stated 50-day stores to be loaded in Portsmouth, Va. Educational director urged mariners to attend upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. He also suggested they check expiration dates on all documents and support union by contributing to SPAD. Beef reported in engine department; no beefs or disputed OT noted in deck or steward departments. Recommendation made to add vacation days, increase pension benefits and lower age for pension eligibility. Due to security issues, crew agreed with captain and chief mate to move sailing board outside ship’s office instead of by gangway. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done, especially Steward Acevedo’s Cuban sandwiches. Next ports after payoff: Portsmouth; Newark, N.J., Algeciras, Spain. NORTHERN LIGHTS (IUM), April 25—Chairman Jerry D. Martinsen, Secretary Franklin Robertson, Engine Delegate Alexander E. Bendolph. Chairman announced arrival and payoff April 28 in Charleston, S.C. He asked everyone to make sure to separate plastic items from other trash. Captain was requested to arrange for taxis in port. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for new movies, books and magazines aboard ship, as well as some new refrigerators and fans. Clarification requested on reimbursement of prescriptions purchased overseas. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. SEABULK POWER (Seabulk Tankers), April 25—Chairman Bradley L. Seibel, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director Abu Bakr Spanhoff, Deck Delegate Randy W. Powell, Engine Delegate Rudolph K. Miller, Steward Delegate Samuel S. Johnson. Chairman announced arrival and payoff April 26 in Lake Charles, La. He asked crew members to keep current security threat level in mind when on gangway watch. U.S. Coast Guard may board at any time to check security plans. He also requested everyone continue to separate plastic items from regular trash. Steward delegate asked crew to provide clean linen for next person and to keep silverware separate from dishes in galley sink. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center and be aware of expiration dates on all gym equipment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Requests made for new TV, coffee machine and vacuum as well as refrigerators in all rooms. WASHINGTON (ATC), April 25—Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Robert M. Mensching, Educational Director Kevin E Hall, Deck Delegate Douglas R. Gantenbeim, Engine Delegate Antonio N. Libo-on, Steward Delegate Gary W. Loftin. Chairman reported on ATC conference. He talked about SPAD and how it helps the union and also asked crew to report any electrical, plumbing or appliance problems to Seen Aboard the Horizon Anchorage . . . necessary shipping documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department. After Lake Charles, ship heading to Tampa, Fla. SEABULK TRADER (Seabulk Tankers), April 25—Chairman William K Barrett, Secretary Ronald Tarantino, Educational Director Eron G. Hall Jr., Engine Delegate Victor M. Quioto, Steward Delegate James Harris. Chairman read president’s report from LOG. He reminded all members of new security protocol on board ship and emphasized importance of contributing to SPAD. Secretary noted receipt of ruling from Florida unemployment commission and requested copies of all plans booklets from union. Educational director advised everyone to check that all documents are up to date. He advised crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point and to keep all payoff stubs, which are needed to collect vacation pay. Treasurer stated rental bicycles now available at $2/day; satellite fee is $15/month. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to instate full buy-out option to retirement plan. Current contract with company ends Jan. 1, 2005. Suggestion made to include 16 days vacation and no loss of manpower in next contract. Clarification requested on how to collect money purchase pension plan upon leaving industry and upon retirement. Next ports: Lake Charles, La.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla. USNS ALGOL (American Overseas Marine), April 9— Secretary Ralph D. Thomas, Educational Director Troy Ancar. Chairman announced payoff April 21 in Violet, La. He noted repairs completed to garbage disposal and dumbwaiter and new washing machine installed. Educational director advised members to increase job security by attending upgrading courses at Piney Point. Bosun noted that although there is no treasurer, money is being collected for videotapes. Educational director also suggested purchase of bosun. Educational director informed crew of need to initiate document renewal before expiration date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made that “vacation benefit” be renamed “supplementary per diem” for uncompensated shipboard time on emergency call. Suggestion also made to reinstate penalty meal hours and add resolution to contract defining steward department breaks and meals. Thanks given to chief engineer and pumpman for help in satellite TV reception. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska; Long Beach, Calif. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines), May 2—Chairman Dan P. Fleehearty, Secretary Amanda Suncin, Educational Director William M. Pinkham, Engine Delegate John R. Day. Chairman announced payoff May 11 in Tacoma, Wash. Blanket day off moved to May 12. Coast Guard inspection scheduled for May 21. Educational director suggested everyone check expiration dates on all documents and make sure to renew early. He talked about new security plans that go into effect July 1. No beefs reported; OT issue in steward department to be discussed with patrolman at payoff. Next ports: Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. ITB BALTIMORE (USS Transport), May 1—Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, Secretary Howard H. Lewis, Educational Director Geoffrey L. James, Steward Delegate Elsayed T. Amasha. Bosun talked extensively about Jones Act and necessity of supporting SPAD. He asked crew members to remove lint from dryers (possible fire hazard) and to take advantage of upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $200 in ship’s fund. Educational director will try to buy DVDs in next port. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for bosun to give new crew members more detailed orientation to workings of an ITB. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif. Seafarers LOG 19 �PG8_11,14,16_18,20_23.qxd 5/20/2004 8:20 PM Page 20 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.) Student: Top Marks To Paul Hall Center The following is addressed to my fellow brothers and sisters in the deck department. I recently sat for the USCG Third Mate-Oceans Exam (new testing), and am happy to report that I passed this 800 lb. gorilla! This was, without a doubt, the most difficult undertaking of my life (and I ain’t no Boy Scout). After accumulating the necessary 1,080 days of sea time, driving my 2/M and C/M crazy to proctor the onboard assessments, and attending months and months of upgrading back at Piney Point, I had finally satisfied everything required to sit for the test. Next came two solid months of intense study, and then I was ready to go for it! Final Departures Continued from page 18 born mariner’s first voyage was aboard the Borinquen. He shipped as a member of the engine department and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1977. ROBERT J. KITELEY Pensioner Robert J. Kiteley, 80, died Dec. 21. Born in Mexia, Texas, Brother Kiteley launched his profession with the NMU in 1942. The engine department member’s first trip originated out of Port Arthur, Texas aboard the Good Gulf. Brother Kitley was a frequent upgrader, enhancing his skills on seven separate occasions. His last vessel was the Margaret Lykes. Brother Kiteley went on pension in 1984. HENRY D. LAMBERTY Pensioner Henry D. Lamberty, 103, passed away Feb. 23. The Puerto Ricanborn mariner worked in the steward department and initially sailed from the port of New York. Brother Lamberty worked primarily aboard the S.S. Independence and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1968. ANTONIO LOSTERNAU Pensioner Antonio Losternau, 78, died March 4. Brother Losternau joined the NMU in 1951. Born in Peru, his first vessel was the Marine Snapper. He sailed in the steward department and began collecting retirement stipends in 1975. Brother Losternau’s final voyage was aboard the Santa Lucia. FELIX MANZANO JR. Pensioner Felix Manzano Jr., 81, passed away March 25. Born in Puerto Rico, he began his seafaring career with the NMU in 1943. Brother 20 Seafarers LOG The hawsepipe can still be climbed, but it now takes tremendous dedication and unsinkable determination to see you through. This is a long hard fight, but as members of the SIU, we benefit from the free courses, lodging and travel that others do not. I have compared what I received from the Paul Hall Center free of charge to other “commercial sea schools” and have saved over $60,000 in out-of-pocket expenditures! I owe my success and gratitude to the fine staff of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Thank you! Respectfully Submitted, Michael Thomas (Via email) Remembering Paul Warren I want to thank all the old-timers who sailed during World War II for the sacrifices they made for all mariners. I do support H.R. 3729 (the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act) to amend Title 46 of the Manzano’s first vessel was the Gulf Point. He worked in the steward department and last sailed on the Argentina. Brother Manzano started receiving his pension in 1970. JOHN PICKETT Pensioner John Pickett, 78, died March 6. He began his career with the NMU in 1945. Brother Picket initially sailed from the port of Baltimore aboard the Justin S. Merrill. Born in South Carolina, he worked in the steward department. He upgraded his skills several times and last shipped on the Adm. William W. Callaghan. Brother Pickett started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1980. FRANCISCO REBOUCAS Pensioner Francisco Reboucas, 87, passed away April 13. Brother Reboucas joined the NMU in 1943. His first ship was the El Coston. Born in Manaus, Brazil, Brother Reboucas shipped as a member of the engine department. He went on pension in 1970 and last worked on the Brasil. FELIX HUGH RICHARDS Pensioner Felix Hugh Richards, 80, died March 16. Brother Richards joined the NMU in 1943 and initially went to sea aboard the MV Matagorda. Born in Post, Texas, he worked in both the steward and engine departments. Brother Richards’ last voyage was aboard the Ruth Lykes. He went on pension in 1964. HARRY T. STEWART Pensioner Harry T. Stewart, 76, passed away Feb. 10. A native of Waterloo, Iowa, Brother Stewart donned the NMU colors in 1945. His first vessel was the Nehalem. United States Code. My true regret was in hearing of a very good friend’s death in the April issue of the LOG. Paul Warren was indeed a fine, smart man. He was a good sailor (whom I sailed with), a good union patrolman and a man I worked with on many occasions while organizing Cities Service Oil Company tankers in Lake Charles, La. I ended up on the vessels Bradford Island and the Abiqua, where I spent nine months and obtained my union book (#11,111 Gulf original and then to C-263). I sailed for 20 years. Again, I give my thanks to Paul Warren for his advice to me in conversations, and I mourn his death. Harold E. Crane Opelousas, La. (The writer is a former Delta Lines port steward) McCartney Had Time For All Seafarers My name is Samuel Garrett, and I’m an A-seniority member upgrading again at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Stewart worked in all three departments and was a frequent upgrader. His final voyage, during which he sailed as a bosun, was aboard the Santa Clara. Brother Stewart began collecting retirement stipends in 1979. CARL STOECKLINE Pensioner Carl Stoeckline, 79, died Jan. 8. Brother Stoeckline joined the NMU in 1943, first sailing aboard the Jeremiah Dailey. A native of Kansas, he shipped in the engine department. Brother Stoeckline last worked on the Texaco Minnesota and began receiving his pension in 1986. HARRISON THOMASCIEN Pensioner Harrison Thomascien, 87, passed away March 10. Born in the West Indies, Brother Thomascien joined the ranks of the NMU in 1963. His premier ocean voyage was aboard the Houston. Brother Thomascien worked in the steward department. He last sailed on the American Leader and went on pension in 1980. JOHN H. YOUNG Pensioner John Young, 83, died April 8. Brother Young embarked on his NMU career in 1946. His initial voyage was aboard the Key Hold. Born in Alabama, he worked in the engine department. Brother Young began receiving retirement stipends in 1977. He last went to sea on the Gulf Baker. When I first met George McCartney in the 1990s, he had this energy about him and always had a smile on his face, with a greeting for each and every member of the SIU. George had this special way of communicating with the membership that always was positive. One of the things he told me was to always support the SIU, its loyal brothers, sisters and officials—because blood is thicker than water, and you’re part of our family, he would say. George inspired new and old members to be truthful, loyal and have heart. Today, I’m a better, stronger person because of George and other officials like him. George was always busy, but never too busy to stop and speak with me and others. He wanted to know from every member how he could help them. Sometimes that meant just listening to a member discuss a personal problem. George will always be missed by everyone in the Seafarers International Union. Samuel Garrett Piney Point, Md. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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 individ- ual 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. June 2004 �PG5_7,19,21.qxd 5/21/2004 12:12 AM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Recertification Bosun The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of 2004. 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 Start Date Date of Completion July 5 August16 September 27 November 8 July 30 September 10 October 22 December 3 June 21 September 13 November 15 June 25 September 17 November 19 Celestial Navigation September 27 October 22 GMDSS (Simulator) July 12 August 23 September 27 November 1 July 23 September 3 October 8 November 12 June 21 August 2 September 13 October 25 July 2 August 13 September 24 November 5 Navigation Fundamentals July 19 November 29 July 30 December 10 Radar June 7 August 30 November 1 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) August 9 October 4 November 29 Course Able Seaman Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) *(must have radar unlimited) Lifeboatman/Water Survival November 8 Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Operation July 26 September 20 November 15 August 20 October 15 December 10 FOWT July 12 October 25 September 3 December 17 QMED - Junior Engineer September 27 December 17 Welding June 14 August 23 October 4 November 1 July 2 September 10 October 22 November 19 Course Safety Specialty Courses Start Date Date of Completion July 19 August 23 September 20 November 8 July 30 September 3 October 1 November 19 Basic Safety Training (BST) June 21 July 19 August 2 August 30 June 25 July 23 August 6 September 3 Fast Rescue Boat June 7 July 26 August 30 June 11 July 30 September 3 June 18 September 10 November 12 Government Vessels June 28 July 19 September 13 July 2 August 6 October 1 August 20 October 15 December 10 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* July 26 October 4 July 30 October 8 Course Advanced Fire Fighting* (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) Academic Department Courses Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning May 24, 2004. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ October 11 Date of Birth ______________________ 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 Junior Engineer, 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No 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? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ June 2004 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 6/04 Seafarers LOG 21 �PG8_11,14,16_18,20_23.qxd 5/20/2004 8:23 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 649 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 649 (in alphabetical order) Aaron Barnes, Felsher Beasley Jr., Christopher Burke, Jovita Carino, Jonathan Carrico, Terry Chance II, Derriace Collins, Dameon Cooler, Laura Edwards, Nicholas Fleming, James Foote, Paula Gomez, Kenneth Housley, Jessie Johnson, David Kelch, Bruce Livingstone, Elijah Mack, Lonnie Myers Jr., Allan Oyao Jr., Gregory Ralston, Yamil Sanchez-Padilla, Keesha Smith, Theresa Twisdale, John Villarta and Travis Zeller. Welding — Graduation certificates for completion of the welding course were given April 16 to (in alphabetical order) Sam Vanderbrug, Steven Ruppert, Stanley Sporna, Ibarra Mangaya, Christopher Schneider, Jason Powell, Douglas Carson, Ramon Corretjer Jr. and Oscar Luis. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is third from right. Small Arms — AB — Receiving their certificates for completion of the AB class ending May 7 are (from left) Abraham Krula, Tony Green, Edward Boyd, Eduardo Osorio, Michael Pockat, Charles Reeve, Edgar Stanley, Kenric Henry and Bernabe Pelingon (instructor). Completing the small arms training course April 23 are (from left, front row) Darnell O’Hara, Bill Yore, Joe Gierbolini, Harlan Hulst, (second row) Bart Clendenin, Josh Mele and Harry Abrams. Celestial Navigation — Upgraders who successfully completed the celestial navigation course April 23 are (from left, front row) Charles Mills, Tom Grose, Jawaid Pardesi, William Sholley, (second row) Benjamin Barnes, Alexander Fyodorovykh, Victor Antunez, Emmett Wattigny, William Schuppman and Stacey Harris (instructor). Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL)— April 9 graduates of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course are (in alphabetical order) Jose Baltazar, Albert Bharrat, William Bunch, Arnulfo Calderon, Robert Guilmette, Hugo Infante, Mohamed Jebokji, Francis Johnson, Brandon Leach, John Maynor, Brian McEleney, Ronald Poole, Horace Rains, Blas Robert, Uriel Ross, Michael Sanders, Daniel Stavron, Kreg Stiebben, Jerome Torrence, Victor Velez, Michael Wiley and John Zabielski. Advanced Fire Fighting — With their instructor, Tom Cessna (far left), are upgrading Seafarers who completed the advanced fire fighting course April 30. They are (in alphabetical order) Stephen Bradfute, Richard Huffman, Oswaldo Lopez, Tran Luu, Ibarra Mangaya, Lewis O’Neal, Steve Randle, Lawrence Rose, John Shea, Kreg Stiebben and Sam Vanderbrug. Any student who has registered for a class and finds— for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Computer Lab Class Left: Showing off their certificates of achievement for completion of computer classes April 9 at the Paul Hall Center are (from left, front row) Jared Taylor, John Fain, (back row) Quincy Wilson and Stephen Bradfute. With them is their instructor, Rick Prucha. Right: Also congratulated by instructor Rick Prucha is Ian Payne with his certificates. 22 Seafarers LOG Right: Instructor Rick Prucha (standing left) poses with students who completed computer courses April 16. Seated, from left, are Quincy Wilson and Michael Sanders. In the back row with Prucha is Kreg Stiebben. June 2004 �PG8_11,14,16_18,20_23.qxd 5/20/2004 8:23 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Engine Utility — Successfully completing the engine utility course April 16 are (in alphabetical order) Shane Avila, Luis Barbosa, Marvin Charles Jr., Clayton Coulter, Jerome Culbreth, Orlando Herrera, Peter Jensen, Joshua Kirk, Damien Law and Jamar Rodriguez. Crane Operations — Crowley boatmen attended the crane operations course in April at the Paul Hall Center. In photo above left are (from left) Sandino Diaz, Greg Thompson (instructor) and Hansel Tyson. In photo above right are (from left) Ulric Sutton, Trenton Benjamin and Thompson. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — March 19: Richard Rowland, Memphis Herring, Antonio Myrick, Brandy White, STCW — April 9: Joshua Anders, Joaquin Aumentado, Nicholas Babcock, Steven Cebulal, Sergio Cugtas, Antonio Gomez, Franklin Hale Jr., Michael Hallisey, Emily Harris, William Loy Jr. , Edgardo Lozada, Carl Mahaffey, Ryan Martinson, Joe Morris, Luke Respicio, Tara Robins, Angela Schwindt, Robert Thilo and Samuel Zaydon. Carlos Ralon, Francisco Al Almazan, Timothy Blakley, De’Angelo Davis, Amy Moosman, Jerrold Maggard, Aaron Wood, Darlene Weymouth, Australia Batista, James Cedillo, John Sandos, Jamie Sabourin, Robert Arpke, Donald Cook, Christina Watson, Amy Warhol, Wilson Avery, Pedro Pedroso, Wilfredo Polo, Mary Davila, Helen Chapman, Anthony Wyatt, Kary Duncan, Wadeea Alnasafi, Larry Bachelor, Alex Hunting, Kristen Palmen, Cameron Radford and James Anderson III. Their instructors, Ben Vernon and Stan Beck, are at right in the front row. Lifeboatman/Water Survival Water Survival — March 12: Jon Ferris, Joseph Nikolas, Rupert Manalili, Hattus Lapina, Peter Shannon, Robert Berasis, Jonathan Fagan, Theresa Hill, Pablito Dexanadera, Sven Erstad, Jason Hill, Megan Moran, Andrea LaCoy, Margaret Hegeman, David Allen, Chevon Holmes, Sarah Jean Conway, Christopher Cortez, Jorge Obando, David Kamau Jr., Dwight Kau, Elmer Armas, Michael Fiesta, Joshua Kamakeeaina, Emilio Guevara, Kevin Martin, Elizabeth Herrmann, Alicia Glass and Maren Spurgeon. Their instructors were Stan Beck (far left) and Tony Sevilla and Stacey Harris (far right). Water Survival — March 26: De’Angelo Davis, Wilfredo Vazquez, Pedro Pedroso, Ben Koss, Laurien Helfrich-Nuss, Ronald Fronda, Ji Hyun Cha, Albert Muna, Victoria Messamore, Angie Lee, Lurinda Sawyer, Matthew Jenness, Keinani Merten, Louis Charles and Hoku Kipi. Their instructors were Tony Sevilla (far left) and Stan Beck (far right). Specially Trained OS — Unlicensed apprentices in the third phase of their training completed the STOS course March 26. With their instructor, Brad Wheeler (far left) are (in alphabetical order) Kevin Gain, Donald Gallagher, Gordon Grant, Ramon Guity, Bruce Hendrickson, John Maynor, Amber Osbekoff, Horace Rains, Mario Rascon and Ryan Thorne. June 2004 Marine Refrigeration Technician — Upgrading Seafarers who completed the marine refrigeration technician course May 21 are (in alphabetical order) Lawrence Banks, Samuel Garrett, Paul Hanley, Jose Liwag, William McLaughlin, John Osburn, Albert Riollano, Hector Solis, Clifford Taylor and Jevon Vontoure. Seafarers LOG 23 �23075_P01,2,24.qxd 5/28/2004 5:45 PM Page 24 Honoring Our Merchant Marine Veterans on Maritime Day — Pages 12, 13 U.S. Labor Secretary Tours SIU Ship U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao joined SIU President Michael Sacco, SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, officials from SIU-contracted American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC) and others May 26 for a tour of the Seafarers-crewed Patriot in Baltimore. A longtime friend of the SIU and a solid supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, Chao chatted with several Seafarers aboard the ship. One of them, Unlicensed Apprentice Kyle Pillsworth, is enrolled in the entry training program at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md.—a program endorsed by Secretary Chao and the Labor Department in 2003. “It’s going real good—better than I expected,” said Pillsworth, who is in Phase II of the three-part curriculum. “I’ve learned a lot. Shipboard work is tough, but the crew is good and you learn every day.” The Patriot, operated by ARC, was loading tractors, trucks, cars and other vehicles when the tour took place. The ship sailed for Antwerp, Belgium later that day. Others who welcomed the secretary included SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz, ARC Executive Vice President and COO Jim Wells, ARC Vice President Steve Gill, Port of Baltimore Executive Director Jim White, and Maryland Port Commissioner Tom Koch. This wasn’t Chao’s first time aboard an SIU ship. Two years ago in New Orleans, she visited the fast sealift vessel USNS Bellatrix and also stopped by the local SIU hall. As was the case two years ago, last month’s visit was successful, noted Sacco. “Secretary Chao was Eager to tour the vessel and very interested in the ship but also in the crew memmeet crew members, Secretary bers and their jobs,” he observed. “She was extremely Chao walks up the Patriot’s gracious, as always, and remains a true supporter of ramp before touring the ship. the U.S. Merchant Marine.” Cargo operations aboard the Patriot were in full swing during the tour. Secretary Chao shakes hand with Unlicensed Apprentice Kyle Pillsworth, who is enrolled in a training program (based at the Paul Hall Center) endorsed by the U.S. Labor Department. Jim Wells, executive vice president and chief operating officer of American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier, presents a ship model to U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao aboard the Patriot. See page 13 for Secretary Chao’s National Maritime Day statement. Pictured on the Patriot’s deck are (from left) STOS Carlos Grillasca, SIU President Michael Sacco, Unlicensed Apprentice Kyle Pillsworth, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, Kings Point Cadet Austin Howell and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez. AT THE HELM— After hearing a brief explanation of bridge operations, Secretary Chao looks like a natural at the wheel. SA Darlene Weymouth poses with Secretary Chao. Pictured in the crew mess are (from left) SIU VP Augie Tellez, Chief Steward Jimmy Williams, Chief Cook Ralph Borja, Bosun Jim Muldowney (behind Borja), SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz, SIU President Michael Sacco, U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, Unlicensed Apprentice Kyle Pillsworth, AB Ahmed Elshabassy, AB Ryan Casas and AB Gil Villana. � 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 2004 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES U.S. MERCHANT MARINE INCLUDED IN WWII MEMORIAL DEDICATION TANKER ALASKAN FRONTIER CHRISTENED CRESCENT BOATMEN OKAY 3-YEAR PACT SIU ITF INSPECTORS SECURE $186, 000 IN BACK WAGES FOR FOREIGN CREWS SIU-CREWED M/V RESOLVE PRAISED FOR RESCUE AT SEA INSTRUCTOR RELISHES CHANCE TO HELP STUDENTS ADVANCE SIU PRESIDENT HONORED BY ST. LOUIS AMMV ITF QUESTIONS ELIMINATION OF CREW LIST VISA ED TURNER, RETIRED SIU VP AND MC&S FOUNDER, DIES RETIRED UIW DIRECTOR EDNEY DIES AT 87 UNION MOURNS PASSING OF RETIRED NMU PORT AGENT IKE WILLIAMS HOUSTON HALL HOSTS ‘OPEN HOUSE’ ANNUAL UNION-INDUSTRIES SHOW GETS GREAT TOURNOUT IN ST. LOUIS U.S. MARINERS PAST AND PRSENT PRAISED FOR PATRIOTISM, RELIABILITY U.S. LABOR SECRETARY TOURS SIU SHIP Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 06/01/2004 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. 66, No. 6 2004 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/27b12defbca76d5bfbfacc5f4874fff4.pdf eb45059f9fab6aac73923639963bb04e PDF Text Text 23499_p1,2,3(cx)_7.qxd 6/26/2004 2:32 PM Page 1 Volume 66, Number 7 July 2004 NCL AMERICA Seafarers Crew Up Pride of Aloha Goes The SIU last month welcomed new shipboard jobs as NCL America’s Pride of Aloha (photos at far left) reflagged under the Stars and Stripes. The 2,000-passenger cruise ship is scheduled to begin offering cruises this month in Hawaii. Formerly the Bahamian-flagged Norwegian Sky, the Pride of Aloha reflagged U.S. on June 7 in San Francisco, following a multimillion dollar refurbishment. The vessel employs nearly 800 shipboard personnel. LEFT: SIU Assistant VP George Tricker (left) and SIU Assistant VP Nick Celona (right) are pictured with Bosun Renato Govico aboard the newly reflagged ship. ABOVE: Crew members applaud as the U.S. flag is hoisted aboard the Pride of Aloha. Page 3. Matson’s Maunawili Set for Christening Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company, along with Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, is scheduled to christen the Maunawili (right) this month. The Maunawili is the second diesel-powered containership built for Matson at Kvaerner Philadelphia, which is hosting the July 17 christening. Page 3. Advisory Board Weighs Vital Security Issues Page 2 Flickertail State Delivers For U.S. Marines in Haiti Page 4 U.S. Tax Dollars Help Fund Foreign-Flag Ferry Page 5 �23499_p1,2,3(cx)_7.qxd 6/24/2004 1:13 PM Page 2 President’s Report A Welcome Rebirth The U.S. flag sails over an oceangoing passenger ship again. Seafarers and other U.S. mariners are showing tourists relaxing on the high seas why we are the best-trained and safest professionals in the world. Last month’s reflagging of NCL America’s first cruise ship under the Stars and Stripes drew warm applause and proud salutes during the ceremony in San Francisco. It was a great day for the Seafarers, a great day for NCL America and Michael Sacco a great day for anyone who supports a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. But in order to more fully appreciate the moment June 7 when our flag was raised on the Pride of Aloha, you may have to think back to one of the darkest days in our nation’s history: September 11, 2001. Obviously, the loss of innocent lives on that grim day is by far the most tragic part of the attacks. Yet, there were other significant aftershocks, not the least of which has been the ongoing impact on our economy. The travel and tourism industries were crippled in September 11’s immediate aftermath, and the U.S.-flag deep-sea cruise business ceased to exist. It has taken nearly three full years, but at last we can say it: We’re back! The work that’s been done to revive U.S.-flag cruise ships has been well-documented. What’s important now is that the SIU has a great opportunity for a bright future in this segment of our industry (and others). NCL America is planning to operate three U.S.-flag ships in Hawaii. That means more and more jobs for Seafarers and, as noted at the reflagging ceremony, it also means a stronger U.S. Merchant Marine in general. I think the Pride of Aloha also may signify something special to Seafarers who embrace the opportunity. Namely, it’s a chance to be part of a vitally important moment in SIU history. It’s a chance to help your union—in other words, your brother and sister Seafarers—get off to a strong start in this newly reborn trade. This isn’t the first time we’ve faced such a challenge. More than 20 years ago, Seafarers were called upon to revive the U.S.flag passenger trade. The Constitution and Independence came back home to the American flag. Seafarers jumped at the opportunity to make the project work. Sure, we had problems, but we overcame them. The Connie and the Indy were huge success stories. Many of our members owe their start in our union to these vessels. Maybe you’ve read about some of the SIU’s historic organizing drives from the 1940s and 1950s, or perhaps you’ve hung around the union hall and heard some of our old-timers talk about sailing during World War II. Undoubtedly, many of you know about our late SIU President Paul Hall defying the skeptics by starting a training school for seamen in southern Maryland back in 1967. Those are more than just stories. They’re key components of who and what Seafarers are today. The hard work and sacrifice and commitment of our predecessors gave us a chance to become the strongest maritime union in the United States. It’s going to take more of the same to help ensure our continued success. And the new cruise ships definitely involve hard work and sacrifice and commitment. Let’s face it—when you’re helping to restart any business, you’re bound to hit a few rough seas along the way. But any way you slice it, this is a glorious moment for the SIU. Every Seafarer can take pride in the fact that our members are sailing aboard the Pride of Aloha. And I know that every one of us will do whatever it takes to help ensure the success of our newest ships. Volume 66, Number 7 July 2004 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2004 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG School’s Advisory Board Weighs Key Security Issues Maritime Security and related issues dominated the packed agenda of the 37th Annual Paul Hall Maritime Center Advisory Board Meeting. The yearly conference took place June 10 at the Piney Point, Md.-based, SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Attendees included representatives of U.S.-flag shipping companies, officials from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Maritime Administration, U.S. Military Sealift Command, Transportation Security Administration and International Labor Organization, and representatives of the union and the school. Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan welcomed conference participants and introduced SIU President Michael Sacco. After thanking those present for their participation in the meeting, Sacco said, “As all of you know, port security and shipboard security are the hottest topics in our industry….We’re all facing tremendous challenges when it comes to keeping our ships and ports safe. “But we’re in this together— the unions, the companies, the Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration, MSC, the ports themselves, and the list goes on,” Sacco continued. “We’re all on the same side. It’s important to keep that in mind, especially when we get together on the various maritime security groups at ports throughout the nation. That type of cooperation and participation can only help when it comes to training seafarers and improving safety all around.” Following his remarks on port and shipboard security, President Sacco briefed meeting participants on some of the Paul Hall Center’s accomplishments since the last advisory board meeting in 2002. Among the events Sacco cited were: The Paul Hall Center successfully transitioned to the amended STCW convention. This accomplishment was achieved by running a school with top instructors and staff who put together curriculums and assessments to provide companies with the safe, qualified shipboard manpower they need. The school opened a new hotel at about the same time of the last advisory board meeting. As a result of this addition, upgraders now have single-occupancy rooms, which makes for a more academically friendly environment. The school added a small arms facility as well as curriculums. The facility and courses were approved by U.S. Military Sealift Command. The school also added or improved other courses including Navigation Fundamentals, Marine Electrician, FOWT and others. A diesel engine that is useful as a training aid recently was added to the school’s training equipment inventory. The school continued operating a satellite school in Hawaii, providing STCW Cdr. Cindy Stowe U.S. Coast Guard Cdr. Linda Fagan U.S. Coast Guard Cdr. Ed Wingfield U.S. Coast Guard Robby Moss, Transportation Security Administration training which helped in the rebirth of the U.S.-flag cruise industry. The unlicensed apprentice program continues to draw numerous applicants from all over the country. The Paul Hall Center during the last two months has provided security training in Jacksonville, Port Everglades, Mobile, Houston, Lake Charles and New Orleans and aboard vessels. In addition, training has been scheduled on the West Coast to help companies meet not only vessel security officer training requirements but also general security awareness for the membership. President Sacco thanked advisory board participants for their previous inputs and suggestions on how the school could achieve its varied objectives. “And make no mistake,” he said, “The advisory board’s input played a big part in helping achieve these goals (outlined above).” SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez and Paul Hall Center Training Director Bill Eglinton then discussed the meeting’s agenda and outlined its goals. The principal speakers for the gathering addressed the audience via a panel discussion format. Those giving presentations in their respective subject areas were: Cdr. Cindy Stowe, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), “Implementation of the Maritime Security Transportation Regulations;” Robby Moss, Transportation Security Administration, “Transportation Worker Identification Card;” Cdr. Linda Fagan, USCG, “Port State Control Issues;” Mayte Medina, USCG, “Maritime Security Training;” Jim Zok, U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) and International Labor Organization, “Seafarer Identification Document Convention;” Todd Ripley, MarAd, “SOCP Mariner Administrative Card;” and Cdr. Ed Wingfield, USCG, “Mariner Licensing & Documentation Program.” Panel members indicated that despite some setbacks in each of their respective areas, significant progress is being made in the implementation of all phases of port security requirements set forth in SOLAS Chapter XI-2, the ISPS Code and the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. Collectively, they expressed strong optimism that most Continued on page 7 SIU Contract Remains in Place Following Sale of Horizon Lines SIU-contracted Horizon Lines is being sold to private equity firm Castle Harlan, according to the companies involved. The union’s contract remains in place and unchanged, noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. Horizon Lines will retain its name and continue operating the 16 SIU-crewed vessels included in the sale. The Carlyle Group had acquired Horizon Lines (formerly CSX Lines) from CSX Corp. in February 2003. Castle Harlan Managing Director Marcel Fournier stated, “We’ve been impressed with the results that Horizon Lines has achieved over the last several years and are excited about the company’s prospects.” July 2004 �23499_p1,2,3(cx)_7.qxd 6/24/2004 1:41 PM Page 3 Pride of Aloha Joins SIU Fleet Seafarers Crew Up Newly Reflagged Cruise Ship The SIU has returned to the deep-sea cruise ship industry—and in a big way. Seafarers recently crewed up NCL America’s newly reflagged Pride of Aloha, an 853-foot vessel that marks the start of Norwegian Cruise Line’s U.S.-flag division. “This is a great moment for ing economic consultants, NCL our union,” SIU President America’s three U.S.-flag cruise Michael Sacco said June 7 when ships planned for Hawaii are the Stars and Stripes went up on expected to create more than the Pride of Aloha. “It means new 20,000 U.S. jobs and generate jobs for Seafarers, but it also rep- more than $825 million of expenresents a promising start to the ditures in the U.S. economy by rebirth of the U.S.-flag deep-sea the end of 2007. (The Pride of America and another cruise ship cruise ship industry.” “Reflagging this ship is far yet to be named also will be more than symbolic,” said U.S. flagged as U.S. ships.) Nearly Secretary of Transportation $360 million in federal tax revenue are also Norman Minprojected by eta. “Raising 2007 from the the Stars and “Reflagging this ships and the Stripes over landside ecomore ships rais- ship is far more nomic activities es our maritime stimulated by strength and than symbolic. them. raises jobs.” The U.S. The Pride of Raising the Stars Maritime AdAloha is schedministration uled to enter and Stripes over noted that it service this helped bring the month, offering more ships raises Pride of Aloha cruises in Ha- our maritime into the U.S.waii. Formerly flag fleet by the Bahamian- strength and raises overseeing imflagged Norplementation of wegian Sky, the jobs.” the reflagging vessel recently – U.S. Secretary of effort enabling underwent a Transportation the ship to meet multi-million Norman Mineta requirements dollar refurbishestablished by ment in San Congress. Francisco, U.S. Maritime Administrator where it was reflagged. Its home Capt. William Schubert said of port will be Honolulu. The Pride of Aloha employs the reflagging and the other nearly 800 shipboard personnel planned ships, “This is great news for the U.S. Merchant Marine as and can carry 2,000 passengers. “Today marks a milestone not it increases the number of ships only in the cruise industry, but sailing under the American flag. also in our nation’s maritime his- Our nation’s economic welltory,” Norwegian Cruise Line being hinges on an economically America President and CEO viable maritime industry and Colin Veitch said at the reflagging today marks another big step in ceremony. “We are proud to be the right direction.” U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant the first cruise company in recent memory to offer travelers an Tony Guild added, “We worked unparalleled combination of in cooperation with NCL America interisland Hawaii cruising and a to ensure that the vessel met all modern U.S.-flagged, U.S.- international standards for a passenger ship. This entailed a comcrewed mega-ship.” According to an independent plete inspection of the vessel and study by one of the nation’s lead- its safety and security systems Capt. Gerald Swanson (seated) certifies the Pride of Aloha as a U.S.-flag vessel while NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch looks on. July 2004 The Pride of Aloha signals new jobs for SIU members and a strengthening of the U.S.-flag fleet. Pride of Aloha At a Glance Entered service: August 1999 Reflagged U.S. in June 2004 Length: 853 feet Breadth: 108 feet Draft: 26 feet Speed: 23 knots Tonnage: 77,104 GRT Propulsion: Diesel electric, six diesel generators Auxiliary power: From diesel electric plant Guest capacity: 2,002 double occupancy Guest decks: 12 from life jackets, lifeboats, complex firefighting systems, complex automation systems that manage the ship’s power and propulsion plants, to various security plans and equipment. In addition, the Coast Guard ensured that the ship’s crew met all The American flag is raised on the Pride of Aloha during a ceremony June 7 in San Francisco. required U.S. standards for merchant mariner certification.” Following an inaugural celebration and a christening on July 4, the Pride of Aloha will begin its regular seven-day, year-round Hawaii cruise schedule. Visiting all four main islands and offering passengers up to 96 hours in port, the cruise features two overnight stays in Kauai and Maui while also making full day calls in Kona and Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. Matson, Kvaerner Philadelphia To Christen Maunawili July 17 Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company, along with Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, is scheduled to christen the Maunawili this month. The Maunawili is the second dieselpowered containership built for Matson at Kvaerner Philadelphia, which is hosting the July 17 christening. U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (RCalif.), a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, is the event’s keynote speaker. Lt. General Gary Hughey, deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), also will address the audience. Marianna G. Shaw, great granddaughter of one of the founders of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. will do the christening. (Matson is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin.) The Maunawili is virtually identical to sister ship Manukai, Matson’s newest vessel, the Maunawili, is scheduled for christening this month in Philadelphia. which was christened in July 2003 at Kvaerner Philadelphia. Each diesel-powered vessel is 712 feet long and can carry 2,600 containers. The shipyard reported that the Maunawili was floated for the first time on May 15. The vessel is expected to be added to Matson’s fleet of Jones Act trade vessels. The Manukai was the first vessel built in the newly revitalized Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard and the first newly constructed vessel introduced by Matson since 1992 (the R.J. Pfeiffer). SIU members sail in the steward department aboard Matson ships. Seafarers LOG 3 �23499p4,8,9,10,14,16,20,21,24.qxd 6/22/2004 2:17 PM Page 4 SIU Maintains Jobs On 7 Survey Ships Horizon Lines Awarded Contract by MSC The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) last month awarded the operating contract for seven oceanographic survey ships to SIU-contracted Horizon Lines. The vessels covered by the agreement are the USNS Pathfinder, USNS Bowditch, USNS Sumner, USNS Henson, USNS Bruce C. Heezen, USNS Mary Sears and USNS John McDonnell. The ships currently are operated by Seafarers-contracted Dyn Marine Services. Turnover operations are expected to take place in early October. In a mid-June letter to ships’ chairmen in the seven-vessel fleet, SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez pointed out that when the ships transfer to the new operating company, unlicensed personnel will have the opportunity to continue their employment aboard the vessels. Tellez also noted that the new contract improves medical benefits (under the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan’s top level) and increases the Seafarers Vacation Plan benefit. Additionally, SIU members will receive Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan benefits of 3 percent of the daily base wage per man, per day. “To those who opt to continue with Horizon Lines, we expect the company to benefit from the same professionalism and performance you consistently deliver,” Tellez wrote. According to MSC, oceanographic survey ships “study the world’s oceans using multi-beam, wide-angle, precision hydro- graphic sonar systems to collect bathymetric data. One coastal survey ship, the USNS John McDonnell, surveys the sea bottom and collects data in the littorals areas along coastlines. Information gathered is used to develop accurate maritime charts.” The SIU-crewed USNS Bruce C. Heezen is part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s fleet of oceanographic survey ships. Flickertail State Crew Delivers Critical Cargo to U.S. Marines in Haiti Seafarers in March again answered the country’s call to deliver the goods when President Bush sent 1,600 U.S. Marines to Haiti to quell the bloody uprising that prompted Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide’s Feb. 29 resignation. The SIU-crewed SS Flickertail State—part of the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Force and under the operational control of Military Sealift Command (MSC)—was summoned to deliver cargo to support the Marines. The Flickertail State, fresh from participating in a joint logistics over-the-shore military exercise providing humanitarian relief to Honduras, was in port in Norfolk, Va. for a mere 24 hours before being again called to duty. The crane ship sailed from Norfolk to Morehead City, N.C. to pick up 12,000 square feet of Marine Corps support equipment, and on March 7 departed North Carolina for Haiti. The ship’s 600-ton load consisted of Humvees, medical supplies, crates of bottled water and two “reverse osmosis water purification systems.” According to MSC, reverse osmosis machines are designed to purify contaminated water into water that is suitable for drinking—something for which the Marines had a critical need and that is in short supply in Haiti, a country whose infrastructure has crumbled and whose utilities system is in a massive state of disrepair. MSC Representative John Gregov, the individual responsible for coordinating the off- Seafarers aboard the Flickertail State delivered the goods for U.S. Marines in Haiti. load of the urgently needed supplies, knew the off-load would be tricky because the ship was sailing into Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where gangs of well-armed Aristide supporters were on a rampage of looting and destruction in response to his fall from power. With little lead time to make arrangements and only a handful of local port operators on the ground in Haiti, Gregov planned the off-load during the Flickertail’s journey south. “I was sending e-mails from the ship on the way down, rounding up local stevedores and equipment to help with the offloading,” he noted. Gregov ordered flatbed trucks to haul cargo and portable generators to light the pier as it offloaded, but only half of the items made it to the port. “I was notified by port authorities that the items were stuck in transit due to firefights,” said Gregov. “I ordered three portable generators because there were no lights on the dock. One out of the three actually made it. “I also asked the captain for permission to use the ship’s crew during the off-load, which we don’t usually do,” he added. “But we needed them because, under the circumstances, we didn’t want any of the locals coming on board the ship.” The captain agreed. The ship arrived in Port-auPrince in the early morning on March 11, and the crew pitched in operating the vessel’s four cranes to transfer cargo from the ship to the pier. Seafarers aboard the vessel who assisted in the freight download were: ABWs Heather Frizzelle and Curtis Williams; ABMs Adrian Jones and Jonathan Davis; OMUs John Morrison, John Steeber and Brad Neathery; Wipers Nathan Jenkins and Vincent Knight; Chief Cook Adele George and SAs Willie Uzzle, Teresa MacMartin and Kareem Walters. Also aboard the vessel were STOSs Melvin Stegall, Christopher Bryan and Melvin Hall. The crew worked so quickly that they turned their expected 72-hour stay into only a day-long venture. “They really did an outstanding job,” said Gregov. At midnight on March 11, the ship pulled away from Haiti and sailed home. “It was a very good, efficient operation,” said Gregov. “And everyone got home safely.” Notice/Reminder Full Book Applications Happy Retirement to REC Chief SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey (left) and Assistant VP Jim McGee (right) recently presented a ship’s wheel to U.S. Coast Guard REC Chief C.J. Bidwell in Houston on the occasion of her retirement after 32 years of service. Bidwell most recently worked at the Coast Guard’s regional exam center in Houston. The wheel was donated by Seafarers and SIU officials, who wish Chief Bidwell a happy retirement and thank her for her work at the REC. 4 Seafarers LOG Seafarers who have at least 260 days of sea time in the past 24 months are eligible to apply for full book membership in the union. This of course includes members who were in the NMU when that union merged into the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (in 2001). Members are encouraged to apply at any SIU hall. Please bring discharges or pay vouchers (or both) verifying the required sea time, along with two passport-size photos. In order to apply for full book membership, dues must be current, initiation must be paid in full and the member must be in good standing. There is a $10 fee for each application; processing typically takes two to three weeks. Sea time for any member working on equipment that formerly was covered by an NMU agreement and now is covered by an SIU/NMU contract counts toward eligibility for application. Members are reminded that, among other potential benefits, full book membership helps allow Seafarers the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. This is an election year for the SIU. For more information, please contact your port agent. July 2004 �23499_p3,5(cx),6,11_13.qxd 6/24/2004 1:24 AM Page 5 SIU, MTD, Others Protest Bahamian-Flagged Ferry State, Federal Funds Aid Boat Sailing New York-Toronto Route The SIU along with the AFLCIO Maritime Trades Department and other labor organizations are calling upon government officials in the U.S. and Canada to remove the Bahamian flag from a new fast ferry that has been heavily subsidized by American and Canadian taxpayer dollars. The Spirit of Ontario last month was scheduled to begin offering service between Rochester, N.Y. and Toronto. Built by Austal Ships of Australia, the ferry is owned by Canadian American Transportation Systems, which maintains offices in New York and Ontario. Mariners Remembered at Memorial Dedication According to news reports, the State of New York provided $14 million to help build the $42.5 million boat. Another $25 million in federal funds have been awarded in recent years to redevelop the Rochester harbor to enable the ferry project’s launch. More than $6 million in City of Rochester funds have been given for the project. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security granted $1.1 million to the owner and the ferry. Canadian funds also were awarded. In a letter to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco said that the ferry itself and the harbor improvements are good ideas, but registering the Spirit of Ontario under the Bahamian flag instead of the U.S. or Canadian flag “is particularly disturbing. By registering the ferry under the Bahamian flag, Canadian American Transport Systems’ fast ferry operation will enjoy the success of the public investment while at the same time avoid meeting U.S. tax obligations on the income generated once the ferry begins service,” Sacco wrote. “I am certain that the public officials who backed this project and who have worked diligently to ensure its launching had no clue that the company would be in a position to skirt U.S. tax payments. It must be disheartening to those New Yorkers to know that their tax dollars have advanced the fast ferry project but the U.S. Treasury will not see a truly just return on the investment.” The SIU of Canada, the New York State AFL-CIO, some of the state’s central labor councils, the MTD and its port maritime councils also have spread the word about the runaway-flag ferry. In a resolution adopted by its executive board earlier this year, the MTD said it “urges officials in both nations to call on Canadian American Transportation Systems to do the right thing by sailing under the American or Canadian flag and hire American or Canadian mariners.” Currently, the ferry reportedly employs a mix of Australian and U.S. mariners. The ferry was supposed to enter service May 1, but a docking accident and engine trouble delayed its opening. The boat can carry 774 passengers and 238 cars. Representative McCrery Receives Annual ‘Salute to Congress’ Award President Bush mentioned the U.S. Merchant Marine during the May 29 dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. As previously reported, two identical merchant marine bronze emblems are featured at the memorial. During the ceremony, President Bush noted, “In all, more than 16 million Americans would put on the uniform of the soldier, the sailor, the airman, the Marine, the Coast Guardsman or the Merchant Mariner.” The National World War II Memorial is the first national monument dedicated to all who served during the Second World War. Photos by Rick Latoff / American Battle Monuments Commission The chairman of the Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee on the House Ways and Means Committee recently reaffirmed his fervent support for the U.S. Merchant Marine. U.S. Rep. Jim McCrery (RLa.), honored May 4 with The Propeller Club of the United States’ annual Salute to Congress Award, in a prepared address told a maritime audience in Bethesda, Md. that their industry is vitally important to his state as well as the nation. Speaking specifically about his state, the congressman said, “Many of you may not realize that Louisiana is the top state in the country for waterborne transportation with more than 500 million tons of cargo annually shipped and received within the state. MarAd Okays MSP Transfer Agreements SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited last month applauded the U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MarAd) decision approving the company’s request to transfer the 15 Maritime Security Program (MSP) operating agreements for the ships currently being operated by U.S. Ship Management (USSM). In a news release, Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) noted that it had petitioned MarAd in 2003 to transfer the MSP operating agreements so the company could more effectively and efficiently operate the vessels. In the original operating contracts between the two companies, USSM agreed to transfer direct operation of the 15 vessels to MLL should MLL elect to become the MSP contractor. The decision follows an arbitration award concluding that the applications for the MSP operating agreements “submitted by MLL to MarAd were properly submitted by MLL.” “We are extremely pleased with the MarAd’s decision approving the transfer of the 15 MSP operating agreements to MLL,” said Kenneth C. Gaulden, MLL senior vice president. “Our first priority with this action was always to ensure that we deliver the best possible service to the U.S. government, both in peacetime and war. Now, we look forward to the benefits that will be brought about by streamlining operations and creating much-needed efficiencies.” Gaulden added, “MLL will work closely with MarAd to assume direct operation of the ships in an appropriate, efficient and expeditious manner, while continuing to support our military forces engaged in the war on terrorism and serve our commercial customers.” July 2004 The vessels will remain U.S.-flagged supporting U.S. global trade and national security, and will be crewed by American seafarers. MLL also provides the U.S. government immediate access to its global network of intermodal assets including terminals, cranes, logistical platforms, computerized management systems and equipment. According to the company, MarAd’s decision “closely integrates management of the 15 MSP vessels with that global system, strengthening the MSP for military purposes and enhancing the U.S.-flag presence in international shipping.” MarAd noted the role of MLL in national security in its decision: “[MLL] currently operates vessels for the U.S. military performing missions as diverse as the afloat pre-positioning of U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps combat equipment, U.S. Navy counter-drug operations, and highly classified ocean surveillance. Maersk also holds a special security agreement. The United States Transportation Command supports the transfer and has advised us that they consider [MLL] to be an industry leader providing [the Department of Defense] unparalleled transportation services, not only with regard to U.S.-flag vessels, but also its extensive global infrastructure consisting of berths, cranes, IT systems, transportation systems, regional logistics expertise, and much more.” MLL will work with MarAd to meet the conditions specified in the decision for transfer of the operating agreements, the company noted. MLL is based in Norfolk, Va., and is one of the Department of Defense’s primary shipping contractors. SIU President Michael Sacco (right) greets U.S. Rep. Jim McCrery (R-La.) shortly before the congressman receives the 2004 Salute to Congress Award. With major coastal and inland ports, the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi, Red and other rivers, Louisiana is a major transloading point for billions of dollars of commercial cargo.” Congressman McCrery continued, “Your industry is vitally important to providing jobs for American workers and enhancing our nation’s trade and productivity in all other industrial and economic sectors. I am proud to be a soldier in the fight on your behalf to make the U.S. maritime industry more competitive in the world economy.” He added “I am fortunate through my seniority on the House Ways and Means Committee to be able to lead the effort to ensure that fair and balanced trade policies are implemented to protect your interests, and to work closely with the Congressional leadership and the administration to formulate and enact tax legislation to aid the vitally important maritime industry.” Congressman McCrery has been an advocate of changes to the U.S. tax code to help improve the competitiveness of the U.S.flag merchant marine, and he has supported projects to revitalize the nation’s inland waterway system. McCrery was named by the Congressional Quarterly Magazine as one of the 28 “emerging players” who will shape the Congressional agenda in the post- September 11 world. He has represented the 4th Congressional District in Louisiana since 1988. In accepting the Salute to Congress Award, the congressman offered, “I am extremely honored by this award, and I am pleased to know that you appreciate my heartfelt efforts to support a strong and vibrant United States maritime industry. “At the same time, I am humbled to be included among other distinguished Congressional members from the great state of Louisiana who have received the prestigious Salute to Congress Award,” he continued, “….Senator Russell Long, Senator John Breaux, and of course my former colleague and dear friend, Congressman Bob Livingston.” The annual Salute to Congress dinner in 1985 was established by The Propeller Club of the United States to honor a member of Congress who demonstrated leadership in furthering the cause of the American merchant marine and allied industries. The salute affords an opportunity for all segments of the maritime industry to get together at one forum with not only their own senators and congressmen, but also members of Congress from all over the country to discuss future growth the U.S. fleet. Recent recipients of the Salute to Congress Award include U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), Senator Fritz Hollings (D-S.C.), Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and U.S. Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.). Seafarers LOG 5 �23499_p3,5(cx),6,11_13.qxd 6/23/2004 1:42 PM Page 6 Maritime Lawyer Victor Hanson Dies at 80 Detroit Attorney Victor Hanson, a prominent litigator of highprofile cases involving major maritime incidents and also a founder of a forerunner to today’s National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), died May 26 of a heart attack. He was 80. Hanson in 1973 established Labor’s International Hall of Fame to afford recognition to the founders and heroes of the union movement as well as to educate today’s workers and public about the struggles and sacrifices that made today’s labor movement possible. Although not a union member himself, he did a great deal of work as a lawyer for unions including the SIU, the Sailors’ Union of the Pacific, the Teamsters, the American Guild of Variety Arts and many buildingtrades unions. Hanson was involved in cases relating to the following maritime disasters, some of which claimed the lives of Seafarers: the Noronic in 1949 with 119 dead; the Andrea Doria in 1956 with 52 dead; the Carl D. Bradley in 1958 with 33 dead; and the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975 with 29 dead. Byron Kelley, retired SIU vice president Great Lakes and current Labor’s International Hall of Fame president, knew Hanson well. “He was really a man’s man, and he was always a staunch supporter of the Seafarers,” Kelley said. “Vic was quite a guy. He was bright, he was politically active, and he’ll certainly be a viable candidate for Labor’s International Hall of Fame, which he founded.” Retired SIU of Puerto Rico President Terpe Passes Away Retired SIU of Puerto Rico President Keith Terpe passed away May 30 in California. He was 80. A native of Minnesota, Brother Terpe embarked on his profession with the Seafarers in 1949 in the port of New York. After sailing for several years in the deep sea division in both the steward and engine departments, he came ashore as a union official. SIU Executive Vice President John Fay recalled first meeting Terpe “while I was still going to sea and he was head organizer for Atlantic Refinery. He was a good organizer and he was dedicated to the cause.” Brother Terpe was elected as a patrolman for the port of New York in 1969 and later became president of the SIU of Puerto Rico. He retired in 1981. Victor Nunez, SIU port agent in Puerto Rico, noted that Terpe “was very politically active. He also did a lot of organizing for the UIW. He is remembered by many people in this region.” Brother Terpe was proud of the pivotal role the SIU played in the economics of the commonwealth during his tenure as president. In a piece which was written for his presidential column in the union’s magazine in July 1969, Brother Terpe said, “Clearly, The Island of Dreams as Paul Hall frequently refers to lovely Puerto Rico, has demonstrated that under a free, democratic system and with a free democratic labor movement great progress not only could be made—bust has been made! Once again we must state that we are proud to have been an integral part of this amazing success story that is Puerto Rico today from the poor house of the Caribbean to the showcase of affluent democracy.” Retired SIU Vice President Contracts Red Campbell worked with Terpe in Puerto Rico for approximately six years. He recalled that Terpe kept an unusual pet around the office. “He had a jaguar— not a car, a real one, “ Campbell said. Survivors include his wife, Marilu; his sons, Keith and Kent; daughters Kim Lerman and Karen Palmer; and his sister, Kaye McMarlin. Hanson’s nephew, Robert Edick, told the Detroit Free Press that his uncle “was very active with union politics…. He was very much a people person.” Born in northwest Detroit, Hanson was a 1940 graduate of Redford High School. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he served as a paratrooper. An injury suffered during a jump, however, forced him to do the majority of his service in San Diego. After his 1943 discharge as a private, Hanson returned to Detroit. There he enrolled in Wayne State University and began a decadeslong relationship with the school. He earned his bachelor’s and law degrees there. Hanson played guard for the Wayne State Tartars football team from 1945 to 1946 and later became an active member of the Gas House Gang, a club of the school’s former football players. His gridiron fervor served him well in the 1950s when he represented a Detroit Lions football player who had injured his knee and wanted worker’s compensation. During that time, players were considered independent contractors and, therefore, were not entitled to benefits. Hanson won the case—securing weekly payments of $33 for 500 weeks—for the hobbled athlete, who was making $13,000 annually. Hanson also is credited with playing a key role in changing the Victor Hanson, right, posed with Michigan Attorney General Frank Kelley, left, and SIU VP Byron Kelley during an awards dinner in 1990. Hanson assisted the SIU in a variety of legal matters during his career as an attorney. status of professional football players for good when he founded an association which essentially served as a union. That organization was a predecessor to the NFLPA. Hanson raised money for Detroit’s St. Francis Home for Boys and Most Holy Trinity Church and was active in the Democratic Party. He also founded Hands That Help, a charity that distributes clothing and blankets to veterans’ homes. He is survived by a stepdaughter, Loralee Coomes; three sisters, Evelyn Hanson, Beatrice Kuhl and Rose Marie Berry; and two grandsons. Matson Mourns Passing Of Retired President Gray Retired SIU of Puerto Rico President Keith Terpe, center, walks the pickets with his 400-pound jaguar. The animal reportedly was the union’s unofficial mascot in Puerto Rico during Terpe’s tenure as president. Something Fishy on the Expedition Aboard the Horizon Expedition in Guam, SIU steward department personnel enthusiastically prepare sashimi and other fish delicacies for dinner. Chief Steward Mike Gramer (above) and Chief Cook Tom Kelly acquired the catch from local fishermen. 6 Seafarers LOG James P. Gray, retired president of Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company, died May 5 in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. He was 87. Gray’s career with Matson spanned 45 years, beginning in 1936 when he joined the company as a stenographer and clerk in Wilmington, Calif. He worked his way up in various positions during the next 11 years before leaving Matson to try a non-maritime busiJames P. Gray retired as ness venture. president of Matson NaviBy 1951, Gray was back with gation Company in 1981. Matson. He earned numerous promotions over the years, eventually becoming the vice president and general manager of the Matson subsidiary, Matson Terminals, Inc. in 1970. Two years later, he was named president of the subsidiary, overseeing all terminal operations for Matson on the West Coast and in Hawaii. In 1977, Gray returned to Matson Navigation Company and was promoted to senior vice president of the freight division, a role that involved overseeing all vessel and container operations. The following year, he was promoted to executive vice president, operations. In 1979, Gray was promoted to president and chief operating officer of Matson Navigation Company, reporting to Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Pfeiffer. As president, Gray was responsible for all aspects of Matson’s business activities, including Matson Terminals. In a press release announcing Gray’s death, the company noted, “His extensive experience with the company during his career gave him a keen understanding of Matson’s operations at all levels of the organization, and his personable style made him both respected and well-liked by employees throughout the company.” Gray retired in 1981 but stayed involved in the industry. He remained a member of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the National Defense Transportation Association, among other activities. Gray is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carolyn; son, James S. Gray of Huntington Beach, Calif.; two daughters, Susan Meek of Potter Valley, Calif. and Janet Gray of Tonopah, Ariz.; four grandchildren and one great grandchild. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or a hospice of the donor’s choice. July 2004 �23499_p1,2,3(cx)_7.qxd 6/24/2004 1:51 PM Page 7 Classrooms Upgraded in Simulator Building In keeping with its tradition of remaining ahead of industry demands, the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. has made major improvements in its already excellent simulator building. Specifically, according to Assistant Director of Training J.C. Wiegman, significant upgrades recently were achieved in four classrooms which are housed in the Logan Building. These enhancements, said Wiegman, will not only intensify the quality of training that merchant mariners receive in the facility, but also augment the techniques instructors utilize to deliver their respective course materials. The showpiece of the upgrades is the facility’s electronics technician’s classroom which will be used in the junior engineer, marine electronics technician, chief electrician and marine electrician courses. The room also may be used for marine refrigeration training. “This room already was state- of-the-art throughout,” said Instructor Jay Henderson. “These recent upgrades, however, really will increase our ability to train the people coming through here.” A retired Navy Master Chief Petty Officer who sailed for three years as a Seafarer (marine electrician aboard Maersk LMSRs), Henderson will be the primary tenant in the renovated classroom. Some of the upgrades in the electronics technician’s classroom are as follows: Twelve new electronic work Advisory Board Discusses Security Issues Continued from page 2 of the enforcement provisions would be in place by established deadlines. At the conclusion of the panel’s discussion on Maritime Security and a question/answer session, meeting participants formed two working groups to discuss another pair of issues which have come to the forefront in the maritime industry: shipboard food sanitation and towing/coastal licensing. John Dobson and J.C. Weigman, both instructors at the Paul Hall Center, led the respective discussions. In a related development, U.S. Homeland Security Department Secretary Tom Ridge on June 21 in Los Angeles announced that the nation’s seaports are ready to meet the July 1 deadline for international maritime security standards. Ridge made the announcement after touring the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. “I’m very pleased to announce as of today, the United States is in full compliance with the requirements of this new standard,” Secretary Ridge said. “For the first time ever, through an international effort there will be one world standard for ship and port security.” New security measures are being implemented across the United States, providing for safer ports in America. With the implementation of these international standards, in advance of the July 1 deadline, the U.S. is better able to harden the port’s physical infrastructure, verify the security of individual vessels before they approach a U.S. port, and better restrict access to the port area, the secretary noted. “Over 80 percent of world trade travels by sea,” Ridge Jim Zok MarAd/ILO Mayte Medina U.S. Coast Guard added. “By taking a layered, cooperative and balanced approach to strengthening the international maritime system, we are not only further securing our country, we are also protecting U.S. economic interests and the global economy.” In addition to the international requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, the United States has required vessels, maritime facilities and ports around the country to implement security measures by July 1, as part of the domestic Maritime Transportation Security Act that establishes a new, robust baseline of security for our nation’s ports. Vessels and port facilities around the country are now on target to meet the July 1 deadline for these increased security measures, as well. An estimated 9,500 vessels, 3,200 facilities, and 40 off-shore oil or natural gas rigs are directly affected. Secretary Ridge also called on all citizens to do their part. “Be alert to things that seem suspicious. Securing our ports and waterways is a team effort— everyone, from local govern- ments and private citizens to the international community play an important role in ensuring that our waterways remain open for business.” Elsewhere, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2005 (H.R. 4567) has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate and is being forwarded to the president for his signature and enactment into law. Among other things, this bill provides the following funding: $4.6 billion for operations of Customs and Border Protection; not less than $321 million (with conditions) for the development of the Automated Commercial Environment; $2.37 billion for operations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement; $65 million for expenses related to maritime and land transportation security grants and services; $5.17 billion for expenses of the Coast Guard; $697 million (with conditions) for the USCG Integrated Deepwater System program; and $125 million for port security grants. CIVMAR News Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program Sets ‘Open Season’ The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently announced the first open season for the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) since 1999. The FEGLI 2004 Open Season will take place from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, 2004, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the program. “The Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program is just one of the federal benefits that employees can use to plan for the future and to anticipate the fulfillment of essential responsibility to their families,” said OPM Director Kay Coles James in announcing the open season May 25. “This will give federal employees the opportunity to make any adjustments they need to better plan for the future.” The FEGLI program consists of basic life insurance coverage and three options that include coverage for up to five times an employee’s base salary July 2004 plus coverage for family members. In most cases, a new federal employee is automatically covered by basic life insurance. The types and amounts of coverages available are not changing. During the open season, federal and U.S. Post Office employees in eligible positions may enroll in the FEGLI program or increase or change current coverage without having a physical or answering any questions about their health. The earliest that newly elected coverage will be effective is Sept. 1, 2005. OPM offers much more information on line at http://www.opm.gov/asd/htm/2004/04-203.asp. The federal government established the FEGLI program on Aug. 29, 1954. It is the largest group life insurance program in the world, covering over 4 million federal employees and retirees, as well as many of their family members. stations have been added. Each station is now equipped with 1-½ inch non-conducting (stone) desktops. IBM computers have been installed at each workstation. Each workstation also is now equipped with an assortment of tools for students to use should they have to fabricate a piece of equipment. Each workstation is equipped with new desks, chairs and stools. Instructors now have two computers at their disposal (one in their office area and a second at their lecture locations). Software is on order that will aid student in their equipment designs. Classroom now features an overhead projector that will show power point presentations on screen. Old carpet has been replaced by new tile. Classroom has been enlarged by eight feet. Walls have been painted; new ceiling tiles and light fixtures have been installed. “These upgrades will enable students to go directly to workstations to practice concepts they just received from instructors,” said Henderson. “This capability will be a tremendous time saver because students no longer will have to go to another room, break out tools, etc. to do various projects associated with their training.” In addition to the foregoing renovations, upgrades also have been made in three other classrooms, according to Wiegman. First, all engineering computers (used for shipboard assessments) have been moved to a centralized location in one room. Paul Hall Center Instructor Eric Malzkuhn was instrumental in effecting this change. Two additional rooms that once housed simulators have been converted into one larger, air conditioned classrooms. The same upgrades were accomplished in a room that contained diesel simulators. Under the new setup, simulators are in one room and two new rooms have been earmarked for instruction. Upgraders already are taking advantage of the upgraded facilities in the Logan Building. Above, Instructor Jay Henderson (standing) assists (from left) Olie Webber, Lionel Taylor and Richard Huffman. With Seafarers Aboard the Explorer The Explorer paid off June 2 in Los Angeles. Among those pictured aboard the USSM vessel are (top photo) AB Al Moore, GUDE Saleh Ali, QMED Victor Viernes, AB Abdul Musaed, Steward/Baker William Burdette, AB Leo Bognoson, AB Samuel Lampshire and Chief Cook James Boss. Pictured below right are AB William Horton, AB Andres Mano and QEE Jimmie Robles. At left are Bosun Phil Corl and AB Al Moore. Seafarers LOG 7 �23499p4,8,9,10,14,16,20,21,24.qxd 6/22/2004 2:17 PM Page 8 Nation Honors Service & Sacrifice Of Merchant Marine PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS — Father Sinclair Oubre, president of the Apostleship of the Sea and an SIU member, delivers the invocation at Maritime Day ceremonies in Port Arthur, Texas. This year’s celebration honored the men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine—with special recognition to those who are serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. “The officers and men of the Merchant Marine, by their devotion to duty in the face of enemy action, as well a natural danger of the sea, have brought us the tool to finish the job. Their contribution to final victory will long be remembered.” Maritime Day was observed across the country in May to honor the courage, determination, service and sacrifice of the nation’s Merchant Marine. The June 2004 issue of the Seafarers LOG covered the day’s events from Washington, D.C. Some of the other celebrations, which took place in various U.S. ports, appear on this page. —Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower Maritime Day, 1945 SAN PEDRO, CALIF. — SIU Wilmington dispatcher Nick Rios (left) and SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox stand before the SIU/NMU wreath following a National Maritime Day observance and memorial service May 22. (Rios is wearing his Bronze Star and other medals from the Vietnam War.) The ceremony (below) took place at the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial, which was dedicated on May 22, 1989. Included among the speakers were Councilwoman Janice Hahn, State Senator Betty Karnette, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), Capt. Peter Neffenger of the U.S. Coast Guard, and Dr. William R. Eisenhardt, president of the California Maritime Academy. The arrival of the Color Guard signals the beginning of the shipboard ceremony. Chester Wheeler of the Government Services Division presents the SIU wreath. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. — Maritime Day ceremonies were held May 22 aboard the Liberty Ship Jeremiah O’Brien. Capt. Patrick Moloney sailed the vessel out beyond the Golden Gate Bridge, where wreaths were laid in honor of all the maritime trades, services and unions. This memorial cruise was dedicated to the men and women serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. A wreath also was presented in memory of the late SIU VP West Coast George McCartney who died in March. In the photo at left, Captain Moloney poses with McCartney’s wife, Helga (right), and daughter, Heidi. SIU San Francisco Rep Archie Ware helped commemorate Maritime Day. “The men of our American Merchant Marine have pushed through despite the perils of the submarine, the dive bomber and the surface raider. They have returned voluntarily to their jobs at sea again and again, because they realized that the life-lines to our battle fronts would be broken if they did not carry out their vital part in this global war.” —President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1943 QMED Tommy Taylor (third from left), who was recognized for his 39 years of service with the SIU, poses with SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (third from right) and members of the U.S Coast Guard’s Color Guard. 8 Seafarers LOG NORFOLK, VA. — QMED Tommy “Coastwise” Taylor was recognized by the Propeller Club during Maritime Day ceremonies for his 39 years of service with the SIU. Taylor, who comes from a long line of Seafarers, began sailing in 1965 on coal boats running between Norfolk and Amsterday, Holland. He was aboard the Joplin Victory in Vietnam during the Tet offensive and on the Stonewall Jackson in the heavily mined Red Sea. Years later, he earned his nickname “Coastwise Tommy” because he would relieve Waterman crew members returning from overseas, so that they could spend a couple weeks with their families while their vessels discharged their cargos in ports from Norfolk to New Orleans. Dave Brown (above, right) receives a commendation from MarAd for meritorious service as bosun aboard the Flickertail State. At right, Recertified Steward Mike Pooler is awarded a commendation for being a “good feeder” during the Flickertail State’s mission to Haiti. July 2004 �23499p4,8,9,10,14,16,20,21,24.qxd 6/25/2004 9:15 PM Page 9 The APL Philippines, Cape Mohican and Manoa were three of the many SIU-crewed ships calling on the port of San Francisco over the last few months. Sailing into San Francisco MANOA APL PHILIPPINES Clockwise (from left): Kenneth Lee, the ship’s new chief cook, reports for work; ACU Hussain Ahmed; and Chief Steward Brian Burchett. Ivan Zuluaga Gomez Chief Steward ACU Mohamed Wasel, Chief Steward Jill Prescott CAPE MOHICAN Muckbil Shaibi ACU Steven Sun Chief Cook LURLINE Bonifacio Lozada Chief Cook July 2004 Lucille Aguilar Chief Steward Clockwise (from top left): SIU San Francisco Rep Archie Ware and Bob Rogers, VP Operations at IUM; AB Jimmy Crate and Bosun Stephen Garay; and Chief Steward Louis Morris. Seafarers LOG 9 �23499p4,8,9,10,14,16,20,21,24.qxd 6/25/2004 9:20 PM Page 10 Scenes from the Far East Aboard the LNG Libra The SIU-crewed Libra, a liquid natural gas carrier, was launched in the United States in 1979. With a capacity of 126,300 cubic meters, the vessel carries its load from Indonesia to Japan. The carrier is owned by BGT, Ltd. and managed by Pronav Ship Management. AB David W. Collins took most of the photos appearing on this page, and Bosun Frank P. Hedge sent them to the LOG. 10 Seafarers LOG Other SIU members aboard the LNG Libra during the voyage included ABs Craig A. Pare, Lyle J. McCorison, Hector Barnes, Dennis M. Byrne and Robert Triano; QMEDs Paul E. Peterson, John G. Knott and Tran P. Luu; GUDE Brian D. McBride; Steward Vernon S. Thibodeaux; Chief Cook Jose E. Guzman; and SAs Jabr A. Matari, Paul Armstrong and Luis A. Sepulveda. July 2004 �23499_p3,5(cx),6,11_13.qxd 6/25/2004 9:23 PM Page 11 National Labor Division Helps Unions Back Israel Federation Continues Supporting Bonds Program The Israel Bonds National Labor Division was created to perpetuate the historic ties between North American trade unionists and Israel. Under National Labor Division auspices, local, state and international trade unions have expressed support for Israel through events, delegations to Israel and investment in Israel bonds. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney has endorsed the investment in Israel bonds, declaring, “We will continue to support the State of Israel by purchasing the bonds that build and strengthen Israel’s economic infrastructure and create jobs for union workers in Israel.” Israel bond investments are helping to bring the following projects—all of which will be built with union labor—to fruition: Laying the latest stretch of the Trans-Israel Highway, which eventually will connect the northern and southern sections of the country. Developing a new community in the Negev. Constructing what will ultimately be the world’s largest SIU President Set for Award SIU President Michael Sacco has been chosen to receive the Ben-Gurion Labor Award from the State of Israel Bonds National Labor Division, in recognition of the union’s decades of support for the State of Israel. The award will be presented in November in Washington, D.C. Boat Lifting in Long Beach A recent visit by SIU Port Agent John Cox to the Port of Long Beach, Calif. found Seafarer Paul Jernstrom (right) lifting one of American Marine Corp.’s dive boats from the pier to the water. The boat is powered through a transformer on an “alternative maritime power” (AMP) barge, eliminating stack emissions. Attention Seafarers: July 2004 desalination plant along Israel’s Mediterranean coast. Expanding Israel’s international airport. Creating a light rail system to alleviate traffic and pollution. Labor’s solidarity with Israel has remained steadfast for decades. At its annual convention in 1917, the American Federation of Labor passed the movement’s first resolution in support of Jewish people’s right to establish an independent nation in their historic homeland. At its 2001 constitutional convention, the AFL-CIO issued an unequivocal statement reaffirming Israel’s right to exist in peace and security. “The strong, durable relationship between the AFL-CIO and the State of Israel is a source of great pride to everyone associated with the American labor movement,” Sweeney noted. “Our support for Israel is based on common values and ideals rooted in democracy and the inalienable rights of working men and women.” Morton Bahr, president of the Communications Workers of America, pointed out, Labor’s ties with Israel pre-date the establishment of the state, and have only strengthened over the years. Israel is the only place in the Middle East where free trade unionism is a fact of life.” Cecil Roberts, International President of the United Mine Workers of America, added, “We reach out to the people and State AFL-CIO President John Sweeney of Israel because they deserve the support of the American labor movement.” The Israel Bonds organization itself was founded in 1951. It serves as a bridge between Israel and its friends and supporters throughout the world. For more information, visit www.israelbonds.com. Raymond Ebeling, Robert Magee Selected for 2004 AOTOS Award The 2004 United Seamen’s Service (USS) Admiral of the Ocean Sea Award will be presented to Raymond P. Ebeling, chairman and president of American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC), and Robert P. Magee, chairman and CEO of Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE). The honors will be awarded at an industry dinner and dance scheduled for Nov. 5 at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers in New York City. John Bowers, chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and president of the International Longshoremen’s Association, AFLCIO, made the announcement. “These two industry leaders from management we salute this year represent the finest in American spirit,” said Bowers. “Mr. Ebeling’s career has spanned some of the finest companies in American shipping and Bob Magee has been a career maritime man at sea, on shore and in shipbuilding.” Bowers added, “Our recipients have been selected by those who know them best—international transportation leaders who understand very well the challenges and issues that confront United States shipping and American seafarers and who wish to recognize leadership in this area.” Raymond Ebeling and Robert Magee led the field of nominees for the award, solicited by USS from more than 200 maritime management, labor and government officials. All proceeds from the event benefit USS community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine and those of other free world countries. Both recipients will share the evening with a group of American seafarers who will be honored for specific acts of bravery at sea. Ebeling has been president and chairman of SIU-contracted ARC, a U.S.-flag liner service ocean carrier, since 1990. The carrier operates three Americanflag ships between the United States and Northern Europe, and Robert P. Magee, chairman and CEO, Totem Ocean Trailer Express Raymond P. Ebeling, chairman and president, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier two U.S.-flag vessels between the U.S. and the Mediterranean and Black Seas, and the latter of which carry most of the U.S. military vehicles in those trades. He also is president and chairman of American Auto Logistics (AAL), a logistics management firm that manages the worldwide movement of military service member’s vehicles for the U.S. Department of Defense. Ebeling has served on several advisory commissions to the U.S. government including appointment by President Bush as Commissioner on the Advisory Commission on Conferences in Ocean Shipping. Ebeling was awarded the National Transportation Award by the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA) and the Herb Brand Award by the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department for “dedication to a strong and viable American Maritime Industry.” Robert Magee’s professional career has always been associated with the maritime industry. A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, he served as a deck officer before becoming a manager with Sun Shipbuilding, where he was instrumental in establishing a new Sun Shipbuilding subsidiary, Seafarers-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express, Inc. Following a stint as senior vice president with Puerto Rico Marine Management, Inc., he returned to TOTE as vice president and later as chairman and CEO. The American Shipping Group he now heads is a holding company that comprises the blue water domestic and military support shipping businesses of Saltchuk Resources. These businesses include: Totem Ocean Trailer Express, which owns and operates five ships and 1,500 trailers and serves the mainland/Alaska trade; Sea Star Line L.L.C., which operates between Florida and Puerto Rico with two RO/RO-container vessels and is a partnership with Matson Navigation and Taino Star Investments; and Interocean Ugland Management, a technical ship management and ship crewing company that manages and operates 22 vessels—11 of which are in the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Force. His achievements have included an awareness of environmental responsibilities. The new TOTE diesel-electronic Orca class vessels, have received awards for environmental design elements from government entities in the United States and Canada. Seafarers LOG 11 �23499_p3,5(cx),6,11_13.qxd 6/24/2004 4:13 PM Page 12 Unl lear AB Ray Spooner operates the hatch crane aboard the American Mariner. ABs Larry Curnow (top) and John Anderson work on the deck of the Joseph H. Frantz at fitout in Toledo, Ohio. Aboard the Indiana Harbor at the Detroit Edison plant in St. Clair, Mich. are UA Jamal Ricks (left) and AB William Padgett. The gateman on the Sam Laud is Baisel Kuvshinikov. AB Brendan Murphy works on the boom on board the Joseph H. Frantz. Bon Hosing down the cargo hold on the Indiana Harbor is AB James Davison. Ahmed Kaid is an SA on the John J. Boland. Harry Petersen, the 2nd cook on the Buffalo, gives the pot a stir. AB Mike Locke tends to the lines on the deck of the Great Lakes Towing tug Idaho in Toledo, Ohio. The Great Lakes region represents a multi-billion dollar component of the United States economy, and SIU members consistently do their part to keep waterborne cargo safely moving throughout the area. Seafarers transport approximately half of all cargo that is shipped on Lakes Erie, Huron, Michigan, Ontario and Superior. SIU members in those areas sail aboard self-unloaders, cement carriers, tankers, tugs and barges, dredges and more. The largest SIU-crewed ships on the Great Lakes exceed AB Charles Richardson works during fitout on the Sam Laud in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. 1,000 feet apiece. Cargoes consist of iron ore, stone, coal, cement, salt, sand, grain and liquid-bulk products. The region’s top economic activities include steel production (which relies on some of the aforementioned cargoes), industrial manufacturing and agriculture. SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski noted that Great Lakes shipping “has been very good this year. We’ve got jobs ranging from 30 to 120 days, and we’ve seen Bosun Mike “Irish” Keogh hoses down the cargo hold aboard the John J. Boland after unloading coal at the U.S. Steel plant in Detroit. The use of safety gear is important when working aboard the Southdown Conquest. 12 Seafarers LOG July 2004 m r r s p y th �23499_p3,5(cx),6,11_13.qxd 6/24/2004 4:13 PM Page 13 Unlicensed Apprentices Timothy Bauer (left) and Mark Kane (right) learn from Conveyorman Richard Mullins aboard the John J. Boland. From the left aboard the Sam Laud are DEU Ahmed Nasser, DEU Ken Troy and AB Walter Sipper. Bosun Ron Bochek (left) directs the DEU operating the hatch crane aboard the Sam Laud. Bonita Vineyard is an OS on board the Southdown Challenger. Serving up some lunch on the American Mariner is 2nd Cook Phil Martin. All is well aboard the Southdown Conquest. From the left are AB Mike Kelley, Cook Gerald Rifenbark, AB Larry Budnick, AMO Engineer Don McDonald and AB Brian Goudy. more and more members who normally sail deep sea, taking relief jobs on the lakes. That’s a credit to the new shipping rules and the new (Great Lakes) agreement that’s similar to the standard contract for deep sea.” For the year, Great Lakes cargoes are up significantly— partly because of better weather this year compared to last year. In the past, U.S.-flag Great Lakes ships have moved more than 125 million tons in a year. The increased traffic in 2004 is good news for Seafarers, but it’s not the only welcome story in that region. In recent months, employees at two companies (Laken Shipping and also Buffalo Industrial Diving) voted to join the SIU. Also, SIU-contracted Hannah Marine recently brought in a new oil barge. “These developments all point to people having confidence in the SIU, confidence in our crews,” Orzechowski said. “They know we’re in this for the long haul and we’re committed to providing well-trained, loyal crew members.” SA William Agnello poses in the galley of the Buffalo. DEU Abdul Ghaleb operates the hatch crane aboard the John J. Boland. AB Mike Kelley works on the deck of the Southdown Conquest. July 2004 Seafarers LOG 13 �23499p4,8,9,10,14,16,20,21,24.qxd 6/22/2004 2:17 PM Page 14 Congratulations, Graduates! SIU President Michael Sacco (right photo, at podium) offers his congratulations and encouragement to graduates of the unlicensed apprentice program June 11 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. The SIU president told the graduates (also pictured at left) that he is confident in a strong future for the union, the school and the entire U.S. Merchant Marine. For detailed information on the apprentice program, visit the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 946061923 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2003. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, 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 $12,590,672. These expenses included $920,244 in administrative expenses and $11,670,428 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 3,929 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of the plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $137,395,691 as of July 31, 2003, compared to $139,693,037 as of August 1, 2002. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $2,297,346. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is the difference between the value of the Plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had a total income of $10,293,326, including employer contributions of $34,378, gains of $1,175,214 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $9,075,571 and other income of $8,163. 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. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; 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 the office of SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, who is the administrator, 1422 Market Street, San Francisco CA 94102, telephone (415) 437-6850. The charge to cover copying costs will be $9.50 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan 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, 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 and 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, Room N5638, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. 14 Seafarers LOG Crowley Credits SIU’s Tacoma Hall An official from SIU-contracted Crowley Liner Services recently wrote to SIU President Michael Sacco to convey appreciation for the efforts of officials at the union’s hall in Tacoma, Wash. Edwin Colon, crewing coordinator at Crowley, noted that in answering the call for the first two phases of Operation Iraqi Freedom, “Many Crowley Liner Services ships have been called into service with very short notice and critical deadlines to meet in order to deliver the goods and satisfy our obligations…. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for the invaluable assistance rendered by the SIU hall in Tacoma, Wash.” Colon continued, “In particular, (Assistant Vice President) Donnie Anderson has been a tremendous help in many cases where we had very critical need and he saved the day on such occasions. In addition, (Port Agent) Bryan Powell and the other officials there all regularly go above and beyond the call of duty to assure the swift and effective crewing of our ships and deal with any other labor issues that may arise.” He concluded, “As a union hall, we feel Tacoma demonstrates a work ethic and commitment that goes above and beyond most. We feel that the hard work and commitment shown by this particular group of individuals should be recognized and rewarded. Please convey to them our gratitude and appreciation.” IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS PLAN, INC This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Plan, Inc., EIN 94-1431246, for the year ended July 31, 2003. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. has committed itself to pay all supplemental benefits. Basic Financial Statements The value of the plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan was $2,109,227 as of July 31, 2003, compared to $2,535,841 as of August 1, 2002. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $426,614. During the plan year, the plan had total income of $8,612,666, including employer contributions of $8,567,523, earnings from investments of $42,841 and other income of $2,302. Plan expenses were $9,039,280. These expenses included $472,106 in administrative expenses, and $8,567,174 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. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 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 office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Plan, Inc., at 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102; telephone number (415) 437-6832. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.25 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and the 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 the accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs 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 at 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, and at the U.S. Department of Labor 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, Room N5638, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. July 2004 �23499_p15,17_19,22,23.qxd 6/23/2004 2:08 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea August & September 2004 Membership Meetings MAY 16 — JUNE 15, 2004 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 0 3 1 3 24 38 0 19 23 32 14 9 1 12 30 0 35 28 272 0 7 1 5 15 38 0 11 16 22 15 3 26 6 12 4 20 26 227 2 3 2 6 22 16 1 4 13 14 7 2 7 1 5 3 24 10 142 1 7 0 6 23 22 0 11 15 19 10 3 0 6 13 0 23 17 176 0 6 3 4 11 30 1 7 16 21 12 2 6 8 9 2 18 17 173 1 2 0 1 9 6 0 2 4 9 6 0 5 1 2 2 10 4 64 0 0 0 1 24 21 0 7 13 26 12 0 2 4 13 0 24 9 156 1 5 2 11 42 63 0 29 23 45 21 10 3 12 40 2 60 38 407 3 6 5 13 18 44 0 16 15 25 27 5 35 8 17 7 44 42 330 3 3 2 5 38 33 1 9 23 33 11 5 3 2 13 5 33 28 250 0 5 1 11 16 30 0 12 13 21 13 6 3 3 17 3 20 14 188 1 5 2 8 15 45 0 7 18 16 24 4 2 2 16 4 25 14 208 3 0 0 1 13 15 0 4 6 14 7 1 0 1 2 2 8 9 86 0 0 0 3 6 8 0 0 3 6 0 0 0 1 9 0 10 7 53 0 3 1 17 25 30 0 11 15 29 13 4 6 4 39 2 36 34 269 3 1 2 9 6 20 0 8 10 17 18 1 5 1 7 0 7 10 125 1 0 0 1 5 11 0 1 2 9 7 0 0 0 2 1 7 8 55 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 4 1 4 13 18 0 7 4 15 7 3 1 3 8 2 9 8 107 0 5 1 2 5 20 0 7 9 11 12 4 1 4 15 1 16 12 125 0 0 0 0 10 10 0 4 1 5 6 1 0 1 0 2 3 4 47 0 3 1 9 18 23 0 10 11 14 8 2 4 1 26 1 23 23 177 2 1 2 4 6 13 1 4 5 7 13 0 4 1 4 1 6 11 85 0 1 0 0 1 7 0 1 0 1 3 0 0 0 2 0 1 3 20 1 4 0 10 9 14 0 4 6 9 4 1 2 0 17 0 19 15 115 Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 5 5 7 0 2 1 3 0 0 0 0 5 0 8 6 42 2 4 0 12 13 17 0 4 6 28 8 2 22 2 15 1 21 8 165 4 4 1 4 25 22 0 2 6 33 14 1 21 1 10 0 25 16 189 0 0 0 7 3 2 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 3 2 24 1 5 0 5 16 9 0 5 6 20 2 1 9 2 9 0 12 3 105 2 0 0 2 7 10 0 1 3 4 11 0 6 0 3 0 7 3 59 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 8 9 0 1 2 8 0 0 0 2 9 0 10 6 59 2 1 4 25 20 35 1 8 7 51 16 2 23 4 21 3 34 15 272 5 7 3 17 42 39 0 2 16 70 17 4 40 2 16 1 45 28 354 Totals All Departments 598 602 398 406 426 172 274 923 935 745 Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 5 1 10 11 14 0 4 9 6 6 0 4 3 8 1 5 3 91 0 4 3 1 4 20 0 5 4 7 6 4 2 5 8 0 8 8 89 2 1 0 0 3 4 0 1 1 3 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 2 22 0 1 1 5 5 11 0 2 2 5 3 2 1 8 9 1 6 3 65 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port 0 1 0 5 2 8 1 3 4 3 11 0 2 2 3 1 5 8 59 Piney Point .............Monday: August 2 ................................Tuesday: September 7* ............................................*(change created by Labor Day holiday) DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs 0 2 0 0 3 7 0 0 0 0 6 1 0 0 1 0 3 4 27 Algonac ..................Friday: August 6, September 10 Baltimore ................Thursday: August 5, September 9 Boston.....................Friday: August 6, September 10 Duluth .....................Wednesday: August 11, September 15 Guam ......................Thursday: August 19, September 23 Honolulu .................Friday: August 13, September 17 Houston ..................Monday: August 9, September 13 Jacksonville ............Thursday: August 5, September 9 Joliet .......................Thursday: August 12, September 16 Mobile ....................Wednesday: August 11, September 15 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: August 10, September 14 New York................Tuesday: August 3, September 7 Norfolk ...................Thursday: August 5, September 9 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: August 4, September 8 Port Everglades.......Thursday: August 12, September 16 San Francisco .........Thursday: August 12, September 16 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 ............................................*(change created by Paul Hall’s birthday holiday) Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals ROBERT GOLDSON Please contact Lucinda Jones at 3114 Dumbarton Road, Richmond, VA 23228; telephone (804) 553-8181. Union Plus gives Seafarers and their families access to many cost-saving benefits programs. The SIU participates in a number of the programs, including credit card, mortgage and real estate, life insurance, health savings, auto insurance, education services and more. Below is one of the newer options. For more information, visit Union Plus at www.unionplus.org. ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2004 Seafarers LOG 15 �23499p4,8,9,10,14,16,20,21,24.qxd 6/25/2004 Seafarers International Union Directory 9:36 PM Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report MAY 16 — JUNE 15, 2004 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 31542, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 10 2 4 14 0 1 9 40 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 3 0 4 1 2 3 0 0 5 15 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 0 11 7 3 12 1 1 9 44 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 5 0 3 2 0 3 0 0 5 13 1 11 2 2 9 0 0 5 30 0 29 12 11 36 2 1 21 130 0 5 4 5 3 0 0 8 25 0 30 7 13 0 0 0 0 50 2 4 3 1 4 0 3 1 18 0 13 10 6 14 2 3 20 68 0 6 4 1 3 0 1 2 17 0 19 5 11 0 0 0 0 35 1 2 2 1 3 1 0 1 11 0 7 7 6 10 1 1 10 42 0 3 1 4 16 0 2 5 31 0 20 4 11 0 0 0 1 36 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 3 5 1 10 1 1 6 27 0 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 1 2 0 2 3 8 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 0 6 4 1 5 0 1 3 20 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 2 6 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 1 4 2 4 1 1 6 19 0 1 1 1 4 0 0 2 9 0 2 0 1 1 0 1 3 8 Port 0 1 3 2 2 1 1 4 14 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 1 0 1 3 7 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 3 0 1 1 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Totals All Departments 86 16 31 78 12 26 67 222 73 121 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the LOG by Adonis Ard Sr. of Bogalusa, La. It was taken in November 1967 in front of the mess hall at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. Ard, now 53, is the young man on the right. He doesn’t remember the two other students. Can anyone identify them? Still sailing as an AB, Ard most recently worked aboard the Lykes Navigator. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. July 2004 �23499_p15,17_19,22,23.qxd 6/23/2004 2:09 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA ALI M. ABDULLA, 66, began his seafaring career in 1991 in the port of New York. He first shipped on the PFC William Baugh. Born in Yemen, Brother Abdulla worked in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Integrity and is a resident of Dearborn, Mich. NICK ANDREWS, 67, began his career with the SIU in 1978 in Seattle. Brother Andrews was born in Greece and shipped in the steward department. He completed steward recertification training in 1987 at the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Andrews first went to sea aboard the Westward Venture and last sailed aboard the Horizon Challenger. Brother Andrews lives in his native country. PATRICK CORLESS, 65, was born in Altoona, Pa. Brother Corless joined the SIU in 1990 in the port of Piney Point, Md., initially sailing aboard the Cape Florida. A U.S. Army veteran, Brother Corless shipped in the engine department. He upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. His last ship was the Captain Steven L Bennett. Brother Corless makes his home in Ft. Myers, Fla. JACK GARTON, 65, hails from Iowa. After serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Brother Garton joined the SIU in 1972 in Seattle. He shipped in the steward department and upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. Brother Garton last sailed aboard the Northern Lights. He resides in Seattle. RICHARD HOUGHTON, 65, began his seafaring career in 1980 in Houston. Born in Philadelphia, he shipped in the deck department and was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Houghton last sailed on the Liberty Sun. He continues to live in Houston. HUSSEIN M. NASSER, 65, started his career with the SIU in 1979 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. An engine department member, he sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by CSX Lines including the Sea-Land Shining and the Exchange. Brother Nasser was born in Yemen and makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. JAMES OSBEY, 65, joined the SIU in 1964 in New Orleans. He July 2004 worked in the steward department and last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Pride. Brother Osbey makes his home in Houston. HIGOLD SCHULTZE, 70, joined the SIU in 1992 in the port of New York. Born in Argentina, his first voyage was aboard the ITB Baltimore. Brother Schultze sailed in the engine department and upgraded his skills often at the Paul Hall Center. He most recently sailed on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Sgt. Matej Kocak. North Miami Beach, Fla. is his home. CHARLES SCOTT, 70, began his career with the SIU in 1959 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Coeur D’Alene Victory. Brother Scott worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills in 1980 when he completed steward recertification training at the Paul Hall Center. His last voyage was aboard Pacific-Gulf Marine’s Equity State. Brother Scott was born in Arkansas. He now calls Webster, Texas home. Inland NORMAN HANCOCK SR., 65, started his SIU career in 1973 in St. Louis after serving in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. Boatman Hancock worked in the deck department and on numerous occasions enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center. He last shipped aboard the Buffalo Soldier. Boatman Hancock was born in St. Louis. He currently resides in Farmington, Mo. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sisters, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension and Trust, recently went on pension. JUAN ADAMS, 65, embarked on his NMU career in 1967. He first shipped out of the New York port aboard the Constitution. Born in St. Croix, V.I., Brother Adams last sailed on the Pacifico. CORNEAL BRAXTON, 70, launched his NMU profession in 1978. Brother Braxton’s first ocean voyage was aboard the American Lark. Born in Mobile, Ala., he worked in the steward department. Brother Corneal last went to sea on the Cape Hudson. JOSE GARCIA, 68, hails from La Habana, Cuba. Brother Garcia launched his career with the NMU in 1996, initially sailing aboard the Cape Horn. Brother Garcia worked in the steward department. His last ship was the Chesapeake Bay. JAMES GARRITY, 68, began his seafaring career with the NMU in 1976. Brother Garrity was born in Liverpool, England. He worked in the deck department and made his last voyage on the Lykes Liberator. JAMES HILL, 60, launched his seafaring career with the NMU in 1964 in San Francisco. Brother Hill was born in the Philippines. His first ship was the Exminster. Brother Hill shipped as a member of the engine department. LEROY HOCKINS, 66, was born in Philadelphia. He joined the NMU in 1964 in the port of New York. A deck department member, Brother Hockins first shipped aboard the Gorden. His last ship was the Louise Lykes. GEORGE HUDDLESTON, 63, began his profession with the NMU in 1965. Born in San Pedro, Calif., his first voyage was aboard the Volunteer State. Brother Huddleston worked in the engine department and last went to sea on the Cape Island. MOISES MARTINEZ, 81, started sailing with the NMU in 1968 from the port of Philadelphia. His first ship was the African Grove. Brother Martinez was born in Puerto Rico and was a member of the steward department. He last worked aboard the Texaco Maryland. JUAN RAMIREZ, 70, joined the NMU in 1969 in the port of New York. Brother Ramirez initially went to sea on the United States. The Puerto Rico-born mariner shipped in the steward department and last sailed aboard the American Archer. LORENE ROBINSON, 59, hails from Los Angeles. Sister Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1944 The War Shipping Administration has established new rules for medical examinations for merchant seamen. The new directive requires a complete annual physical examination for all seafarers shipping aboard WSA ships in addition to the regular signing-on physical. The WSA designated that the U.S. Department of Public Health and its facilities be in charge of implementing the new regulations. It also established that any seaman who does not pass a physical examination can appeal the rejection in accordance with the provisions of his collective bargaining agreement. The WSA also established a requirement that seamen be required to take immunization shots when their vessels will be proceeding into pestilence areas. Robinson started her career with the NMU in 1980 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Her first ship was the Howell Lykes and her last was the Cape Hudson. Sister Robinson worked in the steward department. GHALEB SALEH, 65, joined the NMU in 1966. The Yemenborn mariner first sailed aboard the American Falcon. He shipped in the engine department. RONALD SMITH, 55, embarked on his NMU profession in 1977. His first ship was the USNS Shoshone. Born in Nampa, Idaho, Brother Smith worked as a member of the steward department. He last sailed on the Fredericksburg. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following NMU brothers went on pension effective the date indicated. Name Age EDP Cepedes, Salvador 72 May 1 Esquibel, Alberto 58 May 1 Johnson, Gerald 71 May 1 Williams, Wells 61 May 1 manpower needs. The Vietnam War has put great pressure on the existing SIU manpower, but the SIU has always provided enough men to man the needed ships. The SIU, through its extensive upgrading and training programs, is able to provide a pool of manpower to meet sudden crises, such as the Vietnam call-up. The break-out of vessels from the reserve fleet has meant that more jobs are available to SIU men, and the union has effectively filled them. This Month In SIU History 1966 Earl Shepard, vice president in charge of the Atlantic Coast, has been assigned the responsibility of meeting SIU Atlantic and Gulf Coast 1994 SIU members in the port of San Juan, P.R. last month helped pull a grounded oil tanker to safety without spilling any of the 13 million gallons of fuel oil the runaway-flag vessel was carrying. Seafarers aboard tugs operated by Crowley Maritime moved the Greek-flagged, Liberian-owned Mantinia safely into Guayanilla Bay. The 749-foot ship had been grounded in sand. Other SIU members were standing by with oil containment booms and skimming equipment in case of a spill. SIU tankermen also were on hand in case the Mantinia needed to be lightened before the move. Seafarers LOG 17 �23499_p15,17_19,22,23.qxd 6/23/2004 2:14 PM Page 18 Final Departures his career with the Marine, Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1965 in San Francisco. He made his home in Oakland, Calif. and went on pension in 1979. DEEP SEA PAUL ANDERSEN Pensioner Paul Andersen, 89, passed away March 14. Brother Andersen launched his seafaring career in 1946 in the port of New York. He was born in Denmark and worked in the deck department. Brother Andersen initially sailed on a Louisiana Sulphur Carrier vessel. His final voyage was on the Arecibo, a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. Brother Andersen resided in Florida and went on pension in 1978. GEORGE BERTHOLD Pensioner George Berthold, 93, died Feb. 23. Brother Berthold was born in New Orleans and joined the SIU there in 1951. The U.S. Army veteran was a member of the engine department. Brother Berthold last went to sea on the Sea-Land McLean. He called Foley, Ala. home and started receiving his retirement income in 1977. KENNETH BETHEA Brother Kenneth Bethea, 45, passed away Jan. 20. Brother Bethea joined the SIU in 1989 in the port of Jacksonville. He initially shipped with Crowley Towing & Transport Co. The steward department member’s last voyage was on the SeaLand Performance. Brother Bethea resided in his native state of Florida. VINCENT CARAFA Pensioner Vincent Carafa, 75, died Jan. 15. Brother Carafa joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. He first went to sea on the Panoceanic Faith. The Pennsylvania-born mariner sailed in the deck department, last working aboard the Sea-Land Mariner. He lived in Santa Rosa, Calif. and began receiving retirement compensation in 1992. JOSE CORTES Pensioner Jose Cortes, 83, passed away Feb. 12. Brother Cortes began his SIU career in 1946 in the port of Baltimore. His first voyage was aboard an A.H. Bull Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Cortes shipped in the deck department, last sailing on the Seattle. He made his home in Puerto Rico and went on pension in 1982. FRANK CUNNINGHAM Pensioner Frank Cunningham, 80, died Feb. 5. Brother Cunningham became a Seafarer in 1953. The deck department member shipped as a bosun, most recently aboard the Overseas Ohio. He began receiving retirement stipends in 1987. Brother Cunningham resided in Mathis, Texas. RAYMOND DAVIS Pensioner Raymond Davis, 77, passed away Nov. 3, 2003. Brother Davis began his seafaring career in 1953 in the port of New York. Born in Athol, Mass., he was a member of the engine department. Brother Davis first went to sea on Delta Steamship Lines’ Del Alba. His last voyage was aboard the Overseas Ulla. Brother Davis began receiving retirement compensation in 1983. He lived in Contoocook, N.H. LLOYD HAWKINS Pensioner Lloyd Hawkins, 88, died Feb. 8. Brother Hawkins joined the MC&S in San Francisco. He resided in Houston and began receiving his pension in 1978. JOHN HAYES Brother John Hayes, 63, passed away Jan. 20. He joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of New York. Brother Hayes initially sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Madaket. The deck department member’s last voyage was on the Sea-Land Discovery. Brother Hayes was born in New York but called San Juan, P.R. home. JUAN HERNANDEZ Pensioner Juan Hernandez, 79, died March 25. Brother Hernandez started his career with the Seafarers in 1953 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Manati, P.R., he was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Brother Hernandez sailed in the engine department, initially working aboard an Ore Navigation vessel. He last worked on the Sea-Land Expedition. Brother Hernandez made his home in Davie, Fla. and went on pension in 1989. WALTER MCCALLUM Pensioner Walter McCallum, 85, died Feb. 14. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Brother McCallum embarked on his SIU career in 1966 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. The New York-born mariner shipped in the engine department and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Sea-Land/CSX Lines. Brother McCallum resided in Yountville, Calif. and began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1984. Brother Mills also sailed in the inland division. He was born in Georgia and resided in Honolulu. His last voyage was on Maersk Line’s USNS Capable. WILLIAM MITCHELL Pensioner William Mitchell, 83, died Jan. 27. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Brother Mitchell joined the SIU in 1963 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first voyage was on the Madaket. Born in South Carolina, he sailed in the steward department. Brother Mitchell last went to sea aboard the Walter Rice. He lived in Chesapeake Va. and began receiving retirement compensation in 1991. INLAND Boatman Calvin Barletto, 51, died March 21. Born in Louisiana, he launched his SIU career in 1978 in New Orleans. He first sailed on a Crescent Towing vessel. Boatman Barletto last worked aboard a Moran Towing of Texas vessel. He called Franklin, La. home. A.B. COCEK Pensioner A.B. Cocek, 80, passed away Jan. 14. Boatman Cocek joined the union in 1967 in Houston, after serving in the U.S. Army. The Texas born-mariner sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by G&H Towing. Boatman Cocek shipped in the deck department as a captain and went on pension in 1986. Houston was his home. EDMOND RUBERTO Boatman Edmond Ruberto, 57, died February 25. The New Jersey-born mariner joined the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Ruberto initially worked aboard the Geneva, a vessel operated by U.S. Steel Corp. He shipped in the deck department, last working aboard a Maritrans vessel. Boatman Ruberto called Rockhall, Md. home. GREAT LAKES WILLIAM COCHENET Pensioner William Cochenet, 65, died April 4. Brother Cochenet joined the SIU in 1960 in Detroit. Born in Wisconsin, his first voyage was on an American Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Cochenet sailed in the engine department, last working aboard the Southdown Challenger. He resided in Las Vegas and began receiving his pension in 2000. DONALD LING Pensioner Donald Ling, 73, died May 8. Brother Ling joined the SIU in 1949 in Detroit. He first sailed aboard the Bob-Lo Island; his last voyage was on the Steel Crapo. Born in Port Huron, Mich., Boatman Ling worked in the engine department. He continued to live in Michigan and began receiving his pension in 1997. SCOTT MILLS ANTONIO DIACCI Pensioner Manning Davis, 78, died Jan. 29, 2003. Brother Davis was born in Louisiana and embarked on Brother Scott Mills, 49, passed away Feb. 13. He joined the SIU in 2001. A member of the deck department, Pensioner Antonio Diacci, 80, died May 27. Born in Yugoslavia, Brother Diacci joined the SIU in 1969 in Seafarers LOG FRANK SIWIK Brother Frank Siwik, 48, passed away March 14. He launched his seafaring career in 1979 in Detroit after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. Born in Michigan, Brother Siwik sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by American Steamship Co. The deck department member first went to sea on the J.T. Hutchinson. His last voyage was on the Indiana Harbor. Brother Siwik called Detroit home. CALVIN BARLETTO MANNING DAVIS 18 Toledo, Ohio. He shipped primarily aboard American Steamship Co. vessels as a member of the engine department. Brother Diacci, who called Chicago home, went on pension in 1988. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. DIONISIO AGUILAR Pensioner Dionisio Aguilar, 80, passed away April 26. Brother Aguilar joined the NMU in 1945, initially sailing aboard a Lykes Brothers vessel. Born in Honduras, his final voyage was on another Lykes Brothers ship. Brother Aguilar went on pension in 1968. deck department, last sailing on the American Trader. Brother Clark went on pension in 1979. THOMAS DAHER Pensioner Thomas Daher, 75, died May 7. After joining the NMU in 1963, his initial voyage was from the port of New Bedford, Mass. aboard the Marthas Vineyard. He last went to sea on the MV Islander. Brother Daher worked as a member of the deck department. He began receiving his pension in 1975. SERGIO ESQUADRA Pensioner Sergio Esquadra, 90, passed away May 7. Brother Esquadra started his career with the NMU in 1944. Sailing from the port of New York, he first sailed on a Lykes Brothers vessel. He was born in the Philippines and worked in the steward department. Brother Esquadra began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1970. RICHARD MITCHELL Pensioner Richard Mitchell, 80, died March 24. Brother Mitchell was born in Georgia and joined the NMU in 1964. He last shipped aboard the Star Massachusetts and started receiving his pension in 1984. PEDRO ALVARADO Pensioner Pedro Alvarado, 82, died May 14. Brother Alvarado started his seafaring career with the NMU in 1966, first shipping on the American Forwarder. Born in Honduras, he worked in the engine department. Brother Alvarado last sailed aboard the Export Champion. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1983. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following NMU brothers and sisters, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. NAME AGE DOD Adam, Hassen 82 May 16 Archie, Charles 71 April 29 Aviles, Ismael 82 April 25 Baran, Briggie 90 April 26 Brideau, Arthur 78 April 27 Brin, Alexandre 68 March 4 MANUEL BARBOZA Camargo, Juan 81 March 6 Pensioner Manuel Barboza, 88, passed away April 30. Brother Barboza started sailing with NMU in 1932 from the port of Boston. He worked in the steward department. Brother Barboza’s final voyage was aboard a Hess Petroleum vessel. He went on pension in 1968. Clarke, Walter 93 May 2 Colville, Frank 89 Dec 20 Coram, Ethelbert 84 Feb. 20 HARRIS BLAKE Heinz, Pensioner Harris Blake, 87, died May 5. Brother Blake was born in Georgia. He joined the NMU in 1950, first shipping from the port of Boston on the Reading. Brother Blake worked in the steward department and began receiving his pension in 1985. ZOLLIE CLARK Pensioner Zollie Clark, 76, passed away May 4. Brother Clark first sailed with the NMU in 1945 aboard the Ohio. He worked in the Daw, Mary 68 May 18 Emil, Edward 77 April 13 Farris, Earl 76 March 1 Franklin, Victor 96 April 30 Henry Elliot 68 May 6 Irizarry, Pablo 87 Dec. 23 Jones, John 70 May 1 Lopes, Howard 79 Jan. 18 Lorenzo, Luis 87 April 30 Mallard, Otis 78 May 13 Martin, Juan 77 April 13 Minnard, Melvin 82 April 27 Miskulin, Nicholas 74 May 18 Murphy, Cornelia 71 May 16 Myslinski, Stefan 89 May 11 Pedro, Christian 80 Feb. 27 Peele, Robert 67 May 4 Robinson, Donald 78 Dec. 25 Ryan, Donald 79 Jan. 2 Sanchez, Daniel 82 May 14 Stokes, Calvin 70 March 21 Tolcha, Samuel 85 March 1 Washington, Johnnie 80 May 8 July 2004 �23499_p15,17_19,22,23.qxd 6/25/2004 9:27 PM Page 19 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.``` CAPE ISLAND (Crowley Liner Services), April 25—Chairman Stephen D. Castle, Secretary Terry N. White, Educational Director Stanley D. Castro, Engine Delegate Allen E. Ward, Steward Delegate Cynthia C. Beatley. Chairman thanked crew members for smooth trip and professional job. Secretary reminded everyone getting off to leave rooms clean and place dirty linen in bags. Educational director emphasized educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. for upgrading skills and ratings. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into increasing pension benefits and decreasing seatime needed. Request made for improved mail service. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. GT DILIGENCE (Maritrans), April 29—Chairman Ronald L. Paradise, Secretary Mary Lou Smith, Educational Director Arthur K. Outlaw, Engine Delegate Patrick Carroll, Steward Delegate Audry C. Flemings. Chairman announced payoff April 30 in Jacksonville. He talked about waste management program and thanked deck department for job well done. He expressed sympathy on behalf of entire crew to family of George McCartney, who will be missed and thought of often. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep living areas orderly. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications read from headquarters regarding vacation pay and unemployment benefits. COLUMBIA (ATC), May 20— Chairman Gregory L. Hamilton, Secretary John F. Huyett, Educational Director Ronald Gordon, Deck Delegate Ramon T. Guimba Jr., Engine Delegate Detricke R. Kelly, Steward Delegate Albert Sison. Secretary reported on company applications for new builds and explained procedure and time constraints. Treasurer stated $5,576 in crew’s fund of which $750 earmarked for installation of XM radio antenna. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made that funds expended for fishing gear and replacement DVD players be reimbursed. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. ENDURANCE (USSM), May 10—Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Jesse B. Natividad Sr., Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Dennis A. Hurley, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter, Steward Delegate Thurman C. Johnson. Chairman noted smooth sailing. He talked about reflagged passenger ships soon to be in operation around Hawaiian Islands, which could mean more jobs for SIU members. Ship’s fund, temporarily held by captain, contains about $1,100. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to purchase dart set. Crew inquired July 2004 about having satellite reception aboard ship. ERIC G. GIBSON (Osprey Ship Management), May 9—Chairman Thomas E. Minton, Secretary Steve E. Parker III, Educational Director Doug Foley. Bosun advised crew of letter written to headquarters requesting clarification of transportation issues. He gave thanks to all departments for job well done, with special kudos to AB Robert“Mango” Hinckley Jr. for his smooth crane skills while loading ammunition. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess halls and lounge clean. Educational director stressed importance of attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. He also encouraged Seafarers to contribute to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vessel has gone from prepositioning status to ammunition cargo carrier to grain ship and back to container ship. Crew members requested contract to reflect that, mirroring contract of American Tern or going to standard contract. Crew requested new pillows, fitted sheets and fan. Suggestion made to build saltwater pool. Vote of thanks given to steward department for innovative menus and barbecues. Next port: Singapore. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines), May 2—Chairman Dan P. Fleehearty, Secretary Amanda F. Suncin, Educational Director William M. Pinkham, Engine Delegate John R. Day. Chairman announced payoff May 11 in Tacoma, Wash. Blanket day off moved to next day. Coast Guard inspection scheduled for May 21 in Tacoma. Educational director advised everyone to check expiration dates on all documents and renew in plenty of time. He also spoke about new security plans to go into effect July 1. No beefs reported; OT issue in steward department to be discussed with boarding patrolman at payoff. Crew members asked to help keep lounge and laundry areas clean. Next ports: Anchorage and Kodiak, Alaska. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), May 2—Chairman Jay C. Dillon, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Donnel C. Tagart Jr., Deck Delegate John T. Emrich, Engine Delegate Gregorio M. Abalos Jr., Steward Delegate Thomas E. Kleine. Chairman announced payoff on arrival May 4 in Oakland, Calif. He thanked crew for smooth, safe trip. Secretary informed crew members about new guidelines being drawn up for port security scheduled to go into effect July 1. He advised everyone to have proper identification when entering terminal. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made for contracts department to look into increasing pension benefits and lowering age requirement. Suggestion made to start collection for new movies and entertainment. Crew members encouraged to sign up for SPAD contributions when filing for vacation. Next ports: Oakland and Los Angeles, Calif.; Honolulu. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), May 16—Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary Franchesca Rose, Educational Director Mike J. Wells, Deck Delegate Robert G. Crooks, Engine Delegate Cecilio A. Banga, Steward Delegate Alejo Fabia. Chairman announced arrival May 21 in Tacoma, Wash. Payoff will take place after clearing customs and immigration. New security regulations go into effect July 1. Everyone reminded to carry current, up-to-date z-card to comply with port security. Secretary stated captain will conduct sanitary inspection of cabins and boxes May 20. He also discussed ordering of consumable food stores and cleaning material. Educational director reminded crew to allow several months when renewing Coast Guard documentation. He also talked about upgrading courses available at Piney Point and led discussion about SPAD and how that fund gets used. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted in engine department. Written proposals for next negotiating session sent to contracts department. New refrigerator installed in crew mess. Engine and deck departments were thanked for their work in moving, installing and securing the appliance. Vote of thanks given to steward department for two great barbecues. Thanks also given to Oakland and Tacoma shoregangs for all their help and support while ship is in those ports. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland; Honolulu; Guam. HORIZON EXPEDITION (Horizon Lines), May 9—Chairman Winston D. Thompson, Secretary Michael J. Gramer, Educational Director Glenn A. Snow, Engine Delegate Eric D Vieira, Steward Delegate Thomas M. Kelly. Chairman stated he was not sure whether ship would make another trip before laying up. Captain said he was very happy with recent sanitation inspection and thanked crew for their efforts in getting ship ready on short notice. If another voyage is made, captain said there is a 35-day food order ready. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), May 9—Chairman Werner H. Becher, Secretary Vainuu L. Sili, Educational Director Daniel F. Dean, Deck Delegate Robert J. Natividad, Steward Delegate Henry O. Wright Jr. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival May 11 in Oakland, Calif. He advised crew members to keep doors locked and be aware of strangers or others who may not belong aboard ship. He thanked everyone for good job separating plastic items from regular trash and asked that those getting off ship leave set of clean linen for next person. Secretary stated everything running smoothly. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for better paying jobs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding prescription benefits for seamen living abroad. INNOVATOR (USSM), May 16— Chairman Dirk W Adams, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Paul B. Flores, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Engine Delegate Adel B. Irani, Steward Delegate Ahmed M. Quraish. Chairman expressed condolences to family of ARC Director Rick Reisman, who died March 8. He informed crew of change in shipping rules. Secretary thanked chairman, ABs and engine department for jobs well done. Educational director reminded crew members of upgrading opportunities available at Piney Point and of need to make sure all shipping documents are up to date. Treasurer stated $316 in ship’s fund. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted in deck department. Recommendation made for contracts department to look into ship when in drydock. Any information about extension or renewal of contract would be welcome. Next ports: Nagoya, Japan; Bontang, Indonesia; Tobata, Japan. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Ltd.), May 13—Chairman Carlton P. Hall, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director John A Collins Jr., Steward Delegate Radfan A. Almaklani. Chairman announced payoff May 18 in Newark, N.J. He thanked everyone for doing a great job. “Keep it up.” Secretary expressed appreciation to crew for keeping vessel clean and secure. Payoff on the Endurance SIU Wilmington, Calif. Safety Director Marshall Novack met with Seafarers May 12 for a payoff on the Endurance in Los Angeles. Pictured aboard the USSM vessel are (from left) QMED Teddie Carter, Electrician Tes Gebregziabher, AB Dennis Hurley, AB Don Pegram, Chief Cook Danny Guerrero, GSU Hassan Mohamed, Chief Steward Jesse Natividad Sr. and Bosun Romeo Lugtu. reducing seatime needed for retirement and to increase pension benefits. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif. INTEGRITY (USSM), May 16— Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Gerhard Schwarz, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Alexander Nicholson, Engine Delegate Gregorio A. Blanco, Steward Delegate Lonnie Jordan. Chairman thanked crew for good voyage. Secretary joined bosun in asking those getting off ship to leave clean linen for next person. Educational director advised crew members to check z-cards for expiration date and leave plenty of time for renewal. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to upgrade pension, medical and dental benefits. Request made for locker for crew storage. Thanks given to steward department for good job. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Charleston, S.C.; Miami; Houston. LNG VIRGO (Pronav), May 16— Chairman Daniel S. Marcus, Secretary John A. Palughi, Educational Director John W. Stewart, Deck Delegate Raymond Naterlin, Steward Delegate Joseph Welle. Chairman thanked everyone for good, safe work. Secretary reported cabin stores ordered for Japan delivery are to be delivered May 22. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center as often as possible. Treasurer stated $500 in crew fund. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted by engine delegate. Clarification requested on formula used for reliefs for vessel and whether seniority matters in being relieved. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into allowing full medical benefits to retirees at age 55. New mattresses will be ordered for entire Educational director recommended Seafarers attend upgrading classes at Piney Point. He also suggested they allow plenty of time when renewing shipping documents. Treasurer stated $1,652 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for outstanding food and support. USNS BELLATRIX (Amsea), May 21—Chairman Wayne Venison, Secretary Anthony L. Curran, Educational Director Francis C. Quebedeaux, Deck Delegate Corrie J. Stockton, Engine Delegate Michael L, Mefferd. Chairman announced arrival in Texas followed by layup in Boston. Educational director noted many new upgrading courses available at Paul Hall Center. Steward thanked everyone for trouble-free and enjoyable voyage. He asked departing crew to sort laundry and place outside door prior to departure. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department and storekeeper for jobs well done. USNS SISLER (Maersk Line Ltd.), May 23—Chairman Kenneth L. Steiner, Secretary Walter J. Matt, Educational Director Thomas P. Arthur, Deck Delegate Dale Harrison, Engine Delegate Pati F. Taototo, Steward Delegate Kimberly A. Strate. Vessel currently in Diego Garcia. Chairman talked about security and keeping safe while working and on liberty. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point when possible and contribute to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made regarding pension plan. Request made to replace refrigerator in crew lounge. TV reception needs to be improved for lounge area and staterooms. Seafarers LOG 19 �23499p4,8,9,10,14,16,20,21,24.qxd 6/22/2004 2:18 PM THE GALLEY CORNER Page 20 Jim Battista sent in this article, recipe and accompanying photograph from aboard the Maersk Constellation, where he currently is the chief steward. The Kane, Pa. native came to the SIU through the veterans’ program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. After fulfilling his STCW requirements and other mandatory training, Battista began his career as a merchant mariner in the SIU. Into Africa: Stores Aboard! by Chief Steward Jim Battista Under Capt. Thomas Tankersley, the Maersk Constellation left the USA loaded with what seemed to be a million bags of rice and grain. Through a United Nations effort, they were to be delivered to five ports in East Africa for the starving people there. The trip went as scheduled, and the seas were calm. Obviously, Neptune smiled upon us. We traveled from one port to the next and saw the people in need of our cargo. We saw men who unloaded the rice eating it raw off the deck. Sights such as these have to make one reflect on the great country we live in, the union that supports us, the jobs we have, and the abundance of food for our families. But, on a lighter side, let’s talk food. When we arrived in Tanzania, we decided to try and get some fruit and vegetables for the vessel. I contacted the chandlers in port and put in our order. The next day, to my surprise, there was a line of people with woven baskets on their heads loaded with our produce. Fresh melons, pineapples, mangoes like footballs, and all sorts of fresh fruit and vegetables they thought we would like to check out and try. To say the least, it was like going back in time 150 years. Now don’t get me wrong. The inventory was excellent, and some of the items left Chief Cook Cesar Macias and myself scratching our heads. But all was well in Africa, and the chandlers instructed us in what an item was and how and when to eat Letter to the Editor Chief Steward Jim Battista decides what to do with some of the fresh produce that was delivered to the ship in woven baskets. it or combine it with other items and how to cook it. The people brought huge stalks of bananas to the ship with easily 100 bananas on each, so we had plenty of pudding, banana splits, banana cake and one of the crew’ favorites: banana bread (see recipe on this page). The trip to Africa was, to say the least, enlightening and eventful. Smooth sailing to all the departments out there. Keep up the good work, stand tall for what you do, and don’t forget the support you get is what you give. Banana Nut Bread 5 cups flour 2 cups sugar 4 tablespoons baking powder 2 teaspoons salt 6 tablespoons salad oil 1½ cups milk 2 large eggs 2 cups very ripe bananas, mashed 2 cups chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) Mix all ingredients together for three or four minutes until well blended. Pour ¾ full into three sprayed bread loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55-65 minutes. (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.) Former Seafarer Still Active on Ships On my 17th birthday, I joined the USMS and took basic training at Catalina Island in December 1944. I later sailed with the NMU in the Atlantic as a messman on the USAT George Washington and Laconia Victory. When the war in Europe was over, I sailed in the Pacific on the Standard Oil tanker R.C. Stoner and then back on the East Coast aboard a collier, the Walter D. Noyes. I returned to California to finish my schooling, never sailing again except in 1985, when I went on board the German ship Lillooet, a 723foot RO/RO with rear ramp. I worked as an ordinary seaman and was the oldest person and only American on the ship, which had German officers and engine crew and a Spanish deck crew. I sailed as a worka-way passenger from Oak- land, Calif. to Brisbane, Australia and had 21 days ashore while the ship went to Sydney, Melbourne and back to Brisbane, where I once again boarded it. It then sailed to Noumea and Suva and back to Tacoma, Wash., where I took a bus home. Since I retired from the correctional system in California in 1979, I have been a volunteer with the Coos Bay Seamen’s Center for 21 years, 14 of those as manager (with no pay). We closed the center about two years ago for lack of ships. However, now at age 76, I still board each ship that stops here and take aboard magazines, Christian tracts, calendars in season, a map of the area, and copies of the Seafarers LOG. My hobby is collecting old or new paper money from around the world and would appreciate any donations. You can write to me at the address below or e-mail me at buddy.san@verizon.net. All letters or e-mails will be answered. Check out my web page at: http://home1.gte.net/res0gtse. Buddy Hincke 66642 East Bay Road, #50 North Bend, OR 97459 Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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 20 Seafarers LOG 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. MEMBER RIGHTS/LMRDA. The Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) guarantees certain rights to union members and imposes certain responsibilities on union officers. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) enforces many LMRDA provisions while other provisions, such as the bill of rights, may only be enforced by union members through private suit in Federal court. Union Member Rights Bill of Rights: Union members have equal rights to participate in union activities; freedom of speech and assembly; a voice in setting rates of dues, fees and assessments; protection of the right to sue; and safeguards against improper discipline. Copies of Collective Bargaining Agreements: Union members and nonunion employees have the right to receive or inspect copies of collective bargaining agreements. Reports: Unions are required to file an initial information report (Form LM-1), copies of constitutions and bylaws, and an annual financial report (Form LM-2/3/4) with OLMS. Unions must make the reports available to members and permit members to examine supporting records for just cause. The reports are public information and copies are available from OLMS. Officer Elections: Union members have the right to nominate candidates for office; run for office; cast a secret ballot; and protest the conduct of an election. Officer Removal: Local union members have the right to an adequate procedure for the removal of an elected officer guilty of serious misconduct. Trusteeships: Unions may only be placed in trusteeship by a parent body for the reasons specified in the LMRDA. Prohibition Against Violence: No one may use or threaten to use force or violence to interfere with a union member in the exercise of LMRDA rights. Union Officer Responsibilities Financial Safeguards: Union officers have a duty to manage the funds and property of the union solely for the benefit of the union and its members in accordance with the union’s constitution and bylaws. Union officers or employees who embezzle or steal union funds or other assets commit a Federal crime punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. Bonding: Union officers or employees who handle union funds or property must be bonded to provide protection against losses if their union has property and annual financial receipts which exceed $5,000. Labor Organization Reports: Union officers must file an initial information report (Form LM-1) and annual financial reports (Forms LM-2/3/4) with OLMS; and retain the records necessary to verify the reports for at least five years. Officer Reports: Union officers and employees must file reports concerning any loans and benefits received from, or certain financial interests in, employers whose employees their unions represent and businesses that deal with their unions. Officer Elections: Unions must hold elections of officers of local unions by secret ballot at least every three years; conduct regular elections in accordance with their constitution and bylaws and preserve all records for one year; mail a notice of election to every member at least 15 days prior to the election; comply with a candidate’s request to distribute campaign material; not use union funds or resources to promote any candidate (nor may employer funds or resources be used); permit candidates to have election observers; and allow candidates to inspect the union’s membership list once within 30 days prior to the election. Restrictions on Holding Office: A person convicted of certain crimes may not serve as a union officer, employee or other representative of a union for up to 13 years. Loans: A union may not have outstanding loans to any one officer or employee that in total exceed $2,000 at any time. Fines: A union may not pay the fine of any officer or employee convicted of any willful violation of the LMRDA. (Note: The above is only a summary of the LMRDA. Full text of the Act, which comprises Sections 401-531 of Title 29 of the United States Code, may be found in many public libraries, or by writing the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Room N-5616, Washington, DC 20210, or on the internet at www.dol.gov.) 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 2004 �23499p4,8,9,10,14,16,20,21,24.qxd 6/22/2004 2:18 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of 2004. 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 Able Seaman Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) Start Date Date of Completion July 5 August 16 September 27 November 8 July 30 September 10 October 22 December 3 September 13 November 15 September 17 November 19 *(must have radar unlimited) Recertification Bosun October 11 November 8 Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Operation July 26 September 20 November 15 August 20 October 15 December 10 FOWT July 12 October 25 September 3 December 17 QMED - Junior Engineer September 27 December 17 Welding August 23 October 4 November 1 September 10 October 22 November 19 Course Safety Specialty Courses Start Date of Course Date Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* July 19 August 23 September 20 November 8 July 30 September 3 October 1 November 19 Basic Safety Training (BST) July 19 August 2 August 30 July 23 August 6 September 3 Fast Rescue Boat July 26 August 30 July 30 September 3 (*must have basic fire fighting) Celestial Navigation September 27 October 22 GMDSS (Simulator) July 12 August 23 September 27 November 1 July 23 September 3 October 8 November 12 Lifeboatman/Water Survival August 2 September 13 October 25 August 13 September 24 November 5 Navigation Fundamentals July 19 November 29 July 30 December 10 Government Vessels July 19 September 13 August 6 October 1 Radar August 30 November 1 September 10 November 12 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* July 26 October 4 July 30 October 8 August 9 October 4 November 29 August 20 October 15 December 10 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning June 21, 2004. (*must have basic fire fighting) 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ July 2004 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 7/04 Seafarers LOG 21 �23499_p15,17_19,22,23.qxd 6/23/2004 2:44 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 650 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 650. They are (from left, kneeling) De’shanna Sherrod, Zsuzsanna Balla, (second row) Christian Oding, Kyle Rayborn, Norman Rodriguez, Richard McKain, Gregory Lariviere, Sigfrid Mayer, Ernie Smith, Harry Smith, William Brinson, Matthew Wright, (third row) Lando Adams, Jason Brown, Kyle Pillsworth, Jerry Stamer, John Tullier, Joshua Smith, Daniel Gaffney and Christopher Dickens. Welding — Graduation certificates for completion of the welding course were given May 14 to (in alphabetical order) Ramaninder Bhyllor, James Buchowski, Francisco Cordeiro, John Cull and Quincy Wilson. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is third from left. ARPA — Government Vessels — Upgrading Seafarers graduating May 21 from the government vessels course are (in no particular order) Brooks Crawford, Mark Beck, Kevin Johnson, Jaime Medina, Gary Santos, Neftali Erausquin, Phillip Maxfield, Joseph Waldera, Damar Shaw, Nathaniel Leachman, Timothy Dexter, Jor-el Holmberg, Christopher Czarske, Richard Wiltison, John Niday, Coda Russell, Ty Varnadoe, Damian Spedale, Christopher Yore, William Bell and Kent Harper. Their instructor, Greg Thompson, is at far left. (Note: not all are pictured.) Earning their ARPA certificate May 28 are (in alphabetical order) Jared Blavat, James Enah, Peter Madden, Steve Randle, George Rew and Jerry Sobieraj. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far right. GMDSS — Finishing the 70-hour GMDSS course May 7 are (in alphabetical order) James Enah, Aryid Friberg III, Tzvetan Ovalov, Kenneth Salgado, Ovidio Santos and William Sholley. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is at far left. Fundamental Concepts of Navigation— Advanced Fire Fighting — Earning their advanced fire fighting endorsements May 28 are (in alphabetical order) Ian Ferguson, Charles Huggins, Elisha Johnson, Carlos Majao, Steven Medina, Brandon Purcell and Anthony Simon. Their instructor, Anthony Hammett, is at far right. Upgrading deck department members who successfully completed the navigation fundamentals course May 7 are (in no particular order) Miles Janecka, Wayne Smiley, John Mensah, Johnie Chavis, Jared Blavat, David Steinberg, Philip Perry, Adeeb Saleh and Vasiliy Semesjuks. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, as at far left. Specially Trained OS — Completing the STOS course May 14 are Alaska fishermen (in alphabetical order) Ronaldo Aguirre, Ruben Aguirre, Dianna Baines, Reynaldo Dineros, Kyle Hudson, Jay Jones, Robert Makowski and Alexander Millendez. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Computer Lab Class Left: Showing off their certificates of achievement for completion of computer classes May 14 at the Paul Hall Center are (from left, front row) Adeeb M. Saleh, Tzvetan Ovalov and (back row) David E. Steinberg. With them is their instructor, Rick Prucha. Right: Also being congratulated by instructor Rick Prucha is Joao F. Cordeiro, holding his certificate. 22 Seafarers LOG Fast Rescue Boat — Instructor Stan Beck (far left) sits with upgrading students who completed the fast rescue boat class May 7. They are (in alphabetical order) Alexander Fyodorovykh, Richard Huffman, Elisha Johnson, William Schuppman and Lawrence Rose. July 2004 �23499_p15,17_19,22,23.qxd 6/23/2004 2:51 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL)— Two tanker assistant classes, both ending May 7, included the following students (in no specific order): Lloyd Clark, Nigel Williams, Gilbert Johnson, Rocky Dupraw, Phillip Maxfield, Taneisha Johnson, Neftali Erausquin, Gary Santos, Jaime Medina, Timothy Dexter, Nicholas Doffoh, Jess Cooper, Joseph Waldera, Daniel Miler, Adam Begleiter, Damian Spedale, Jorel Holmberg, Mark Beck, Brooks Crawford, John Niday IV, Coda Russell, Hashiem Pittman, Orlando Pabon, Antonie Rainey, Kevin Johhnson, Michael Maskalenko, Kent Harper, Michael Snowden Jr, Christopher Yohe, Richard Wiltison, Christopher Czarske, Michael Cox, Nicholas Collins, Joseph Walter Jr., Darrion Intram, Damar Shaw, Nathaniel Leachman and Ty Varnadoe. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — May 28 graduates of the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course are (in no particular order) Emilio Gonzalez, Marvin St. George, Adeeb Saleh, John Gilliam, David Steinberg, Paul Kucan II, Agustin Arriaga, Duane Evans, George Mazzola, Nebojisa Milosevic, Douglas Maravelias, Randolph Sutton, Charles Franks, Ziting Zu, Kevin Carraby and Maximo Lambert. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is standing at far right. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — Two classes, both ending April 16: Megdi Bady, Brandon Barnato, Francis Butler, Michael Caputo, Diana Chaloux, Sherry Collins, Steve Dalton, Jeremy Fleck, Antonio Garcia, Andrew Gay, Anthony Harris, Natasha Jefferson, Akram Khoury, William Laurila Jr., Joshua Longley, Robert Mathias, Brandy McCracken, Matthew Meeker, Rose Ocampo, Catherina O’Keefe, Tanner Raban, Ryan Riviere, Matthew Rubin, Myka Schwagmeier, Jennifer Sheets, John Siekkinen, Kiera Smith, Dominic Swanek, Jessica Smith, Delinda Dontje and Carl Barnett. Water Survival — April 9: Will Laurila Jr., Jessica Smith, Anthony Harris, Akram Khoury, Tanner Raban, Megdi Bady, Jennifer Sheets, Ryan Riviere, Michael Smeltzer, Joshua Longley, Kiera Smith, Dominic Swanek, Romeo Alcain, John Alonzo and Duane Judd. (Note: not all are pictured.) Water Survival — April 23: Antonio Garcia, James Cedillo, Jeremy Fleck, Michael Caputo, R.C. Cabalouinto, Rose Ocampo, John Siekkinen, Andrew Gay, Josef Mansour, Diana Chaloux, Matthew Meeker, Delinda Dontje, Brandon Barnato, Marion Flores and Natasha Jefferson. Standing at the stern of the boat are their instructors, Tom Gilliland (left) and Stan Beck. STCW — April 30: Ann Adam, Ronaldo Agirre, Ruben Aguirre, Justin Bagley, Dianna Baines, Kim Blosser, Reynaldo ineros, Kyle Hudson, Jay Jones, Colin Lemon, Robert Makowski, Alexander Millendez, Marc Pferdekamper, Jennifer Sanders, Stacy Silverman, Josef Mansour, Cheri Sigford, Anton Nedeltchey, Deborah Hamilton, Terje Ostbye and Iris Zwack. Their instructor, Tom Gilliland, is at far right. Lifeboatman/Water Survival Water Survival — April 30: Jessica Koutecky, Noah Rowan, Amanda Haun, Charles Burton, Chantry McSherry, Kieran McSherry, Lamar Solomon, Andrew Baumrucker and Johnny Cothren. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is at far right. Water Survival — May 7: Ronaldo Aguirre, Ruben Aguirre, Dianna Bawes, Reynaldo Dineros, Jeffrey Fiegel, Kyle Hudson, Jay Jones, Robert Makowski, Alexander Millendez, Milissa Oakley and Iris Zwack. Their instructors were Tony Sevilla and Tom Gilliland. Sevilla is at far right. July 2004 Seafarers LOG 23 �23499p4,8,9,10,14,16,20,21,24.qxd 6/26/2004 2:04 PM Page 24 A P D P D R P P p S P I 1 The photos of the Lykes Navigator crew members on this page were sent to the LOG by Jevon Vontoure of Gulfport, Miss. They were taken during a union meeting following completion of a recent voyage from northern Europe. At left are Steward Clyde (Chuck) Thompson and Demac Eloris (Moosie) Tart. At right, signing the patrolman’s forms, are (from left) Steward Clyde Thompson, Demac Eloris Tart, Chief Cook Michael Brown, Bosun Sandy Price and OS Kenny Gaston. Lykes Navigator Specifications: The Lykes Navigator carries about 3,000 containers as it crosses the Atlantic. Gross Tonnage ..................................................39,100 Deadweight ......................................................45,000 LOA ..............................................................259.01m Beam................................................................32.21m Draft ................................................................11.92m Service Speed............................................21.25 knots Container Capacity ....................................3,010 TEU Shaft Horsepower ............................................18,800 Launched in 1987 as the Almeria Lykes Following construction of the Lykes Navigator in Japan, the vessel entered service in 1987 as the Almeria Lykes. Throughout its career, the ship has always flown the U.S. flag, although it has had several name changes since then. In 1996, it was called the President Buchanan; in 1998, it was again named the Almeria Lykes and finally the Lykes Navigator. Six years ago, the U.S. Maritime Administration approved an application for three Lykes vessels (Discoverer, Liberator and Navigator) to participate in the Maritime Security Program and be operated by Marine Transport Lines. The 259-meter Lykes Navigator, a container ship, is on a regular run from the Gulf ports of New Orleans and Houston to the northern European ports of Bremerhaven, Germany, Thamesport, England and Antwerp, Belgium. Steward Clyde Thompson does much of his menu planning on the computer. Great camaraderie exists in the galley of the Lykes Navigator with Clyde Thompson (left) as steward and Michael Brown as the chief cook. Jevon Vontoure, who was relief electrician aboard the Lykes Navigator, is shown in photo above and at home in the engine room at left. � 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 July 2004 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SCHOOL’S ADVISORY BOARD WEIGHS KEY SECURITY ISSUES SIU CONTRACT REMAINS IN PLACE FOLLOWING SALE OF HORIZON LINES PRIDE OF ALOHA JOINS SIU FLEET SEAFARERS CREW UP NEWLY REFLAGGED CRUISE SHIP MATSON, KVAERNER PHILADELPHIA TO CHRISTEN MAUNAWILI JULY 17 SIU MAINTAINS JOBS ON 7 SURVEY SHIPS SIU MAINTAINS JOBS ON 7 SURVEY SHIPS FLICKERTAIL STATE CREW DELIVERS CRITICAL CARGO TO U.S. MARINES IN HAITI SIU, MTD, OTHERS PROTEST BAHAMIAN-FLAGGED FERRY REPRESENTATIVE MCCRERY RECEIVES ANNUAL ‘SALUTE TO CONGRESS’ AWARD MARAD OKAYS MSP TRANSFER AGREEMENTS MARITIME LAWYER VICTOR HANSON DIES AT 80 RETIRED SIU OF PUERTO RICO PRESIDENT TERPE PASSES AWAY MATSON MOURNS PASSING OF RETIRED PRESIDENT GRAY CLASSROOMS UPGRADED IN SIMULATOR BUILDING NATION HONORS SERVICE & SACRIFICE OF MERCHANT MARINE SCENES FROM THE FAR EAST ABOARD THE LNG LIBRA NATIONAL LABOR DIVISION HELPS UNIONS BACK ISRAEL FEDERATION CONTINUES SUPPORTING BONDS PROGRAM RAYMOND EBELING, ROBERT MAGEE SELECTED FOR 2004 AOTOS AWARD GREAT LAKES SEAFARERS HELPS KEEP ECONOMY MOVING CROWLEY CREDITS SIU’S TACOMA HALL LYKES NAVIGATOR SAILS FROM GULF TO N. 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 Digital Copies 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 07/01/2004 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. 66, No. 7 2004 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/9e7e08260de544904e81110bceecf94d.pdf 9f7cb70d54bcb814e5e492ce8649020c PDF Text Text Pg1,2,5,12,13,24, 4cx.qxd 7/23/2004 5:51 PM Page 1 Volume 66, Number 8 August 2004 SIU-Crewed Cruise Ship Christened in Honolulu Seafarers and SIU officials last month welcomed the christening of NCL America’s Pride of Aloha in Honolulu. Mrs. Margaret Inouye (above, left) with U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), served as the vessel’s godmother. In the other photo directly above, Seafarers and union officials including SIU President Michael Sacco (fourth from left) are pictured at the event. Among those also pictured are SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, VP West Coast Nick Marrone, VP Contracts Augie Tellez and Executive VP John Fay. Seafarers from the steward department are shown in photo at top right. Pages 3, 12 and 13. NCL America’s Pride of Aloha Signals Rebirth Of U.S.-Flag Deep Sea Passenger Ship Industry USNS Bridge Joins SIU CI VMAR Fleet New Matson Ship Christened Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company’s new containership Maunawili (above) was christened July 17 at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc. The vessel was slated for sea trials in late July and is expected to enter Matson’s Hawaii service in the fall. Page 3. Members of the SIU’s Government Services Division have new shipboard jobs on the horizon as the result of the recent transfer of the USS Bridge (left) from commissioned service in the U.S Navy’s combat fleet into its Military Sealift Command. Now known as the USNS Bridge, the vessel will have a crew of 160 civilian mariners. They will be joined aboard the Bridge by a military department of 28 sailors who will perform communication support and supply coordination. Page 2. Alaskan Explorer Hull Launched Page 3 SIU Boatmen Ratify Inland Contracts Page 8 Seafarers Honored For Operation Haiti Page 24 �Pg1,2,5,12,13,24, 4cx.qxd 7/22/2004 6:08 PM Page 2 President’s Report Excellent Inland Contracts During this exceptionally active time for the SIU, my first message this month is a heartfelt congratulations to the union’s negotiating teams in the Gulf who recently completed work on four separate contracts covering boatmen at E.N. Bisso, Crescent, Moran and Seabulk. It’s a tribute to our members and officials— and our contracted companies—that all four agreements feature top-of-the-line medical coverage for Seafarers and their families. The contracts also call for wage increases and other gains. Michael Sacco But in particular, the health benefits that are included in the contracts are a remarkable achievement, considering what’s happening with health insurance across the nation. Make no mistake: America is suffering through a major health care crisis that is seriously hurting the nation’s working families. Throughout the country, businesses are shifting an unfair share of high health care costs onto their workers. And whether those workers pay a bigger percentage of their premiums or they pay more in deductibles and co-payments, the effect is disturbing. Perhaps the only thing that’s worse in this crisis is the fact that there are the 44 million Americans who lack medical coverage altogether. In union contract negotiations today, health coverage is almost always the top issue. And it almost always leads to some bitter fights at the bargaining table. While the SIU’s recent negotiations in the Gulf were tough, they also were respectful and productive. Dean Corgey, vice president of our Gulf Coast Region who headed up all four bargaining committees, said the most significant factor in our success was the unprecedented solidarity among the boatmen—not only within each company, but from location to location. “It’s an honor and privilege to represent folks like that,” Corgey told me. “The guys looked out for each other, and not just at their own companies. They understood we’re all in this together and they really gave each other a great level of support. It’s invigorating.” The result is four agreements that include full medical coverage for SIU boatmen and their families. That’s something our entire SIU family should feel proud about. Aloha! Progress and “Pride” for our union also were evident last month as the new U.S.-flag cruise ship Pride of Aloha was christened in Honolulu. The Pride of Aloha is a first-rate ship. The Seafarers aboard her are a first-rate crew. The vessel’s reflagging in June to the Stars and Stripes, followed by the christening on Independence Day, marked the start of what I believe will turn out as one of the greatest success stories in SIU history. As mentioned last month, any project of this size is bound to bring at least a few challenges. But this is a fantastic victory for the SIU, and we’re up to the task. The U.S.-flag deep sea cruise ship industry is reborn. The SIU will do our part to help ensure that it succeeds. Register and Vote Since our union’s founding in 1938, SIU members always have understood that political action is a must for our survival. We work in a very heavily regulated industry. We have to stay involved politically, at every level, in order to protect our interests. With that in mind, I encourage all Seafarers, pensioners and their families to be active during this election season. Make sure you are registered, and if you’re not, please register. Stay familiar with the issues and support the candidates who’ll support the U.S. Merchant Marine. If your port agent asks you to assist in getting out the vote, please donate your time and effort. I thank you for your continued participation. Voting, writing letters, calling, talking with your elected representatives, donating to SPAD…. All of those activities help us advance the SIU’s message. Let’s make sure our message continues to be heard. Volume 66, Number 8 August 2004 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2004 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG USNS Bridge Joins SIU CIVMAR Fleet New shipboard jobs are on the horizon for members of the SIU’s Government Services Division, the result of the June 29 transfer of the USS Bridge (AOE 10) from commissioned service in the U.S Navy’s combat fleet into its Military Sealift Command (MSC). Now known as the USNS Bridge, the vessel has a crew of 160 civilian mariners. The federal civil service mariners (CIVMARS) will be joined aboard the Bridge by a small military department of 28 sailors who will perform communication support and supply coordination. An additional 30 or more sailors will augment the crew when necessary to support helicopter operations. As a Navy ship, the Bridge was crewed by a complement of 544 active-duty sailors. “The transfer of the Bridge from the Navy’s combat fleet to the Military Sealift Command marked another great day for the SIU,” noted SIU Government Services Division Representative Chet Wheeler. “It means more welcomed jobs for our mariners and stands as a great example of our tremendous working partnership with the Navy. The other point is that everyone benefits from the move. “The Bridge is the fourth vessel that has been transferred to MSC from commissioned service in the Navy fleet,” Wheeler continued. “Each transition went very smoothly, and all parties concerned deserve a great deal of credit for the ease with which it occurred.” In its new role, the Bridge will be joining more than 30 civiliancrewed ships providing combat logistics services to Navy fleets worldwide. A formal ceremony marking the vessel’s decommissioning and transfer took place June 24 at the The USNS Bridge signals new jobs for members of the SIU’s Government Services Division. U.S. Naval Base in Bremerton, Wash. The Bridge became the last of four U.S. Navy Supply-class fast combat support ships to leave commissioned service for what the Navy termed “an even more active role with MSC.” Navy sources say the transfer of the Bridge and its sister ships, the USNS Rainier, USNS Arctic and USNS Supply, are part of the Navy’s continuing transformation into a more efficient and cost effective fighting force for the 21st century. According to a May 1998 Center for Naval Analysis study, the Navy will save a projected $76 million annually with the change. The transfers also free up more than 100 active-duty Navy officers and nearly 2,000 enlisted sailors to return to the war-fighting roles for which they were trained. With a top speed in excess of 25 knots, the 754-foot fast combat support ships are ideally suited to travel with U.S. Navy strike groups to provide underway replenishment of fuel, ammunition, spare parts and stores at sea, eliminating the need for the combatants to constantly return to port. The MSC has awarded a contract for modifications on the USNS Bridge. Work was scheduled to begin late last month and conclude in early October. USNS Bridge Quick Facts Keel Laid: 1993 Commissioned: August 1998 Decommissioned: June 2004 MSC ‘in service’: June 24, 2004 Builder: National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (San Diego) Propulsion System: 4 General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine engines Propellers: 2 Length: 754.6 feet Beam: 107 feet Draft: 39 feet Displacement: 48,800 tons Speed: 26 knots Aircraft: 2 CH-46 Helicopters Armament: None SIU Hosts International Working Group The SIU last month hosted a meeting of a high-level international maritime tripartite working group, pictured at right with SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (10th from right), at union headquarters, located in Camp Springs, Md. Representatives from labor, management and government took part in the sessions July 6-8. They included delegates from the International Labor Organization; International Transport Workers’ Federation; U.S. Department of Transportation, including the U.S. Maritime Administration; the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education; the Chamber of Shipping of America; the International Shipping Federation; and the respective governments of the Bahamas, Norway, France, China, Japan, Namibia and Denmark. The representatives covered numerous topics important to all segments of the maritime industry. August 2004 �23844_P3,6,8.qxd 7/22/2004 2:56 PM Page 3 SIU-Crewed Pride of Aloha Christened The latest milestone in the U.S.-flag cruise ship industry’s rebirth took place on Independence Day in Honolulu, as dignitaries, crew members and guests celebrated the christening of NCL America’s Seafarers-crewed Pride of Aloha. SIU President Michael Sacco was a featured speaker for the event. Also delivering remarks were U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii), U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert, Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle, Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri KT Lim, and NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch. Mrs. Margaret Inouye served as the vessel’s godmother. The Pride of Aloha is the first of three U.S.-flag cruise ships planned by NCL America. The others are the Pride of America and the Pride of Hawaii, with the latter scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2006. “The Pride of Aloha represents a partnership between NCL America, the shipboard workers and their unions. We’re all in this together, and I’m 100 percent confident we’re going to succeed,” Sacco stated. “Today, thanks to an unprecedented level of cooperation between labor, management and government, the U.S. Merchant Marine is on the rise. New ships are entering the U.S.-flag fleet—not only in the cruise indus- SIU President Michael Sacco expressed strong confidence that the new cruise ship will succeed. The SIU-crewed Pride of Aloha means new jobs for Seafarers. It’s the first of three U.S.-flag ships planned by NCL America. try, but also cargo ships, military support vessels, passenger ferries, modern tugboats and barges, Great Lakes ships and more. That type of progress doesn’t happen without teamwork by all concerned. And that same type of cooperation and commitment will lift NCL America to great heights.” See pages 12-13 for more photos of the christening. Senator Inouye, a driving force behind the industry’s revival and a longtime supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, noted, “I am pleased to have sponsored legislation that led to the return of the U.S. flag to passenger cruise ship operations in the United States, and especially in Hawaii. The Pride of Aloha will be a welcome addition to Hawaii waters, and the visitor industry and all of Hawaii will benefit from its activities.” Another fervent backer of the U.S. fleet, Abercrombie said the recently reflagged ship’s arrival “is a tremendous boon to our state’s economy. Having a U.S.flag ship operating among our Islands will have vital long-term economic benefits including the creation of thousands of new jobs.” Schubert described the revival of oceangoing U.S.-flag cruising as “great news for the U.S. Merchant Marine. NCL America’s planned U.S.-flag expansion, starting with Pride of Aloha, helps grow our U.S.-flag fleet and create thousands of jobs for American seafarers, which is vital to our economic well-being and national security.” Tan Sri KT Lim offered passionate remarks about the industry’s revival. He touched on the “concept of Ohana, the extended family, and the benefits and obligations that being part of the Ohana brings.... I have personally committed our own extended family to making sure that this venture succeeds. We will commit the necessary assets and management resources to make sure it does well, and we will draw on our resources to the full extent necessary to beat back any attempts to undermine it. An assault on U.S.flag shipping is an assault on our family. Attempts to dismantle laws that preserve coastwise trade for domestic vessels and domestic seafarers is an attack on our family.” “On this day when Americans celebrate our independence, NCL America is proud to inaugurate a whole new cruise experience— one that represents all that NASSCO Floats Out Second BP Tanker In November of last year, when National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) floated out Hull 484 (the Alaskan Frontier), keel-laying ceremonies also were being held for Hull 485 (the Alaskan Explorer). The two vessels represent the first and second of four Alaska Class double-hull oil tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. Both will be operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. (ATC). Early last month, eight months after that first vessel was launched, the Alaskan Explorer was floated out from the construction dock. It will be finished dockside in preparation for delivery in November 2004. Meanwhile, the Alaskan Frontier is undergoing sea trials and is expected to go into service later this month. The other two new builds are scheduled for delivery in 2005 and 2006. Each of the four oil tankers is 941 feet long and is designed for maximum flexibility in the transport of crude oil from Valdez, Alaska to oil refineries located along the U.S. West Coast, including BP refineries in Los Angeles and Cherry Point, Wash. With a beam of 164 feet and a capacity of 1.3 million barrels, the vessels are expected to last a minimum of 35 years. BP reported that each of the tankers will be filled with state-of-the art machinery and cargo control systems as well as an integrated navigation system. To help eliminate accidental oil leaks, the propeller August 2004 The second of four double-hull oil tankers being built for BP Oil Shpping Company, USA, the Alaskan Explorer is launched from the NASSCO construction dock and will join the Alaskan Frontier and two other tankers in the transport of crude oil from Valdez, Alaska to refineries on the West Coast. shafts will be cooled and lubricated with seawater instead of lubricating oil. Cargo piping will be installed in the cargo tanks, instead of on deck, to reduce the risk of small spills. Additionally, each ship will have redundant propulsion and steering systems that include twin diesel-electric power systems in segregated engine rooms, twin propellers and twin rudders. Use of diesel-electric propulsion system will reduce air emissions at sea and in port while reducing maintenance “down time.” America and Hawaii have to offer,” said Veitch. “This is truly a proud day for NCL.” “The state is proud to welcome the Pride of Aloha to Hawaii,” said Lingle. “This beautiful new NCL America ship will bring more visitors to Hawaii, increase business for our merchants on the different islands and provide more job opportunities for our residents.” The ship is sailing seven-day, round-trip Hawaii itineraries, visiting all four main islands and giving passengers up to 96 hours in port. The 77,000-ton Pride of Aloha is a 2,000-passenger ship and is projected to annually generate more than $275 million in expenditures, $199 million in direct and indirect wages and salaries, $42 million in federal tax revenues, and nearly 7,000 jobs, according to the company. Once NCL America’s plans are fully implemented, its U.S.flagged ships are expected to generate more than $828 million in U.S. economic activity and 20,400 jobs, according to a recent study by one of the nation’s leading economic consultancies. Mrs. Margaret Inouye, wife of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), does the honors at the christening, with an assist from NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch. Matson’s Maunawili Christened Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company’s new containership Maunawili was christened July 17 at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc. by Ms. Maryanna G. Shaw, great granddaughter of Samuel T. Alexander, one of the founders of Matson’s parent company, Alexander and Baldwin, Inc. (A&B). SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez represented the union at the ceremony. In his keynote speech, Lt. General Gary Hughey, deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM), reinforced the important role of the Jones Act. “I have no doubt that as long as America maintains the Jones Act as the foundation of our maritime policy, U.S.-flag vessel operations will meet the needs of waterborne commerce. And it will sustain the maritime infrastructure—the builders, the owners, the mariners —whose labors always have and always will ensure our security,” he stated. Hughey added, “USTRANSCOM, Military Sealift Command, the Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, and the Maritime Administration support the maintenance of a viable U.S.flagged fleet and U.S. mariner pool. We can’t do business without either.” Lt. Gen. Gary Hughey, deputy commander, U.S. Transportation Command The Maunawili is the second new Matson ship of the 21st century. The first, the Manukai, was delivered to Matson by Kvaerner Philadelphia in September 2003. Each ship is 712 feet long and can carry 2,600 containers. The newer vessel was slated for sea trials in late July and is expected to enter Matson’s Hawaii service in the fall. James Andrasick, president and CEO, Matson, noted, “Investing $220 million in two new U.S.built containerships was a significant step for Matson and represents a significant commitment to the Hawaii market that we have served for more than 120 years. This new ship will help ensure that Matson continues to provide Hawaii with efficient, dependable ocean transportation services of superior quality and value.” Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, August 16, 2004 for the observance of Paul Hall’s birthday and Monday, September 6, 2004 for the observance of Labor Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. Seafarers LOG 3 �Pg1,2,5,12,13,24, 4cx.qxd 7/22/2004 4:33 PM Page 4 Union Mourns Port Agent Malone Philly-Based Official’s ‘Heart Was as Big as the Rest of Him’ Jim Malone, the SIU’s port agent in Philadelphia, died June 22 in Newark, N.J. of a heart attack. He was 56. Fellow officials remembered Malone as a dedicated, respected and well-liked individual whose commitment to the union easily exceeded his considerable size. “He really cared about the membership,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “He was a good union rep, very conscientious, and he was also a loving father. He’ll sorely be missed.” SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who worked closely with Malone when they were based in Philadelphia during the early and mid- 1990s, stated, “Jim was a dedicated and loyal official. He had a heart of gold and always looked out for the members’ interests.” SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez said Malone’s “heart was as big as the rest of him.” SIU Representative Joe Mieluchowski lived in Philadelphia when he went to the SIU hall to inquire about joining in 1991. “Jim was the one who handed me my application,” Mieluchowski recalled. “If you knew him, you liked him. He was extremely loyal to the union and he was very dedicated to his family. All of that is fact.” A Philadelphia native, Malone sailed NMU PENSION & WELFARE PLAN NMU VACATION PLAN Trustee, Administration and Summary of Material Modifications for the Year 2003 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES – Co-Chairmen NMU Pension & Welfare Plan and NMU Vacation Plan EMPLOYER TRUSTEES Thomas Murphy, President Marine Personnel & Provisioning, Inc. 1083 N. Collier Blvd, PMB #387 Marco Island, FL 34145 (941) 393-0435 UNION TRUSTEES René Lioeanjie, Vice Presidentat-Large Seafarers International Union of N.A., AGLIWD/NMU 1150 17th Street, N.W., Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 466-7060 AMENDMENTS & OTHER ITEMS NMU Pension Plan, Annuity Plan and 401(k) Plan: During 2003, the Board of Trustees adopted several amendments of significant importance to the membership and the Plans. Generally the amendments: 1. Provided for a suspension of benefits during months in which a Pensioner is receiving vacation benefits from the NMU Vacation Plan. 2. Authorization of the thirteenth check distributed to Retirees or Beneficiaries who were eligible to receive a pension benefit after December 2002. 3. Clarification that a Participant who attains Normal Retirement Age before a Permanent Break in Service shall be eligible for a Vested Pension. 4. Changed the definition of the Union Name to the Seafarers International Union – Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters/NMU, AFL-CIO. 5. Provided for payment of benefits at Normal Retirement Age and Required Beginning Date. 6. Provided for a 2 percent increases at December 31, 2003 for Participants active in 2004. 7. Amendment regarding compliance with IRS Regulations. NMU Welfare Plan: During 2003, the Board of Trustees adopted several amendments of significant importance to the membership and the Plans. Generally the amendments: 1. Amended the ISOV payment arrangement to exclude reimbursable illness/injury claims such as those that may be reimbursed by MARAD. 2. Established a cap of $100,000 per incident/per person in ISOV cases 3. Changed the definition of the Union Name to the Seafarers International Union – Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters/NMU, AFL-CIO. 4. Extended the Viagra exclusion to July 31, 2004. 5. Provided an exclusion of medical coverage for ADD/Autism. 6. Extended the age for dependent students from age 23 to age 25. 7. Provided well baby coverage including physical examinations and immunizations. 8. New eligibility requirements as of January 1, 2004. 9. Provides for eligibility for new employees. 10. Deleted the provisions of Section 11. NMU Vacation Plan: During 2003, the Board of Trustees adopted an amendment to the Declaration of Trust Changed the definition of the Union Name to the Seafarers International Union – Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters/NMU, AFL-CIO. ADMINISTRATOR William J. Dennis NMU Benefit Plans 360 West 31st Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10001-2727 4 Seafarers LOG in the SIU’s inland division, beginning in 1982. He sailed as a deckhand with Moran, McAllister and Taylor & Anderson in Philadelphia, most recently in 1988. That same year, he came ashore to work for the union. Malone became the union’s port agent in Philadelphia in 1997. He later assumed the same post for the SIU in Norfolk, Va. before returning as port agent in Philadelphia. Survivors include Malone’s wife, Patricia; three daughters and a son; and nine grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A funeral mass took place June 26 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Philadelphia. A heart attack claimed Philadelphia Port Agent Jim Malone, who loved his family and his union. Boston, Charleston Clinics Open Doors for Seafarer Testing The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) has recently contracted with two clinics—one in Boston and the other in Charleston, S.C.—to assist Seafarers in getting the medical testing necessary for them to sail. These services include pre-employment physical exams and benzene clearances as well as drug screens and physicals mandated by the U.S. Coast Guard. When the New Bedford, Mass. union hall recently relocated to Boston, a clinic—Health Resources at 185 Devonshire Street—was found just 1½ miles from the hiring hall (or a ALGONAC, MI Munson Medical Center 550 Munson Avenue Traverse City, MI 49684 (231) 935-8590 St. Josephs/Chesterfield Health Center 30795 23 Mile Road Chesterfield, MI 48047 (586) 421-3065 ANCHORAGE, AK U.S. Healthworks/Primary Care Associates 4100 Lake Otis Pkwy, Suite 322 Anchorage, AK 99508 (907) 562-1234 or (907) 646-2506 Tongass Substance Screening 120 Carlanna Lake Road Ketchikan, AK 99901 (907) 247-1431 BALTIMORE, MD Johns Hopkins Community Physicians Int. Med. Wyman Park Med. Ctr., 2nd Floor 3100 Wyman Park Drive Baltimore, MD 21211 (410) 338-3357 BOSTON, MA Health Resources 185 Devonshire Street Boston, MA 02110 (617) 357-4140 DULUTH, MN Duluth Clinic Occup. Medicine 400 East 3rd Street Duluth, MN 55805 (218) 786-3392 GUAM Harmon Doctors Clinic 2214 Rte. 16 Dededo, Guam 96929 (671) 637-1777 HONOLULU, HI Dr. William B. Meinke 35 Luna Lilo Street, Unit 102 Wailuku, HI 96793 (808) 249-2285 Straub Occupational Health 839 S. Beretania Street Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 522-4441 three-minute walk from South Station). Health Resources opened its doors to Seafarers this year around the beginning of June. As of June 14, Seafarers on the southeast coast of the U.S., anywhere from Jacksonville, Fla. to Charleston, can utilize the services of the Carolina Center for Occupational Health, the newly contracted Charleston clinic, at 5290 Rivers Avenue. To date, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has 28 designated clinics (see boxed list) to service the SIU membership. SHBP-C Contracted Clinics HOUSTON, TX Methodist Hospital Institute for Preventive Medicine 6565 Fannin, SM583 Houston, TX 77030 (713) 394-6065 or 6079 Tower Medical Center of Nederland 2100 Highway 365 Nederland, TX 77627 (409) 724-2321 JACKSONVILLE, FL Industrial Medicine Group 3604 University Blvd S. Suite 1 Jacksonville, FL 32216 (904) 739-4629 Industrial Medicine Group 1205 Monument Road Suite 203 Jacksonville, FL 32225 (904) 727-5120 Carolina Center for Occupational Health 5290 Rivers Avenue, Suite 101 N. Charleston, SC 29406 (843) 554-1029 JOLIET, IL The Joliet Medical Group 2100 Glenwood Avenue Joliet, IL 60435 (815) 725-2121 MOBILE, AL Mobile Family Physicians 1924K Dauphin Island Pkwy Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 476-6330 NEW ORLEANS, LA Occupational Medical Center of West Jefferson 4475 Westbank Expressway Marrero, LA 70072 (504) 347-8471 NEW YORK, NY Bay Park Medical Occupational Health Services 794 Union Street Brooklyn, NY 11215 (718) 783-6578 NORFOLK, VA Internal Medicine Specialists 142 W. York Street, Suite 518 Norfolk, VA 23510 (757) 627-7283 PHILADELPHIA, PA Healthmark, Inc. 2301 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19148 (215) 952-9900 PINEY POINT, MD Calvert Internal Medicine Group 14090 Solomons Island Rd. S. Suite 2500 Solomons, MD 20688 (410) 326-0305 PORT EVERGLADES, FL AMO Medical Center 2 West Dixie Highway Dania, FL 33004 (954) 927-5213 SAN FRANCISCO, CA Mercy Doctors Med. Group, Inc. 1 Shrader Street, Suite 640 San Francisco, CA 94117 (415) 752-0100 SAN JUAN, PR Luis Marquez-Gonzales, MD Ashford Medical Center #29 Washington Street Suite 502 San Juan, PR 00907 (787) 723-6110 ST. LOUIS, MO Concentra Medical Centers (Soulard) 1617 S. Third Street St. Louis, MO 63126 (314) 421-2557 TACOMA, WA Franciscan Occup. Health-Port Clinic 1930 Port of Tacoma Road Tacoma, WA 98421 (253) 272-6677 WILMINGTON, CA P.V. Family & Immediate Medical Care Center 26516 Crenshaw Boulevard Palos Verdes, CA 90274 (310) 541-7911 August 2004 �Pg1,2,5,12,13,24, 4cx.qxd 7/22/2004 6:20 PM Page 5 ‘Team Effort’ with Maritime Industry Helps USCG Tackle New Security Rules Some 30 days after the new United Nations International Ship and Port Facility Security code (ISPS) and related U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) went into force, the U.S. Coast Guard continues to take proactive measures to keep America’s ports safe and secure. The two new sets of regulations, designed to thwart seaborne terrorist attacks, became effective July 1. “Things have been running smoothly with very little disruption to trade and travel,” said Adm. Thomas H. Collins, commandant of the Coast Guard. “This has truly been a team effort, and everyone—from the maritime industry to local governments and private citizens to the international community—has played an important role in ensuring that U.S. ports and waterways run efficiently and effectively while we implement the new security regime.” Vice Adm. James D. Hull, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area in Portsmouth, Va., also acknowledged the key roles played by governmental and civilian agencies in the implementation of the new regulations. In a letter to the Norfolk, Va.-based Virginian-Pilot, Admiral Hull said in part: “Despite many who questioned the industry’s ability to comply with the stringent requirements on a short timeline, thousands of foreign vessels have since come and gone, 98 percent of our facilities remained open for business and store shelves remained stocked. This remarkable accomplishment is attributed to the unheralded cooperation of government at all levels and civilian port authorities, whose livelihood depends on our ports remaining safe, secure and open for business. “Today our nation faces the very real threat of a terrorist attack, and our goal is to deter and/or prevent that from happening in the maritime arena,” he continued. “With 361 ports accepting 95 percent of our country’s imports, the task seems daunting. While we cannot guarantee that a terrorist attack will not happen, the MTSA and ISPS code, and our nation’s overwhelming effort to comply with those laws and regulations, have certainly made our ports safer than ever before…. “In this critical effort, the mar- itime community of the United States and their partners in foreign trade should be applauded for quickly complying with the new security regulations.” According to the latest statistics (released July 21), three weeks after ISPS/MTSA enforcement began, 5,002 foreign vessels had arrived at U.S. ports. Of these, 3,494 had been inspected and approved before the July 1 deadline. The U.S. Coast Guard had inspected 1,209 foreign vessels in port and another 40 at sea. Fortytwo foreign vessels had been denied entry into U.S. ports and another 50 had been detained in port since July 1. Thirty-two U.S.-flag ships were under restricted operation orders, and 18 shore facilities had been closed for non-compliance with the MTSA. During the initial days of inspections, the Coast Guard said that non-compliance with ISPS was concentrated among vessels of smaller than 500 tons. The agency estimated that about 8.5 percent of vessel exams have resulted in enforcement actions, including denial of entry, expulsion and detention. SIU Officials to Serve On Security Committees A pair of SIU officials recently became members of maritime security committees in their respective geographical regions. They are Victor Nuñez, port agent in the port of Santurce, P.R. and Steve Judd, port agent in the port of New Orleans. Nuñez received an invitation to serve on the Puerto Rico Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC) from U.S. Coast Guard Capt. W.J. Uberti, Federal Maritime Security Coordinator (FMSC) for Puerto Rico while Judd received similar correspondence for membership in the New Orleans Area Maritime Subcommittee from U.S. Coast Guard Capt. R.W. Branch, FMSC for the New Orleans area. Both SIU officials completed required acceptance forms to verify their approval to the posts and now are full-fledged members. Earlier this year, the following SIU officials also accepted AMSC appointments: Gulf Coast Vice President Dean Corgey, Atlantic Coast Vice President Joseph Soresi, Hawaii Port Agent Neil Dietz, Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz and Boston Port Agent Gerard Dhooge. The AMSC positions are voluntary. “It’s a real honor for me to be a part of this committee,” said Nuñez, who has been in his position as port agent since 1999. “I’ve been looking forward to this opportunity because a lot of decisions are made (by the agency) that directly affect SIU members and the vessels they crew. This is a chance to provide more input and further voice our concerns prior to final decisions.” Nuñez served as a patrolman in Santurce from 1997 to 1999. He sailed as an AB for eight years before coming ashore. Judd’s affiliation with the SIU dates back to the late 1970s when he worked as a deckhand aboard inland boats. In addition to holding a master’s license, Judd also has served as a safety director and union representative. He has held office in the local port council of the Maritime Trades Department and the New Orleans AFL-CIO. Judd became port agent in 1997. “I look forward to serving on SIU Santurce Port Agent Victor Nuñez (second from right, with Seafarers on the Horizon Discovery), will serve on the Puerto Rico Area Maritime Security Committee. August 2004 SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd takes notes during an MTD meeting which included detailed discussions on shipboard and port security. the committee,” said Judd, “because homeland security matters have a direct bearing on quality-of-life issues for our membership. My main goal will be to foster a happy balance between decisions affecting homeland security and issues relating to the interests of Seafarers. Such things as shore leave and entering and exiting ports affect our membership as a whole and our concerns need to be heard.” AMSCs were instituted as a result of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. They are intended to provide a framework for communicating, identifying risks and coordinating resources to reduce threats and help ensure efficient responses. Chaired by the Coast Guard Captains of the Ports (COTP), the committees bring together a diverse group of port stakeholders to discuss maritime domain awareness and transportation security issues. Committee members are appointed by COTPs. Those appointed must have at least five years of experience dealing with maritime or port security operations. Panamanian-flagged vessels fared the worst with nearly 25 percent of the non-compliant vessels flying that country’s flag. As the world’s largest ship registry, Panamanian-flagged vessels typically make up 25-27 percent of the foreign vessels that call on the U.S., according to the Coast Guard. Other flags that the Coast Guard closely is tracking include Cyprus, Antigua and Barbuda, Bolivia, Honduras and Malta. In a related development, Lloyds List on July 20 reported that the Panamanian flag is bracing itself for a series of defections following earlier criticism of the way ISPS Code certificates have been processed, which saw many ships fail to meet the July 1 deadline. Most notably, according to the report, Japanese owners, who account for 40 percent of the world’s largest register, are considering moving away. A representative in Singapore for the Panamanian flag, Capt. Sam Say, admitted, “The Japanese are thinking of reflagging. Some owners might reconsider the situation and reflag to other flags.” Captain Say works as a consultant for Panahon Marine, the Panamanian flag agency. The Panamanian registry’s London office refused to comment, the report said, but Capt. Say continued, “From the feedback of owners we have got, they do express dissatisfaction with Panamanian authorities in implementing the ISPS Code. The Panamanian authorities were slow in issuing [International Ship Security Certificates] and they required owners to pick them personally.” Say said that in Singapore the problems were minimized and agents were employed to help deliver the certificates to the owners. However, he re-emphasized: “Owners are very disappointed with the actions leading up to ISPS implementation.” Elsewhere, the U.S. Coast Guard on July 13 urged ship operators to ensure that they adhere strictly to its notification of arrival requirements, stressing that failure to do so could result in delays, or denial of entry to their destination port. In a statement formally reiterating declarations made by officials during the opening week of compliance, the agency said operators must have valid International Ship Security Certificates and provide other information as part of their notice-of-arrival requirements to enter U.S. ports. Coast Guard Port Security Director Rear Admiral Larry Hereth said, “We have experienced problems with vessel operators failing to obtain the required certificates and in some cases filing incomplete or inaccurate information. This has led to delays or entry denials.” Coast Guard spokeswoman Jolie Shifflet added, “The message we would like to get out is for those who have ISSCs to please report it.” She added that the agency is strictly enforcing its notice-ofarrival requirements. “It is one of our primary tools for making determinations about ships coming in.” The requirements charge ship operators with submitting accurate vessel, crew, passenger and cargo information to the Coast Guard at least 96 hours prior to arrival in a U.S. port. Failure to submit the notice will result in denial of entry while incomplete or inaccurate information could result in significant delay. In a related development, the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s (ITF) port workers unions on July 14 pledged to assure port security, and warned that the ISPS code must be rigidly upheld—not undermined by using it as a backdoor way of introducing casual labor and self-handling. Meeting in Singapore, the ITF Dockers’ Section Conference moved to support the new legislation but flagged up areas of concern. These included: possible use of casual labor who do not meet security standards and the potential use of ISPS to exclude ITF inspectors and even dockers from ships. The conference also reiterated the ITF’s opinion that empty containers are a security risk unless they are inspected. SIU VP Soresi Elected to State AFL-CIO SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (second from left) recently was elected to serve as a vice president of the New Jersey State AFLCIO. Additionally, the New York Port Maritime Council of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO became an affiliate of New Jersey’s state labor federation. Presenting the certificate of affiliation to Soresi (who also serves as president of the port council) during the federation’s meeting June 16 in Atlantic City, N.J. are (from left) Pete Busacca, president of the Hudson County Central Labor Council; Charles Wowkanech, president of the state federation; and Laurel Brennan, secretary-treasurer of the state federation. Seafarers LOG 5 �23844_P3,6,8.qxd 7/22/2004 2:56 PM Page 6 U.S. Labor Department Updating Confidential Maritime Database Agency Seeks Volunteers for ‘O*NET’ Project The U.S. Department of Labor is asking SIU members who have been in the industry for at least five years to consider voluntarily participating in a program known as the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). The program is sponsored by the Department of Labor. It is intended to gather occupational information for a national database that is used by millions of employers, workers, educators and students across the country. Individual data will be kept strictly confidential. Names are not used in the database, and no identifying information about anyone will be published or released in any form to anyone outside the research team. The database’s maritime component provides information about the knowledge, skills, abilities and activities for the occupations of masters, mates, pilots, engineers, deckhands and oilers. “We want to make sure that the right information is presented for these positions,” noted Dr. Jon Blades, who helps head up the project. “It’s important that the information is accurate and up to date, because millions of Claims Dept. Co-Director Martha Carr Dies at 51 Martha C. Carr, a longtime medical claims employee who rose to the post of co-director in the Seafarers Health and Benefit Plan’s Piney Point, Md.-based claims department, passed away June 25 at her home in Piney Point. She was 51. “Martha was a solid citizen here in Piney Point,” said Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan. “Her dedication to the job was unbelievable. No problem Martha Carr, left, talks with then was too small for Martha when it SIU Plans Administrator Lou came to the membership. She will Delma in a 2001 meeting at the sorrowfully be missed, and we will SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center. never forget her wonderful smile.” John Spadaro, national director of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers, also speaking of Carr’s commitment to the union noted, “Martha was one of the most dedicated people I have ever worked with. She was extremely compassionate and certainly very helpful on a day-to-day basis. Martha went about the business of doing her job like the true professional that she was, but she always added that personal, caring touch to whatever she was involved in. There is no doubt that she will be missed a great deal by everyone who knew her.” Seafarers Plans Administrator Bill Dennis said Carr “was truly special. During her illness she always maintained a very positive attitude. It seemed that she was trying to make us feel better. She touched all of us in a very special way.” “Martha and I worked very well together as a team over the years,” said Pat Benoit of her deceased colleague and close personal friend. Benoit is co-director of the claims department. “Jointly, we supervised 45 employees,” Benoit continued. “The one thing I remember and treasure most about Martha was her unselfishness, her willingness to go that extra mile for the membership. Regardless of how simple or complicated a particular situation was, she time and again made herself available to members, port officials and anyone else who required her assistance. Even when her illness started to get the best of her, she still put the needs of others ahead of her own personal welfare; this is a rare quality indeed. “I’m certain that I speak for all of her co-workers and those who had the good fortune of knowing her when I say that she was greatly loved and highly respected,” Benoit concluded. “Martha will be missed by all of us.” A native of Washington, D.C., Carr joined the UIW in 1985 while working at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. She initially worked as a claims processor. Carr advanced to the position of claims coordinator in 1990 and to claims section manager in 1991. In January 1998, she became co-director of the claims department. She held this position until her demise. Carr was preceded in death by her parents, Edward J. and Margaret V. Holt; two sisters, Margaret J. Kendall and Dorothy Jones; and two brothers, William and Richard Gray. Survivors include her husband, Steven; one son, Gary Hartman; two daughters, Susan Owen and Sandy Carr; five grandchildren; a host of other relatives, friends and her SIU “family.” Minette Clarke, left, and Carr A viewing was held June 29 at are all smiles during a claims the Brinsfield Echols Funeral department outing in Southern Home in Charlotte Hall, Md. Maryland. 6 Seafarers LOG employers, workers, educators and students use O*NET to help them make informed decisions about education, training and careers.” He added that the agency seeks volunteers with at least five years of experience to “serve as experts and [to] complete questionnaires about their work. Responses will be strictly confidential and will be combined with all other responses to define the skills, knowledge, and other aspects of work in the maritime field. Each person who completes the questionnaires will receive $40 and a certificate of appre- ciation from the U.S. Department of Labor.” Seafarers who are interested in participating may contact Dr. Jon Blades at the National Center for O*NET Development, P.O. Box 27625, Raleigh, NC 27611; telephone (919) 733-2790; fax (919) 7150778; email jon.blades@ncmail.net. Please provide your name, telephone number and a mailing address. More information about O*NET is available on line at http://www.onetcenter.org/. Alaska Tanker Co. Wins Prestigious Safety Award SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) has won a prestigious safety award issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. U.S. Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, Rear Adm. Thomas H. Gilmour, recently announced that ATC earned the 2004 William M. Benkert Environmental Award. ATC won “gold level” recognition in the “large business vessel” category. The award was presented in late June in San Diego. “This award has been earned by the men and women of ATC,” stated Alaska Tanker Company President Anil Mathur. “I am proud to lead this team that harmoniously brings together helping provide energy for Americans and caring for our environment.” According to the agency, the William M. Benkert Award “is the premier national award that recognizes excellence in marine environmental protection. The evaluation process is competitive; standards are rigorous and demanding. This award was created to recognize vessel and facilities operators who have implemented outstanding marine environmental protection programs— programs that far exceed mere compliance with industrial and regulatory standards.” The award is named in honor of Rear Adm. William M. Benkert (1923-1989), a distinguished Coast Guard officer widely known for his leadership and vision in marine environmental protection. ATC, based in Beaverton, Ore., operates a fleet of eight SIU-crewed tankers. The Coast Guard, in announcing the award, credited the company with maintaining “well-defined environmental policies and objectives with outstanding measurement tools. The company established performance contracts between owners, management, senior officers anrd the ship’s crew. These performance contracts identified clear and specific goals, measured trends and/or areas for improvement that allowed ATC to SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company has earned several highlevel safety awards in recent years. Among other vessels, the ATC fleet includes (from top) the Overseas Chicago, the Denali and the Prince William Sound. identify mitigation strategies to produce positive results. Each year, the specific goals and objectives of these contracts are set at a higher standard than the year before. During 2002 and 2003 ATC transported approximately 311 million barrels of crude oil with less than 2.2 gallons of oil being spilled in the environment.” SIU-contracted Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. (OSI) received honorable mention. The company operates five U.S.-flag tankers for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). The Coast Guard noted that Ocean Shipholdings’ vessels “operate worldwide, including the sensitive environmental regions of Antarctica and Greenland. OSI’s environmental polices are clear and concise covering the avoidance of damage to the environment with particular consideration to the marine environment. To meet the objectives of their mission and policy statements, risks are continually identified and evaluated to help reduce any impact on the environment. OSI also developed specific Marine Regulations to address the risks to vessels and the environment while operating in a harsh environment such as Antarctica.” August 2004 �23844_P7,9_11,18,20_23.qxd 7/22/2004 4:24 PM Page 7 Congressman Hunter Honored By Shipbuilding Association House Armed Services Committee Chairman U.S. Representative Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), a strong advocate for the U.S. Merchant Marine, is the recipient of the American Shipbuilding Association’s (ASA) 2004 Herbert H. Bateman Award. Congressman Hunter on June 23 received the award during the ASA’s Salute to the 108th Congress reception in the foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington. D.C. Established by ASA in 2000, the award is described by the association as the shipbuilding industry’s uppermost acknowledgment of an individual in the executive branch, legislative branch, or industry who has demonstrated years of consistent, outstanding, and inspirational leadership in fighting for a stronger shipbuilding industry. Congressman Herb Bateman of Virginia, the award’s namesake, was credited with demonstrating these qualities throughout his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1981-2000. The late nine-term congressman passed away in September 2000 following a lengthy battle with cancer. “Duncan Hunter, throughout his nearly 24 years on the Armed Services Committee, has been a tireless advocate of a stronger defense shipbuilding industrial base,” noted Cynthia Brown, ASA president, in presenting the congressman with the award. “He has consistently worked for larger defense procurement budgets to fund the required number of naval ships. “His long and impressive record in support of a larger naval fleet and supporting manufacturing industry has made him a deserving recipient of the Herbert H. Bateman Award,” she concluded. Previous recipients of the honor include: U.S. Representative Herbert H. Bateman (RVa.); U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine); U.S. Representative Gene Taylor (D-Miss.); and U.S. Senator Ted Stevens (RAlaska). Congressman Hunter represents California’s 52nd Congressional District consisting of eastern and northern San Diego County. He is a Vietnam veteran, who served in the 173rd Airborne and 75th Army Rangers. In 1973, Representative Hunter attended Western State University Law School in San Diego on the G.I. Bill, while also working at farming and construction. Prior to his current position as chairman of the full committee, Congressman Hunter served as Chairman of the House Military Research & Development Subcommittee from 2001-2002. The congressman also served as chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Procurement from 19952000. ASA is a national trade association representing American shipbuilders—the designers and producers of the safest and most technologically advanced ships in the world. ASA’s mission is to educate policymakers and the American public on the need for a strong shipbuilding industrial base to build the ships that help keep America secure and economically prosperous. To this end, ASA supports a strong American Navy and Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and merchant fleet of American-built ships. Collectively, ASA member shipyards employ more than 90 U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) percent of all the workers engaged in ship construction in the United States. Many of them are the largest private-sector employers in the states in which they operate. The association also represents 54 partner companies engaged in the design and manufacture of ship systems, components, technologies, equipment and in providing technical support services. Secretary Mineta Underscores Need For U.S.-Flag Fleet Tribute to Merchant Mariners U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta recently reiterated his strong support for the U.S.-flag maritime industry. He did so while addressing an audience June 21 at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. “Rarely in our history has the importance of our maritime operations been so clear, or the opportunities for mariners so great,” Mineta stated. “For the first time in recent memory, we are adding demonstrably to the number of ships sailing under the American flag. In the past two years, our efforts have attracted three modern and militarily useful vessels to the U.S.-flag fleet. Additionally, thousands of new sea-going jobs will be created when three new U.S.-flagged cruise ships are placed in service. “The Maritime Security Act, signed by President Bush last November, is another measure of our commitment,” he continued. “The $1.7 billion reauthorization of the Maritime Security Program will expand the fleet from 47 to 60 ships. And there is more to come.” The secretary commended U.S. mariners for their quick response on September 11, 2001 and also for their highly regarded performance in Operation Iraqi Freedom. “From the earliest days of our founding, America has always been a maritime nation,” he added. “And so we remain today. Indeed, rarely in our nation has the importance of our maritime operations been so clear or the opportunities for mariners so great. Today, we recognize our sea lanes as the logistical lifeline to the troops defending our freedoms abroad. And for the world’s leading trading nation, those sea lanes serve as the primary arteries through which almost 95 percent of U.S. overseas cargo flows. August 2004 Included in Denali Memorial We dedicate this quiet place to the remembrance of the veterans of Alaska who have served their country at home and throughout the world. We honor their heroism and dedication. U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta “With the American economy surging forward—creating nearly one million new jobs in the last 100 days—the stage is set for a renaissance for the maritime industries and a growing role for the merchant mariners who link us to our trading partners around the world,” Mineta continued. “We have made a strong commitment to building a robust maritime system…. “And there is more to come. At the Department of Transportation, we are working to develop the most comprehensive maritime review that the nation has ever seen. This initiative, known as SEA 21, encompasses the entire marine transportation system—from ports to shipbuilding to mariner training. SEA 21 has the potential to modernize and enhance our maritime capacity, making it more secure and efficient while developing new areas of opportunity, such as short sea shipping.” Mineta noted that he took part in the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. and that the U.S. Merchant Marine “is included, prominently…. We know those mariners today as members of the ‘Greatest Generation.’” At mile 147 of the Parks Highway at Denali State Park— centrally located between Anchorage and Fairbanks—is a plaque with those words. AB Robert Franxman of Florence, Ky. was on a fishing trip in the area not long ago, when he came upon the beautifully designed memorial, and sent the photos appearing with this article to the Seafarers LOG. The Alaska Veterans Memorial, the first to honor the state’s veterans, was erected in 1983 and dedicated the following year. The main part of the site consists of five, 20-foot tall concrete panels, one each to represent the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. They are arranged in a semi-circle to form an alcove in a natural grove of trees. On top of each panel is a large star and below the star is a At the entrance to the state memorial is a statue representing the Alaska Territorial Guard (right) and a plaque in memory of all veterans. In 1999, a plaque was erected at the Alaska Veterans Memorial in honor of U.S. merchant mariners who served during World War II. short history of that branch’s contribution to Alaska. At the entrance of the alcove is a statue of two figures representing the Alaska Territorial Guard (ATG), carved by Canadian sculptor George Pratt. The binoculars of one of the ATG members is trained on Denali (Mt. McKinley), which is only 35 miles away at that point. A large plaque beside the statue explains the work of the ATG. In 1998, World War II merchant mariners were granted “active duty” veterans status, so another large plaque was added the following year to one of the walls forming the entrance to the alcove where the main panels are set. It honors members of the U.S. Merchant Marine who served in World War II and was dedicated by Governor Tony Knowles, an Army Vietnam veteran. Also in 1999, two flagpoles were erected by a group of volunteers so that an Alaskan flag now flies to the right of an American flag, and to its left flies a POW/MIA or other flag for special events. The Alaska Veterans Memorial was made possible by legislation introduced by the late State Senator Charles Parr in 1981 and passed that year. Parr, a World War II Army veteran from Fairbanks, recognized that Alaska was one of the few states in the nation without a memorial to its veterans. For travelers, the memorial provides both a refreshing stop along the highway as well as an important insight into Alaska’s history. Adjacent to the memorial is a visitor’s center, where several interpretive signs describe the historical role of the military in the Bering Sea during the Civil War and World War II and throughout the Cold War. Seafarers LOG 7 �23844_P3,6,8.qxd 7/22/2004 2:57 PM Page 8 The SIU’s negotiating team for the Bisso contract included (seated) Engineer Delegate Robert Jordan, (standing, from left) Deckhand Delegate David Abney, SIU New Orleans Safety Director Chris Westbrook and SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd. Top Health Care Benefits Highlight Inland Contracts Bisso, Moran, Seabulk Boatmen Approve Pacts Gulf-area Seafarers recently approved three new contracts that call for wage increases and maintain top-of-the-line medical benefits. Each of the respective agreements is for five years. Boatmen at E.N. Bisso in New Orleans unanimously approved their new contract, while Seafarers at Seabulk and at Moran of Texas, respectively, ratified their pacts by overwhelming margins. SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Bisso boatmen unanimously approved their new five-year contract. Among those happy with the pact are (from left) Deckhand Michael Tomlin, Engineer Christopher Lambert, Engineer Delegate Robert Jordan, Deckhand Delegate David Abney, Engineer Frank Arnona and Deckhand Eric Burlette. Dean Corgey led the SIU negotiating teams for all three contracts. He stated that maintaining Plan G medical coverage for the boatmen and their families while also securing wage gains “is a great credit to all concerned and a major accomplishment. The struggle to maintain good, affordable health care benefits is the main issue in practically every union contract negotiation—for all unions— across the country. The fact that we kept the top coverage for members and their dependents and still got wage increases is a great achievement.” Corgey, SIU Assistant Vice President Jim McGee and SIU Representative Kevin Marchand were joined on the Seabulk bargaining committee by Captain Chuck Taylor, Chief Engineer Kenneth Beach, Deckhand Gus Leday and Quartermaster Chris Union Secures Substantial Settlement for CIVMARS in Health & Safety Grievance After many months of investigation and advocacy, the SIU has secured a substantial settlement award for employees who sailed aboard the USNS Kilauea during parts of the year 2003. Approximately 86 mariners, including those not covered by union contracts, will be eligible for this settlement payment. The problem arose after the Kilauea left Port Haddock, Wash. en route to Guam. Mariners noted a problem with the water quality, color and odor aboard the vessel. Some crew members also experienced a stinging and burning sensation on their skin, lips and throat when they came into contact with the water. The crew notified SIU Government Services Division Representative Chester Wheeler and a grievance was filed. A detailed investigation into the cause of the problem took place with Naval Environmental Medicine as well as Industrial Hygiene Department personnel visiting the vessel. Air and water samples were taken. While the investigation continued, the union advocated for the delivery of bottled water to the vessel and other modifications to ensure the ship was as safe as possible. The crew and contractors worked on the tanks as the ship continued sailing to various Pacific ports. Wheeler closely followed the situation for months. To settle the grievance, the union requested monetary compensation and medical monitoring specifically targeted to this exposure for each mariner. MSC, however, would not agree to the amount requested by the SIU. The union filed for arbitration, and the parties were in the process of selecting an arbitrator when MSC representatives agreed to the union’s demand of $10 per day for the period between March 6, 2003 and June 22, 2003. SIU Government Services Division members who believe they are eligible for this settlement payment but haven’t received it are asked to contact the union. While MSC maintains that there were no exposures to unhealthy substances, the SIU is encouraging all mariners who were exposed to this unpotable water to mention the situation at their next MSC physical examination. Direct the medical examiner to note this exposure on your medical records and get a copy of your record. You should have the medical examiner order blood screens that may detect any problems which may be developing. You should also have the same thing done at your private physician’s office when you go for your next examination. Thibodeaux. “Everything’s cool,” Taylor said when asked for his thoughts on the contract. “Everything went okay—Dean and Jimbo and Kevin did a darn good job. The medical benefits are really valuable.” The Moran negotiating committee consisted of Corgey, McGee, Marchand, Capt. Clint Campbell, Chief En- Serving on the Seabulk negotiating team gineer Jimmy Brous- were (from left, kneeling) Captain Chuck sard, Quartermaster Taylor, Deckhand Gus Leday, (standing) SIU Andy Ashworth and Representative Kevin Marchand, Chief AB Paul Paszkiewicz. Engineer Kenneth Beach, SIU VP Gulf Coast “What we ended up Dean Corgey, Quartermaster Chris Thiwith is very good,” bodeaux and SIU Assistant VP Jim McGee. Campbell said. “We got wage increases and kept our med- communication between the negoical benefits. I think everything tiating teams.” Jordan agreed, characterizing looked good.” The Moran contract has one the negotiations as “much better unresolved issue that is scheduled than last time. The cooperation, for arbitration, as agreed to by the the good faith of sitting down without the lawyers—I liked it. union and the company. The Bisso bargaining commit- Dean and those guys can negotiate tee included Corgey, SIU New with the best, so I wasn’t worried Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, about that, but it was all very Safety Director Chris Westbrook, smooth.” Commenting about the conEngineer Delegate Robert Jordan and Deckhand Delegate tract itself, Jordan added, “We got some money out of it and the most David Abney. Judd pointed out that this was important part was we continue to the first time the company “com- have our (health) insurance. That’s municated directly with the union one of the big things the guys reps and members without using wanted.” Altogether, more than 150 SIU attorneys. Negotiations were hardfought, but they had a better tone boatmen are covered by the new this time. They were constructive agreements—approximately 75 at and respectful with good, direct Bisso, more than 50 at Seabulk and more than 30 at Moran. Moran boatmen and SIU officials quickly pose for a group photo after discussing key elements of the new five-year contract. ARC Clinical Director Bill Eckles Retires The longtime clinical director of the Addictions Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Piney Point, Md. is retiring, but Bill Eckles plans to remain a familiar and readily available face both at the facility and at its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. “It’s a lot to walk away from, but I’m part of the family,” said Eckles, 61. “Between going to sea and working down here, you’re talking about almost 40 years of my life. I’ll come down for the (membership) meetings, and the door will always be open.” Eckles joined the SIU in 1965 in his native Philadelphia. He completed the bosun recertification program and later earned a second mate’s license before coming ashore in 1985 as a counselor at the ARC. Three years later he became the clinical director. Eckles said his decision to retire proved difficult, but he looks forward to spending time with his family, including both parents and five grandchildren. He lives in Silver Spring, Md. “His job wasn’t the easiest in the world, but he saved many, 8 Seafarers LOG many lives,” stated Don Nolan, vice president of the Paul Hall Center. “He certainly was a dedicated employee, and he cares about other people. He was the hands-on, day-to-day person who ran the ARC and he was there every single day.” Coworkers also praised Eckles as committed and effective. John Gallagher, director of the ARC, noted, “For the past 18 years, Bill has been both advocate and representative of the alcohol and drug recovery movement within the maritime industry. As clinical director of the Seafarers Addictions Rehabilitation Center, his professional contribution and personal involvement in the treatment of every patient has been instrumental in assisting their recovery process. “Concern, caring and commitment to his seafaring brothers and sisters are the primary components of Bill’s legacy to the ARC,” Gallagher added. Counselor Frank Torres described Eckles as “undeniably the heart and soul of the ARC. His wisdom and knowledge will be sorely missed.” Celebrating his well-earned retirement with Bill Eckles (second from left) are his daughter, Erin, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan and Eckles’ wife, Elda. Counselor Jerry Foley expressed pride in a 27-year friendship with Eckles. “At times over the years when I felt like giving up, he always had faith in me. For that, I have to say I love the big guy! God bless him and God bless the SIU.” Kerrie Thompson, ARC secretary, said Eckles “had an impact on everyone who came through this facility, and I personally have learned a lot from him. We’re all glad that we aren’t saying goodbye to Bill, but instead, see you later.” House Manager Joe Zook stat- ed, “Bill Eckles has always been the biggest inspiration in my life and recovery and also the best friend I have in the industry. I’ll be forever in his debt for all that he has done for me. May God keep him in His hands.” Eckles said he got started as a counselor because he had gone through the ARC when it opened (in 1975) and he “had a desire to put something back into it.” He has been a leading advocate of relapse prevention—his presentation at the 1992 International Transport Workers’ Federation convention helped convince maritime unions worldwide about its importance. Eckles said the most rewarding part of his work at the ARC was “working with the guys, the members who needed help.” In a 1992 article commemorating the Paul Hall Center’s 25th anniversary, Eckles wrote, “I wouldn’t have worked in this field if it wasn’t with merchant mariners. I wasn’t looking for another profession, but going through the ARC program had turned my life around, and I felt I could contribute.” August 2004 �23844_P7,9_11,18,20_23.qxd 7/22/2004 4:24 PM Page 9 SIU Bosun Named ‘Outstanding Mariner’ SIU-contracted American Steamship Company (ASC) announced June 25 that Seafarer Charles B. Neigebauer has been named recipient of ASC’s 2004 Outstanding Mariner Award. Neigebauer is a bosun on the M/V St. Clair. SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski described Neigebauer as “a longtime member who takes great pride in his work. Charlie also instills a strong work ethic into younger mariners. He’s very deserving of this recognition.” “ASC presents the Outstanding Mariner Award annually to an employee, nominated by his or her peers, whose performance exemplifies the spirit of dedication, commitment to excellence and results-oriented drive that are the foundation of the American Steamship Company,” the company said in a news release. Jerome K. Welsch, president and CEO of ASC, said, “Through the Outstanding Mariner program, ASC recognizes shipboard and office personnel who have distinguished themselves through meritorious service. Charles’ 24 years of service to ASC are deeply appreciated and I am pleased to present him with this recognition from his company and his peers.” In nominating Neigebauer, 62, his shipmates noted that he “is always willing and able to work with all crew members. He is a leader with a positive attitude, and his focus on the safety and wellbeing of the crew and vessel is evident at all times.” Neigebauer has sailed with ASC since 1980 and aboard the St. Clair since 1986. His wife, Sondra, also is an SIU member. Charles Neigebauer began sailing in 1969, first working as a deckhand. “I would have to say that I like working out on the deck the most,” he noted. “The work is hard but the rewards are great. When you finish a job—from cargo handling to routine maintenance—and think back on how well everyone worked, it makes you feel proud.” Transportation Dept. Backs Bill Compensating WWII Mariners The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) formally has endorsed the enactment of the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2004. DOT’s position on the bill, H.R. 3729—“To amend title 46, United States Code, to provide a monthly monetary benefit to certain individuals who served in the United States merchant marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II”— recently was outlined in official correspondence to U.S. Representative Christopher Smith (RN.J.), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. In part, the correspondence read as follows: “H.R. 3729 would provide a $1,000 monthly monetary veterans’ benefit to certain members of the United States Merchant Marine who served in World War II. This benefit would also be available to a deceased Merchant Mariner’s surviving spouse or disabled child. Merchant Mariners seeking the monthly benefit would be required to apply to the Secretary of Transportation for a certificate of honorable service, to be determined by applying the same standards used to grant an honorable military discharge. “The Department supports H.R. 3729, which provides Merchant Mariners with long-overdue recognition of their service during World War II. Carrying the troops and supplies integral to the war effort, Merchant Mariners faced the enemy alongside members of the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, putting their lives at risk for the freedom of a nation. Their sacrifice was great indeed, as the U.S. Merchant Marine suffered a higher casualty rate than any branch of the armed forces in World War II except the Marine Corps: almost 1 in 30 Mariners lost their lives. “Despite their extraordinary contributions during the war, Merchant Mariners were not included in the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, the first G.I. Bill which granted benefits to World War II veterans. This Act provided unemployment pay, loan guarantees, tuition assistance and other benefits to members of the armed forces to help them transition into civilian life. Lacking the benefits conferred on their military counterparts, some Merchant Mariners were faced with severe economic and social disadvantages in the aftermath of the war. It was not until 1988 that members of the U.S. Merchant Marine were granted veterans status, more than forty years after many of them had risked their lives in service to their country during World War II. “The Department of Transportation believes that the economic benefit contained in H.R. 3729 is an appropriate means through which to address the discrepancy in the treatment of World War II Merchant Mariners that has existed for decades. We believe this benefit, to be conferred at a time when those eligible for it average over 80 years in age, is modest when compared to the years of assistance provided to other World War II veterans. In fact, it is impossible to quantify the economic compensation that other veterans received as a result of benefits such as access to higher education, and the increased earnings associated with it. Additionally, due to the advanced age of merchant mariners (or their surviving spouses) we believe that the economic impact on the Federal government will be small. “At the dedication of the National World War II Memorial on May 29, 2004, President Bush recognized Merchant Mariners as integral members of America’s fighting forces, noting “In all, more than 16 million Americans would put on the uniform of the soldier, the sailor, the airman, the Marine, the Coast Guardsman or the Merchant Mariner.” The Department encourages enactment of this bill.” Copies of the foregoing correspondence also were transmitted Bosun Charles Neigebauer found a home in the deck department in 1969 and has sailed ever since. to U.S. Rep. Lane Evans (D-Ill.), ranking member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs; U.S. Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Calif.), chairman, House Committee on Ways and Means; and U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), ranking member, House Committee on Ways and Means. As was reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, the American Merchant Marine Veterans, which includes thousands of retired Seafarers, also is urging passage of H.R. 3729. The legislation on Jan. 27 was introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.). During his presentation on the House floor, Congressman Filner observed, “While it is impossible to make up for over 40 years of unpaid benefits, I propose a bill that will acknowledge the service of the veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine and offer compensation for years and years of lost benefits….” The bill on April 13 was referred to the House Subcommittee on Benefits. As of press time for the LOG, the legislation had 84 co-sponsors. U.S. Health Care Costs Continue Upward Spiral Seafarers, Dependents Can Help Union Reduce Fees to Plan and Participants The high cost of health care in America continues to be a major concern for U.S. workers and their families. Retaining affordable, quality health care is a top priority for workers in a wide range of industries as they head to the bargaining table. This was never more evident than in the five-month strike by Southern California grocery workers—the longest grocery strike and lockout in U.S. history— that ended earlier this year. The dispute began in October 2003 when UFCW members refused to give in to demands to slash their health care benefits. Following 20 weeks without paychecks, the union workers finally won their fight to protect affordable health care as well as their pensions and job security. They were, perhaps, the lucky ones. In today’s weakened economy, many firms are successful in passing on high health care costs to their employees. Some workers are paying more for their insurance, while others are paying an increasing percentage of the premiums or seeing increases in deductibles and co-payments. The sad fact is that the United States spends more on health care than any other country in the world, yet nearly 44 million Americans lack medical coverage. Low-income families with at least one full-time worker are only half as likely to have job-based coverage as higher-income working families. And nearly 54 percent of workers in small business have no health coverage at all. Children and spouses are typically the first victims of decreases in health coverage. Minimizing prescription costs is one component of affordable health care. The Seafarers Health and August 2004 Benefits Plan’s agreement with Prescription Solutions, which took effect Jan. 1, 2004, is one way the union is trying to reduce the cost of prescribed drugs. With more than 55,000 participating pharmacies in their network, Prescription Solutions is proving to be a popular benefit for Seafarers and is resulting in a savings both to the Plan and to the participants. In addition to the work the Plan officials are undertaking, there are ways that individual members can help reduce the costs of their medical care. Staying fit, eating nutritious food and wearing seat belts are some of the obvious ones. Other suggestions include asking your doctor to prescribe (or your pharmacists to fill) a generic version, whenever possible, of a prescribed drug. In some cases, the difference in price is significant. When Seafarers receive a bill from a health care provider, they should look it over carefully to see if it includes charges for services not received or services billed twice. If it does, the doctor or hospital should be contacted to have the mistake corrected. Once a correction has been made, the Seafarer should contact the Health and Benefits Plan office. After verifying the correction, the Plan will pay the Seafarer a bonus that is equal to 25 percent of the amount he or she saved the Plan—up to a maximum of $500. Of particular importance, especially during this election year, is to keep informed of national and local health care issues. In several states, union activists are fighting for legislation to bring health care coverage to low- and moderate-income workers and their families. Seafarers LOG 9 �23844_P7,9_11,18,20_23.qxd 7/22/2004 4:37 PM Page 10 Seen in San Francisco . . . It was all smiles for these members of the ITB Baltimore’s crew. From the left are ABs Oscar Lacayo, Thomas Roberts and Sajid Ali. Crew members aboard the IUM vessel Great Land pose for a group shot. Happy to be in the port of San Francisco aboard the Cape Orlando are (from left) Bosun Barry Patin, Capt. Pete Grealy and AB William “Buzz” Brown. The Cape Orlando is an American Overseas Marine vessel that sails on the West Coast. Galley gang members aboard the Cape Girardeau, an American Ship Management vessel, include Chief Steward Donna Moore (left) and Chief Cook Brian Cushing. Below (top photo): SIU Assistant VP Nick Celona (right) greets Mike Mason, maritime security instructor, who went to the San Francisco hall (as well as other SIU halls across the country) to instruct SIU members about shipboard security. At the conclusion of Mason’s presentations, students were awarded certificates of completion. In the bottom photo, Douglas Sweet asks Mason a specific safety question. Left: Following a 90-day trip to Iraq and the Middle East, crew members aboard the Cape Orlando returned to the port of San Francisco and were awarded Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals and certificates of appreciation from the Maritime Administration. Right (top photo): SIU Assistant VP Nick Celona (left) presents SS Jeremiah O’Brien Capt. Patrick Moloney with a contribution from the union for shipyard repair work for the old Liberty ship. At right: During Martime Day ceremonies aboard the Jeremiah O’Brien, a wreath was presented in memeory of the late SIU VP West Coast George McCartney, who died in March. Captain Moloney poses with McCartney’s wife, Helga (right) and daughter, Heidi. 10 Seafarers LOG August 2004 �23844_P7,9_11,18,20_23.qxd 7/22/2004 4:37 PM Page 11 When the Cape Knox arrived in New Orleans from operations in the Middle East, crew members were welcomed home and presented by the Maritime Administration with Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals and certificates for their service aboard the U.S.-flag ship in support of operations involving American and allied military forces. OS Ismael Manley and OS Erigardo “Junior” Guity appear as small specks as they work aloft on the Overseas Philadelphia. The photo was taken aboard the tanker by Bosun Tim Olvany. . . . And Across the U.S. Left: AB Tom Gavagan (left) and Bosun Chad Cuningham catch a blue marlin from aboard the Tallahassee Bay (Keystone Shipping Service). It weighed approximately 300 pounds. This snapshot was taken of the trio fairly quickly, since the fish was released, unharmed, back to its home in the sea. Above: Seated around the table on the Dodge Island (Great Lakes Dredge & Dock) are (from left) AB Larry Parker, AB/Dragtender Tommy Davis, 3rd Engineer Brett Sollee, 3rd Engineer Armando Evangelista and Cook Mario Fernandez. A picture of the USNS Watson was presented to Mobile SIU Port Agent Ed Kelly by Herman “Dusty” Rhodes. Rhodes, who is the chief elecrician aboard the Maersk Lines, Ltd. vessel, also made the ornate frame. The picture will hang prominently in the Mobile hall. Gathering in the galley of the SIU-contracted El Toro are (from left) SA Toni Grant, Chief Cook Theodore Quammie, UA Richard McKain, Cadet Tim Boorman, UA Shantay Joquin and Steward/Baker Michael Amador. The El Toro makes runs from the port of Jacksonville, Fla., to Puerto Rico. August 2004 AB Jay Thomas (left) and DEU Cecil Edwards pose for a quick photo on board the El Toro after helping tie up the vessel in the port of Jacksonville. Bob Grubbs is the bosun on the El Toro. In the photo above, he is operating the ship’s crane to unload cargo. Seafarers LOG 11 �Pg1,2,5,12,13,24, 4cx.qxd 7/23/2004 7:39 PM Page 12 U.S.-Flag Deep Sea Cruise Ship I Snapshots Of SIU-Cre The Seafarers-c christened July rebirth of the U.S article covering t these pages are U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri KT Lim The 853-foot Pride of A personnel and can carr Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch SIU President Michael Sacco Sena At H The SIU honored U month during a cerem safety training center SIU President Mic ardent backer of the U ing him for his unwav “Senator Dan Inou thy of an entire book introduction,” Sacco The Reverend David ing and safety trainin 12 Seafarers LOG August 2004 �Pg1,2,5,12,13,24, 4cx.qxd 7/23/2004 3:27 AM Page 13 Industry Is ots from Christening Crewed Pride of Aloha rs-crewed Pride of Aloha was uly 4 in Honolulu, marking the U.S.-flag cruise ship industry. An ng the event is on page 3. On are photos from the day. e of Aloha reflagged U.S. in June. It employs nearly 800 shipboard carry 2,000 passengers. SIU officials and crew members were a big part of the christening ceremonies. Pictured directly above with two Seafarers are SIU President Michael Sacco (second from right), Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (far right), VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan (third from left). nator Inouye Honored Hawaii School Blessing ored U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) last ceremony at the union’s affiliated fire fighting and enter in Honolulu, which opened last year. t Michael Sacco presented the senator—a longtime, the U.S. Merchant Marine—with a porthole thankunwavering support. n Inouye’s record of service to our country is worbook, so there’s no way to do it justice in a brief acco remarked at the July 2 event. “But I want everyone here today to know that without Senator Inouye, this school would not have been possible. He is the driving force behind the school’s success. He is committed to American seafarers. He is ensuring that people have opportunities for proper training and good careers aboard American-flag ships. In short, he’s doing what’s right for the people of Hawaii and for other citizens from around the country who want to answer the call of the sea.” The SIU president described Inouye as “an exceptional friend to the American mariner, standing together with us on laws like the U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye (second from left) congratulates Seafarer Michael Zagala on completing STCW Basic Safety Training in Honolulu. Also taking part in the presentation are (from left) SIU President Michael Sacco, NCL Senior VP Robert Kritzman and Joe Curtis, an instructor at the school. avid Kaupu blesses the union’s affiliated fire fightaining school last month in Honolulu. August 2004 SIU President Michael Sacco (left) presented U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye with a porthole inscribed with a message conveying the union’s thanks for the senator’s powerful support of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program and many other important issues.” Inouye later send a letter to Sacco describing the establishment of the Honolulu school as “a true partnership that has resulted in a win-win for Hawaii, as residents are trained and certified as mariners…. I thank you for your support and friendship.” He also wrote that the “launching of the Pride of Aloha is indeed a victory and a reason for celebration…. To walk through the beautiful ship, to see the lines of people checking in all so very excited about their cruise, and most important, to watch the hundreds of employees—of seafarers marching proudly through the audience full of optimism about their future makes it all worthwhile.” Seafarers LOG 13 �23844_P4,14_17,19.qxd 7/22/2004 4:49 PM Page 14 Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers 800 E. Diamond Blvd., Suite 3-227 Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: (907) 271-6736 2760 Sherwood Lane, Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-8545 Phone: (907) 463-2458 40 South Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 Phone: (410) 962-5132 1001 S. Seaside Avenue, Bldg. 20 San Pedro, CA 90731-0208 Phone: (310) 732-2080 455 Commercial Street Boston, MA 02109-1045 Phone: (617) 223-3040 200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 1302 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-3297 196 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 720-3250 Claude Pepper Federal Building 51 S.W. 1st Ave., 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: (305) 536-6548/6874 433 Ala Moana Blvd. Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: (808) 522-8264 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77017-6595 Phone: (713) 948-3350 6767 N. Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 Phone: (503) 240-9346 915 Second Ave., Room 194 Seattle, WA 98174-1067 Phone: (206) 217-6115 Oakland Federal Bldg., North Tower 1301 Clay Street, Room 180N Oakland, CA 94612-5200 Phone: (510) 637-1124 Fax: (510) 637-1126 E-mail: recsfbay@d11.uscg.mil 9820 Lake Forest Blvd., Suite P New Orleans, LA 70127-3077 Phone: (504) 240-7300 1222 Spruce Street, Suite 8.104E St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 Phone: (314) 539-3091 Battery Park Building 1 South Street New York, NY 10004-1466 Phone: (212) 668-7492 420 Madison Ave., Suite 700 Toledo, OH 43604 Phone: (419) 418-6010 Don’t let your documents expire! Allow plenty of time for renewal. NOTICE FROM SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN In March 2004, the Trustees of the Plan decided that the Plan would not cover the costs of weight loss surgery, which is often referred to as “bariatric surgery,” “gastric stapling” or “gastric bypass.” This decision was made because of the many risks associated with these procedures, and the complications that frequently result from such surgeries. In the past, the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan would only pay for such surgery in rare occasions, in extremely limited circumstances. IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 ‘Union Plus’ Offers Consumer Benefits Union Plus gives Seafarers and their families access to a number of cost-saving benefits programs. Union Plus (formerly Union Privilege) is a non-profit entity created in 1986 by the AFL-CIO to provide union members and their families with valuable consumer benefits. Basically, the organization secures good rates for union members who are enrolled in the various programs, based on the potential collective purchasing power of all members of participating unions. In short, it’s a case of strength in numbers. The following is a list of Union Plus programs in which the SIU participates. For more information about a particular program, call the appropriate Union Plus telephone number or visit www.unionplus.org Credit Card This union-endorsed credit card may save you money. Features of the card include a competitive rate, no annual fees and a unique, valuable member advocacy program. Apply online at www.unionpluscard.com or call 1800-522-4000. Secured Credit Card This is a special credit card that is designed to help you establish or reestablish your credit. Features include no application fees, a credit line equal to 100 percent of deposit and a 25-day grace period. Call 1-800-622-2580. Mortgage and Real Estate Buying, selling or refinancing a home can be made easier and more affordable through this offering. Program features include strike, layoff and disability assistance and an easy over-the-phone application process. The program also is open to your parents and children. Call 1-800-848-6466. 14 Seafarers LOG Life Insurance Members may purchase term insurance at low group rates and premium waver during layoffs. Call 1-800-8992782. Health Savings This program makes it possible for members to reduce their out-of-pocket expenses on a variety of health care services such as prescriptions, vision care and more. Participants receive quarterly savings statements. Call 1-800-228-3523 for more details. Auto Insurance Program Under this program, low rates and many discounts are available for members who have good driving records and safety devices installed on their vehicles. Customer service is available 24 hours a day. For comparison quotes, go to www.unionplus.org or call 1-800-294-9496 to apply. Education Services Information about loans, scholarships, how to select a school, prepare for college entry tests, and much more is provided in this program. Visit www.unionplus.org or call 1-877-881-1022. National Labor College Scholarship This offering is designed especially for working adults who want to pursue a bachelor of arts degree while continuing their trade union work. For more details, call 1-301-431-5404. Loan Program Competitive-rate personal and home equity loans are available under this program. It can be ideal for debt consolidation. Apply online at www.unionplusloan.com or call 1-888-235-2759. Accidental Death Insurance Members can receive $10,000 worth of workplace accidental death insurance at no cost. They also may purchase “all-cause” accidental death coverage up to $200,000. Call 1-800-899-2782 or enroll online at www.unionplus.org. Family Savers Hotel Royal Plaza Special leisure rates are available at the Hotel Royal Plaza in the Walt Disney World Resort. Call 1-800-2487890. Car Rentals Union members can receive discounted rates on rentals. To find out more, visit www.unionplus.org; call Avis at 1-800-6985685, ID# B723700 or Budget at 1800-455-2848, ID# V816100. Union-M Made Checks Union-printed checks and return address labels that feature your union logo are offered under this program. Call 1-888-864-6625. Flower Service As an SIU member, you can save 15 percent when you send floral arrangements, wreaths or gift baskets. Visit www.unionplus.org or call 1-888-667-7779 to place an order. North American Van Lines Members can realize savings on interstate moves. Call 1-800-524-5533. Your Credit Score For $11, you can get your credit score, credit report, and suggestions for improving your score. Visit www.unionplus.org. Vacation Tours Discount travel packages are available to worldwide destinations. This program is open to union members, retirees and their families. Call 1-800-590-1104 for more information. August 2004 �23844_P4,14_17,19.qxd 7/22/2004 3:21 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea September & October 2004 Membership Meetings JUNE 16 — JULY 15, 2004 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 1 0 14 5 10 28 38 0 10 16 23 10 3 1 9 18 1 27 20 234 2 6 4 5 7 24 37 1 13 15 17 20 2 2 9 8 4 25 22 223 0 1 2 0 3 16 15 2 3 10 18 5 0 2 1 3 2 13 10 106 0 0 4 4 7 16 28 0 12 13 14 10 5 0 4 12 0 18 15 162 1 1 5 3 4 8 13 1 10 12 8 9 2 16 4 8 4 19 18 146 0 0 3 0 1 10 8 1 3 8 6 2 0 1 1 5 0 11 6 66 0 4 1 7 11 21 0 9 9 9 7 1 2 4 12 0 12 9 118 2 7 2 4 7 25 1 4 8 10 16 6 1 0 6 2 20 11 132 0 0 1 1 5 3 0 0 3 5 1 0 0 0 2 2 4 10 37 0 1 1 6 4 12 0 2 12 8 3 1 2 4 11 3 6 7 83 1 4 3 5 5 12 0 2 4 6 9 3 0 2 6 2 11 10 85 1 0 1 2 4 10 22 0 8 15 3 4 2 3 6 15 3 14 11 124 2 0 14 3 13 50 70 0 23 26 47 19 7 2 15 43 2 58 39 433 2 5 5 6 12 31 60 0 16 18 30 30 5 17 13 12 5 39 38 344 2 1 2 2 7 35 31 2 8 19 31 13 2 4 1 10 4 26 24 224 0 0 1 0 1 4 0 3 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 2 6 23 0 7 1 12 20 36 0 17 10 16 13 5 2 4 16 0 22 12 193 2 8 1 3 13 45 1 10 19 15 21 5 2 2 9 1 27 13 197 2 0 0 1 15 11 0 1 7 13 5 1 0 0 2 2 6 10 76 0 0 0 3 6 14 0 2 4 6 2 1 0 0 5 1 10 4 58 0 6 0 21 24 22 0 10 13 37 13 5 6 6 40 1 27 33 264 2 0 1 11 6 19 0 8 9 12 12 2 2 2 11 2 8 12 119 2 0 0 1 4 13 0 1 1 4 7 1 2 0 3 0 8 9 56 0 0 2 4 3 9 0 2 4 5 3 0 0 3 10 0 10 7 62 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 4 0 14 14 11 0 2 7 20 6 3 3 2 20 2 11 16 136 0 1 2 6 3 11 0 5 2 7 5 1 0 2 8 2 6 5 66 1 0 0 1 3 8 0 0 1 4 5 1 2 0 1 0 2 6 35 Port 1 1 1 6 11 16 0 1 5 5 4 2 2 0 10 2 11 9 87 0 1 3 1 3 7 0 3 2 4 4 0 3 1 3 0 3 4 42 Piney Point .............Tuesday: September 7* ................................Monday: October 4 ............................................*(change created by Labor Day holiday) ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 14 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 8 1 2 0 0 3 7 0 0 0 3 2 0 6 1 33 1 2 3 1 9 12 18 0 2 5 23 7 0 2 5 17 0 14 10 131 0 2 3 2 8 20 22 0 2 12 32 14 1 28 0 5 3 18 12 184 0 0 0 0 5 4 4 0 1 2 7 0 0 0 1 5 0 1 0 30 0 1 1 1 8 5 9 0 3 1 13 6 0 9 4 7 2 14 5 89 0 0 2 2 3 10 7 0 1 2 6 6 0 5 1 6 1 8 2 62 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 5 5 0 0 3 7 0 0 0 3 7 0 15 5 57 3 1 3 4 21 24 36 1 5 11 49 14 2 15 7 27 1 29 14 267 3 2 5 2 14 40 38 0 3 20 72 19 2 54 0 10 3 44 35 366 Totals All Departments 521 552 362 362 362 165 244 947 927 722 Algonac ..................Friday: September 10, October 8 Baltimore ................Thursday: September 9, October 7 Boston.....................Friday: September 10, October 8 Duluth .....................Wednesday: September 15, October 13 Guam ......................Thursday: September 23, October 21 Honolulu .................Friday: September 17, October 15 Houston ..................Monday: September 13, October 11 Jacksonville ............Thursday: September 9, October 7 Joliet .......................Thursday: September 16, October 14 Mobile ....................Wednesday: September 15, October 13 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: September 14, October 12 New York................Tuesday: September 7, October 5 Norfolk ...................Thursday: September 9, October 7 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: September 8, October 6 Port Everglades.......Thursday: September 16, October 14 San Francisco .........Thursday: September 16, October 14 San Juan..................Thursday: September 9, October 7 St. Louis..................Friday: September 17, October 15 Tacoma ...................Friday: September 24, October 22 Wilmington ...............Monday: September 20, October 18 ............................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals JERRY TACKETT & JOHN J. JONES Robert E. Allen, an old shipmate, is trying to get in touch with you. Please call him at (757) 851-6190. CLYDE E. JONES Please contact Anthony Allen at (228) 435-4740. JAMES MATTHEW PERRODIN Your nephew, Russell Zaunbrecher, would like to hear from you. Please call him at (337) 788-1610, or write him at 206 W. Northern, Crowley, LA 70526. LYN O. SEARS Please contact your brothers, Jack and Victor. HENRY SIMMONS Please get in touch with an old friend, Mary Ross, at 353 W. 23rd Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. Remembering Paul Hall August 20, 1914 – June 22, 1980 *“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 2004 Seafarers LOG 15 �23844_P4,14_17,19.qxd 7/22/2004 3:23 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report JUNE 16 — JULY 15, 2004 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 7 7 7 18 5 0 3 47 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 3 5 0 6 4 2 2 0 3 7 24 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 0 13 7 2 19 1 0 7 49 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 3 5 0 5 4 0 2 0 3 7 21 1 4 2 1 7 0 1 2 18 0 30 11 14 33 7 1 18 114 0 5 3 4 3 0 0 7 22 0 31 6 10 0 0 0 0 47 3 1 4 2 4 1 0 4 19 0 14 11 3 10 2 4 15 59 0 5 3 2 3 0 0 3 16 0 22 5 7 0 0 0 0 34 0 1 4 0 1 2 0 1 9 0 8 6 6 13 1 2 9 45 0 4 0 2 15 0 2 6 29 0 20 3 9 0 1 0 1 34 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 2 5 1 4 1 0 7 20 0 0 3 1 1 0 1 3 9 0 5 8 1 2 1 1 2 20 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 0 4 3 3 7 1 0 9 27 0 1 4 0 0 0 2 2 9 0 1 7 1 2 1 1 2 15 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 2 4 5 7 1 1 3 23 0 2 1 0 4 0 0 4 11 0 1 6 2 1 4 0 9 23 Port 0 4 3 4 6 1 1 5 24 0 1 1 1 6 0 0 3 12 0 1 6 0 1 3 0 8 19 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 90 25 67 100 26 55 51 218 67 115 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the LOG by Pensioner John M. Clarke of Houston. It is of the ship’s committee on board the Steel Architect, taken at payoff in New York, probably in September 1969. Clarke was the steward delegate on board the vessel. The others pictured are Lester Moore, engine delegate; Jake Longfellow, ship’s secretary; Jimmy Toone, deck delegate; and Elmer Barnhill, ship’s chairman. Brother Clarke, 73, joined the Seafarers in 1953 in the port of New York following service in the U.S. Army from 1950 to 1952. He retired in 1994. If anyone has a vintage unionrelated photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. August 2004 �23844_P4,14_17,19.qxd 7/22/2004 3:23 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA CLINTON ANDERSON, 64, joined the SIU in 1978 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Anderson’s first voyage was aboard the Westward Venture. Born in Jamaica, he shipped in the engine department. Brother Anderson upgraded his skills on a number of occasions at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and last went to sea aboard the Overseas Boston. He makes his home in Seattle. JOSEFINE BALANAY, 64, hails from the Philippines. Brother Balanay began his career with the SIU in 1989 in Honolulu. He shipped primarily aboard American Hawaii Cruises’ Independence in the engine department and enhanced his skills on three occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated training school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Balanay is a resident of Honolulu. WILLIAM CHRISTOPHER III, 59, started his career with the SIU in 1966 in the port of Mobile, Ala. after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Christopher first went to sea aboard a Platte Transport vessel. He worked in the deck department and in 1996 enhanced his skills at the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Christopher makes his home in LaPorte, Texas. JIM HASSAN, 57, launched his seafaring career in 1977 in the port of New York. Brother Hassan, who was born in Egypt, first sailed on the Charleston. The deck department member was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. In 1988 he completed his bosun recertification training there. Brother Hassan last sailed on the Missouri, a Maersk Lines vessel. He currently resides in Elmont, N.Y. JAMES LARATTA, 64, was born in Glen Ridge, N.J. Brother Laratta joined the SIU in 1987 in the port of Norfolk, Va. and initially sailed aboard the USNS Capella. A U.S. Navy veteran, Brother Laratta shipped in the engine department. He enhanced his skills on a number of occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Laratta currently lives in Merritt Island, Fla. August 2004 ABEL MACK, 64, joined the SIU in 1972 in the port of New York. Brother Mack’s first voyage was on the USNS Potomac. In 1978 the deck department member upgraded his skills at the Seafarers-affiliated training school. Brother Mack now calls Chesapeake, Va. home. OLE J. MORTENSEN, 64, began his seafaring career in 1967 in Piney Point, Md. His first voyage was aboard the Kenmar, a Calmar Steamship Co. vessel. Born in Denmark, he worked in the engine department. Brother Mortensen was a frequent upgrader at the union’s affiliated school. He makes his home in Tacoma, Wash. HUGH S. WOODS, 64, hails from Barbados. Brother Woods began his seafaring career in 1971 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Steel Chemist. He worked in the engine department and on two occasions enhanced his skills in Piney Point, Md. at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Woods most recently worked aboard Maersk Lines’ USNS Prevail. He is a resident of Norfolk, Va. GREAT LAKES YAHYA N. ALI, 64, launched his career with the SIU in 1968 in Detroit. Brother Ali shipped in the engine department and last worked on American Steamship’s Charles E. Wilson. He was born in Arabia and currently lives in Yemen. INLAND CHARLES BAKER, 62, embarked on his seafaring career in 1972 in Piney Point, Md. after serving in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Baker first sailed aboard a Steuart Transportation Co. vessel. He worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills on two occasions at the union’s affiliated school. Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., Boatman Baker calls Ocala, Fla. home. JIMMY DEE McNUTT, 68, launched his seafaring career in 1980. Boatman McNutt upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated training school. He worked in the deck department as a captain, primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation vessels. Boatman McNutt was born in Alabama, and now makes his home in Gulfport, Miss. ALICE NACCARATO, 64, joined the SIU in 1984 in the port of Houston. Sister Naccarato was born in Kentucky. She shipped as a member of the steward department, working primarily aboard Delta Queen Steamship vessels. Sister Naccarato currently resides in Princeton, Ky. CHARLES PEAVY, 62, was born in Alabama. Boatman Peavy joined the SIU in 1965 in the port of Mobile. He shipped in the deck department and worked primarily aboard vessels operated by Dravo Basic Materials Co. Boatman Peavy lives in his native state. NILES PETERSON, 63, began his seafaring career in 1986. Born in Louisiana, Boatman Peterson is a U.S. Navy veteran. He worked in the deck department, primarily aboard Delta Queen Steamship vessels. Boatman Peterson makes his home in New Orleans. PAUL TULLIS, 64, hails from Georgia. Boatman Tullis joined the SIU in 1977 in New Orleans. He first worked aboard a Crowley Towing & Transport vessel. Boatman Tullis shipped in the deck department, most recently as a captain. He last sailed on the Sugar Island. Boatman Tullis lives in his native state. WILLIAM M. WILLIFORD, 62, joined the SIU in 1972 in the port of Philadelphia after serving in the U.S. Army. Boatman Williford sailed in the deck department and was employed primarily aboard vessels operated by Maritrans. He enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1981. Boatman Williford was born in Pittsburgh and now resides in Coatesville, Pa. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension and Trust, recently went on pension. STEWARD McDANIEL, 65, was born in Port Arthur, Texas. Brother McDaniel started his seafaring career with the NMU in 1964. His first voyage was on the Green Harbor, where he worked in the engine department. Brother McDaniel last went to sea on the Texaco Rhode Island. LINCOLN RICH, 66, joined the NMU in 1972 in Providence, R.I. Brother Rich was born in Honduras. The steward department member’s last voyage was on the Moore McCormack. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1948 The Atlantic and Gulf District of the SIU smashed through with a precedent-making pattern for the maritime industry August 6, when a twoyear contract with the Mississippi Shipping Company for the highest wages ever set in the history of maritime was signed in New Orleans. The contract will run until September 30, 1950 and guarantees a wage increase of $12.50 across the board for every rating except bosun, for whom a $25 raise was secured. The signing of the two-year contract was made doubly important by the securing of a clause which contained guarantees that the present manning scale on all Mississippi ships could not be reduced during the full life of the pact, unless both parties agreed to such reduction. Substantive gains were made in almost every area of Union concern, making this by far the most significant contract ever negotiated. DARIO RODRIGUEZ, 68, began his career with the NMU in 1964. Born in Isabela, P.R., his first voyage was on the United States. Brother Rodriguez worked in the steward department, most recently aboard the American Legion. JAMES SCHULTE, 71, was born in St. Louis. Brother Schulte began his NMU career in 1967 in the port of Seattle, where his first vessel was the Kings Point. The deck department member last sailed on the Fredericksburg. WILLIAM SEPULVEDA, 69, joined the NMU in 1963. Brother Sepulveda initially shipped from New Orleans aboard the Cristobal in the steward department. Born in Puerto Rico, his last voyage was on the American Challenger. MANUEL SURILLO, 59, started sailing with the NMU in 1966 from the port of New York. Brother Surillo sailed in the steward department aboard the Atlantic. The Puerto Ricoborn mariner last went to sea on the American Legion. pital, death, disability, maternity, dependent, optical and out-patient benefits. In February 1952 the SIU Vacation Plan was inaugurated and it has since paid a total of $59,483,828.34 in vacation benefits for SIU members. The total value of welfare benefits is actually considerably higher, since the cost of scholarship payments, meal books, training facilities and medical examinations—for SIU members and their dependents—are not included in the above figures. This Month In SIU History 1968 As of August 31 of this year, the SIU’s Welfare and Vacation plans have paid out a total in benefits of $101,039,786.89. The SIU Welfare Plan was first launched in 1950 and, since that time, more than $41,555,958.55 has been paid out for hos- 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 27 children. Seafarers LOG 17 �23844_P7,9_11,18,20_23.qxd 7/23/2004 6:19 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA LONALE ANDREWS Brother Lonale Andrews, 42, passed away May 21. He started his career with the SIU in 1987 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginiaborn mariner first went to sea aboard the USNS Prevail. Brother Andrews worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Sea-Land Developer. He resided in his native state. PERRY BOSARGE Brother Perry Bosarge, 63, died April 1. He joined the SIU in 1990 in the port of Mobile, Ala. and sailed on the Cape Florida. Born in Alabama, the deck department member last shipped aboard the Atlantic Forest, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Bosarge lived in Mobile. PATRICIO CECILIO Pensioner Patricio Cecilio, 88, died April 30. Brother Cecilio embarked on his career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. Born in Culebra, P.R., he worked in the steward department. Brother Cecilio lived in Aguadilla, P.R. and started receiving his pension in 1973. DOMENIC CITO Pensioner Domenic Cito, 95, passed away May 7. Born in Lerici, Italy, Brother Cito began his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. The steward department member resided in Lynnwood, Wash. and began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1972. PEDRO FIGUEROA Pensioner Pedro Figueroa, 84, passed away April 11. Brother Figueroa was born in Puerto Rico and began his seafaring career in 1956. His first ship was the Beauregard. Brother Figueroa worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Nuevo San Juan. He began receiving his pension in 1991. THOMAS GAGNON Brother Thomas Gagnon, 64, died April 27. Brother Gagnon started his career with the Seafarers in 1963 in the port of Norfolk, Va. after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Born in Fall River, Mass., he shipped in the deck department. Brother Gagnon’s last voyage was on Ocean Ships’ Richard Matthiesen. He lived in Talofofo, Guam. SIDNEY GARNER Pensioner Sidney Garner, 77, passed away Feb. 4. Brother Garner commenced his seafaring career in 1953 18 Seafarers LOG in the port of Norfolk, Va. after serving in the U.S. Navy. He was born in North Carolina and worked in the steward department. Brother Garner last shipped aboard a Puerto Rico Marine Management vessel. The Baltimore resident went on pension in 1990. STANLEY GONDZAR Pensioner Stanley Gondzar, 82, passed away April 18. Born in Maryland, Brother Gondzar joined the SIU in 1943 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The engine department member first went to sea aboard an A.H. Bull Steamship Co. vessel. He last shipped aboard the Sea-Land Leader. Brother Gondzar began receiving pension in 1986. He resided in Berlin, Md. JUDITH HARRINGTON Sister Judith Harrington, 53, died in April 2003. She launched her SIU career in 1991 in the port of Philadelphia. Her first ship was the Lt. Calvin P Titus. Born in Merced, Calif., she worked in the deck department, most recently as a bosun. Sister Harrington last shipped aboard American Overseas Marine’s USNS Capella. She made her home in St. George Island, Fla. EDDIE JACKSON JR. Pensioner Eddie Jackson Jr., 68, passed away April 19. Brother Jackson joined the SIU in 1957 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Air Force. Born in Mobile, Ala., he worked in the steward department. Brother Jackson last sailed on the Sea-Land Independence and started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1991. He lived in Seattle. WILLIAM JEMISON SR. Pensioner William Jemison Sr., 66, died April 22. Brother Jemison launched his seafaring career in the port of Mobile, Ala. in 1960 after serving in the U.S. Navy. His first voyage was aboard the Mermaid. The Alabama-born mariner worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard Ocean Chemical Transport’s Chemical Trader. He resided in his native state and began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1999. WILLIAM JORDAN Pensioner William Jordan, 84, passed away Sept. 18. Brother Jordan joined the SIU in 1959 in the port of New York. Born in Missouri, the engine department member last sailed on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Thomas Lynch. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1986 and called Albany, La. home. EVERETTE LAMBE Pensioner Everette Lambe, 84, died May 3. Brother Lambe started his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Cabarrus, N.C., he worked in the steward department, last sailing on the OMI Charger. Brother Lambe went on pension in 1986 and lived in his native state. MANUEL LANDRON Pensioner Manuel Landron, 91, passed away May 5. Brother Landron was born in Puerto Rico and was a charter member of the SIU, having joined the union in 1939. His first voyage was aboard the Bradford Island. Brother Landron shipped in the deck department and last worked aboard the Mayaquez. He resided in Tampa, Fla. and began receiving his pension in 1978. LOURICE MARTIN Pensioner Lourice Martin, 79, died July 2, 2003. Brother Martin joined the ranks of the SIU in 1959 in Portland, Ore. Born in Louisiana, he worked in the steward department initially aboard Delta Steamship’s Del Oro. Brother Martin last sailed on the Sea-Land Patriot. He lived in Covington, Wash. and began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1992. Oct. 20. Brother Pickett commenced his career with the SIU in 1952 in New Orleans. Born in Mobile, Ala., he was a member of the engine department. Brother Pickett first went to sea on Delta Steamship’s Del Oro. His final voyage was aboard the Inger. Brother Pickett started receiving his pension in 1988. He resided in Mission, Texas. WILLIAM ROGERS Pensioner William Rogers, 81, died May 4. Brother Rogers embarked on his seafaring career in 1944 in the port of New York. He first went to sea aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Maine, Brother Rogers shipped in the deck department. He last worked on the Patriot and resided in Waterbury, Conn. Brother Rogers went on pension in 1987. FRANK RUIZ Pensioner Frank Ruiz, 84, passed away April 10. Brother Ruiz started his career with MC&S in San Francisco. Born in Washington, the steward department member began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1969. Brother Ruiz resided in Las Vegas. ARTHUR SHAW Brother Arthur Shaw, 53, passed away March 6. Born in Seattle, Wash., Brother Shaw joined the SIU in 1967 in San Francisco. The engine department member first sailed on Delta Steamship’s Southwestern Victory. Brother Shaw last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Explorer. He called Oakland, Calif. home. MAYO MUNDINE WILLIAM STEVENS Pensioner Mayo Mundine, 88, passed away Dec. 22. Brother Mundine joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of New York. Born in Texas, he worked as a member of the steward department, last sailing on the Cove Leader. Brother Mundine went on pension in 1987 and called Columbus, Texas home. Pensioner William Stevens, 63, died Feb. 1. Brother Stevens launched his SIU career in 1957 in the port of Houston. He initially worked on Calmar Steamship’s Alamar. Brother Stevens shipped in the deck department. He made his home in Las Vegas and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1995. LUTHER MYREX Pensioner Luther Myrex, 77, died Jan. 8. After serving in the U.S. Army, Brother Myrex joined the SIU in 1945 in the port of San Francisco. His first voyage was on the Alcoa Patriot. The deck department member was born in Alabama. Brother Myrex last went to sea aboard the LNG Taurus. He began receiving his pension in 1992 and resided in his native state. DONALD PETERS Pensioner Donald Peters, 88, passed away Aug. 8, 2003. Brother Peters became a Seafarer in 1966 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. His first voyage was on a Calmar Steamship vessel. The engine department member began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1986. Brother Peters was born in California but called South Gate, Ga. home. ROBERT PICKETT Pensioner Robert Pickett, 68, died CLAUDE STURGES Pensioner Claude Sturges, 63, passed away April 22. Brother Sturges began his career with the Seafarers in 1951 in the port of Norfolk, Va. The Virginia-born mariner shipped in the steward department, first sailing on the Seagarden. Brother Sturges went on pension in 1977 and continued to live in his native state. AMBROCIO SUGUITAN Pensioner Ambrocio Suguitan, 96, died May 1. Born in the Philippines, Brother Suguitan launched his career with the MC&S in San Francisco. He went on pension in 1970. Brother Suguitan made his home in Honolulu. CLYDE WOODS Pensioner Clyde Woods, 89, passed away April 23. Brother Woods embarked on his seafaring career in 1945 in Savannah, Ga. The steward department member last sailed aboard a Gulf Atlantic Transport Corp. vessel. He called Candler, Ga. home and began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1975. GREAT LAKES FRANK KASPERSKI Pensioner Frank Kasperski, 86, died March 15. Brother Kasperski joined the union in 1960 in Detroit, after serving in the U.S. Army. The New York-born mariner worked in the deck department, last sailing on the William Roesch. Brother Kasperski started receiving his pension in 1981 and resided in his native state. INLAND CHESTER LEWIS Pensioner Chester Lewis, 85, died April 19. Before joining the SIU in 1969 in the port of Norfolk, Va., Boatman Lewis served in the U.S. Army. He was born in Pamlico, N.C. and worked in the steward department, shipping primarily aboard vessels operated by Maritrans. Boatman Lewis resided in Grantsboro, N.C. and began receiving his pension in 1983. ROLAND MASON SR. Pensioner Roland Mason Sr., 80, passed away May 14. Boatman Mason embarked on his career with the SIU in 1958 in the port of Baltimore. Born in North Carolina, he sailed in the deck department as a captain. Boatman Mason initially worked aboard the Government Camp. His final voyage was on the STC Little Curtis. Boatman Mason started receiving his pension in 1988 and resided in Chesapeake, Va. JACK STOUT Pensioner Jack Stout, 73, passed away May 6. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Boatman Stout joined the SIU in 1970. His initial voyage was aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. Born in Wichita, Kan., Boatman Stout worked in the deck department. He last sailed on a G&H Towing vessel. Boatman Stout made his home in Rye, Texas and began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1993. Continued on page 20 August 2004 �23844_P4,14_17,19.qxd 7/22/2004 3:24 PM Page 19 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..``` ACHIEVER (USSM), May 16— Chairman James E. Davis, Secretary Kenneth A. Hagan, Educational Director Miguel Rivera, Deck Delegate Peter Wojcikowski, Steward Delegate Obencio Espinoza. Chairman reminded crew this is an election year and to vote for pro-maritime candidates. He also encouraged members to donate to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks to steward department for keeping living areas orderly. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Houston; Norfolk, Va. MOTIVATOR (USMM), May 17—Chairman Anthony Mabew, Secretary Matthew Scott. Chairman announced ship payoff in Houston. He thanked crew members for job well done. Secretary emphasized educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. No beefs reported; OT issue in deck department to be settled at payoff. Clarification requested on transportation expenses. OVERSEAS HARRIETTE (OSG), May 21—Chairman John M. Zepeda, Secretary George Quinn, Deck Delegate Floyd Patterson, Engine Delegate Jerome E. Dooms, Steward Delegate Leoncio A. Castro. Chairman announced payoff May 23 in Miami, Fla. with stores brought on that day. Secretary thanked crew for help keeping crew mess hall clean. Beefs and disputed OT reported in engine department; none in deck or steward departments. Recommendation made to get weight set for exercise room. Security crew given drill on how to spot bombs planted aboard ship. Next port New Orleans. COAST RANGE (Intrepid), June 27—Chairman Gregory R. Jenkins, Secretary Robert E. Wilcox, Educational Director Scott S. Fuller, Deck Delegate Donnie W. Collins, Engine Delegate Scott Fuller, Steward Delegate John Bennett. Chairman reminded crew members to wait to be properly relieved before being paid off and to make sure rooms are left clean. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep common areas and mess hall clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to rename “Vacation Benefit.” Fresh milk and produce to be brought at first port of entry. Next port: Garyville, La. EL YUNQUE (IUM), June 27— Chairman Luis J. Ramirez, Secretary Francis E. Ostendarp, Educational Director John J. Walsh, Deck Delegate Jose Canales, Engine Delegate Ronald Williams, Steward Delegate Nelson F. Morales. Chairman announced payoff July 1 in Port Everglades, Fla. He asked crew members to watch instructional video in union halls addressing terrorism. Educational director advised crew to upgrade whenever possible at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. and to keep all records up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding seatime and age requirements for pension benefits. ENDURANCE (USSM), June 14 —Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, August 2004 Secretary Jesse B. Natividad, Educational Director Ron M. Schexnayder, Deck Delegate Dennis A. Hurley, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter, Steward Delegate Thurman C. Johnson. Chairman thanked crew for smooth trip and led discussion on ship security. Treasurer stated $1,190 in crew’s fund, less $72 for a dart board set. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman reminded crew getting off to lock rooms and give keys to chief mate. Next port: Los Angeles. EXPRESS (USSM), June 20— Chairman George H. Perry, Secretary Richard E. Hicks, Educational Director Mohamad Y. Abdullah. Chairman thanked those members who took vessel out of yard for excellent job cleaning and getting ship running again. Secretary thanked crew for pleasant trip and for keeping everything clean. Communications read regarding no bus service in port. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Baltimore, Newark, N.J. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines), June 20— Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary Brenda M. Kamiya, Educational Director Lorence D. Pence, Deck Delegate Basil D. Stolen, Engine Delegate John R. Day. Chairman announced payoff June 22 in Tacoma, Wash. He notified crew of mandatory Coast Guard security drills June 23. Educational director advised crew to keep upgrading at union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to engine and deck departments for keeping living areas clean and to steward department for good meals and service. Next port: Tacoma, Wash. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), June 22— Chairman Werner H. Becher, Secretary Vainuu L. Sili, Educational Director Daniel F. Dean, Deck Delegate Robert J. Natividad, Engine Delegate Thomas V. Hastings, Steward Delegate Henry O. Wright. Chairman announced arrival June 22 in Oakland, Calif. with payoff that same day. He thanked crew for keeping ship clean and plastic items separate from regular trash. Due to security, only one access door should be open while in port. Departing crew members were reminded to leave set of clean linen for next person. Educational director stressed importance of attending upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman read president’s report pertaining to training and security aboard ships. Recommendation made to reduce seatime needed for pension and increase monthly benefit. Suggestion made to order new mattresses and towels. HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), June 5—Chairman Donald D. Rico, Secretary Kristen M. Swann, Educational Director John C. Ropp. Chairman asked department crew members to clean staterooms and leave fresh linen. He also stressed importance of contributing to SPAD. Secretary encouraged crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point and make sure all paperwork and docu- ments are current, allowing plenty of time for z-card renewal. Educational director advised crew to keep up with union and industry business by reading Seafarers LOG. Treasurer stated $335 in ship’s fund and $100 in cookout fund. Beef reported by engine department delegate. Vote of thanks to the steward department for a job well done. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), June 21—Chairman Dominic L. Brunamonti, Secretary Sherman W. Anderson, Educational Director Odgen W. Lafaye, Deck Delegate Wilfredo G. Caidoy, Engine Delegate George B. Lockett, Steward Delegate Bienvenido C. Badillo. Chairman announced payoff July 3 in Tacoma, Wash. Everyone reminded to carry current, up-to-date z-cards in and out of port gate and not to compromise marked restricted entry doors and hatches when in port. He thanked crew members for promptly extinguishing electrical fire and working well together this voyage. Educational director advised Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $1,152.11 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew reminded to be cautious around 440-volt cables and to be quiet in passageways since watchstanders may be sleeping. Request made that those going on watch be allowed to eat first. Deck department asked that work gloves and coveralls be available in Slop Chest. HORIZON SPRIT (Horizon Lines), June 7—Chairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Scott A. Opsahl, Educational Director Roger M. Wasserman, Deck Delegate Charles L. Mull, Engine Delegate Randall P. Story. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. followed by blanket relief. He reminded crew to check with patrolman before leaving ship and advised them of security training. Secretary asked crew members to keep noise down so watchstanders can sleep and for department members to leave rooms clean for next person. Educational director encouraged crew to keep documents current and to upgrade skills at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to amend shipping procedure rules. Suggestion made to replace sofa and chairs. After pricing is obtained, they can, hopefully, be purchased in Oakland. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), June 7—Chairman Joseph Artis, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn, Educational Director Michael G. McGlone, Deck Delegate Robert Brown, Engine Delegate James B. Long, Steward Delegate Ronald E. Dewitt. Chairman encouraged crew members to keep dues paid current and support SPAD. He announced payoff June 8 upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. and thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean. Educational director urged all members to take advantage of upgrading classes at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman announced that radio and reception would be repaired as soon as possible. Suggestion made to shorten seatime for pension and raise monthly benefit. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. INNOVATOR (USSM), June 20— Chairman Dirk W. Adams, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Roger D. Phillips, Deck Delegate Eric Lund, Engine Delegate Bryan T. Field, Steward Delegate Mostafa Loumrhari. Chairman complimented crew on job well done and encouraged them to read articles in Seafarers LOG about new security measures. He also recognized the passing of former SIU VP West Coast George McCartney. Secretary thanked crew members, especially bosun and two day men, for great job cleaning and painting. Treasurer stated $326 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to increase retirement benefits. Stove plate in galley needs repair. Next ports: Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif. ITB BALTIMORE (USS Transport), June 1—Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, Secretary Pedro R. Mena, Educational Director RICHARD G. MATTHIESON (Ocean Shipholding), June 14— Chairman David M. Fridstrom, Secretary Thomas K. Gingerich, Deck Delegate Troy R. Ingersoll, Steward Delegate Gerald Watkins. Chairman notified crew that a Navy security team would be coming aboard in Long Beach for a month. Smoking area will be in crew mess hall, but not during meal hours. Crew members asked to show up for meals on time since security team will eat at 8 a.m., noon and 5:30 p.m. Secretary requested everyone help keep mess area clean. Educational director reminded crew to keep documents up to date. Crew also encouraged Greetings from the Maersk Constellation En route from South Africa to Houston (via Mozambique and Tanzania), crew members aboard the Maersk Constellation were treated to a shipboard barbecue. These photos were sent to the LOG by AB George Jordanides. Enjoying the great food are (clockwise, from top) AB George Jordanides and AB Earl Jones; AB Nick Adderly; and AB Jamie Gill. Geoffrey L. James, Engine Delegate Hussein A Mohamed, Steward Delegate Elsayed T. Amasha. Chairman stressed need for safety at all time. He asked that everyone be quiet in passageways and advised everyone to keep all documents (e.g., MMDs, TRBs, benzene cards, passports) current. He encouraged members to contribute to SPAD—the union’s voice in Congress. Educational director stated that movies were due in next port. Treasurer said that movie fund would be given $200 per month. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to receive copy of Piney Point membership meeting aboard ship. Thanks given “to Mr. Amasha for his new-found penchant for baking.” His salad bars are great, as are his freshly made hot rolls, cookies, breads, cakes and puddings. Next port: Houston. OVERSEAS MARILYN (OSG), June 20—Chairman Marco A. Galliano, Secretary Tyler N. Laffitte, Deck Delegate Oscar R. Padilla, Engine Delegate Hilario C. Martinez, Steward Delegate Isabel Miranda. Chairman advised crew to start renewal process for MMDs early to avoid last-minute delays. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Recommendation made regarding lump-sum option for pension plan. Next port: New Orleans. PATRIOT (USSM), June 27— Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary Daniel Q. Payne, Educational Director Mario G Paquiz, Deck Delegate Philemon C. Quitoriano, Engine Delegate Sharif Noor, Steward Delegate Ernest Polk. Bosun reminded everyone to be aware of new security policies. Educational Director recommended Seafarers upgrade skills at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase pension benefits. Crew reminded to help keep ship clean. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department requested third cook on board when a security team of 10 or more sails with vessel for long period of time. Toaster needs to be repaired or replaced. Crew also suggested more plastic chairs be purchased for use during barbecues. Bosun thanked steward department for job well done. Steward department, in turn, thanked bosun for all his help. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (Sulphur Carriers), June 13— Chairman Nettali Santana, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Alfred G. Lane, Deck Delegate Tibby L. Clotter, Steward Delegate Jose R. Morales. Chairman encouraged members to upgrade skills in Piney Point. Secretary requested crew return dirty dishes to galley. He also reminded those members getting off to make sure room is clean and with fresh linen for next person. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding increased medical and pension benefits for members and spouses. Recommendation made for union to look into satellite TV issue as well as increase in pay. Additional washer needed in laundry room. Vote of thanks given to chief cook, steward and SA for jobs well done. Next port: Tampa. USNS PAUL BUCK (OSI), June 17—Chairman Kevin A. Kellum, Secretary Michael Tobman, Engine Delegate Orlando V. Pajarillo Jr. Chairman noted concern about current cost of shipboard e-mail. Secretary reminded crew members that dues will be collected in Guam. Educational director emphasized importance of keeping all necessary shipping documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on pay scale for messman and DEU on MSC-contacted vessels. Recommendation made to purchase new printer for computer. Next port: Guam. Seafarers LOG 19 �23844_P7,9_11,18,20_23.qxd 7/23/2004 6:58 PM Page 20 Letter 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.) Merchant Marine Vet Thanked for WWII Service I was at the dedication of the new National World War II Memorial May 29, 2004. It is a beautiful memorial, and it includes the seals of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Army Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. On the Mall in Washington, D.C., people came up to me, some with tears in their eyes, and thanked me and others in the Merchant Marine for keeping America free. It made me proud to say that I served in the Merchant Marine in World War II. We delivered 85 to 90 percent of all goods used by the U.S. Final Departures Continued from page 18 WILLIAM WATSON Pensioner William Watson, 87, died April 13. Boatman Watson began his seafaring career in 1958 in the port of Baltimore. He shipped in the deck department as a captain and worked primarily aboard Maritrans vessels. Boatman Watson began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1981. Swan Quarter, N.C. was his home. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. PEDRO SOLER Pensioner Pedro Soler, 77, passed away May 16. Brother Soler joined the NMU in 1963, first shipping from the port of New York. His first voyage was aboard the Santa Maria. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Soler worked in the steward department. He began receiving his pension in 1990. MIGUEL SANCHEZ armed forces, in addition to the fighting troops. We delivered the goods, but not without a cost. The Merchant Marine had one of the highest casualty rates of all the services. Of the 200,000 people at the World War II Memorial dedication, a local paper, The Washington Times, took pictures of some of the World War II veterans. I told my war stories to a volunteer from the Library of Congress, where a collection of similar stories will be housed. I would like to thank all the members of the Seafarers Union for their great help in writing to their representatives of Congress for support of H.R. 3729 [the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act]. As of June 10, 2004, there were 69 representatives of Congress who are co-sponsoring the bill. We need more members of Congress to add their support. So, please keep up the good work—and we will be victorious. Richard G. Wiggins Kansas City, Mo. in 1947, Brother Popek’s initial voyage was aboard the Sedalia Victory. He was born in Massachusetts and worked in the engine department. Brother Popek last sailed on the Export Freedom and began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1978. Pensioner Walter Leycock, 92, died June 3. Brother Leycock was born in St. Croix, V.I. and started his career with the NMU in 1953. Sailing from the port of New York, his first vessel was the Arlington. Brother Leycock shipped in the engine department. He last went to sea aboard the American Export and started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1976. HERBERT GILLARD Pensioner Herbert Gillard, 74, passed away May 18. Brother Gillard began his career with the NMU in 1945, first shipping from Port Arthur, Texas. His first vessel was the James Island. The steward department member was born in Texas. He last sailed aboard the Keystoner and started receiving his pension in 1973. NATHAN EBANKS Pensioner Nathan Ebanks, 79, died June 4. Brother Ebanks was born in the West Indies and joined the NMU in 1941. He initially went to sea from the port of New York aboard the James W. Cannon. Brother Ebanks worked in the deck department and last sailed on the Marine Duval. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1974. LOUIS POPEK THOMAS CARTER Pensioner Louis Popek, 82, passed away June 9. After joining the NMU Pensioner Thomas Carter, 81, passed away May 8. Brother Carter started Seafarers LOG FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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- 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. Procedure for Absentee Ballots WALTER LEYCOCK Pensioner Miguel Sanchez, 83, died May 31. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Sanchez first sailed with the NMU in 1939 from the port of New York on the Borinquen. Brother Sanchez’s last voyage was on the Newberry Victory. The deck department member went on pension in 1965. 20 Know Your Rights General elections for the union’s officers will take place this year. Voting will begin Nov. 1 and continue through Dec. 31. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2004 voting period, absentee ballots are 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: Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2004 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2004. 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 Nov. 30, 2004. Upon receiving the ballot and envelopes, 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 your 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 Dec. 31, 2004 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2005. his seafaring career with the NMU in 1943. Born in Kentucky, the engine department member first shipped from the port of New York on the Sparrows Point. Brother Carter last sailed aboard the Genevieve Lykes. He started receiving retirement compensation in 1987. 95 81 81 78 77 77 89 83 85 77 82 76 96 81 87 71 73 81 100 80 81 68 77 In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following NMU brothers and sisters, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. Name Age DOD Anjiras, William Badger, Stanley Bloes, Arthur 89 77 94 May 4 June 11 June 5 Bogdan, Lawrence Carter, Thomas Cerrato, Alejandro Damon, George Davidson, Cecil Evans, John Ferrer, Juan Ferrer, Jose Ford, Samuel Gomes, Harwood Huertas, Pablo Johns, Earle Lamot, John Mazzola, Michael Nicodemus, John Padilla, Hector Redesky, Thomas Rudnickas, Joseph Salinas, Nicasio Tate, Wilton Torres, Pablo Wijngaarde, Otmar Williams, Charles May 18 May 8 April 5 May 21 June 2 June 14 June 4 June 5 May 19 June 11 May 19 May 18 June 11 May 31 May 20 June 10 May 30 June 10 May 27 June 14 May 27 June 11 May 15 Attention Seafarers: August 2004 �23844_P7,9_11,18,20_23.qxd 7/22/2004 4:25 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Recertification Bosun The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of 2004. 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. October 11 Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Operation September 20 November 15 October 15 December 10 FOWT October 25 December 17 QMED - Junior Engineer September 27 December 17 Welding August 23 October 4 November 1 September 10 October 22 November 19 Course Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion August16 September 27 November 8 September 10 October 22 December 3 September 13 November 15 September 17 November 19 Celestial Navigation September 27 October 22 GMDSS (Simulator) August 23 September 27 November 1 September 3 October 8 November 12 August 2 September 13 October 25 August 13 September 24 November 5 Course Able Seaman Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) Safety Specialty Courses Start Date of Course Date Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* August 23 September 20 November 8 September 3 October 1 November 19 Basic Safety Training (BST) August 2 August 30 August 6 September 3 Fast Rescue Boat August 30 September 3 Government Vessels September 13 October 1 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* October 4 October 8 (*must have basic fire fighting) *(must have radar unlimited) Lifeboatman/Water Survival Navigation Fundamentals November 29 December 10 Radar August 30 November 1 September 10 November 12 August 9 October 4 November 29 August 20 October 15 December 10 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) November 8 (*must have basic fire fighting) 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning July 18, 2004. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No 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? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ August 2004 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 8/04 Seafarers LOG 21 �23844_P7,9_11,18,20_23.qxd 7/22/2004 4:25 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 651 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 651 (in alphabetical order) James Carey, Troy Davis, Daniel Fields, Adam Guerrero, Clark Howard, Shantay Joquin, Perry Martin, Jamal Ricks, John Rodriguez, Bryan Singleterry, Adam Soto and Robert Starr. Able Seaman — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending June 18 are (in alphabetical order) Miguel Baerga, Warren Barney, Harvey Carvajal, Michael Hames, Larry Howard, Terry Igot, Peter Martin, Carl Pedersen, Eugene Perez, Jon Phillips, Jay Pierce, Terrell Poole, La Terrance Ransom, Rigoberto Ruiz, Anthony Sanchez, Marc Simpson, Miles Souders, James Trotter, Tom War and Lakindra Williams. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Welding — Graduation certificates for completion of the welding course were given July 2 to Kenji Hoffman (left), Steven Haver (center) and Gabriel Bonefont (front). Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, stands in the back. ARPA — Earning their ARPA certificates June 25 are (in no specific order) Loren Wolfe, Harry Claar II, Darryl Alexander, Jermaine Williams, Louis Barra, Karl Mayhew, Nebojsh Milosevic and (not pictured) James Reece. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far right. Fast Rescue — Galley Operations — Upgrading their baking skills in the school’s galley lab recently are (from left) Emilia Wooden (Advanced Galley Operations), Arlene Ringler (chief instructor), Peter Williams (Advanced Galley Operations), Ali Nasser, Lee Holiday, Xu Ziting, Elba Alfaro, Brian Holmes, Khaled Musleh and Felipa Aranda. Under the instruction of Stan Beck (third from left) are Seafarers who completed the fast rescue boat course June 11. They are (in alphabetical order) Darryl Alexander, Robert Carroll, Neil Carter, Frank Mahr and Paul McCready. Radar — Under the instruction of Mike Smith (far right) are Seafarers who completed the radar couse June 18. They are (in alphabetical order) Brook Bowers, James Fekany, Karl Mayhew, David Steinberg and Jermaine Williams. Not pictured are Nebojsa Milosevic and James Reece. Marine Electrician — Completing the marine electrician course July 1 are (in alphabetical order) John Alicea, Jeoffrey Curry, Joseph Egan, Richard Huffman, William McLaughlin, Robert Nelson, Jose Ramirez, Jeffery Roddy, Terry Santure, Ronald Smith, Lionel Taylor and Olie Webber. Jay Henderson, their instructor, is standing at far right. Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Computer Lab Class Showing off his certificates of achievement for completion of several computer classes at the Paul Hall Center is Carlos Diaz. With him is his instructor, Rick Prucha. 22 Seafarers LOG Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops — Upgrading Seafarers Bon Vannaxay, Selahattin Akpinar and Charles Johnson joined with unlicensed apprentices in completing the basic auxiliary plant operations course June 11. They are (in no specific order) Jess Cooper, Adam Begleiter, Taneisha Johnson, Daniel Miller, Michael Snowden Jr., Michael Maskalenka, Lloyd Clark, Gilbert Johnson, Nicholas Collins, Hashiem Pittman, Orlando Pabon, Joseph Waller, Nicholas Doffoh and Antoine Rainey. Their instructor, Eric Malzkuhn, is in the back, far right. August 2004 �23844_P7,9_11,18,20_23.qxd 7/22/2004 4:26 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Small Arms Training— Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Graduating from the tanker familiarization/assistant cargo (DL) course June 25 are (in no particular order) Steven Hall, Steven Lonas, Douglas Carson, Steven Media, Bruce Heath, Timothy Dunn, Walter Sainvil, Juan Colon, Irving Rochez, Rigoberto Beata, Bon Vannaxay, Selahattin Akpinar, Charles Johnson, Camille Diagne and Leonard Soriano. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Completing the small arms training course June 18 are (in alphabetical order) Nicholas Collins, Michael Cox, Timothy Dexter, Rocky Dupraw, Kent Harper, Gilbert Johnson, Jamie Medina, John Niday IV, Antoine Rainey, Coda Russell, Michael Snowden Jr., Joseph Waldera, Richard Wiltison and Christopher Yohe. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — May 7: Andrew Baumrucker, Charles Burton, Johnny Cothren, Amanda Haun, Jessica Koutecky, Chantry McSherry, Kieran McSherry, Noah Rowan and Lamar Solomon. STCW — May 14: Holly Alfrey, Edward Birdsong, Jeffrey Fiegel, Tony Green, Simien James, James Niotis, Melissa Oakley, Eduardo Osorio, Jimmy Pruitt, Charles Reeve, James Rodriguez, Vasilijs Semesjuks, Marvin St. George, Edgar Stanley, Rick Leach and Debra Meadows. STCW — May 28: Matthew Caplins, Joseph Corr, Alvin Moore Jr., Inocencio Roxas, Ahmed Saleh and Phillip Stephens. STCW — June 25: John Brantly, Harvey Carvajal, George DiCanio, John Habib, Michael Hames Sr., Peter Martin, Sadeq Nasser, Robert Ott, Andrew Page, Carl Pedersen, Jon Phillips, Michelle Picton and Miguel Vinca. Specially Trained OS — Receiving their STOS certificates of completion June 11 from instructor Stacey Harris (front row, center) are Coda Russell, Joseph Waldera, Ty Varnadoe, Christopher Yohe, Christopher Czarske, Richard Wiltison, Nathaniel Leachman, Neftali Erausquin, Santos Gary, Damian Spedale, Kent Harper and Mohamed Mosed. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Earning their lifeboatman/water survival endorsements May 21 are (in alphabetical order) Louie Acerudano, Alberto Armas, Mark Beleno, Keoni Bounds, Mary DeGuzman, Elizabeth Dominguez, Danny Fletcher, Brian Grieder II, Sheila Hanson, Kathleen Kleaver, Aaron Lanet, Tyler Motz, Noheapualani Polendey and Thelma Sokiano. August 2004 Specially Trained OS — Another STOS class that graduated June 11, but under the instruction of Tony Sevilla (back row, far right) are Phillip Maxfield, Timothy Dexter, Jamar Reed, Kevin Johnson, Jor-el Holmberg, Mark Beck, John Crawford, Damar Shaw, John Niday IV, Donaldo Valencia and Jaime Medina. Seafarers LOG 23 �Pg1,2,5,12,13,24, 4cx.qxd 7/22/2004 6:08 PM Page 24 Volume 66, Number 8 August 2004 Tuesday, Nov. 2 is Election Day 2004 Remember, you can’t vote unless you are registered. Participate . . . Register . . . VOTE! Flickertail State Earns Professional Ship Award mance, efficiency, reliability, productivity and safety. “During Operation Haiti, when you worked under fire delivering supplies and equipment to the Marine Corps, and in Operation New Horizons, when you tested new technology at sea during exercises in the North Atlantic, you lived up to the U.S. Merchant Marine’s vital role as America’s Fourth Arm of Defense. That role remains as important as ever, with our nation leading the fight in the global Crew members and officers aboard the Flickertail State were presented with war against terrorism and the Professional Ship Award for an outstanding job in Operation Haiti and also continuing the Operation New Horizons during a ceremony July 15 in Newport News, Va.st They are (back row, from left) GUDE Curtis Spencer, Bosun David Brown, 1 rebuilding of Iraq.” A/E Jim Schwartz, C/E Scott Stillianos, Capt. Joe Regan, AB Bill Humphrey, 3rd The letter conclud- A/E Pat Jarvis, (seated from left) C/M Bernie Fitzgerald, Electrician Mann ed, “I simply couldn’t Aroon, Wiper James Burke, Wiper Nathan Jenkins, AB Stacy Twiford and AB be more proud of each Phillip Harmon. and every one of you. Your performance, defense operations,” he said. Ugland Management. Seafarers your patriotism and your “Our nation’s Ready Reserve sailing aboard the vessel during dedication are a credit to the Force helps ensure our security Operation Haiti included ABWs entire union and indeed the by supporting the men and Heather Frizzelle and Curtis entire U.S. Merchant Marine. women of the U.S. armed Williams; ABMs Adrian Jones Your story will be shared forces.” and Jonathan Davis; STOSs with the membership as a The ceremony was attended Melvin Stegall, Christopher shining example of what the by representatives from the U.S. Bryan and Melvin Hall; OMUs Transportation Command and John Morrison, John Steeber SIU is all about.” Schubert praised the crew the Military Sealift Command, and Brad Neathery; Wipers and officers. “The crew of the which have operational control Nathan Jenkins and Vincent Flickertail State is an out- of Ready Reserve Force ships Knight; Chief Cook Adele George and SAs Willie Uzzle, standing example of the inte- when they support the military. SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (seated at far right) took The Flickertail State is operat- Teresa MacMartin and Kareem part in the ceremony honoring Flickertail State crew members last month in gral role the Ready Reserve Newport News, Va. Force plays in our national ed by SIU-contracted Interocean Walters. The SIU-crewed Flickertail State received the Professional Ship Award from U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert during a ceremony July 15 in Newport News, Va. SIU Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram took part in the event. He congratulated the crew for “an outstanding job” in Operation Haiti and Operation New Horizons— performances which earned them the recognition from the Maritime Administration. “Welcome home, and thanks for making us all proud,” Mangram stated. Speaking to the rest of the audience, he noted, “Most of you here today are very familiar with the long history of the U.S. Merchant Marine and our role as the fourth arm of defense. We’ve proven our value time after time. We’ve proven our loyalty and reliability since the very beginnings of this country.” In a letter to the crew, SIU President Michael Sacco noted, “Your recognition is well-earned and it certainly isn’t something to be taken lightly, considering that the U.S. Maritime Administrator’s Professional Ship Award is given to non-military vessels that achieve the highest degree of readiness, perfor- With Seafarers at the Honolulu Hall Left: AB Bill Dwyer Right: SIU Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz Early last month, Seafarers at the SIU hall in Honolulu greeted a number of officials who were in town for the Pride of Aloha christening and other union business. Pictured from left to right are (top photo, standing) SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone, Seafarers Edgardo Ines and Eddie Tomas, SIU President Michael Sacco, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez and Seafarers Alejandro Quirolgico, Pedro Amore, (seated) Sure Anitak and Domingo Barroga. The photo below shows Heindel, Sacco, AB Tomas and Tellez. Pictured from left to right are SIU members Dominico Dacua, Alejandro Quirolgico, Raul Napoles, Getolio Medallo, Johanis Christiaan, Mariano Ylaya and Domingo Barroga. � 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 August 2004 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES USNS BRIDGE JOINS SIU CIVMAR FLEET SIU-CREWED PRIDE OF ALOHA CHRISTENED MATSON’S MAUNAWILI CHRISTENED NASSCO FLOATS OUT SECOND BP TANKER UNION MOURNS PORT AGENT MALONE BOSTON, CHARLESTON CLINICS OPEN DOORS FOR SEAFARER TESTING ‘TEAM EFFORT’ WITH MARIITME INDUSTRY HELPS USCG TACKLE NEW SECURITY RULES SIU OFFICIALS TO SERVE ON SECURITY COMMITTEES U.S. LABOR DEPARTMENT UPDATING CONFIDENTIAL MARITIME DATABASE AGENCY SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR ‘O*NET’ PROJECT CLAIMS DEPT. CO-DIRECTOR MARTHA CARR DIES AT 51 ALASKA TANKER CO. WINS PRESTIGIOUS SAFETY AWARD CONGRESSMAN HUNTER HONORED BY SHIPBUILDING ASSOCIATION SECRETARY MINETA UNDERSCORES NEED FOR U.S. -FLAG FLEET TRIBUTE TO MERCHANT MARINERS INCLUDED IN DENALI MEMORIAL TOP HEALTH CARE BENEFITS HIGHLIGHT INLAND CONTRACTS UNION SECURES SUBSTANTIAL SETTLEMENT FOR CIVMARS IN HEALTH & SAFETY GRIEVANCE ARC CLINICAL DIRECTOR BILL ECKLES RETIRES SIU BOSUN NAMED ‘OUTSTANDING MARINER’ TRANSPORTATION DEPT. BACKS BILL COMPENSATING WWII MARINERS U.S. HEALTH CARE COSTS CONTINUE UPWARD SPIRAL SEAFARERS, DEPENDENTS CAN HELP UNION REDUCE FEES TO PLAN AD PARTICIPANTS FLICKERTAIL STATE EARNS PROFESSIONAL SHIP AWARD Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 08/01/2004 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. 66, No. 8 2004 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d3b8273c8aa03ba9f978a5e803624fe9.pdf 86ee2ec2eeda2bd4a557416fbb3bfbbe PDF Text Text 24133_PG1_3,12,13,19,18cx.qxd 8/27/2004 4:52 PM Page 1 Volume 66, Number 9 September 2004 SIU Gains New Jobs Seafarers to Crew Up ‘SBX’ Platform Page 3 Union, School Team Up for Effective Security Training As the entire U.S. maritime industry places unprecedented emphasis on vessel and port security, both the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education strongly have tackled their respective roles in helping promote safety aboard ship as well as in port. At left, Bosun’s Mate Tony Sivola assists Electrician Frank Coburn with safety gear during a shipboard and pier-side drill last month in Baltimore. Pages 12-13. Seafarers Continue Answering Call For Operation Iraqi Freedom Sealift Pomeroy photos by Capt. Michael F. Finnigan U.S. Coalition Urges Jones Act Protection Through the various stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom’s sealift mission, SIU members consistently have answered the call as part of America’s fourth arm of defense. Among the Seafarers-crewed vessels sailing in support of U.S. troops is the USNS Pomeroy. Pictured at left aboard the LMSR (left to right) are AB Adrian Jones, 3rd Mate and SIU hawsepiper Robert Swinburne and AB Kwesi Adu-Gyamfi. Above, the Pomeroy (foreground) passes near the Seafarers-crewed USNS Dahl. At right, U.S. troops are stationed aboard the Pomeroy. Page 3. Delta Queen Steamboats Offer Modern Convenience, Historic Atmosphere — Page 24 Page 2 Tax Bill Contains Maritime Provisions Page 5 SIU Family Photos Page 11 �24133_PG1_3,12,13,19,18cx.qxd 8/26/2004 7:50 PM Page 2 Senators, Congressmen, Task Force Urge Protection of Cabotage Laws President’s Report Remembering September 11 And Our Commitment Three years ago this month, our lives changed forever when terrorists attacked the United States on our own soil. Thousands of our fellow Americans—many of them also brother and sister trade unionists—were killed in the attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. Our economy suffered, and our confidence momentarily took a blow, too. Three years later, it’s hard to name any part of society that hasn’t been affected by September 11. Our emotions remain strong. Heightened security is a constant reminder. Our view of the world changed on September 11, as did the way we conduct our business. Throughout this entire time, the U.S. Merchant Marine— including thousands of SIU members—has answered the nation’s call. We responded immediately in New York when the attacks took place—our members helped transport tens of thousands of people to safety. And we’ve been supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and our armed forces ever since, from Afghanistan to Iraq to wherever they are deployed. As the sealift mission for Operation Iraqi Freedom continues, I’m proud to say that Seafarers still play a vital role in this important task. And our commitment won’t end there. Since our founding in 1938, the SIU has proudly served as part of America’s fourth arm of defense. You name the conflict, and we were there, supporting our troops. World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and countless other military and humanitarian missions. The SIU was there. The SIU delivered. Today, I know that Seafarers remain proud of and serious about our role in protecting United States national and economic security. When I think back to the first few weeks after September 11, I remember Seafarers practically sprinting to our union halls because they were so eager to ship out and help defend America. Their determination was unmistakable. That same patriotism and eagerness is just as strong now. Of course, the U.S. Merchant Marine is best equipped to do its job as the fourth arm of defense when we have strong promaritime policies in place. Laws such as the Jones Act, and programs like cargo preference, the Maritime Security Program and its related Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement are vital to the entire industry. They help maintain a pool of well-trained, reliable, U.S. citizen mariners. They help keep the U.S. flag flying on the high seas. They give our government access to the extremely useful infrastructures of participating companies. In short, they make America stronger—and in an extremely costeffective manner. The anniversary of September 11 is bound to stir up lots of emotions. It’s a day for remembering the victims and their families. It’s a period to honestly look at what we as a nation have done and must do to prevent another attack. In our union, I know it’s also a time when Seafarers quietly will reaffirm their commitment to serving as part of the fourth arm of defense. That’s who we are. That’s what we do. May God continue to bless the United States of America. Volume 66, Number 9 September 2004 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2004 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Several congressmen and member organizations of the Maritime Cabotage Task Force (MCTF) recently voiced their intense concerns about the potential impact that a proposed USA/Panama free trade agreement (FTA) would have on the American maritime industry. Senators Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and John Breaux (D-La.) on July 7 wrote to President Bush requesting assurance “that the Administration will not compromise the continued ability of the United States to maintain and promote a U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built fleet for national defense and economic security purposes.” The MCTF, in a July 22 letter from Chairman Philip Grill to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick, also articulated its resistance to attempts by the Panamanian government to change long-standing U.S. maritime cabotage laws in an FTA or by other means. After noting that maritime cabotage laws, such as the Jones Act, are the cornerstone of U.S. maritime policy, providing significant economic and national security benefits to the nation, the correspondence said in part: “Panama, with the world’s largest flag-of-convenience fleet, has repeatedly sought to gut U.S. cabotage laws through international trade negotiations in order to gain access to our domestic commerce. The U.S. trade representative has repeatedly and rightly rejected Panama’s efforts. Yet Panama is again seeking to weaken our maritime cabotage laws through the U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement negotiations. In addition, the Panamanian government made an unprecedented request to administratively amend U.S. passenger cabotage laws by re-designating its port classification from ‘nearby’ to ‘distant.’ Such a change would overturn decades of precedent, would provide no benefits to the U.S. and would create an enormous loophole in U.S. passenger cabotage laws, enabling foreign cruise lines to carry passengers between two U.S. ports simply by calling on Panama.” Continuing, the letter said: “The fact is Panama already benefits more from the open access accorded foreign vessels to U.S. ports than does any other single foreign nation. Panama already stands as the largest ship registry in the world—far ahead of any other nation in number of vessels and tonnage. Foreign vessel operators who fly the Panamanian flag enjoy enormous advantages when importing goods into and exporting goods from the U.S. Panamanian vessels operate in a world of essentially no income taxes, third world wages and other exemptions from laws that U.S. operators must live by. Yet Panama continues to believe that it should not be subject to our laws. “…The domestic U.S. maritime industry plays a vital role in the nation’s economic security and national defense… It is clear that Panama’s objective is to undermine U.S. maritime cabotage laws, the foundation of America’s maritime policy, whether through trade negotiations or other means, which is why this is a matter of such extraordinary concern. We strongly urge you to reject Panama’s current and ongoing efforts,” the correspondence concluded. Meanwhile, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) and ranking member Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) similarly expressed to Zoellick their concern that inclusion of maritime matters in a Panama FTA would not promote U.S. national interests. The congressmen noted that Panama’s request to be re-designated as a “distant foreign port” for purposes of the PVSA “would undercut our domestic maritime industry, which contributes significantly to our military defense by ensuring that the nation has an adequate pool of qualified seafarers to meet our military sealift requirements, among other things.” Under the PVSA, foreign vessels are prohibited from transporting passengers between ports or other places in the United States “either directly or by way of a foreign port.” In implementing this law, the U.S. government has allowed foreign vessels some latitude if they are traveling from a “distant foreign port,” according to the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO. In those cases, passengers can be dropped off in a different U.S. port as long as the foreign vessel stops at an intervening foreign port. But this is not allowed for voyages whose itineraries include stops at “nearby foreign ports,” which are defined by 9/11 Report Identifies Need to Invest in Maritime One of the findings in the 9/11 Commission Report, issued July 22, 2004, is that “major vulnerabilities still exist in cargo and general aviation security.” The non-partisan 9/11 Commission was established by Congress and President George W. Bush to investigate “facts and circumstances relating to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.” The final report made dozens of recommendations for changing U.S. policy and overhauling the management structure of federal agencies, especially within the intelligence community. But it also made a number of recommendations related to border and transportation security, particularly the need to invest more in maritime, surface transportation, air cargo, general aviation and rail security. The 567-page report notes that most of the federal response has focused on air passenger transportation, while leaving cargo security as a serious concern. “Opportunities to do harm are as great, or greater, in maritime or surface transportation,” it states. “Initiatives to secure shipping containers have just begun.” A specific recommendation set forth in the report is for the U.S. government to identify and evaluate the transportation assets that need to be protected and then select the most practical and cost- effective ways of doing so. It notes that while investments should be made for improvements in technologies (such as scanning), widespread use of these new technologies is still years away. With the United States as the primary target of terrorist activities, a number of actions were taken immediately after the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The U.S Coast Guard established security zones in various major U.S. ports and has continued to mandate a variety of maritime security enhancements. Congress also got involved and enacted several security measures. The major legislation relating to the maritime industry is the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. This Act, which created the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), now part of the Homeland Security Department, contains a number of provisions authorizing the Coast Guard and other agencies to establish maritime security standards and mandate certain security enhancements to be undertaken by the maritime industry. New security measures adopted by the United Nations in December 2002 to protect international shipping from the threat of terrorism went into effect July 1. As of last month, both ships Continued on page 9 and port facilities were approaching complete compliance (nearly 90 percent) with the new code, which requires all ships to be security-certified by the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) before they are free to trade. When the Senate Commerce Committee met last month, following its summer recess, most of the testimony and discussion focused on aviation security issues. Thomas Kean, chairman of the 9/11 Commission, discussed maritime security near the end of his testimony. He acknowledged the Maritime Transportation Security Act and U.S. ports’ implementation of “some physical security measures to prevent terrorists from gaining easy access to ships, facilities or cargo,” but noted that, despite recent efforts, the majority of containers are not inspected, and “documentation requirements are easy to circumvent.” He also said, “The Commission believes that the Department of Homeland Security must continue to focus efforts on identifying, tracking and screening suspect containers,” but that maritime security will probably continue to see less of the funding many feel is needed to secure ports and cargo. The maritime sector is expected to get more attention during a hearing by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Coast Guard and Transportation Subcommittee. It was scheduled to meet Aug. 25, just before the LOG went to press. September 2004 �24133_PG1_3,12,13,19,18cx.qxd 8/26/2004 8:51 PM Page 3 SIU Gains More New Jobs SBX Is Latest Platform for Seafarers as Fourth Arm of Defense There’s nothing vague about the dozens of new jobs available to Seafarers on the union’s newest contracted vessel. At least, there’s nothing murky about the jobs themselves. The vessel is another matter, solely because of national security. For now, relatively few details are available about the Seafarerscrewed semi-submersible craft which is part of a U.S. operation called ground-based midcourse defense (GMD). The U.S. Missile Defense Agency is in charge of GMD—which, despite its title, includes a sea-based component. “This is another example of Seafarers serving as part of our nation’s fourth arm of defense,” said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. “The SIU has delivered wide and diverse service to our country, including performing very well on other ships of this nature. The fact that we’re crewing up another one shows confidence in the membership’s professionalism and expertise.” While the government has been understandably cautious in releasing details about the waterborne craft, a few basics are known. The ship essentially is a mobile platform for an advanced radar system. It is 400 feet long and 237 feet wide, self-propelled and features a twin-hull design. For now, it is being called the SBX—an abbreviation for seabased X-Band radar. The SBX will be forward-deployed in the Pacific Rim. SIU-contracted Interocean Ugland Management is operating the SBX. Seafarers late last month were on site with the vessel in Texas and were scheduled to fully crew it soon. GMD contractor Boeing describes ground-based midcourse defense as follows. Additional information is available on line at www.boeing.com: “Although the Cold War has ended, the threat of attack on the United States by long-range ballistic missiles remains real—and is growing. In addition to the recognized nuclear powers of the world, numerous other countries have ballistic missiles, some of which are working on weapons of mass destruction: nuclear, chemical or biological. If any of these weapons was ever launched, thousands or even millions of lives could be lost. Yet despite this growing threat, many Americans erroneously believe our nation has a super-secret device to shield our country from ballistic missiles. “The purpose of the Department of Defense’s Groundbased Midcourse Defense (GMD) program is to develop and potentially deploy an efficient, effective system that detects, tracks and destroys incoming missiles before they enter our atmosphere. The program is in its development phase.” Boeing’s GMD program team and the Missile Defense Agency dedicated the nation’s first ballistic missile defense site at Fort Tanker Alaskan Frontier Delivered Greely, Alaska, on July 3. The dedication marked completion of construction of the first GMD missile field. “The progress made on the GMD program at the Fort Greely site over the past two years has been outstanding,” said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Integrated Defense Sys- Seafarers Still Support Troops Through Iraqi Freedom Sealift Seafarers continue to uphold their legacy as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense as they sail aboard U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessels that remain mobilized for the sealift component of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Based on well-publicized government projections of troop deployment in Iraq, it appears likely that a substantial number of U.S.-flag military support ships will remain involved in the sealift mission for the foreseeable future. As was the case during military support missions before and during the all-out combat phase of the war in Iraq and Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 (OIF2), Seafarers will be tasked to deliver the goods to U.S. armed forces in the Middle East. “They will answer the call with quiet, determined patriotism and a level of professionalism that’s second to none,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco. More than 2,000 SIU members crewed 100-plus vessels in support of U.S. troops during the first phase of OIF. As of May, approximately 60 SIU-crewed vessels remained active in the massive OIF2 resupply mission that commenced early this year. Among the SIU-crewed ships which sailed in OIF2 were SL-7s operated by AMSEA; Ready Reserve Force vessels operated by Crowley, Keystone, Mormac, Marine Transport Lines, Pacific Gulf Marine, and Patriot Contract Services; and LMSRs operated by Maersk Line, Limited. MSC also reported that U.S.-flag ships carried heavy volumes of combat service support gear for forces working to steady Iraq. Overall, approximately 24 million square feet of cargo belonging to nine units in the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army and National Guard was moved by ship during OIF2. For Seafarers, the ongoing mission is the continuation of a patriotic duty. As U.S. Maritime Administrator Captain William Schubert recently noted in comments about OIF2, “Over a year ago, when we first learned that U.S. armed forces would Seafarers-crewed military support ships (including the USNS Watson, above) have been instrumental throughout the various sealift phases of Operaion Iraqi Freedom. again be relying on American sealift to bring freedom to the Middle East, we called on you (U.S. mariners). We knew there was the potential for danger, but we also knew that the U.S. Merchant Marine would ensure that equipment and supplies would get to where they needed to be and on time. “Together, we planned for many contingencies and we coordinated for months before the Army landed in Iraq. We met the challenge—over 7,000 mariners and over 130 U.S.-flag ships brought the military their tanks, Humvees and other critical equipment that led to the freedom of the Iraqi people and the capture of Saddam Hussein. The work continues, and the men and women of the merchant marine remain actively engaged in replenishing equipment and supplies as our troops rotate into and out of Iraq.” Schubert also said that the Iraq missions have “once again shown how invaluable the U.S.-flag Merchant Marine is to our national security. We have an opportunity to reinforce support for the merchant marine by demonstrating the economic value of a strong and vibrant U.S.-based maritime industry.” ITF Secures Back Wages For Flinternoord Mariners The SIU-contracted Alaskan Frontier leaves San Diego Bay last month. The SIU-contracted tanker Alaskan Frontier, operated by Alaska Tanker Co., was delivered last month. The ship is the first of four double-hull oil tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA by San Diego-based National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO). As previously reported, the Alaskan Frontier is 941 feet long and has a beam of 164 feet. It has a capacity of 1.3 million barrels and will sail between ports in Alaska, Los Angeles and Cherry Point, Wash., among others. NASSCO noted that the Alaskan Frontier as well as the other three new builds feature the latest in international marine technologies, including twin-screw, medium-speed, diesel-electric propulsion that can achieve a speed of more than 15 knots. The environmentally friendly ships come fitted with the most modern machinery and cargo control systems and an integrated navigation system. The double hulls are designed to last 35 years, while the deck structures are made to last 50 years. “The diesel-electric propulsion system, with redundant engines, shafts and screws, significantly increases reliability and reduces air emissions and maintenance downtime,” NASSCO reported last month when it announced delivery. “The ships also use seawater instead of oil to cool and lubricate their propeller shafts, thus eliminating the possibility of accidental oil leaks. Their cargo piping, normally installed on the deck, is inside the cargo tanks, to reduce the risk of small spills.” The other three ships are scheduled for deliveries between now and 2006. September 2004 tems. “GMD is one of the first real system-of-systems programs and ranks among the most complex programs the country has ever undertaken.” An International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) inspector from the SIU, assisted by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), recently secured more than $4,000 in back pay and transportation costs for the captain and bosun of a Gibraltar-flag ship. On July 13, ITF Inspector Don Thornton received a call from the ITF’s London headquarters, which was tracking the Noord due to a back-wage claim. “The ITF had been getting the runaround from the company,” Thornton said, referring to ship operator EMF ConBulk of Leer, Germany. “Because of the tools the ITF has in place, I learned that the ship’s name recently had been changed to Flinternoord. It was due in to Toledo, Ohio and then Cleveland.” Thornton contacted Cleveland-based ILA International Vice President John Baker, “who assured me that whatever the ITF needed, the ILA would provide. With the backing of the ILA, I was very confident.” When Thornton contacted EMS ConBulk, the company initially denied its obligation. However, faced with the prospect of ITF action, the case quickly was resolved July 15 when Thornton boarded the Flinternoord in Cleveland. In addition to the back pay and transportation reimbursement for the crew members, Thornton also recovered the costs for his expenses related to this case. “The ILA’s cooperation was crucial,” Thornton said. “It was a team effort and another successful outcome.” The SIU is affiliated with the ITF, a federation of more than 600 transport-worker unions in 140 countries. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel is vice chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section. Left: ITF Inspector Don Thornton (center) credited ILA officials Jack Duff (left) and John Baker (right) with helping resolve the case of the Flinternoord. An SIU-crewed Great Lakes Towing Company tugboat assists the Flinternoord into Cleveland Seafarers LOG 3 �24133_P4,5,8,10,11,15_18,20,22,23.qxd 8/26/2004 6:20 PM Page 4 Committee Reviews Nomination Petitions For Union Election The credentials committee, composed of six rank-and-file SIU members, has reviewed all nominating petitions of SIU members seeking office in the 2004 district-wide elections in the union’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. After meeting last month and studying the nomination applications to ensure each candidate had complied with the criteria spelled out in the SIU’s constitution, the credentials committee issued its report, which will be presented to the membership for its approval at the September meetings. Twenty-nine candidates for 27 ballot positions qualified to run in the election, which takes place Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, the committee reported. Members of the committee were elected at the August headquarters membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Voted to the committee by their fellow Seafarers were: Representing the deck department, Anthony Maben (port of Norfolk) and David Martz (port of Baltimore); representing the engine department, Michael Joel (port of Philadelphia) and Michael Kirby (port of Philadelphia); and, representing the steward department, Edward Tull (port of Baltimore) and Bill Kelly (port of Philadelphia). Martz was selected by committee to serve as chairman. During the Aug. 2 membership meeting, Seafarers had to present their union books in order to be nominated to the committee. After the voting took place, results immediately were made known. The union constitution establishes guidelines for the credentials committee in Article XIII, Section 2. According to those rules, the committee must be elected at the port where headquarters is located (Piney Point). The credentials committee must comprise six full-book members, including two members from each of the three shipboard departments: deck, engine and steward. Additionally, no elected official or candidate for union office is permitted to serve on the committee. Members seeking the position of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, vice president, assistant vice president, or one of 10 port agent posts had to submit nominating papers between July 15 and Aug. 15. The Seafarers who served on the credentials committee also were elected by their fellow members to serve on the constitutional committee, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of the union’s constitution. They issued a separate report detailing the proposed constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot. SIU President Underscores Unity in Maritime Labor SIU President Michael Sacco was a featured speaker early last month at the 80th convention of the Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P), which took place in Linthicum Heights, Md. He emphasized the exceptional cooperation among U.S. maritime unions—a theme echoed by Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association President Ron Davis and American Maritime Officers President Michael McKay in their respective addresses to the convention. U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow, AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Richard Trumka and U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes (DMd.) were among the other guest speakers. “For a number of years now, the cooperation among American maritime labor has been outstanding,” Sacco stated. “We’re also working well with the rest of the industry, but our survival and our success really start with productive relationships among the unions. “That’s not to say that we agree on 100 percent of the issues, 100 percent of the time,” he continued. “But we’re doing a good job of finding common ground and generally speaking with one voice to the outside world.” He cited the new U.S. Maritime Security Program as “a great example of what we can achieve when we work together. You all know how complex the legislative process can be, and how much support it takes to pass a program like the expanded MSP. In this case, we had plenty of people to thank…. But the MM&P, the SIU and the other unions deserve credit, too. We’re 4 Seafarers LOG U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka the ones who got the ball rolling, and we were able to do it because we took a united approach.” Sacco said the unions also showed excellent teamwork during the buildup to Operation Iraqi Freedom, during the sealift mission itself and again during Iraqi Freedom 2. “As far as the U.S. Merchant Marine is concerned, everything about those operations was a great success.” Turning his attention to current events, the SIU president said more cooperation, effort and creativity are needed “as we tackle the biggest issue currently facing our industry: shipboard and port security. As you may have noticed, not everything was solved on July 1. The Maritime Transportation Security Act and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code will be evolving for a while, in practice if not in writing. And of course, those aren’t the only security regulations affecting our members and our unions. “Here again, our best chance for success is working together,” he added. “That’s true on the Coast Guard’s port security committees. It’s true when it comes to protecting our members’ interests in the documentation process. And it’s true when it comes to ensuring fairness in the training regulations that impact licensed and unlicensed seamen.” Among other topics, Sacco also discussed the health care crisis and the joint efforts of several maritime union plans administrators to contain costs while continuing to provide good benefits. Secretary Snow, who once served as CEO of CSX Corp., stated, “We need to recognize we are in a world economy, but getting a level playing field for the U.S. maritime industry has to be a national priority.” Senator Sarbanes noted that one out of five jobs is dependent in some form on the maritime industry. He said that while the United States is one of the leading maritime trading nations, not enough of the cargo is carried on American-flag ships. Serving on the rank-and-file credentials committee as well as the constitution committee are Seafarers (from left to right) Anthony Maben, Michael Kirby, Edward Tull, David Martz, Bill Kelly and Michael Joel. Apostleship of the Sea Sends Prayers and Support To U.S. Merchant Mariners Earlier this year, the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America convened in Traverse City, Mich. for its annual membership meeting. During the meeting, a number of resolutions were passed, and a message to mariners was prepared. The texts of the message to mariners and the resolution for mariners follow. Message to all Merchant Mariners on Maritime Day, May 22, 2004 From the Apostleship of the Sea of the U.S.A. As you continue your journey across the waters, may we assure you that we recognize and thank you for: your service to God and Mankind. Your work is crucial to the well-being of economic progress and maritime safety in these troubled times. your work as bearers of God’s commodities. By bringing these gifts to others, you contribute to the well-being of the citizens of the world. your personal sacrifice of separation from family and loved ones. This sacrifice gives testimony to what is good and human. As you journey, remember that you are called: to be a lighthouse beacon to others. You are entrusted to bring a spark of divine light to those you come in to contact with on board and ashore. to be a fully responsible person showing the dignity of God within you. While the burdens of your life-style are not understood by most of society, we urge you to be fully responsible for your own personal actions, safety and well-being. You are a child of God, a member of a family, and a member of a community. You are important and unique and must treat yourself as such. to work toward spiritual and personal growth. Despite your limited time for spiritual reflection, we urge you to do your utmost in this regard, to ensure that God has a space in your life. He travels with you. Make a place for Him. Be assured that the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America: prays daily for your well-being, the well-being of your mates, and the well-being of your loved ones. stands in solidarity with you in these trying days of port security which may often leave you, or your mates with no access to shore leave, phones or communication with your loved ones. stands ready to serve you in the Mission of Christ, by caring for your spiritual, emotional and material needs while you are in port in a far away land. continues to be advocates for you and with you, as you face difficulties on unfamiliar shores. offers you the Sacraments of the Church. You are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Our most important gift to each other is the gift of Christ. A Resolution by The Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America To the United States Merchant Mariners WHEREAS, the United States Merchant Marine has served the people of the United States valiantly since 1776; WHEREAS, courageous United States mariners constructed and sustained a steel bridge across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to support American and Allied forces fighting for freedom for an oppressed Europe and Japan; WHEREAS, United States Merchant Mariners were instrumental to the success of our fighting forces on the Korean Peninsula, in Southeast Asia, and in myriad smaller conflicts throughout the world; WHEREAS, the United States Merchant Marine willingly places itself in dangerous and life threatening situations in order to deliver humanitarian supplies for our nation’s humanitarian efforts throughout the world; AND WHEREAS, the seafarers of the United States Merchant Marine courageously and unselfishly place themselves in harm’s way to support America’s fighting forces; BE IT RESOLVED that the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America in session at its 3rd Annual Conference at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, Michigan, sends its prayers and support to our U.S. Merchant Mariners who are transporting humanitarian and military cargo to the war zones of the Middle East. May God carry you in the palm of His hands. May His seas be calm and His weather fair. And may Our Lady Star of the Sea watch over you, and through her intercessions, bring you safely home to your family and friends. September 2004 �24133_P4,5,8,10,11,15_18,20,22,23.qxd 8/26/2004 6:20 PM Page 5 Tighter Security Shouldn’t Mean Weakening Mariners’ Rights Heindel: ‘Human Element Must Not be Overlooked’ SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, participating in the seventh annual Worldwide Labor Officers’ Conference, said that increased shipboard and port security must not erode mariners’ rights. Representing both the SIU and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), on which he serves as vice chair of the Seafarers’ Section, Heindel delivered remarks July 22 at the U.S. Department of State, which hosted the conference in Washington, D.C. He spoke primarily about shore leave and crew-list visas, while also touching on the Consolidated Maritime Labor Convention and the need for fair implementation of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code when it comes to protecting workers’ rights and jurisdiction. “In a nutshell, the SIU’s position as well as that of the ITF is this: We fully and completely support maritime security, but we also firmly believe that security must be effectively balanced with seafarers’ rights,” Heindel stated. “The human element must not be overlooked.” He told the other officials that it is contradictory for mariners to have an important security role under the ISPS Code and at the same time be treated as a threat. “Policies or practices that deny shore leave are counterproductive to security objectives,” Heindel stated. “Along those lines, both the SIU and the ITF strongly support ILO Convention 185. As many of you know, Convention 185 was unanimously ratified last year by delegates to the ILO forum in Geneva. It calls for a universal mariner identification document. It also states the critical need for shore leave and further specifies that ‘seafarers shall not be required to hold a visa.’” As previously reported, all mariners must possess D-1 (nonimmigration) visas to go ashore in the U.S. After September 11, 2001, the Immigration and Naturalization Service ceased issuing crew-list visas. It also changed its rules regarding the INS agent issuing waivers for mariners to go ashore if they did not have a D-1 visa. Heindel mentioned that eliminating crew-list visas has led to concern that U.S. mariners may unjustly be denied leave overseas. Already, several other countries have indicated that they will implement regulations that parallel those of the United States, “which absolutely would impact American seafarers,” he noted. He added, “Still another concern—for all mariners—is that many consulates simply don’t have the resources to handle visa applications in a timely manner, if at all. Visas cannot be applied for by mail, and the waiting period to apply in person is often measured in months.” The new mariner identification document stipulated in ILO Convention 185 should be accepted as an ID for the mariner, and in place of the D-1 visa, Heindel said. Wrapping up his comments about shore leave, he cited a recent newspaper editorial which pointed out alienating foreign mariners by denying them shore leave is counterproductive to combating terrorism. “I also firmly Coast Guard’s Authority, Responsibilities Grow President Bush on Aug. 9 signed the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004. The measure, the result of a House-Senate compromise, approves spending nearly $8.2 billion in the budget year beginning Oct. 1 for U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) activities, which include search and rescue missions, national defense, interdiction of contraband and maritime resource protection, as well as protecting the nation’s 95,000 miles of coastline. The legislation on July 21 passed on a 425-1 vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. On Aug. 5, the Senate approved the measure on a voice vote and sent it to the president for his signature. Prior to its arrival on the House American Jobs Creation Act Includes Maritime Provisions The U.S. House of Representatives on June 17 approved the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, legislation some say could have significant effects on the U.S. maritime industry when and if it becomes law. The measure, described by a number of Washington insiders as a thick manuscript to create jobs for American workers by providing tax relief for U.S. companies, contains two provisions that could have important impacts on the U.S. maritime industry. It includes a stipulation that would allow U.S.flag vessel operators in the international trades the option of paying their income taxes based on vessel tonnage. Secondly, it adopts language contained in the Navy Vessel Delivery Method of Accounting Act (H.R. 1479), which has been endorsed by most segments of America’s shipbuilding industry. The shipbuilding provision of the act, said the Maritime Trades Department (MTD), AFL-CIO, would make a badly needed change to the U.S. tax code by eliminating discriminatory penalties on defense contractors requiring them to make tax payments on income before it is received. The Internal Revenue Service normally does not tax a foreign subsidiary’s income until it returns to the U.S. parent company as dividends. But the 1986 Tax Reform Act put ocean shipping under the IRS code’s Subpart F, which requires companies to pay taxes directly on selected foreign income. Before 1986, U.S. investors in foreign tonnage could defer taxes on capital accumulated to replace vessels or expand their fleets. Reform advocates say that the loss of the benefit is linked directly to the decline in the U.S.-owned share of the global commercial fleet. The shipbuilding provision, according to the MTD executive board, should be adopted as part of a larger federal commitment to preserving a domestic shipbuilding industry (other components should September 2004 believe that beyond the practical considerations, there’s an issue of compassion involved here,” Heindel said. “Voyages often last for weeks at a time, sometimes months at a time. Because of automation in ports, there’s usually very little time ashore to begin with. Now, even that small amount of shore leave is threatened or denied. It’s simply unnec- essary and unfair to confine mariners to their ships.” Lastly, he pointed out that the SIU and the ITF also stand together in support of the Consolidated Maritime Labor Convention, which ultimately promises to benefit seafarers around the globe. As the name suggests, the convention aims to bring together dozens of maritime treaties with the ultimate goal of a safer, better, more streamlined set of guidelines. “We’ve been involved in the discussions and we fully support moving forward,” Heindel concluded. “We will continue to work closely with the ILO tripartite body to help ensure proper, effective adoption and implementation of the Consolidated Maritime Labor Convention.” include more monies for the Title XI shipbuilding loan guarantee program and an increase in the U.S. Naval vessel construction building rate). During its meetings earlier this year, the board also endorsed the idea of a tonnage tax, noting that such a method had been adopted by a number of countries in Europe and elsewhere as a means of countering increasing international competition from so-called flags of convenience. “With a growing number of foreign-flag fleets benefiting from tonnage tax systems, it will become increasingly difficult for U.S.-flag ships to operate competitively in international trades without the same advantage,” the board said. “The harm will extend to U.S. flag vessels in our domestic trades…” While both provisions hold the promise of better things to come for U.S. shipping, there are no guarantees are on the horizon, various maritime industry news reports have noted. At most, the tax incentives give U.S. interests parity with foreign competitors. They could promote exports, enhance security and mitigate the need for government subsidies, the articles said. The measure moved through the House after being cleared on June 14 by the House Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Rep. William Thomas (R-Calif.). Rep. William J. Jefferson, (D-La.) urged Congressman Thomas to include a “tonnage tax” provision in a new version of the legislation. The tonnage tax is expected to provide additional employment for thousands of U.S. mariners and shoreside staff in Louisiana and elsewhere around the country. The tonnage tax provision will benefit U.S.flag vessel owners engaging in international trade, Jefferson said. The Joint Tax Committee estimates the proposed cost of the legislation over a 10-year period at $68 million. floor for action, the bill in early July had been scrutinized by a House and Senate conference committee. Published reports say the only sticking point between the two sides was over a Housepassed provision that would require the USCG to certify a security plan for every foreign vessel entering U.S. ports. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) said the language would “detract” the agency from meeting its other maritime security missions, subject domestic vessels to similar requirements from foreign countries and cost the agency limited resources. U.S. Rep. James Oberstar (DMinn.), ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure panel, offered a compromise proposal that would require the USCG to review the criteria for certifying a foreign vessel’s security plan. After a few rounds of debate between Congressmen McCain and Oberstar, the two agreed to table the proposal and retain current practice, which depends on foreign governments or designated private or quasi-government groups to approve a ship’s security plan. The USCG does employ targeting tools to analyze potential threats and intercept suspected vessels. The conferees agreed to staff recommendations that included a House measure, H.R. 4251, which would allow USCG officers to make arrests and carry handguns. Lawmakers also agreed to the House’s recommendation for $1.1 billion to the USCG’s 20-year initiative to modernize the agency’s information technology systems, infrastructure and assets. The Senate had proposed $708 million. House Transportation Committee Chairman Don Young (RAlaska) said he had concerns that some of the traditional functions of the USCG would suffer because of the stress on security operations, but was optimistic the legislation would “get the service back to an acceptable state of mission balance.” Senator Fritz Hollings (D-S.C.) said he had secured $300 million in the bill for port security measures that was not requested by the administration. “I believe the provision of these funds is essential to the security of our ports, our waterways and our maritime transportation industry,” he said. In addition to funding the USCG, the measure includes major provisions of interest to the U.S. maritime community, as follows: Gives the USCG broader authority regarding issuance, revocation and suspension of merchant mariner credentials and documents. For instance, it removes the mandatory revocation of MMDs for certain convictions in cases involving suspension or revocation. It also adds “security threat” as a basis for which the agency may suspend or revoke an MMD. Adds a new section to Chapter 701 of Title 46 USC to provide express authority to the USCG to carry a firearm, to seize property, and to make an arrest while at a maritime facility under guidelines to be approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Establishes liability for any vessel violating the Maritime Transportation Security Act, in order to recover financial penalties assessed following such violations, and certain costs related to compliance with lawfully issued orders. Authorizes the captain of the port to withhold clearance of any vessel if the owner or operator is suspected to be subject to a financial penalty resulting from violations of port security violations. Requires the USCG to develop a long-range vessel tracking system consistent with international treaties, conventions, and agreements to which the United States is a party, and allows the USCG to acquire vessel risk profiling data from the private sector. Also requires the secretary to develop a plan to improve the collection, collaboration, coordination, dissemination and use of maritime information by Federal agencies and requires the agency to submit this plan to Congressional committees. Directs the secretary to establish a grant program for implementation of the Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and Facility Security Plans that will be reviewed by the Federal Maritime Security Coordinator and the Maritime Administration prior to a grant being awarded. In addition, the secretary is required to transmit a report and provide recommendations for the grant process. Continued on page 14 Seafarers LOG 5 �24133_Pg6,7,9,14,21,24.qxd 8/26/2004 8:25 PM Page 6 Credentials Approved for Candidates to 27 Union Offices Report of Credentials Committee On Candidates for 2004 Election of Officers, 2005-2008 SIUNA-AGLIWD/NMU We, the undersigned members of the Credentials Committee, were duly elected at the regular membership meeting held in Headquarters-Port of Piney Point on August 2, 2004. We have examined the credentials of candidates for elective office or job in the Seafarers International Union of North America-Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU for the years 2005-2008, in accordance with Article XI, Section 1, and submit the following report. Your Committee qualified or disqualified those members who submitted for office based upon the Union Constitution, particularly those provisions contained in Articles XII and XIII. The applicable constitutional provisions are as follows: ARTICLE XII, Qualifications for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Port Agents, and Other Elective Jobs. Section 1. Any member of the Union is eligible to be a candidate for, and hold, any office or the job of Assistant VicePresident, or Port Agent provided: (a) He has at least three (3) years of seatime in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels. In computing time, time spent in the employ of the Union, its subsidiaries and its affiliates, or in any employment at the Union's direction, shall count the same as seatime. Union records, Welfare Plan records and/or company records can be used to determine eligibility; and (b) He has been a full book member in continuous good standing in the Union for at least three (3) years immediately prior to his nomination; and (c) He has at least one hundred (100) days of seatime, in an unlicensed capacity, aboard an American-flag vessel or vessels covered by contract with this Union or one hundred (100) days of employment with, or in any office or job of, the Union, its subsidiaries and its affiliates, or in any employment at the Union's direction or a combination of these, between January 1 and the time of nomination in the election year, except if such seatime is wholly aboard such merchant vessels operating solely upon the Great Lakes or, if such seatime is wholly aboard tugboats, towboats or dredges and contractual employment thereon is for fixed days with equal amount of days off, he shall have at least sixty-five (65) days of such seatime instead of the foregoing one hundred (100) days; and (d) He is a citizen of the United States of America; and (e) He is not disqualified by law. He is not receiving a pension from this Union's Pension Fund, if any, or from a UnionManagement Fund to which this Union is a party or from a company under contract with this Union; and (f) He has not sailed in a licensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels within 24 consecutive months immediately prior to the opening of nominations. Section 2. All candidates for, and holders of, other elective jobs not specified in the preceding sections shall be full book members of the Union. Section 3. All candidates for, and holders of elective offices and jobs, whether elected or appointed in accordance with this Constitution, shall maintain full book membership in good standing. ARTICLE XIII, Election for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, and Port Agents. Section 1. Nominations. Except as provided in Section 2(b) of this Article, any full book member may submit his name for nomination for any office, or the job of Assistant VicePresident, or Port Agent, by delivering or causing to be delivered in person, to the office of the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, or sending, a letter addressed to the Credentials Committee, in care of the Secretary-Treasurer, at the address of Headquarters. This letter shall be dated and shall contain the following: (a) The name of the candidate. (b) His home address and mailing address. (c) His book number. (d) The title of the office or other job for which he is a candidate including the name of the Port in the event the position sought is that of Port Agent. (e) Proof of citizenship. (f) Proof of seatime and/or employment as required for candidates. (g) In the event the member is on a vessel, he shall notify the Credentials Committee what vessel he is on. This shall be done also if he ships subsequent to forwarding his credentials. 6 Seafarers LOG (h) Annexing a certificate in the following form, signed and dated by the proposed nominee: “I hereby certify that I am not now, nor, for the five (5) years last past, have I been either a member of the Communist Party or convicted of, or served any part of a prison term resulting from conviction of robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or violation of Title II or III of the Landrum-Griffin Act, or conspiracy to commit any such crimes.” Dated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Signature of Member. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Book No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printed forms of the certificate shall be made available to nominees. Where a nominee cannot truthfully execute such a certificate, but is, in fact, legally eligible for an office or job by reason of the restoration of civil rights originally revoked by such conviction or a favorable determination by the Board of Parole of the United States Department of Justice, he shall, in lieu of the foregoing certificate, furnish a complete signed statement of the facts of his case together with true copies of the documents supporting his statement. Any full book member may nominate any other full book member in which event such full book member so nominated shall comply with the provisions of this Article as they are set forth herein, relating to the submission of credentials. By reason of the above self nomination provision the responsibility, if any, for notifying a nominee of his nomination to office, shall be that of the nominator. All documents required herein must reach Headquarters no earlier than July 15 and no later than August 15 of the election year. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged with safekeeping of these letters and shall turn them over to the Credentials Committee upon the latter's request. In order to ascertain the meaning of the term "member in good standing" which is used in Article XII, Subsection 1(b), the Committee referred to Article XXIV, Section 9 of our Constitution which reads as follows: “Section 9. The term ‘member in good standing’ shall mean a member whose monetary obligations to the Union are not in arrears for thirty days or more, or who is not under suspension or expulsion effective in accordance with this Constitution. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, the term 'member' shall mean a member in good standing.” Your Committee sought guidance from the Union's General Counsel and the Secretary-Treasurer as to whether this section would apply to a member who is unable to pay dues because of employment aboard an American flag merchant vessel as stated in Article III, Section 3(e). Your Committee was advised that, in keeping with past practice and constitutional interpretation, the same thirty (30) day grace period should be applied in these situations. Accordingly, when a member who is working on foreign articles leaves the vessel, the dues for the applicable quarter must be paid within thirty (30) days from the date of discharge in order to maintain good standing. Your Committee also referred to Article XXIV, Section 13 for the definition of the term "seatime". This section reads as follows: “Section 13. The term 'seatime' shall include employment upon any navigable waters, or days of employment in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union.” We also noted in Article XXIV, Section 14, the meaning of the term "in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels." This portion of the Constitution reads as follows: “Section 14. The term "in an unlicensed capacity aboard an American-flag merchant vessel or vessels' shall include persons employed in an unlicensed or licensed capacity aboard dredges, tugboats, towboats and similar vessels used to tow, propel, or push barges or other conveyances or assist merchant vessels in docking or undocking, or persons otherwise employed in a contracted employer unit represented by the Union.” We also noted that Article XII, Section 1 (e) would preclude any otherwise eligible member from running for office if he or she was receiving a pension from an affiliated plan. We noted that this provision has already been interpreted by the Union's Executive Board and approved by the membership at membership meetings in a manner which would not disqualify an individual who is receiving such a benefit solely by virtue of having reached the age of 70 and ½. We further noted that this issue was referred by the Executive Board to the Constitutional Committee and the membership for their ratification during this election. Your committee sought guidance from the Union's General Counsel who advised us that we could qualify any otherwise eligible member to run for office based upon this interpretation. Accordingly, your committee decided not to disqualify any otherwise eligible individual from running for office if he or she is receiving a pension benefit from an affiliated plan solely by virtue of having reached the age of 70 and ½. After full and careful deliberations, the Committee made its decisions and sent appropriate notification to candidates. The ultimate decisions of this Committee are later set forth. In arriving at these ultimate decisions, the Committee was most concerned with carrying out a stated principle of our Union which is that “every qualified member shall have the right to nominate himself for, and, if elected or appointed, to hold office in this Union.” In connection with the foregoing, we have also consulted with the SecretaryTreasurer who, under our Constitution, has the obligation to insure appropriate election procedures as legally required (Article XIII, Section 7). Our Secretary-Treasurer has further consulted with the Union's Counsel as to the law applicable in Union nominations and elections. The following is a complete listing of all members who submitted their credentials to the Committee. Their names and the office or job for which they submitted such credentials are listed in the order in which this Committee feels they should be placed on the general ballot, that is, in alphabetical order under the office or job for which they run, and that the Ports, following the Headquarters offices, beginning with Piney Point, be arranged on the ballot geographically, as has been done in the past. After each man's name and book number is his qualification or disqualification, followed by the reason for that decision. PRESIDENT Michael J. Sacco, S-1288 Qualified Credentials in order. EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT John Fay, F-363 Qualified Credentials in order SECRETARY-TREASURER David W. Heindel, H-1443 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT Carl Sands, S-2296 Qualified Credentials in order Augustin Tellez, T-764 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATLANTIC COAST Patrick Joseph Lavin, L-1175 Disqualified—was not in continuous good standing for 3 years prior to time of nomination Joseph T. Soresi, S-2658 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST Wade Cocek, C-5976 Disqualified - was not in continuous good standing for 3 years prior to time of nomination Dean E. Corgey, C-5727 Qualified Credentials in order Edward O'Connor, O-599 Nomination Withdrawn VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST Nicholas J. Marrone, M-2308 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS Thomas Orzechowski, Jr, O-601 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES Kermett T. Mangram, M-2394 Qualified Credentials in order VICE-PRESIDENTS AT LARGE John Jaradat, J-15013 Disqualified - was not in continuous good standing for 3 years prior to time of nomination; did not have at least 100 days of seatime or Union employment between January 1 and time of nomination; and had sailed in a licensed capacity within the past 24 months René Lioeanjie, L-15000 Qualified Credentials in order Charles Stewart, S-15000 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT George Tricker, T-919 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATLANTIC COAST Nicholas A. Celona, C-1578 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST Ambrose L. Cucinotta, C-1795 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST Don Anderson, A-5244 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS James P. McGee, M-5945 Qualified Credentials in order ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES Chester Wheeler, W-25058 Qualified Credentials in order PINEY POINT PORT AGENT Edward W. Morris, M-1358 Qualified Credentials in order John Sparks, S-2351 Nomination Withdrawn NEW YORK PORT AGENT Robert Selzer, S-1258 Qualified Credentials in order PHILADELPHIA PORT AGENT Joseph Mieluchowski, M-2933 Qualified Credentials in order BALTIMORE PORT AGENT Georg Kenny, K-1041 Qualified Credentials in order Michael Murphy, M-2483 Qualified Credentials in order MOBILE PORT AGENT Edward Kelly, Jr. K-5043 Qualified Credentials in order NEW ORLEANS PORT AGENT Steven W. Judd, J-5336 Qualified Credentials in order HOUSTON PORT AGENT Anthony M. McQuay, M-2735 Qualified Credentials in order SAN FRANCISCO PORT AGENT Vincent Francis Coss, C-8138 Qualified Credentials in order ST. LOUIS PORT AGENT Rebecca J. Sleeper, S-2497 Qualified Credentials in order DETROIT-ALGONAC PORT AGENT Donald A. Thornton, T-5501 Qualified Credentials in order As you will note in the foregoing sections of the Committee's Report, the provisions of the SIU Constitution governing election procedures made it mandatory that some of the nominees be disqualified. In light of these circumstances, the Committee wishes to call to the attention of all members the necessity of following all requirements and procedures which are established by our Constitution to govern eligibility for candidacy to Union office. However, at this time, the Committee particularly desires to point out the provisions of Article XIII, Section 2(c) of the Constitution, which spell out in detail the right of a disqualified candidate to appeal from the decision of the Credentials Committee and how he does it. In compliance with Article XIII, Section 2(b) of our Constitution, and in an attempt to give every nominee every consideration and to try to prevent any disqualifications by this Committee, David Martz, of the Credentials Committee, remained at the entrance of the Headquarters building of the Union until midnight of Sunday, August 15, 2004, to receive any credentials that might have been delivered by hand after the closing of business hours by the Union. Additionally, the Committee noted that it received copies of two (2) memoranda that were issued outlining additional procedures to be followed on Saturday, August 14, 2004 and Sunday, August 15, 2004 for overnight and regular mail delivery and for any member who should appear in person to submit his credentials. The Committee points out that in the President's Pre-Balloting Report approved by the membership as per the Constitution and published in the May Seafarers LOG the exact offices and jobs for which nominations were to be made was set forth. In passing upon the credentials for certain of the nominees, this Committee had to make three (3) disqualifications, and the following are the details relative to each of those disqualifications: 1. Patrick Lavin, L-1175 – Candidate for Vice President in Charge of Atlantic Coast. Your committee noted the receipt of a letter dated July 25, 2004, addressed to David Heindel in which Brother Lavin requested his name be placed on the ballot for election to the position of Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast. Your committee also noted that David Heindel issued a letter dated August 4, 2004 via overnight mail requesting Brother Lavin submit his proof of citizenship and proof of seatime as required by Article XIII, Section 1 (e)(f) of the Constitution. Union records indicate that Brother Lavin was not in continuous good standing for three (3) years prior to the time of nomination which is needed to qualify for an elective job. Your committee noted that Union records show that Brother Lavin paid his Second Quarter 2002 dues on May 16, 2002 whereas they should have been paid no later than May 1, 2002. Based upon the provisions of Article XII, Section 1 (b), and further supported by Article III, Section 3; Article V and Article XXIV, Section 9 previously carried herein, the committee disqualified Brother Lavin for the job of Vice President in Charge of the Atlantic Coast. The Committee noted that Brother Lavin appeared at the Headquarters building on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 to submit his proof of citizenship and proof of seatime. The Committee accepted these documents and informed Brother Lavin of his disqualification for failing to remain a member in good standing. The Committee then gave Brother Lavin the opportunity to make an appeal regarding his disqualification. However, Brother Lavin was unable to provide a justifiable reason for the delinquent dues payment. The Committee upheld its decision to disqualify Brother Lavin and informed him that the next course of action would be to appeal his disqualification to the membership at a regular membership meeting no later than the October meeting. In accordance with the requirements of Article XIII, Section 2 (c) of our Constitution, and in order to assure adequate notice of its decision, the Committee informed Brother Lavin of his disqualification by Mailgram sent on August 17, 2004 to the address stated in his letter of nomination. Moreover, the Mailgram was followed by an overnight and certified letter dated August 17, 2004 from the Committee to Brother Lavin that set forth the reason for his disqualification. A copy of the Union Constitution was enclosed with the aforementioned letter so that Brother Lavin would have available the procedure to be followed in appeal from the disqualification decision of the Committee. 2. Wade Cocek, C-5976 – Candidate for Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast. Your committee noted the receipt of a letter dated August 3, 2004, addressed to David Heindel in which Brother Cocek requested his name be placed on the ballot for election to the position of Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast. Union records indicate that Brother Cocek was not in continuous good standing for three (3) years prior to the time of nomination which is needed to qualify for an elective job. Your committee noted that Union records show that Brother Cocek paid his Third Quarter 2001 dues on September 19, 2001 whereas they should have been paid no later than July 31, 2001. Union records also indicate that First Quarter 2002 dues Continued on page 7 September 2004 �24133_Pg6,7,9,14,21,24.qxd 8/26/2004 8:25 PM Page 7 REPORT OF CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE We, the undersigned Constitutional Committee, were elected at the Headquarters membership meeting, on August 2, 2004, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. We have had referred to us and studied, the proposed Constitutional Amendments Resolution submitted by our Executive Board. This Resolution, containing the proposed amendments, prior to its submission to us, was adopted by a majority vote of the membership at Headquarters and all ports. The provisions of the Resolution including its “WHEREAS” clauses, are summarized in this report and are attached in full so that all members will have available to them its full text for their review and study at the same time that they read this, our Report and Recommendation. Whereas, three changes were recommended. One which would amend the Constitution to enable otherwise active eligible members to fully participate in the affairs of the union by running for office even if such members were receiving pension benefits from an affiliated pension plan if such individuals were receiving these benefits as a result of changes in the Law which required the commencement of benefits due to age; the second would amend the Constitution to provide that the union's Credentials Committee could be elected at a regular or special membership meeting held in the month of August of an election year; and the third was simply a housekeeping change to delete the words “headquarters representative” anywhere that it may currently appear in the Constitution as this position has already been removed from the list of elected officers by prior membership action and voting; and Whereas, the Executive Board is aware of the fact that the union will be holding its general election for officers and jobholders this year as constitutionally mandated; consequently, it is suggested that, if this resolution is approved by the membership, the first two proposed Constitutional amendments should be included on the same ballot and be voted on simultaneously with the election for officers and jobholders; the third proposal which simply implements a prior membership mandate would not need to be included on the ballot; and Whereas, the union’s Executive Board unanimously concurred on all proposed constitutional revisions. The Executive Board hereby RESOLVES, that the following changes be made in the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf Lakes and Inland Waters District/ NMU. A. Amend Article XII, Section 1(e) to read as follows: “e. He is not disqualified by law. He is not receiving a pension from this Union's pension fund, if any, or from a Union-Management fund, to which fund this Union is a party or from a company under contract with this Union; unless such individual commenced receiving a pension benefit from any such fund by virtue of having reached the age of 70½.” B. Amend the first sentence of Article XIII, Section 2. to read as follows: Section II, Credentials Committee, Section (a). “a. A Credentials Committee shall be elected at either the regular meeting in August of the election year or at a special meeting convened in August of the election year at the Port where Headquarters is located.” The remaining provisions of this Section 2 and of Article XIII do not need to be amended. C. Effective Date of these Amendments All of the proposed amendments, Credentials Approved for Candidates to 27 Union Offices Continued from page 6 were paid on April 15, 2002 whereas they should have been paid no later than January 31, 2002; Third Quarter 2002 dues were paid August 14, 2002 whereas they should have been paid no later than July 31, 2002; Fourth Quarter 2002 dues were paid on November 12, 2002 whereas they should have been paid no later than October 31, 2002; First Quarter 2003 dues were paid on February 21, 2003 whereas they should have been paid no later than January 31, 2003; Second Quarter 2003 dues were paid on May 16, 2003 whereas they should have been paid no later than May 1, 2003; Third Quarter 2003 dues were paid on November 10, 2003 whereas they should have been paid no later than July 31, 2003; Fourth Quarter 2003 dues were paid on November 10, 2003 whereas they should have been paid no later than October 31, 2003; First Quarter 2004 dues were paid on March 8, 2004 whereas they should have been paid no later than January 31, 2004. Based upon the provisions of Article XII, Section 1 (b), and further supported by Article III, Section 3; Article V and Article XXIV, Section 9 previously carried herein, the committee disqualified Brother Cocek for the job of Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast. In accordance with the requirements of Article XIII, Section 2 (c) of our Constitution, and in order to assure adequate notice of its decision, the Committee informed Brother Cocek of his disqualification by Mailgram sent on August 17, 2004 to the address stated in his letter of nomination. Moreover, the Mailgram was followed by an overnight and certified letter dated August 17, 2004 from the Committee to Brother Cocek that set forth the reason for his disqualification. A copy of the Union Constitution was enclosed with the aforementioned letter so that Brother Cocek would have available the procedure to be followed in appeal from the disqualification decision of the Committee. 3. John Jaradat, J-15013 – Candidate for Vice President at Large. Your committee noted the receipt of a letter dated August 4, 2004, addressed to David Heindel in which Brother Jaradat requested his name be placed on the ballot for election to the position of Vice President at Large. Union records indicate that Brother Jaradat was not in continuous good standing for three (3) years prior to the time of nomination which is needed to qualify for an elective job. Your committee noted that Union records show that Brother Jaradat paid his Third Quarter 2001 dues on September 16, 2002 whereas they should have been paid no later than July 31, 2001. Union records also indicate that Fourth Quarter 2001 dues were paid on September 16, 2002 whereas they should have been paid no later than October 31, 2001; First Quarter 2002 dues were paid on September 16, 2002 whereas they should have been paid no later than January 31, 2002; Second Quarter 2002 dues were paid on September 16, 2002 whereas they should have been paid no later than May 1, 2002; Third Quarter 2002 dues were paid on September 16, 2002 whereas they should have been paid no later than July 31, 2002; First Quarter 2003 dues were paid on March 3, 2003 September 2004 whereas they should have been paid no later than January 31, 2003; Third Quarter 2003 dues were paid on October 29, 2003 whereas they should have been paid no later than July 31, 2003; First Quarter 2004 dues were paid on April 5, 2004 whereas they should have been paid no later than January 31, 2004; Second Quarter 2004 dues were paid on June 18, 2004 whereas they should have been paid no later than May 1, 2004. Union records further indicate that the Third Quarter 2004 has not been paid whereas it should have if approved and voted on affirmatively by the membership, subject to the Constitution, would become effective immediately upon their passage. D. Housekeeping Amendment Remove the words “headquarters representative” from the Constitution anywhere that it may appear; and, specifically, in Article VIII, Article X, Article XI, Article XII, and Article XIII. It is therefore RESOLVED, as constitutionally provided, this Resolution be voted upon by the membership at the July 2004 Membership Meeting at the Constitutional Ports of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, DetroitAlgonac, Houston, New Orleans, Mobile, San Francisco, St. Louis and Piney Point, and, in addition, at all non-constitutional ports, and if concurred in, a Constitutional Committee of six (6) book members shall be elected from the Headquarters Port at the August 2004 meeting to discharge their duties as constitutionally required and be it further RESOLVED, in the event that such Constitutional Committee’s report and recommendations are thereafter accepted by the membership for voting as constitutionally required, a referendum vote by secret been paid no later than July 31, 2004. Based upon the provisions of Article XII, Section 1 (b), and further supported by Article III, Section 3; Article V and Article XXIV, Section 9 previously carried herein, the committee disqualified Brother Jaradat for the job of Vice President at Large. Union records also indicate that Brother Jaradat did not acquire at least 100 days of seatime or Union employment between January 1 and time of nomination which is needed to qualify for an elective job. Based upon the provisions of Article XII, Section 1 (c), the committee further disqualified Brother Procedure for Absentee Ballots General elections for the union’s officers will take place this year. Voting will begin Nov. 1 and continue through Dec. 31. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2004 voting period, absentee ballots are 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: Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2004 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2004. 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 Nov. 30, 2004. Upon receiving the ballot and envelopes, 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 your name and book number on the second line. The mailing envelope is selfaddressed and stamped. The mailing envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight Dec. 31, 2004 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2005. ballot on the two substantive amendments shall be held as provided for in the Constitutional Committee’s report and recommendations. The procedure for such voting and the time thereof shall be held, to the extent possible, as part of the secret ballot voting for officers and jobholders scheduled for the months of November and December 2004. We further recommend, if it is reasonably possible, that a copy of our Committee’s Report, together with a copy of the proposed Resolution and membership action taken to date, be printed in the Seafarers LOG, October 2004 issue so that the membership will be kept abreast as to all facts at this time and copies of such LOG issue, to the extent possible, be made available to the membership at all Union offices and Halls during the months of November and December 2004. Your Constitutional Committee wishes to thank the Union, its officers, representatives, members and counsel for their cooperation and assistance during our deliberations and to assure all members that we believe the adoption of the proposed Resolution will serve the needs of the Union and the membership. Fraternally submitted, Constitutional Committee August 20, 2004 Jaradat for the job of Vice President at Large. The committee further noted that Brother Jaradat indicated that he had sailed in a licensed capacity within the last 24 months, which would also disqualify him based upon the provisions of Article XII, Section 1 (f). In accordance with the requirements of Article XIII, Section 2 (c) of our Constitution, and in order to assure adequate notice of its decision, the Committee informed Brother Jaradat of his disqualification by Mailgram sent on August 17, 2004 to the address stated in his letter of nomination. Moreover, the Mailgram was followed by an overnight and certified letter dated August 17, 2004 from the Committee to Brother Jaradat that set forth the reason for his disqualification. A copy of the Union Constitution was enclosed with the aforementioned letter so that Brother Jaradat would have available the procedure to be followed in appeal from the disqualification decision of the Committee. The Committee further noted that a conference call took place on Thursday, August 19, 2004 whereby Brother Jaradat was informed of his reason for disqualification and given the opportunity to appeal to the Committee. However, Brother Jaradat was unable to provide satisfactory evidence to overturn the Committee's decision. Therefore, the Committee upheld its decision to disqualify Brother Jaradat. 4. Edward O'Connor, O-599 – Candidate for Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast. Your committee noted the receipt of a letter dated August 9, 2004, addressed to David Heindel in which Brother O'Connor requested his name be placed on the ballot for election to the office of Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast. Your committee also noted the receipt of a letter dated August 17, 2004, addressed to SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel in which Brother O'Connor withdrew his nomination for Vice President in Charge of the Gulf Coast. Accordingly, the Committee determined that no further action is needed on Brother O'Connor's nomination. 5. John Sparks, S-2351 – Candidate for Piney Point Port Agent. Your committee noted the receipt of a letter dated July 20, 2004, addressed to Michael Sacco in which Brother Sparks requested his name be placed on the ballot for election to the office of Piney Point Port Agent. Your committee also noted the receipt of a letter dated July 27, 2004, addressed to Michael Sacco in which Brother Sparks withdrew his nomination for Piney Point Port Agent. Accordingly, the Committee determined that no further action is needed on Brother Sparks' nomination. All credentials received as of August 15, 2004, were turned over to the Committee in good order, and those received by mail subsequently, but not later than August 15, 2004, have similarly been furnished to the Committee in good order. All credentials have been examined in strict accordance with the Constitution. Any defect in the credentials disposed of by the Committee has been the sole responsibility of the sender and no person adversely affected by such defect has denied this to the Committee. Fraternally submitted, Credentials Committe August 19, 2004 Seafarers LOG 7 �24133_P4,5,8,10,11,15_18,20,22,23.qxd 8/26/2004 6:20 PM Page 8 SEATU Convention Focuses on Pride and Partnership Pride and a spirit of partnership took center stage at the third triennial convention of the Seafarers Entertainment & Allied Trades Union (SEATU), held Aug. 10-11, 2004 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. SEATU, an affiliate of the SIU, was chartered in 1995 with 169 members in Alton, Ill. Nine years later, with more than 4,000 members, this two-day meeting and election of officers was convened in the immediate aftermath of a recent organizing victory aboard NCL America’s Pride of Aloha, bringing thousands of new jobs for the rank-and-file membership. SIU President Michael Sacco, who also is president of SEATU, referred to this win in his opening remarks when he said, “The Pride of Aloha, in particular, was a great victory for us. The ship itself is big and beautiful, but the truly important thing is what the vessel represents: good jobs for Americans, a boost for the economy, and the rebirth of the U.S.flag deep sea cruise ship industry.” Good Relationships Following a DVD presentation on the christening ceremonies of the Pride of Aloha, Capt. William Schubert, the U.S. Maritime Ad- ministrator and a dedicated fighter for the U.S.-flag merchant fleet, talked about the demise of the U.S.-flag cruise ship industry after September 11, 2001 and how important partnership was in getting this ship (as well as two additional ships—the Pride of America and the Pride of Hawaii —which should be in service within the next two years) out of the shipyard. It was a cooperation between management and labor as well as bipartisan support in Congress that gave us the opportunity to sail these ships, he noted, “and we need to continue to work together to put more jobs on U.S. ships.” The necessity of maintaining good relationships with Congress on a bipartisan level was further addressed by Terry Turner, the union’s director of legislative affairs. To get a certain level of cooperation on the Hill, Turner reported, we need to support those who support us—whether they be Democrats or Republicans. He talked about the SIU’s SPAD program and challenged SEATU to start a similar voluntary donation system. “The only way to become a player,” Turner told the convention delegates, representatives and officials, “is to become a contributor.” Some At the conclusion of the successful two-day convention, SEATU delegates, representatives and officials pose for a group photo. industries are more heavily regulated than others, but the fact is that every job, one way or another, is affected by rules and regulations handed down by the government. By developing a relationship with congressional representatives and their staffs, he said, we are more welcome to meet with them to discuss how we can help promote and protect our members’ interests and jobs. SEATU Assistant Vice President Elizabeth Brown started her union career 12 years ago as an SIU member aboard the “White Ships”—the Independence and Constitution—and has played an important role in helping ensure the success of SEATU, most recently aboard the Pride of Aloha. While noting that everyone has worked very hard to get the newly re-flagged ship on its 7-day Hawaiian island itinerary, “the job will only be done when the second and third ships have arrived,” she stated. Brown suggested all the delegates go back to their halls and tell the members about what is going on in the industry. “Be proud,” she said, “of what your union is doing, not just for SEATU, but also for America.” The importance of pride, partnership and cooperation was further highlighted by Dick Glasier, president and CEO of Argosy Gaming Co. Argosy owns and operates six properties in which SEATU members work: Baton Rouge, La.; Joliet, Ill.; Lawrenceburg, Ind.; Sioux City, Iowa; Kansas City, Mo.; and Alton, Ill. Glasier informed the convention delegates that a big part of Argosy’s success is its link with organized labor in general and SEATU in particular. The union provided technical know-how, marine expertise and political support in helping them acquire their first casino, the Alton Belle, and the support from SEATU members and officials has never wavered, he stated. It’s Business as Usual in Boston Capt. William Schubert U.S. Maritime Administrator Richard Glasier President/CEO, Argosy Elizabeth Brown Assistant VP, SEATU Valerie Lilja AFL-CIO Union Plus Rep Revenues are up in the casinos, Glasier acknowledged, and that is because they are providing customers what they want. “Our employees are a large part of that,” he added, stating that the SEATU employees are very focused and take pride in excelling in their jobs. Competition is fierce in the gaming industry, the CEO explained. “But we have a relationship with SEATU, and that is a key part of our competitive advantage.” He thanked the union delegates and said he hoped to give them good news in the future about additional properties they hope to acquire and staff with SEATU members. “What’s good for the growth of Argosy is good for the SEATU membership,” Glasier said in his closing remarks. “We’ll work to make that happen.” Paul Hall Center, both in Piney Point and on site. John Mason is CEO of American Service Technology, Inc., the company that provides curriculums and educational guidance to the Paul Hall Center. He informed the convention delegates about the on-site training being given at Argosy and aboard the Pride of Aloha as well as other facilities and asked them to make sure their fellow employees sign up for the training. Mason presented a slide show and passed out booklets about the capabilities of the Paul Hall Center in providing any kind of training necessary, from cooking and personal safety to fire fighting and security to slot tech training and academic degrees—“everything to meet the needs of the members.” Another benefit of belonging to SEATU is participation in the Union Plus program. Valerie Lilja, the AFL-CIO Union Plus representative for SEATU and the SIU provided program information to the group about the cost savings available to union members through the program. The credit card program is the most popular, she noted, but also available are scholarship awards, educational loans, prescription savings, auto purchase and insurance, car rentals, movie tickets, and more. Lilja said that Union Plus is always on the lookout for quality programs and benefits designed to improve the lives of union members and save them money. New programs this year include a credit counseling program, health club discounts, home heating oil discounts, education services and a travel program. For more information, union members can visit www.unionplus.org. Organizing No time was lost when the New Bedford, Mass. union hall moved to a new location in central Boston recently. The computer system is up and running, a nearby clinic is on contract to help Seafarers get the medical testing they need to sail, and the staff is ready to assist the membership in any way they can. Clockwise from above left, Port Agent Gerard Dhooge (right) helps QMED Fred Doyle (left) and Bosun John O’Connell with some paperwork; Donna Massucco is the secretary at the hall; the front entry to the hall reflects the cars in the parking lot outside; and the magazine rack is filled with the latest maritime news. The Boston hall is located at 27 Drydock Avenue; telephone (617) 261-0790. SEATU Vice President Tom Orzechowski, who graduated from the SIU’s trainee program in 1991, has done a tremendous amount of work as an organizer to help ensure the success and growth of SEATU. He spoke about the persistence of a large low-wage labor market, the difficulty employees have in obtaining a voice in the workplace and the absence of a sustained and serious national debate about these concerns—and how more than 40 million non-union workers want a union in their workplace but can’t have one under current law. He said, “As foot soldiers of the labor movement, sometimes we organizers need help. Help from not only the employees or our current members, but from the federal government. The Employee Free Choice Act will give them a fighting chance.” He urged the delegates to return to their facilities or vessels and speak to their fellow employees and encourage them to help organize the unorganized, participate in union activities and become active advocates for the Employee Free Choice Act. Benefits One of the benefits of being a SEATU member is the training offered by instructors from the 8 Seafarers LOG Conclusion Before adjourning the triennial convention, delegates voted to approve 10 resolutions, read by SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, and to return the current officers to lead the union through the next three years. Reelected were President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President/ Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Tellez and Vice President Orzechowski. September 2004 �24133_Pg6,7,9,14,21,24.qxd 8/26/2004 8:25 PM Page 9 Basic Auxiliary Plant Ops Course Is Required to Step Toward FOWT The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers a 140-hour class called basic auxiliary plant operation. The course is separate from the FOWT class; basic auxiliary plant operation should be taken first. Engineering students in the unlicensed apprentice program who are considering becoming FOWTs must take basic auxiliary plant operation. Similarly, upgraders who are sailing as wipers and have acquired enough seatime must take basic auxiliary plant operation as the next step toward becoming FOWTs. The mariners then would return to sea, acquire the appropriate seatime and then take the FOWT course. Under the amended STCW convention, basic auxiliary plant operation meets the assessment requirement for ratings forming part of an engineering watch. (It essentially is the engine department equivalent of the specially trained ordinary seaman course.) For more information, contact the admissions office at the Paul Hall Center at 301 994-0010. Alex Rhodes runs a simulated test on an engine system. Health and Benefits Plan Weighs Network Options Left: Brian Leach and Connie Clemons train on the latest equipment during the basic auxiliary plant operation course. In an effort to continue providing generous health benefits to SIU members and their families—while at the same time combating the steadily rising costs of medical care—the trustees of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) are examining the possibility of entering an agreement with a national health network provider. If the SHBP signs on with a national network provider, one expected benefit is that Seafarers no longer would have to worry about doctors’ charges exceeding the “reasonable and customary” coverage limit. That’s because the network and its participating physicians agree to a set fee schedule. “The Plan continuously evalu- Right: Christopher Burke examines a test screen. Cabotage Laws Need to Be Protected Continued from page 2 the U.S. Customs Service as “any foreign port in North America, Central America, the Bahama Islands, Bermuda” or many parts of the West Indies. The MCTF is a coalition of more than 400 organizations and companies—including the SIU— joined together in support of the U.S. domestic marine shipping industry. Specifically, the coalition works to preserve cabotage laws which, among other things, govern the shipment of goods and services between any two domestic ports in the U.S. Negotiators for the United States and Panama on Aug. 9 launched their fourth week of talks in Tampa, Fla. aimed at completing the free trade agreement which is at issue. Both sides originally hoped to wrap up a deal by this fourth round of negotiations. But lingering disputes over hot-button issues—including Panama’s attempt to alter U.S. cabatoge laws—had officials dampening expectations. The two nations during the week of April 26 began FTA negotiations in Panama City, Panama. U.S. Trade Representative Zoellick in November 2003 met with the Panamanian president and trade minister during the Free Trade Area of the Americas ministerial meeting and announced the plan to undertake the current negotiations. In 2003, bilateral trade between the United States and Panama totaled $2.1 billion, with U.S. exports accounting for $1.8 billion of that amount. Between 2002 and 2003, U.S. exports to Panama grew over 30 percent. Nearly half of Panama’s total imports come from the United States. U.S. foreign direct investment in Panama already totals roughly $25 billion, in sectors including finance, maritime and energy. Register and Vote! The AFL-CIO suggests the following steps to help individuals ensure that they are eligible to vote in the Nov. 2 elections: Contact your local election office to check that you are registered to vote and find out where you should vote. Register immediately if you are not. If you do not receive a registration card within three weeks of registering, call the election office to see if there is a problem. If there is, follow instructions to correct the problem or reregister. It is particularly important to check your registration or reregister if you have moved, changed your name or have not voted in recent elections. Find out whether you can vote early. If early voting is allowed in your community, you may want to do it. Check with your local election office about any new voting procedures or ID requirements and opportunities to practice using voting machines. Also, the following links from the Federal Voting Assistance Program and the Federal Election Commission will help you register to vote and to obtain an absentee ballot for national and local elections: http://www.fvap.gov/ http://www.fvap.gov/links/statelinks.html http://www.fec.gov/votregis/where_can_i_register_to_vote02.htm http://www.fec.gov/pages/faqabsentee.htm September 2004 ates methods of reducing costs without placing any additional burden on our participants,” noted SHBP Administrator Bill Dennis. “At this time, the Plan is in discussions with a network provider that may provide relief in this time of grossly increasing medical costs. More information will follow at a later date.” Dennis emphasized that if an agreement is reached, it only will be with a network which features a very extensive participant list of providers and hospitals. He added that the health benefits plan of an SIU-affiliated union earlier this year joined a national health network, and the early returns have been quite favorable for that plan, its participating members and eligible dependents. Notice/Reminder Full Book Applications Seafarers who have at least 260 days of sea time in the past 24 months are eligible to apply for full book membership in the union. This of course includes members who were in the NMU when that union merged into the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District (in 2001). Members are encouraged to apply at any SIU hall. Please bring discharges or pay vouchers (or both) verifying the required sea time, along with two passport-size photos. In order to apply for full book membership, dues must be current, initiation must be paid in full and the member must be in good standing. There is a $10 fee for each application; processing typically takes two to three weeks. Sea time for any member working on equipment that formerly was covered by an NMU agreement and now is covered by an SIU/NMU contract counts toward eligibility for application. Members are reminded that, among other potential benefits, full book membership helps allow Seafarers the right to vote for candidates for union office and the right to run for union office. This is an election year for the SIU. For more information, please contact your port agent. A list of SIU halls is on page 15. Reminder/CIVMAR News Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program Sets ‘Open Season’ As previously reported, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) in late May announced the first open season for the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program (FEGLI) since 1999. The FEGLI 2004 Open Season will take place from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, 2004, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the program. “The Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance Program is just one of the federal benefits that employees can use to plan for the future and to anticipate the fulfillment of essential responsibility to their families,” said OPM Director Kay Coles James in announcing the open season May 25. “This will give federal employees the opportunity to make any adjustments they need to better plan for the future.” The FEGLI program consists of basic life insurance coverage and three options that include cov- erage for up to five times an employee’s base salary plus coverage for family members. In most cases, a new federal employee is automatically covered by basic life insurance. The types and amounts of coverages available are not changing. During the open season, federal and U.S. Post Office employees in eligible positions may enroll in the FEGLI program or increase or change current coverage without having a physical or answering any questions about their health. The earliest that newly elected coverage will be effective is Sept. 1, 2005. OPM offers much more information on line at http://www.opm.gov/asd/htm/2004/04-203.asp. The federal government established the FEGLI program on Aug. 29, 1954. It is the largest group life insurance program in the world, covering over 4 million federal employees and retirees, as well as many of their family members. Seafarers LOG 9 �24133_P4,5,8,10,11,15_18,20,22,23.qxd 8/26/2004 6:21 PM Page 10 SIU-Crewed Tug Falcon Helps Sweeten Lives The SIU-crewed tug Falcon and its accompanying barge ATC 1800 load sugar in the Dominican Republic and West Palm Beach, Fla. and carry the cargo to refineries in Baltimore and Yonkers, N.Y. The tug and barge are owned by Allied Transportation Co., based in Norfolk, Va. Filled with sugar in its holds, barge ATC 1800 is towed by the tug Falcon. Ken Ford, the assistant engineer, replaces some gaskets. Keeping a fresh coat of paint on the tug’s railings is AB-Mate Calvin Mason. Cook George Irwin presents a seafood extravaganza (top photo) from the bounty of the sea. Capt. Lester Hallowell surveys operations on board the barge from the deck of the Falcon. AB Ken Mason is never at a loss for work aboard deck. Left: Making the tow connection are (from left) AB Ken Mason, Assistant Engineer Ken Ford and AB-Mate Calvin Mason 10 Seafarers LOG Todd E. Rich, the chief engineer aboard the tug Falcon, sent the photographs on this page to the Seafarers LOG. September 2004 �24133_P4,5,8,10,11,15_18,20,22,23.qxd 8/26/2004 6:21 PM Page 11 Piney Point is a great place for Seafarers and their families to spend a summer vacation. AB Woody Hoffman’s wife, Sharon, and son, Dylan, are enjoying their stay at the SIU-affiliated school and find fishing to be great fun. Dylan, at right, shows off his catch of the day. QMED Tyler Harden attended the June 2004 General Security Awareness course at the Mobile hall. With him are his son, Gunnar Harden (left), and friend Carson Reimers. Children, weddings, vacations . . . These are some of the images we all look forward to seeing—and sharing with our fellow Seafarers. If you have a family-related photo you would like to be included in the next family photo page, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photos will be returned, if so requested. If e-mailing digital images, please send them to dhirtes@seafarers.org. The higher the resolution, the better. Chief Steward Lonnie Jones Sr. and his wife, Denise, are proud to announce the marriage of their daughter, Lisa, to Ron Casto. The wedding ceremony took place June 26 in Columbus, Ohio. In the back row are Ron (left) and Lonnie Jones Jr. The Joneses are a seafaring family. Not only does Lonnie Sr. sail as a chief steward, Denise used to sail on the Great Lakes as a 2nd cook and baker, Lisa worked as a cocktail waitress on the Hawaiian cruise ships in the 1990s, and Lonnie Jr. is currently sailing as a chief cook. A Mother-Son Reunion: During Maritime Day celebrations last May at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., Unlicensed Apprentice John Ivey (class # 654) was among the representatives from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. His mother, Kimberli Ivey from Bowie, Md., is a D.C. police officer and was on duty that day at the Navy Yard as well, and was able to take a few moments to join her son for this snapshot. September 2004 Seafarers LOG 11 �24133_PG1_3,12,13,19,18cx.qxd 8/26/2004 8:49 PM Page 12 MARITIME SIU, Paul Hall Center Step Up To Promote Shipboard, Port Safety As vessel and port security in the United States are emphasized and scrutinized like never before, both the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education vigorously have tackled their respective roles in helping promote safety aboard ship as well as in port. The SIU and the school have answered this challenge on many fronts, including: Participating in shipboard anti-terrorism drills overseen by the government. Providing a one-hour anti-terrorism briefing to every student at the Paul Hall Center, located in Piney Point, Md. Requiring all students at the school to complete a general security awareness course. This two-hour curriculum, which complies with requirements spelled out in both the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), also has been offered aboard ship and at numerous union halls including Houston; Mobile, Ala.; Jacksonville, Fla.; and Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Serving on U.S. Coast Guard Area Maritime Security Committees across the country. Offering an eight-hour vessel security officer (VSO) class. That course specifically covers responsibilities of VSOs, but also includes other shipboard security issues. As with general security awareness training, the VSO class has been conducted both at Piney Point and aboard ship. Crafting company-specific security training. Conducting small-arms training (including 21-hour and sevenhour courses) that is approved by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (M is the facility itself in Piney Point. Paul Hall Center Instructor Herb Wal noted, “Our security training covers not rorism and piracy issues, but also securit relates to personal and vessel safety. Wh made the VSO course in particular very is that we’ve integrated companies’ secu cies and procedures into the program. W a very positive response both from the c and the students.” Instructor Mitch Oakley pointed out th Paul Hall Center began offering security long before the July 1, 2004 implementat the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), which the Coast Guard enforce the ISPS Code (also in effect as of July 1 “Our industry was prepared in part be what the union and school did,” Oakley Early last month, Seafarers participated in a major antiterrorism exercise in Baltimore. The photos along the bottom of these two pages were taken during that drill. 12 Seafarers LOG September 2004 �24133_PG1_3,12,13,19,18cx.qxd 8/26/2004 8:49 PM Page 13 SECURITY nd (MSC), as nt. Walling s not only terecurity as it y. What has very effective security polim. We’ve had the companies out that the urity training mentation of y Act forces through July 1). art because of kley said. “The students have been enthusiastic, the companies have stepped up to the plate and our people have stepped up.” In an Aug. 3 letter to the school, Edward Alford, corporate security director for SIU-contracted Crowley Maritime Corporation, noted that 220 Crowley mariners have completed VSO and general security awareness training conducted at various company sites. “I can’t say enough about the dedication, professionalism and diligence that Mitch displayed during this process and service,” Alford wrote. He also cited the leadership of the school “in providing this critical training to our vessel crew employees.” Tony McQuay, SIU port agent in Jacksonville, stated, “The security training that has been done throughout the ports has been great for the members. They got the training they needed, locally, and they seemed very happy with it. We’ve had a very good turnout—over 40 people per class, with two classes per week going back to May.” Both ISPS Code and MTSA implementation are evolving throughout the industry. The deep sea, Great Lakes and inland sectors all are affected. Walling observed, “Some companies are jumping aboard with the security training even if they are not yet required by regulation to do so. And regardless of whether or not a vessel is impacted by the regulations, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port can order vessel security inspections. No company is totally regulatoryfree, in practice.” While the VSO in most cases will be a licensed officer, he typically will assign shipboard personnel with specific security duties (for example, gangway watch). Those who don’t have security duties still are required to have an overall awareness of security issues. “What we have now is a foundation to build on,” said J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of training at the Paul Hall Center. “The Coast Guard continues to seek input from throughout the industry. “But it’s more than fair to say that the school and the SIU have taken a leadership role when it comes to security training,” he continued. “There’s a parallel here to the training record books which we began issuing in 1997, well ahead of the requirements of the amended STCW convention.” Walling concluded, “It comes down to awareness. With everyone who goes through that hall to secure a job, there should be a conversation relative to vessel security, reinforcing the importance of operational security issues—both generally and specifically to the ship they’re going to and the job they will have aboard that ship. The training we offer is an important part of that process.” September 2004 ABOVE: Seafarers at the Mobile, Ala. hall take part in a general security awareness course conducted by a Paul Hall Center instructor. RIGHT: Small arms training at Piney Point is aimed at boosting security aboard military support ships. ABOVE: Bosun’s Mate Tony Sivola (left) assists Electrician Frank Coburn with safety gear during a shipboard and pierside drill last month in Baltimore. BELOW: AB Jerry Costello stands gangway watch during the drill. ABOVE: Every student at the Paul Hall Center receives an anti-terrorism briefing. RIGHT: Pictured after the anti-terrorism exercise in Baltimore are (from left) Electrician Frank Coburn, Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley, SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz and Baltimore City Fire Department Chief William Goodwin. Seafarers LOG 13 �24133_Pg6,7,9,14,21,24.qxd 8/26/2004 8:37 PM Page 14 Canadian Wal-Mart Goes Union Retailer May Fight Quebec Labor Board Accreditation A Wal-Mart store near Quebec may become the first facility owned by the world’s largest retailer to go union, according to the Canadian Press. The Quebec Labor Relations Board on Aug. 2 accredited the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) to represent the workers at the Saguenay outlet, which is located some 124 miles north of Quebec City, the report said. The announcement of the accreditation was made by the Quebec Federation of Labor, with which the UFCW is affiliated. About 200 employees work at the facility. “The union represents the large majority of the store’s employees,” said Marie-Josee Lemieux, president of the UFCW local in that region. “We hope that Wal-Mart will accept this decision and negotiate a labor contract with the union.” The labor board was scheduled to conduct a meeting late last month to rule on the job descriptions of those who can be covered by negotiations. The request for accreditation was filed July 6. The employer had contested the type of employees to be covered by negotiations and may appeal on that basis. The local is expected to include all salaried workers except the store manager, assistant managers, department managers, office workers, auto shop employees, the night manager, customer service manager, human resources manager, security officers and those automatically excluded by law. There are no unionized WalMart stores, although a handful of meat workers at a Wal-Mart Super Center in Texas have joined the United Food and Commercial Workers. The world’s largest retailer is expected to fight this ruling, the union conceded following the accreditation announcement. In a related development, lawyers representing more than 200 illegal immigrants suing WalMart said last month they would press on despite efforts by the retail giant to settle a separate federal investigation into the use of illegal workers by the retailer. A report by the Federal Times said Wal-Mart is in talks with officials from the U.S. Department of Justice to settle the probe into whether it knowingly employed cleaning contractors in its stores that used illegal immigrants. A grand jury investigation in Pennsylvania was launched after more than 250 illegal workers, employed by outside clean- Authority, Responsibilities Increase for USCG Continued from page 5 Directs the USCG to conduct vulnerability assessments of waters adjacent to nuclear facilities in the United Sates. Requires Area Maritime Security Advisory Committees to include members from the port industry, terminal operators, port labor organizations, and other users of port areas. Requires the USCG to submit a report to Congressional committees of jurisdiction regarding the establishment of joint operational centers for port securi- ty, and an estimate of the number, location and costs of such centers that would be necessary to implement port security measures outlined in the Marine Transportation Security Act of 2002. Directs the USCG to conduct certain investigations and pilot projects to enhance the security at American ports. Authorizes an amount of $35 million for each of the next four fiscal years to award grants and to fund programs that would investigate or demonstrate methods of improving port security. Requires the USCG—within 180 days of the enactment of the act—to submit a number of vessel and intermodal reports, plans and evaluations to jurisdictional Senate and House committees and take action regarding the security of marine intermodal transportation, specifically the security of cargo containers. Authorizes the President to delegate the authority to issue rules and regulations under 50 USC 191 to the secretary of the department in which the USCG is operating. This stature allows for the emergency regulation of vessels in time of national emergency. Working on the Dodge Island ing contractors, were arrested in dawn raids last October at 61 Wal-Mart stores in 21 states. According to the report, the settlement talks have discussed a fine of about $10 million, with no admission of wrongdoing by WalMart. Criminal charges are not expected to be brought against any senior Wal-Mart executives. Elsewhere, a sex-discrimination case filed by current and former female employees against Wal-Mart in June was certified as a class action by a federal judge in San Francisco. Among other allegations, the petition claims that, since 1998, female employees at Wal-Mart have been paid less than men and have been offered fewer promotions. As a class action, the case covers about 1.6 million women. It is the largest civil rights class action ever certified against a private employer, lawyers for the employees said. They estimate that Wal-Mart could be liable for an award of more than $1 billion if the workers prevail in the case. “I am thrilled,” sources quoted attorney Joseph Sellers as saying following the ruling by Federal Judge Martin Jenkins. In his ruling, Judge Jenkins said the class can seek punitive damages as back pay for lost earnings and wage discrepancies. “This decision sets the stage for women at Wal-Mart to get their fair share of pay and promotions, which have been denied them for years,” the counselor added. Sellers is the attorney who represents plaintiffs in the case. He reportedly was among the first to file suit in June 2001 on behalf of a half-dozen women who claimed they were consistently held back from promotions and were paid less than their male counterparts. The suit prompted an outpouring of claims against Wal-Mart from women throughout the country. Wal-Mart in early July asked a U.S. appeals court to throw out the federal court ruling, denying that it discriminated against female employees. As of press time, no decision had been reached on the WalMart request by the U.S. Court of Appeals. Retail experts, however, already are weighing in on the situation. Sources say experts are of the opinion that a nationwide class-action sex-discrimination lawsuit against Wal-Mart could lead to changes within the world’s largest retailer and among competitors. “If the allegations are true, it will very fast lead to radical improvement of the situation,” said Kurt Barnard, president of Retail Forecasting LLC in Upper Montclair, N.J. “It is absolutely in (Wal-Mart’s) best interest to resolve this as fast as possible.” Another analyst noted that those changes may already have begun before the federal judge made his decision to grant classaction status to a suit filed three years ago. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION AB Tommy Davis has his hands full as he works in Norfolk, Va. on the Dodge Island, a NATCO/Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Co. dredge. The heat was unforgiving, according to OS Brett Solle, who sent this photo to the Seafarers LOG. 14 Seafarers LOG Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. September 2004 �24133_P4,5,8,10,11,15_18,20,22,23.qxd 8/26/2004 6:22 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea October & November 2004 Membership Meetings JULY 16 — AUGUST 15, 2004 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals 0 0 6 0 7 24 28 0 11 17 31 14 4 1 11 15 3 33 19 3 3 3 8 9 12 29 1 8 17 12 16 2 8 8 12 5 21 21 0 3 2 1 0 15 12 0 3 9 21 8 1 1 1 4 1 22 11 1 0 1 2 6 25 28 0 15 16 24 10 2 1 6 17 2 19 19 1 1 1 7 3 12 29 0 8 8 11 14 3 8 7 5 4 18 18 0 0 1 2 2 6 8 0 2 4 2 2 1 2 0 3 2 9 7 0 0 0 0 3 12 11 0 4 6 9 8 0 0 2 11 0 8 9 1 0 14 0 11 43 64 0 17 25 53 22 9 2 18 34 2 60 37 3 7 8 6 16 26 49 1 12 23 28 30 4 12 12 17 3 41 35 2 4 3 0 3 35 28 2 4 18 43 14 2 1 2 6 3 35 19 224 198 115 194 158 53 83 412 333 224 2 0 3 1 7 13 17 0 8 8 8 8 1 1 6 14 2 10 10 1 2 0 0 7 7 19 0 6 10 9 12 2 1 3 7 1 20 6 2 1 1 0 1 9 3 0 1 4 6 2 0 0 0 3 0 7 7 1 0 2 1 4 11 20 0 9 7 6 8 3 1 3 10 0 9 5 0 0 2 1 6 2 23 0 6 10 7 14 2 0 4 6 2 13 8 0 0 0 0 0 8 2 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 2 5 0 0 0 0 1 5 12 0 1 5 4 4 3 1 2 3 0 12 7 1 0 6 1 11 20 31 0 13 9 18 11 2 1 8 15 2 19 17 2 2 6 0 4 16 36 1 8 15 17 18 4 3 1 10 0 30 13 2 1 1 0 2 14 9 0 2 5 14 4 0 0 0 3 1 9 12 119 113 47 100 106 22 60 185 186 79 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Totals All Departments Piney Point .............Monday: October 4, November 8 Algonac ..................Friday: October 8, November 12 Baltimore ................Thursday: October 7 ................................Friday: November 12* ................................*(change created by Veterans’ Day holiday) Boston.....................Friday: October 8, November 12 Duluth .....................Wednesday: October 13, November 17 Guam ......................Thursday: October 21 ................................Friday: November 26* ................................*(change created by Thanksgiving Day holiday) 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) Joliet .......................Thursday: October 14, November 18 Mobile ....................Wednesday: October 13, November 17 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 Port Everglades.......Thursday: October 14, November 18 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 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 0 11 17 23 0 4 6 13 11 4 3 0 25 0 19 15 0 0 3 1 6 5 14 0 6 6 7 11 0 1 1 6 0 5 7 0 0 0 0 0 7 5 0 1 2 3 3 0 0 0 2 1 4 4 0 0 2 0 15 12 20 0 10 6 12 4 3 3 4 19 0 18 18 0 0 1 0 4 2 5 0 5 4 3 5 1 0 2 1 1 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 5 7 0 3 3 6 2 1 1 1 3 0 10 6 0 0 5 0 15 28 29 0 4 13 30 16 4 3 0 40 1 26 25 2 0 2 2 9 9 23 0 7 8 13 14 1 2 2 13 1 11 14 1 0 0 0 1 9 12 0 1 2 4 5 0 2 0 4 0 7 9 154 79 32 146 39 8 50 239 133 57 0 0 0 0 2 3 3 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 2 7 0 2 2 1 2 1 0 10 13 17 0 8 9 27 4 3 4 2 13 0 19 8 3 4 3 0 6 16 18 1 2 12 31 8 1 22 2 8 2 18 8 0 0 0 0 2 2 3 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 0 6 2 0 1 1 1 6 10 9 0 6 6 14 2 3 11 2 5 0 5 3 1 1 0 0 3 5 6 0 2 4 1 6 0 29 1 3 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 5 5 0 0 3 7 0 0 0 5 7 0 10 5 3 2 3 0 18 21 36 0 5 12 52 11 1 7 5 32 0 36 16 3 5 7 2 14 41 40 1 2 21 80 17 2 36 1 14 2 49 31 24 141 165 22 85 66 0 54 260 368 521 531 359 462 388 149 193 890 912 728 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2004 Wilmington ...............Monday: October 18, November 22 ............................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals OGDEN W. “BUZZY” LAFYE Please contact Mary Jane at (707) 838-3669. VIRGINIA TAGLIABUE Jimmy Williams, an old shipmate of yours aboard the SS Independence, is trying to get in touch with you. Please call him at (808) 631-9216. Recognizing the U.S. Merchant Marine The memorial pictured above, honoring the U.S. Merchant Marine and the U.S. Navy Armed Guard is scheduled to be formally dedicated Sept. 18 in the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio. The monument was purchased by the Canton (Ohio) Hall of Fame Chapter of the U.S. Merchant Marine and U.S. Navy Armed Guard Veterans of World War II. Thanks to Eli L. Rantanes, a U.S. Merchant Marine veteran and AMO retiree, for sending this photo to the LOG. Seafarers LOG 15 �24133_P4,5,8,10,11,15_18,20,22,23.qxd 8/26/2004 Seafarers International Union Directory 6:22 PM Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report JULY 16 — AUGUST 15, 2004 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 0 14 3 5 22 1 0 12 57 0 1 1 2 2 0 0 6 12 0 5 3 8 4 3 3 4 30 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 2 0 1 2 0 0 4 9 0 5 3 5 4 3 4 4 28 2 11 3 6 11 2 1 5 41 0 34 9 14 40 5 1 20 123 0 6 3 4 3 0 0 8 24 0 27 0 12 0 0 1 0 40 0 6 4 0 1 2 1 2 16 0 12 6 5 15 1 4 12 55 0 3 4 1 6 0 0 3 17 0 16 1 10 0 0 1 0 28 1 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 6 0 8 8 7 19 2 2 9 55 0 1 1 2 17 0 2 6 29 0 21 1 9 0 1 0 0 32 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 5 1 2 6 0 1 3 18 0 2 1 1 2 0 0 1 7 0 6 3 4 1 2 1 1 18 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 18 4 5 16 4 0 8 55 0 7 5 0 2 1 2 4 21 0 4 0 3 0 0 0 1 8 0 5 3 1 1 2 0 1 13 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 2 2 4 8 2 0 3 21 0 0 1 1 5 0 1 0 8 0 3 4 1 1 1 1 1 12 Port 0 6 1 3 3 1 1 1 16 0 6 1 0 4 0 1 0 12 0 0 4 1 1 1 1 1 9 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 0 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 126 27 60 92 29 50 69 233 70 100 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the LOG by Pensioner John Risbeck of Bellingham, Wash. It was taken at sea Nov. 29, 1949 aboard the SS Robin Locksley. Risbeck was sailing as a bosun aboard that vessel, which was en route to South Africa. In a note accompanying the photo, Risbeck says that he had “a very good life being a seaman and a member of the Seafarers International Union from 1941” until his retirement in 1981. And he is able to see the changes—for the better—in the lives of merchant mariners. Risbeck, who is now 83 and a computer user, requests that “anyone out there young enough or old enough who will know me” to get in touch with him by e-mail at: hansyr@aol.com If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. September 2004 �24133_P4,5,8,10,11,15_18,20,22,23.qxd 8/26/2004 8:43 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA RONALD BELCHER, 64, joined the SIU in 1986 in the port of Houston after serving in the U.S. Navy. His first voyage was aboard the Mayaguez. Brother Belcher was born in Flint, Mich. The engine department member, who upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., last sailed aboard the USNS Capella. He makes his home in Jacksonville, Fla. WILLIAM CRUICKSHANK, 64, began his seafaring career in 1962 in Seattle after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Cruickshank’s first ship was the Mt. McKinley. He enhanced his skills on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Born in Ohio, he sailed in the deck department, most recently on the Westward Venture. Brother Cruickshank currently lives in the Philippines. CESAR GUTIERREZ, 65, joined the union in 1970 in New Orleans. Brother Gutierrez first sailed on the Sulphur Enterprise. His last ship was the Steel Maker. The deck department member was born in La Ceiba, Honduras and now resides in Kenner, La. JOHN KELLY, 55, was born in Boston, Mass. and joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of New York. He first sailed aboard the Eagle Voyage. The deck department member was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center, completing his bosun recertification there in 1996. Prior to retiring, Brother Kelly worked on the Horizon Reliance. He makes his home in Puyallup, Wash. FRANK KRAEMER, 62, began his seafaring career in 1968 in New Orleans. The engine department member was born in New Orleans and upgraded his skills a number of times at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point. His most recent voyage was on the USNS Altair. Brother Kraemer is a resident of Metairie, La. ELIAS LIMON, 61, hails from Galveston, Texas. Brother Limon joined the SIU in 1965 in the port of New York, first sailing on the SeaLand Defender. He worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center. September 2004 A resident of Lamerque, Texas, Brother Limon last worked aboard the Del Alba. ROY MITCHELL, 61, joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Mitchell was born in South Dakota and is a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. The deck department member enhanced his skills at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point. Brother Mitchell, who last sailed on the Independence, makes his home in San Francisco. BOB RACKLIN, 62, was born in Alabama and joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of San Francisco. He initially sailed aboard the Afoundria. A U.S. Army veteran, Brother Racklin shipped in the steward department. His last voyage was on the Maersk Alaska. Brother Racklin currently lives in Pittsburg, Calif. JOSE RAMOS, 65, began his SIU career in 1978 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Ramos worked in the steward department, most recently sailing aboard the Horizon Producer. Brother Ramos is a resident of Patillas, PR. ADOLFO SCHULTZE, 72, joined the union in 1991 in the port of New York. Brother Schultze, who was born in Argentina, first sailed aboard the Senator. The engine department member last went to sea on the Commitment. Brother Schultze calls North Miami Beach, Fla. home. TERRY SMITH, 65, began his seafaring career in 1968 in the port of Houston. The steward department member was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center, completing his steward recertification training there in 1984. Brother Smith most recently worked on the Liberty Grace. He was born in La Porte, Ind. and now makes his home in Baytown, Texas. THOMAS TAYLOR, 66, joined the union in 1965 in the port of Philadelphia after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Taylor initially sailed on the Globe Carrier. He enhanced his skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Born in Norfolk, Va., Brother Taylor worked in the engine department. His last ship was the Sam Houston. Brother Taylor resides in Virginia Beach, Va. worked in both the Great Lakes and deep sea divisions. Brother Weaver first shipped aboard the Buck Monitor. The deck department member last went to sea on the Endurance. Brother Weaver makes his home in Oscoda, Mich. SUZANNE VAN SCHOOR, 68, began her career with the SIU in 1989 in Puerto Rico. Sister Van Schoor, who was born in Germany, shipped in the steward department. She first sailed aboard the Independence. A resident of Honolulu, Sister Van Schoor last worked on the Tyco Dependable. GREAT LAKES RAFAEL VEGA, 64, joined the SIU in 1964 in his native Puerto Rico. Brother Vegas initially sailed on the Western Plant. The deck department member last sailed aboard the Horizon Discovery. He continues to live in Puerto Rico. LARRY VOUGA, 63, started his SIU career in 1963 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Brother Vouga was born in St. Louis and shipped in the deck department. His first vessel was the Adventurer; his last was the Horizon Hawaii. Brother Vouga calls Tampa, Fla. home. ROGER BLIX, 64, joined the union in 1991 in the port of Duluth, Minn. Brother Blix first sailed aboard the Kinsman Independent. Born in Wisconsin, he shipped in the steward department. Brother Blix’s last voyage was on American Steamship’s Indiana Harbor. He was born in Minnesota and now lives in Superior, Wis. INLAND HARVEY BRYAN, 65, was born in Maryland and began his SIU career in 1962 in the port of Baltimore. Boatman Bryan, who worked in the engine department, is a U.S. Navy veteran. He resides in Pineville, W.Va. RAMON DIAZ, 65, joined the SIU in 1976 in Puerto Rico, sailing primarily aboard Crowley Towing vessels. The Puerto Rican-born mariner shipped in the deck department as a captain. Boatman Diaz calls Bayamon, P.R. home. WALTER WEAVER, 60, hails from Detroit, Mich. Brother Weaver joined the SIU in 1965 in San Francisco. He AUDREY HARBOR, 69, launched her seafaring career in 1988 in her native New Orleans. She worked in Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1943 The Recruitment and Manning Organization, a division of the War Shipping Administration, guaranteed the SIU that all steamship companies having contracts with SIU have been directed to secure all personnel through the hiring halls of the union. Craig S. Swenson, regional representative of the Recruitment and Manning Organization, told the SIU by letter that they would call the union halls for unlicensed personnel and he assured the SIU that his organization would not try to go around the union hall but would do everything they could to assist the union in recruitment of manpower. 1956 GERALD MILLER, 60, hails from Gretna, La. Boatman Miller joined the union in 1967 in New Orleans. He was a member of the engine department, last working aboard a Crescent Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Miller makes his home in Ponchatoula, La. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension and Trust, recently went on pension. EUGENE JONES, 55, began sailing with the NMU in 1969 from Port Authur, Texas. Brother Jones was born in Mobile, Ala. The steward department member’s initial voyage was aboard the Texaco Connecticut. Brother Jones last went to sea on the Howell Lykes. ANGEL SOTO, 65, was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Soto embarked on his career with the NMU in 1967. He first sailed on the Exilona out of the port of New York. Brother Soto worked in the steward department. His final voyage was aboard the Endeavor. JAMES WILLIAMS, 62, joined the NMU in 1978. He first sailed from the port of Philadelphia on the Coronado. Brother Williams worked in the steward department. and fuel oil for delivery to the East Coast. About half of the 30-man unlicensed crew was on shore leave when the explosion ripped the ship. In addition to the 12 SIU men, the skipper, chief mate, second mate, radio operator and bosun were missing and presumed lost. This Month In SIU History Twelve SIU men were lost after an explosion and fire aboard the Salem Maritime, a Cities Service tanker, at Lake Charles, La. The explosion took place while the tanker was completing loading of 130,000 barrels of high-octane gasoline, kerosene the steward department, primarily aboard Delta Queen Steamship Co. vessels. Sister Harbor continues to reside in Louisiana. 1967 Seafarers at regular monthly meetings in all constitutional ports enthusiastically voted to endorse and support the newly formed Maritime Defense League. In approving the purposes of the new organization, the membership called for maximum publicity in support of the league by all Seafarers. The new organization is a voluntary body set up to assure that maritime workers, faced with legal problems or charges threatening their personal liberties, are assured their fundamental American rights to counsel and other assistance. Robert A. Matthews, SIU vice president in charge of contracts and contract enforcement, has been selected chairman of the Maritime Defense League, and offices have been established on One Hanson Place in Brooklyn, N.Y. Seafarers LOG 17 �24133_PG1_3,12,13,19,18cx.qxd 8/26/2004 8:06 PM Page 18 Final Departures Deep Sea PAUL LABORDE Pensioner Albert Ayler, 84, died May 15. Brother Ayler began his career with the SIU in 1943 in the port of New York. The Alabama-born mariner first sailed aboard the Alcoa Patriot. He shipped in the steward department and last worked on the Cove Navigator. Brother Ayler called Whistler, Ala. home. He started receiving his pension in 1984. Pensioner Paul Laborde, 69, died May 26. Brother Laborde began sailing with the SIU in 1951 in New Orleans, after serving in the U.S. Army. He was born in Louisiana and worked in the deck department. Brother Laborde first went to sea aboard the Duchess. He last shipped on the Las Vegas Victory. Brother Laborde resided in his native state and began receiving his pension in 1994. SANTIAGO CADIZ WAYMON LEE Brother Santiago Cadiz, 66, passed away June 6. He joined the SIU in 1969 in the port of New York. Brother Cadiz first sailed on the Wild Ranger in the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the Sea-Land Quality. Brother Cadiz was born in Puerto Rico and lived in Brooklyn N.Y. Pensioner Waymon Lee, 75, passed away June 24. Brother Lee began sailing with the SIU in 1947 in the port of New York. Born in Georgia, he worked in the deck department, last sailing on the OMI Ranger. Brother Lee made his home in Roseville, Calif. He went on pension in 1987. SIXTO CHARNECO WALTER LINDBERG Pensioner Sixto Charneco, 78, died June 10. Brother Charneco launched his seafaring career in 1951 in the port of New York. Born in Puerto Rico, he worked in the steward department, initially sailing aboard the Rebel. Prior to retiring in 1982, Brother Charneco worked on the Aguadilla. He resided in his native commonwealth. Pensioner Walter Linberg, 72, died April 15. Brother Lindberg joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Philadelphia, after serving in the U.S. Army. Born in Minnesota, he initially worked aboard the Santa Emilia. Before retiring in 1997, the engine department member worked on the Santa Magdalena. Brother Lindberg resided in Clearlake, Calif. ALBERT AYLER RAMON DELAPAZ Pensioner Ramon DeLaPaz, 74, passed away July 7. Brother DeLaPaz joined the SIU in 1957 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Puerto Rico, the steward department member first sailed on the Steel Apprentice. Brother DeLaPaz began receiving his pension in 1996. He made his home in New York. CANEY GRANGER Pensioner Caney Granger, 81, died April 24. Born in Louisiana, Brother Granger began his seafaring career in 1953, first sailing aboard the Ft. Hoskins. Brother Granger worked in the deck department. His last voyage was on the Sea-Land Consumer. Brother Granger called Oberlin, La. home. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1990. ERNEST KAM Pensioner Ernest Kam, 92, passed away May 16. Brother Kam joined the SIU in 1955 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He worked primarily aboard Delta Steamship Lines vessels as a member of the steward department. Brother Kam was born in Hawaii and lived in Walnut Creek, Calif. He started receiving retirement stipends in 1986. 18 Seafarers LOG PHILIP LIVINGSTON Pensioner Philip Livingston, 78, passed away June 23. Brother Livingston began his career with the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first went to sea aboard the Margarett Brown. Brother Livingston was born in Massachusetts and worked in the steward department. His last voyage was on the Manulani. Brother Livingston made his home in Palmdale, Calif. and started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1990. MARCO MORA Pensioner Marco Mora, 82, died April 21. Brother Mora was born in Costa Rica. He joined the union in 1959 in New Orleans. Brother Mora originally sailed on an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel in the deck department. Prior to retiring in 1987, he sailed with Michigan Tankers. Brother Mora called Costa Rica home. EVA MYERS Sister Eva Myers, 45, passed away June 3. She embarked on her seafaring career in 1982 in Piney Point, Md. A member of the steward department, She initially went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Producer. Sister Myers was born in Annapolis, Md. and made her home in Stevensville, Md. She last sailed on the Integrity. career with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S) in 1962 in San Francisco. The U.S. Army veteran initially worked on the Santa Mercedes. Brother Porales was a member of the steward department. He last worked aboard the President McKinley. Brother Porales began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1981. He was born in Honolulu and resided in Kent, Wash. JACK RHODES Pensioner Jack Rhodes, 71, passed away April 14. Brother Rhodes launched his profession with the SIU in 1955 in the port of New York. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Brother Rhodes was born in Maryland and shipped in the deck department as a bosun. He last sailed on the LNG Virgo. Brother Rhodes began receiving retirement stipends in 1997. He called Glen Burnie, Md. home. FRANK SCHANDL Pensioner Frank Schandl, 76, died June 2. Brother Schandl joined the SIU in 1944 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Navy. Born in New York, his first voyage was aboard the Hastings. The deck department member last sailed aboard the Cape Washington. Brother Schandl went on pension in 1983 and called Walker, Texas home. GREGORIO TROCHE Pensioner Gregorio Troche, 80, passed away June 8. Brother Troche embarked on his seafaring career in 1942 in New Orleans. Born in Puerto Rico, the deck department member initially shipped on the Alcoa Pegasus. Brother Troche’s last voyage was on the Buyer. He began receiving his pension in 1987 and made his home in Mobile, Ala. EUSEBIO VELAZQUEZ Pensioner Eusebio Velazquez, 91, died May 28. Brother Velazquez became an SIU member in 1951 in New Orleans. The engine department member first went to sea on a Pan Shipping vessel. Prior to retiring in 1977, Brother Velazquez worked on a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. He was born in Puerto Rico and made his home in Metairie, La. INLAND HENRY ELBOURNE Pensioner Henry Elbourne, 76, died June 5. Born in Maryland, Boatman Elbourne joined the SIU in 1962 in the port of Baltimore. The deck department member worked mainly aboard Maritrans vessels. Boatman Elbourne began receiving retirement compensation in 1993 and lived in his native state. ANACLETO PORALES HARRY CONSTANTINE Pensioner Anacleto Porales, 81, died June 12. Brother Porales began his Pensioner Harry Constantine, 86, passed away July 18. Boatman Constantine began his career with the SIU in 1974 in the port of Philadelphia. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he shipped in the steward department and worked primarily on Maritrans vessels. Boatman Constantine was born in Chester, Pa. and went on pension in 1988. He resided in Boothwyn, Pa. ORVILLE PRUITT Pensioner Orville Pruitt, 81, passed away June 8. Boatman Pruitt joined the SIU in 1966 in Baltimore. Born in Virginia, he was a veteran of both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. Boatman Pruitt initially worked on a Maritrans vessel. The deck department member shipped in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Before retiring in 1979, Boatman Pruitt sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. He called Accomack, Va. home. CHARLES RETHERFORD Pensioner Charles Retherford, 79, died May 22. Boatman Retherford was born in Newton, Texas. He joined the SIU in 1964 in Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Retherford worked primarily aboard Higman Barge Lines vessels. He sailed in the deck department as a captain. Boatman Retherford started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1984. He made his home in Orange, Texas. LEE SCOPOLITES Pensioner Lee Scopolites, 93, passed away June 14. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Boatman Scopolites launched his career with the Seafarers in 1966 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The Alabama-born mariner originally worked on the Steel Survey. Boatman Scopolites shipped in both the steward and deck departments. He last worked aboard a Red Circle Transport vessel. Boatman Scopolites went on pension in 1985. He resided in Mobile. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. ROBERT ALBRIGHT Pensioner Robert Albright, 86, passed away July 1. He joined the NMU in 1969 and first sailed aboard a Victory ship. Brother Albright was born in Mississippi and worked in the steward department. He last went to sea on the Keystoner and began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1980. BERT BARRETT Pensioner Bert Barrett, 75, died June 25. Born in Michigan, Brother Barrett first sailed from the port of Toledo, Ohio in 1962. His first ship was the Jay C. Morse. The engine department member’s final voyage was on the John Lykes. Brother Barrett went on pension in 1995. MITCHEL BLAND Pensioner Mitchel Bland, 77, died June 7. Brother Bland began his seafaring career with the NMU in 1966, initially shipping from the port of Seattle. Born in Mississippi, he worked in the deck department. Brother Bland’s last trip to sea was aboard the Chestnut Hill. He started receiving his pension in 1992. MANUEL DAVILA Pensioner Manuel Davila, 89, passed away June 4. Brother Davila started sailing with the NMU from San Francisco. The engine department member was born in Honduras. Brother Davila most recently worked aboard the Texaco Connecticut. He went on pension in 1995. CHARLES GRAY Pensioner Charles Gray, 81, died May 12. Brother Gray began his career with the NMU in 1945 in the port of Baltimore. Born in Virginia, he first sailed aboard the Cornelius Harnett. Brother Gray worked in the steward department and began receiving his pension in 1969. LEOTHA JENKINS Pensioner Leotha Jenkins, 76, passed away June 21. Brother Jenkins joined the NMU in 1946, initially sailing from Galveston, Texas. His first ship was the Bradford Island. Brother Jenkins worked in the engine department. Before retiring in 1968, he shipped aboard the Hess Voyager. ANDREW MONIZ Pensioner Andrew Moniz, 82, died July 9. Born in Hawaii, Brother Moniz joined the NMU in 1946 in the port of Honolulu. He first sailed aboard the T.P. Leathers in the engine department. Brother Moniz’s last trip to sea was on the Cape San Martin. He went on pension in 1968. GABINO PAGAN Pensioner Gabino Pagan, 87, passed away June 28. He joined the NMU in 1947 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Hatillo, P.R., Brother Pagan worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the Santa Clara. He started receiving his pension in 1968. LISTON PETERSON Pensioner Liston Peterson, 74, died Continued on page 20 September 2004 �24133_PG1_3,12,13,19,18cx.qxd 8/27/2004 4:53 PM Page 19 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. AMERICAN TERN (Osprey Ship Management), June 28—Chairman Robert S. Vazquez, Secretary Christopher B. Amigable, Deck Delegate Erick F. Toledo Colon, Engine Delegate Edward H. Thompson. Chairman announced July 13 arrival in Charleston, S.C. Educational director urged crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications received from headquarters read and posted on bulletin board. Suggestions made to improve dental plan and to check with contracts department regarding hazardous duty pay for sailing to Iraq. Next ports: Charleston; Norfolk, Va.; Greenland. GREEN LAKE (Central Gulf Lines), June 27—Chairman David C. Shawglass, Secretary Alan J. Wolansky, Deck Delegate Ralph A. Holzinger, Engine Delegate Vernal R. Marshall, Steward Delegate Roosevelt L. Allen. Chairman thanked crew for great trip. Treasurer stated $800 in ship’s fund with no decision yet as to how to spend it. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for good job. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Lines), June 20—Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director John A. Collins, Deck Delegate Juan I. Arzu, Engine Delegate James R. Oling, Steward Delegate Mohamed A. Ahmed. Chairman announced July 2 payoff in Charleston, S.C. as well as a crew change and additional payoff July 6 in Newark, N.J. He thanked all departments for excellent job on security. Crew members reminded to make sure relief crew has fresh linen and that rooms are clean. Educational director stressed importance of making sure all necessary shipping documents are current and to allow plenty of time for renewing them. Treasurer stated $1,491 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification read to crew from standard freightship agree- ment regarding tours of duty and sailing board postings. Request made to get refrigerators for rooms. Recommendation made regarding security training of ABs. DEFENDER (USSM), July 11— Chairman Robert S. Wilson, Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Daniel P. Gibbons, Deck Delegate Kermitt Q. Bengtson, Engine Delegate Romeo N. Rivera, Steward Delegate Arthur L. Edwards. Chairman thanked crew for safe trip and for keeping rooms clean. Secretary reported smooth sailing. Educational director informed crew members to notify U.S. Coast Guard if they lose STCW certificates and that, when filing for passports, to get the one with extra pages for unexpected visa entries. No beefs or disputed OT reported. EXPLORER (USSM), July 4— Chairman Robert Pagan Jr., Secretary William R. Burdette, Educational Director Jimmy M. Robles, Deck Delegate Milton A. Seril, Engine Delegate Samuel Garrett. Chairman reported smooth trip with no problems. He thanked Chief Cook James Boss for excellent food and announced payoff July 6 in Los Angeles. Educational director encouraged members to utilize resources of Piney Point as a vacation site. Treasurer stated $447 in joint ship’s fund. The engine department reported several beefs. No beefs or disputed OT reported by deck or steward department delegates. Suggestion made for contracts department to look into change of shipping rules. Next ports: Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif. INDEPENDENCE (USSM), July 11—Chairman Edward J. O’Conner Jr., Secretary Jonny Cruz, Educational Director Carlos M. Perez, Deck Delegate Joel H. Fahselt, Engine Delegate Daniel F. Avery, Steward Delegate Husain Salah. Chairman informed crew to expect new security procedures in port and reminded them to abide by new trash plan. Secretary requested everyone make sure all doors are secured in port. He also encouraged them to vote in this Cookin’ on the Overseas Philadelphia Members of the steward department aboard the Overseas Philadelphia are (from left) Chief Cook Teofilo Blanco, Steward/ Baker Ivan Salis and GSTU Saleh Saleh. September 2004 year’s national election to ensure that we have people in Congress who support maritime issues. Educational director advised members to take advantage of upgrading at the Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Ship to receive second washing machine and e-mail upon arrival in U.S. Vote of thanks given to steward department for wide selection of meals prepared and for great 4th of July barbecue. Next ports: Elizabeth, N.J.; Miami; Houston. INNOVATOR (USSM), July 25— Chairman Steve R. Kastel, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Chris L. Earnhart, Deck Delegate Eric Lund, Engine Delegate Bryan T. Field, Steward Delegate Mostafa Loumrhari. Chairman announced payoff July 31 in Los Angeles and thanked crew for job well done. Secretary thanked bosun and all departments for helping keep ship clean. Educational director read president’s report from LOG to inform everyone of new security classes offered at school in Piney Point. He also reminded crew members to keep all documents current. Treasurer stated $243 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Los Angeles. ITB BALTIMORE (USS Transport), July 8—Chairman Richard A. Szabo, Secretary Pedro R. Mena, Educational Director James L. Geoffrey, Deck Delegate Hussein Mohammed, Engine Delegate Ahmed S. Salim, Steward Delegate Elsayed T. Amasha. Chairman complimented crew membes on job well done. Treasurer informed crew that movie fund gets $200 each month for new purchases. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to Steward Amasha for his delicious daily baking. ITB JACKSONVILLE (USS Transport), July 4—Chairman John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Warren G. Lombard, Educational Director Stanley M. Sporna, Deck Delegate Abedon P. Lujan, Engine Delegate Abdulaziz S. Ahmed. Chairman announced vessel is end of contract and looks to headquarters for gains in negotiating new one. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report read; crew declared they were proud of all President Sacco’s achievements. Suggestions made regarding various items in new contract. Next port: Houston, Texas. LIBERATOR (USSM), July 7— Chairman Daniel J. Teichman, Secretary Guillermo F. Thomas, Educational Director Elwyn L. Ford, Deck Delegate William P. Foley, Engine Delegate Si I. Hughes. Chairman announced 35day trips in effect. Educational director encouraged crew to keep all documents up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to purchase new lounge chairs for crew members’ rooms. LIBERTY EAGLE (Liberty Maritime), July 18—Chairman Thomas W. Lasater, Secretary Pablo C. Alvarez, Educational Director Jimmy Sabga. Chairman announced next payoff in Galveston, Texas. Secretary encouraged members to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility and also to use it for summer family vacations. Educational director put in request for new movies, magazines and exercise equipment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for next contract to cover prescriptions for depen- dents. Chairman thanked crew for safe, smooth trip around African continent. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), July 11—Chairman William D. Leachman, Secretary Fausto D. Aranda, Educational Director Lamar A. Parker, Deck Delegate Lloyd F. Stock, Engine Delegate Guadelupe A. Campbell, Steward Delegate William M. Simmons. Chairman advised crew members to read Seafarers LOG to keep informed of current union and maritime issues. Secretary thanked wipers and unlicensed apprentice for good work. Educational director recommended everyone suggestions. Recommendation made to replace sofas in crew lounge. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Valdez, Alaska. PERSEVERANCE (Maritrans), July 28—Chairman James E. Bishop, Secretary Patricia J. Geras, Educational Director Kenneth W. Pinchin, Deck Delegate Casey B. Coddington, Engine Delegate Milton L. Israel, Steward Delegate Luis M. Caballero. Educational director advised crew members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew Meeting Held Aboard the USNS Shasta Chairman Billy Bushey sent the LOG this photo of a shipboard union meeting on the USNS Shasta. The Shasta, whose home port is on the West Coast, is one of the Military Sealift Command’s six ammunition ships. Bushey reported a good turnout for the meeting and even recruited four new members in the last month to join the CIVMAR crew. upgrade skills and ratings at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. He advised them to renew MMDs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. TRB memorandum was read to crew. Request made for new washing machine and heavy-duty beverage dispenser. Crew was reminded to recycle and not to smoke in lounge. Thanks given to steward department for excellent food and service. Next ports: Corpus Christi, Texas; Russia. OVERSEAS PHILADELPHIA (OSG), July 11—Chairman Lawrence H. Zepeda, Secretary Ivan R. Salis, Educational Director Murray W. Roberson, Deck Delegate Ismael Manley, Steward Delegate Teofilo G. Blanco. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade at Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to improve pension benefits and to have direct deposit available for vacation benefits. Next port: Los Angeles. OVERSEAS WASHINGTON (ATC), July 11—Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Gregory G. Keene, Educational Director Kevin E. Hall, Deck Delegate John M. Kannuck, Engine Delegate Antonio N. Liboon, Steward Delegate Gary W. Lofton. Chairman stressed importance of contributing to SPAD to help union maintain strong voice on Capitol Hill. He also reminded departing crew members of room inspection form that needs to be signed off by steward or bosun. Educational director pointed out delay currently being experienced when renewing Coast Guard documents—so allow plenty of time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman reminded members that contract negotiations for 2006 agreement will be starting shortly and that now is a good time to start making reminded to check on new company policy. Next port: Los Angeles. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (Sulphur Carriers), July 17— Chairman Neftali Santana, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Alfred G. Lane, Deck Delegate Tibby L. Clotter, Steward Delegate Robert Sutherland Jr. Chairman advised crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point. Secretary reminded crew to return dirty dishes to galley and asked those members departing ship to make sure rooms are cleaned and with fresh set of linen. Educational director said he thought satellite television was very helpful to crew in keeping them informed on current events. He also stated training videos were very informative. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to raise pay scale and increase medical and pension benefits for members and spouses. Request made for additional washer in laundry room. Vote of thanks given to chief cook, steward and SA for jobs well done. Ship heading to Texas. WESTWARD VENTURE (IUM), July 4—Chairman Edwin Rivera, Secretary Stanley J. Krystosiak, Educational Director Randy T. Pearson, Deck Delegate Steven J. Kendrick, Engine Delegate William T. Drummond, Steward Delegate Adele George. Chairman stated all is well in deck department. Secretary reported good, safe trip and reminded crew members to clean rooms and remove dirty linen before disembarking. Educational director urged everyone to increase knowledge and upgrade skills by attending union’s affiliated school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done and for Independence Day barbecue. Seafarers LOG 19 �24133_P4,5,8,10,11,15_18,20,22,23.qxd 8/26/2004 6:22 PM Page 20 Petersburg Prepositions Petroleum Products The Petersburg is a transport tanker, one of the Military Sealift Command’s prepositioning ships carrying petroleum products. It operates out of Guam, where these photos were taken by SIU Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus. The pictures show some of the hard-working ABs, including (below, foreground) Bosun Jim Martin and (directly behind him) AB Jerome Wong. Union Label Week Is September 6-11 The AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department recently announced that Union Label Week is Sept. 6-11. During this period, and under the slogan: “Support Good Jobs—Buy Union!” union families will be underscoring the key role that good jobs play in sustaining the viability of our communities. Later this year, from Nov. 26 to Dec. 5, union families will observe Buy Union Week to encourage shoppers to specify their preference for the quality and value that union-made goods and services carry. During that busiest week of the pre-holiday season, consumers spend as much as 60 percent of their annual shopping budget. Just imagine the powerful impressions that 14 million union families could create on merchants. In promoting both Union Label Week and Buy Union Week, the Union Label and Service Trades Department observed, “There’s simply no denying it—union goods and services are everywhere. If you can eat it, drink it, wear it or ride it. . . .If you can sit on it, play on it, work in it, or stay in it. . . .If you can tell time with it, build with it, cook with it…If you use it for work, or just to have fun. . . .You can find one made by union workers. “But, did you also know that union members: Treat you when you are sick and help you stay well, Teach kids and help them stay safe, Make candy and cookies, medicine and machines, rubber tires, bikes and toys, Fight fires, fly airplanes, drive buses and trucks, Build houses and buildings, churches and schools, Make trains, airplanes and boats and the engines that move them, Final Departures Continued from page 18 July 11. Brother Peterson launched his career with the NMU in 1951 in the port of New York. Born in the Virgin Islands, Brother Peterson first went to sea aboard the Fort Charlotte. The engine department member’s last voyage was on the Cape Knox. Brother Peterson began receiving retirement stipends in 1998. RAUL RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Raul Rodriguez, 82, passed away June 9. Brother Rodriguez began his profession with the NMU in 1945 in Puerto Rico. He worked in 20 Seafarers LOG Build autos and trucks and the roads that they follow, Run railroads and subways, and ships big and small, Make glasses to wear as well as the kind you drink from, Keep you warm in the winter and cool in the simmer, Connect you to family by phone or mail, Make music and movies and film television news, Write newspapers and print them, take pictures and tint them, and Harvest your food and staff stores where it is sold. “Union members do thousands of things to make life more secure. So look for the union label and buy and promote union-made, American–made products and services.” As the department pointed out, the union label shows that labor and management have signed a binding contract, with each side guaranteeing their best—their best work, their best compensation, their best benefits. It’s a win-win arrangement for everyone—labor, management, consumers and the community, where the economy benefits from the paychecks and taxes of workers who earn a fair wage. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to find a union-made or American-made product. Sometimes, it requires a little extra effort on our part, but that effort is well worthwhile. So look for the union label. If you can’t find a union-made product, at least buy American. The job and community you save may be your own. the steward department, most recently aboard the Santa Luisa. Brother Rodriguez went on pension in 1973. WARREN WILCOX Pensioner Warren Wilcox, 82, died July 14. Brother Wilcox embarked on his career with the NMU in 1944 in the port of Baltimore. He was a member of the steward department. Before retiring in 1974, Brother Wilcox worked on the Silver Dove. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following NMU brothers and sisters, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. Name Age DOD Anchustegui, Miguel Ayers, Harvey Basler, R.J. Blanco, Carmelo Bjelland, Otto Crisanto, Loreto 62 84 78 79 75 88 7/11 6/28 6/1 7/7 6/25 7/3 Czapla, Stefan Donahue, Floyd Durrett, Lester Ebanks, Raymond Garcia, Rene Habersham, Charlie Hayney, Wellington Huertas, Pablo Jackson, Curtis Kalasanckas, Joseph Kandyloitis, Demetrios Kitchen, Garvin McIsaac, Joseph Morrow, William Murphy, Jr., David Musil, Arvin Nordstrom, Gerald Nutter, Edwin Prokopowicz, Kasmitz Redding, Kenneth Rodriguez, Gabriel Rodriguez, Victor Tynning, Sverre Uribe, Honorato Walters, Mahlon Wilson, Robert Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. 78 82 81 80 78 93 85 82 76 78 6/21 6/1 7/15 7/1 7/15 5/7 5/23 5/19 4/28 5/28 84 79 80 78 86 76 61 81 3/17 6/5 6/20 4/22 7/15 4/24 4/28 7/9 75 78 80 85 88 70 4/12 7/2 7/1 5/24 7/15 6/30 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. 91 67 5/21 3/10 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. September 2004 �24133_Pg6,7,9,14,21,24.qxd 8/26/2004 8:26 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Engine Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of 2004. 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 Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Operation September 20 November 15 October 15 December 10 FOWT October 25 December 17 QMED - Junior Engineer September 27 December 17 Welding October 4 November 1 October 22 November 19 Course Safety Specialty Courses Start Date of Course Date Completion September 20 November 8 October 1 November 19 Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* Able Seaman September 27 November 8 October 22 December 3 Government Vessels September 13 October 1 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) September 13 November 15 September 17 November 19 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* October 4 October 8 Celestial Navigation September 27 October 22 GMDSS (Simulator) September 27 November 1 October 8 November 12 Lifeboatman/Water Survival September 13 October 25 September 24 November 5 Navigation Fundamentals November 29 December 10 Radar November 1 November 12 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) October 4 November 29 October 15 December 10 Course (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) *(must have radar unlimited) 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Upgrade . . . Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning August 23, 2004. Recertification Bosun October 11 November 8 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ . . . at the Paul Hall Center 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No 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? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ September 2004 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 9/04 Seafarers LOG 21 �24133_P4,5,8,10,11,15_18,20,22,23.qxd 8/26/2004 6:23 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 652 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 652 (in alphabetical order) Craig Artice, Timothy Bauer, Tedrick Blackstone, Robin Bourgeois, Paul Brown, Norman Dize, Christopher Eide, Aaron Ford, Brian Freme, William Hunt, Sean Moore, Ahmed Mused, Jonathan Nielson, Steven Owens, Omar Richard, Jamey Russell, Brian Saba, Earl Scott, Douglas Shores, Abraham Straughter, Timothy Taylor, Joshua Wilson, Christopher Wyman. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Fast Rescue Boat — July 16 was graduation day for those in the fast boat rescue course. They are (in alphabetical order) Felix Alfonso, Paul Hendrix, James McCroskey, William McLaughlin, John Neal, Michael O’Brien, James Olsen, Jeff Ryoza and Brian Stowe. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is at far right. Fast Rescue Boat — Upgraders who completed the fast boat rescue course July 30 are (in alphabetical order) John Brantly, Douglas Crawford, Jay Crossman, Kim Duplantis Jr. and Charles Gale. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is at far right. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Earning their lifeboatman/water survival endorsements July 2 are (in no specific order) Ruben Gonzalez, Korron Richardson, Dionisio Bermudez, Robert White, Brian Delatte, Randolph Sutton, Arthur Quinney, Jimmy Pruitt Jr., Simien James, Jennifer Doty, Natalie Nunes, Allen Cole, Joe Reynolds and William Britton. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, stands in the center with arms folded. Able Seaman — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending July 30 are (in alphabetical order) Mohamed Abdelwahab, Dionisio Bermudez, William Britton, Allen Cole, Brian Delatte, Ruben Gonzalez, Todd Keith, Arthur Quinney, Joseph Reynolds, Korron Richardson, Stag Rye, Angelo Schiraldi, Nicholas Smithling, Greg Tojong and Robert White. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions Advanced Fire Fighting — Under the instruction of instructor Tom Cessna (far right) are July 30 graduates of the advanced fire fighting course. They are (in alphabetical order) John Cronan, William McLaughlin, Niko Monsales, James Reece, Lino Remorin, Raymond Ryan, Anthony Sanchez, Marc Simpson, Jerry Sobieraj and Olie Webber. (Note: Not all are pictured.) department so that another student may take that place. Tankerman (PIC) Barge — Graduating July 30 from the tankerman (PIC) barge course are (in no specific order) Louis Barra, Bruce Heath, Steven Medina, Richard Parks, Albert Bharrat, Wilson Yanson, James Hoffman, Brent Anderson, James Olsen Jr, Lamar Nelms, Peter Jenks, J. Rocco Macari, Cole Mather, Brian Bascom and Duane Evans. Their instructor, Herb Walling, is fifth from right. Computer Lab Classes Left: Showing off his certificates of achievement for completion of several computer classes at the Paul Hall Center is Rigoberto Ruiz. With him is his instructor, Rick Prucha. In the center photo are (from left) Prucha, Alberto Castillo, Beata Rigoberto and Leonard Soriano. At right are (seated, from left) Simien James, Forrest McGee, (back row) Charles Garrett, Ivan Vallejo and Prucha. 22 Seafarers LOG September 2004 �24133_P4,5,8,10,11,15_18,20,22,23.qxd 8/26/2004 6:30 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes GMDSS — Completing their GMDSS training July 23 are (in no particular order) Loren Wolfe, Basil D’Souza, Duane Evans, Charles Gale, Kiah Pinto, Jermaine Williams, Brent Anderson, Louis Barra, Thomas Stead and Raymond Henderson. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is second from left. Navigation Fundamentals — Upgrading deck department members who successfully completed the navigation fundamentals course July 30 are (in no specific order) DeGutenberg Poitevien, Basil D’Souza, Lawrence Richardson and Karl Mayhew. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, is at far right. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — Hawaii: Marmionett Bright, Brock Maples, Chris Burkhart, Troy Ridgeway, Frank Akhay, Nicole Jones, Nicholas Hajek, Lane Martell, Michael Stinson, Katie Martin, Ryan Hughes, Michael Sentigar, Jason Frost, Karen Thomasson and Eduardo Marquez. STCW — July 23: Roy Brooks, Raphael D’Ambrosio, Edward Gavagan, Donald George, Robyn Hughey, Brent Morris, Frank Ortiz, Richard Williams and Vasile Daogaru. Instructor Tony Sevilla is at far right. Vessel Safety Officer — Graduating from this course July 27 are Express Marine boatmen (in no specific order) Riley Johnson Jr., Thomas Crockett, Michael Daniels, Mark Faust, Steven Jones, Miles Ireland Sr., Edward Garner, Garnett Leary, William Carter and Douglas Covil. Their instructor was Herb Walling, far right. Vessel Safety Officer — Boatmen from Express Marine who completed the vessel safety officer course July 13 are (in no specific order) Dennis Gaskill Jr., James Dixon, Bradley Thomas Jr., Richard Rotella, James Kruger, Nicholas Grassia, Donald Ivins, Keith Kirkeide, Gil Pruitt, Oswald Smithwick, Foster Watts, Parran Keane, Ernest Parks, William Hudnell and Robert Batson. Their instructor was Herb Walling (third from right). Tanker Familiarization Assistant Cargo (DL) — Unlicensed trainees completing this course July 16 are (in no specific order) Connie Clemons, Russ Wall, Keesha Smith, Mario Torrey, Lon Maduro, Alex Rhodes, Ben Anderson, Gilberto Quiñones, Nelton Rodriguez, Jon Carrico, Djuan Wright, Matthew Wright, Christopher Wheeler, Travis Zeller and Yamil Sanchez. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. September 2004 Tanker FamiliarizationAssistant Cargo (DL) — A second tanker assistant class graduated July 16, this one under the instruction of Herb Walling (far left). The students are (in no specific order) Shawn Sayers, Gregory Ralston, Chris Oding, Brian Leach, Jonathan Miller, David Gibson, Drew Hardiman, Cody Stasch, Forrest Cornelison, Jose Nuñez, Orlando Caro, Aaron Barnes, Chris Burke, Dameon Cooler, Terry Chance, Christopher Chever, De’Shanna Sherrod and Brandon Jones. Seafarers LOG 23 �24133_Pg6,7,9,14,21,24.qxd 8/26/2004 8:56 PM Page 24 Volume 66, Number 9 September 2004 2=E D ... ... ... I n this era of speedy travel, high tech communications and fast food meals, Delta Queen Steamboat Co.’s three SIU-crewed paddlewheelers hearken back to a more gracious and leisurely time in American history. “The steamboats were finer than anything on shore,” stated Mark Twain in his book “Life on the Mississippi.” “Compared with superior dwelling houses and first-class hotels in the valley, they were indubitably magnificent, and were ‘palaces.’” Much has changed since 1883 when Twain wrote those words, but steamboating along America’s rivers—including the Mighty Mississippi—has remained pretty much the same as in his day. From about 1850 to1880, riverboats brought young families to their new homes in the Heartland and transported traders to prosperity. More than 10,000 paddlewheel steamers once traveled America’s waterways. Now, the only ones remaining that have overnight accommodations are the Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen, and the SIU members who crew them in the engine, deck and steward departments help make the experience a memorable one for those passengers who want to savor the riverboat life of old. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company (a Delaware North Company), based in New Orleans, La., offers 3- to 11-night river cruises aboard the three vessels, which all feature plush, Victorianstyle staterooms and suites, as well as working paddlewheels powered by steam. On this page are photos of the three riverboats as well as some of the SIU galley gang who help make shipboard dining a true delight. Anthony Dezara Busser Fabian Brooks Second Cook Left: The three SIU-crewed Delta Queen Steamboat Co. paddlewheelers cruise on the Mississippi, Ohio, Cumberland, Tennessee, Atchafalaya Kanawha and Arkansas rivers; on the TennesseeTombigbee Waterway and the Intracoastal Waterway in Louisiana, Texas, Alabama and Mississippi. At left, the three Queens are a spectacular sight as they steam by the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The American Queen is the world’s largest steamboat, rising six decks high, 418 feet long and the ability to accommodate 436 passengers. Described as a “floating palace,” the American Queen is filled with fine antiques and beautiful Victorian furnishings. With more than 75 years on the rivers, the Delta Queen is a National Historic Landmark, a veteran of World War II, the only steamboat to transit the Panama Canal and the only one to host three presidents and a princess. The paddlewheeler was inducted into the National Maritime Hall of Fame in 2004. Ronald Peterson, Second Cook The Mississippi Queen visits river towns, bustling cities, antebellum plantations, Civil War battlefields, gardens, and the boyhood home of Mark Twain, among other sites. The Mississippi Queen was launched for America’s Bicentennial in 1976. Bruce Brice Busser � 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 September 2004 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SENATORS, CONGRESSMEN, TASK FORCE URGE PROTECTION OF CABOTAGE LAWS 9/11 REPORT IDENTIFIES NEED TO INVEST IN MARITIME SIU GAINS MORE NEW JOBS SBX IS LATEST PLATFORM FOR SEAFARERS AS FOURTH ARM OF DEFENSE ITF SECURES BACK WAGES FOR FLINTERNOORD MARINERS COMMITTEE REVIEWS NOMINATION PRETITIONS FOR UNION ELECTION APOSTLESHIP OF THE SEA SENDS PRAYERS AND SUPPORT TO U.S. MERCHANT MARINERS SIU PRESIDENT UNDERSCORES UNITY IN MARITIME LABOR TIGHTER SECURITY SHOULDN’T MEAN WEAKENING MARINERS’ RIGHTS HEINDEL: ‘HUMAN ELEMENT MUST NOT BE OVERLOOKED’ COAST GUARD’S AUTHORITY, RESPONSIBILITIES GROW AMERICAN JOBS CREATION ACT INCLUDES MARITIME PROVISIONS CREDENTIALS APPROVED FOR CANDIDATES TO 27 UNION OFFICES SEATU CONVENTION FOCUSES ON PRIDE AND PARTNERSHIP BASIC AUXILIARY PLANT OPS COURSE IS REQUIRED TO STEP TOWARD FOWT HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN WEIGHS NETWORK OPTIONS MARITIME SECURITY SIU, PAUL HALL CENTER STEP UP TO PROMOTE SHIPBOARD, PORT SAFETY CANADIAN WAL-MART GOES UNION DELTA QUEEN CO. CRUISES INTO HISTORY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 09/01/2004 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. 66, No. 9 2004 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/54b0be48032cbb22f4716e3983b532ba.pdf 4d48be514bdff1b0242db11fd327449b PDF Text Text 24753_P1,3,24 cx.qxd 9/27/2004 6:53 PM Page 1 Volume 66, Number 10 October 2004 USNS Bob Hope USNS Shughart USNS Fisher Bob Hope-Class LMSRs Go SIU! USNS Yano Seafarers to Crew Up 11 Military Support Ships Seafarers recently welcomed the news that SIU-contracted companies have been awarded new operating agreements for the 11 LMSRs pictured on this page. Early last month, the government announced SIU-contracted American Overseas Marine Corporation as the new operator of nine LMSRs, including the seven Bob Hope-class ships and two converted vessels. Additionally, SIU-contracted 3PSC, LLC will operate two other converted LMSRs. Among those happy to receive the news were Seafarers (going up a gangway, left to right) AB Hennie Haylock, SA Jermaine Robinson, OS Leroyal Hester and AB Jonathan Brown. The vessels’ current operator (Patriot) is protesting the award. Page 3. USNS Gilliland USNS Seay USNS Pililaau USNS Gordon USNS Brittin USNS Mendonca USNS Benavidez �24753_p02,3,17,21.qxd 9/24/2004 9:31 AM Page 2 President’s Report More Progress for the SIU Heading into the final months of 2004, our union remains incredibly active and productive. September brought two major gains for Seafarers: the award of operating contracts for 11 LMSRs to SIU-contracted companies, and the signing of an agreement between a highly regarded national health care network and the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. The LMSRs represent a substantial number of new jobs in the deck and engine departments. They also signify the continuation of our union’s consistent demonstrated ability to deliver for the membership. In 2004 alone, through outright new vessels and replacement tonnage, we have added new jobs aboard military support ships, tankers, containerships, car carriers, Great Lakes vessels and passenger ferries. You’ve heard me say it before: It’s all about jobs, jobs, jobs! On that score, the SIU takes a back seat to no one. The agreement with First Health Network also is a key development. At a time when health insurance costs are climbing beyond the reach of tens of millions of Americans, SIU members who are covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan not only are maintaining good benefits but also are gaining access to a national network of health care providers for which there are currently no out-of-pocket costs. I’d call that a remarkable accomplishment, especially in light of the latest news concerning health care costs. You may have read media reports last month stating that health insurance premiums paid by U.S. employers have risen 11 percent this year alone. Most workers are bearing at least some of that cost, paying more to carry their coverage and, in many cases, also paying higher deductibles and co-payments. This is a national crisis and one of the biggest challenges faced by working families. It’s not just that costs are increasing every year—they are rising at rates so far beyond average wage increases that they’re flat unaffordable for far too many people. Out-of-pocket costs for the average worker have gone up 60 percent in the last four years. Also, the most recent figures show an all-time high of 45 million Americans without any health insurance. Until we as a nation find real solutions, those numbers only will get worse. In that context, Seafarers have it better than most, thanks largely to efforts by the Plan and the union. We will continue to aggressively protect our benefits, but this is a serious, difficult fight. Elsewhere, Seafarers continue making progress aboard our newly contracted cruise ship, NCL America’s Pride of Aloha. There’s no question the Pride of Aloha is working through some growing pains, but that’s to be expected. Overall, the operation is headed in the right direction and bound for total success. On that note, I thank the SIU crew members who have helped the Pride of Aloha through these early stages. The work hasn’t been easy, and the hours usually are long, but our members consistently have been praised for maintaining great attitudes and doing whatever it takes to help ensure the smoothest possible experience for all concerned. That type of dedication and sacrifice doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated. Lastly, I again encourage all Seafarers to participate in the upcoming elections—both our union elections and the national, state and local contests. Make sure you are eligible to vote, and support the candidates who will support a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. Volume 66, Number 10 October 2004 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2004 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG SIU Safety Directors Examine New U.S. Maritime Regulations SIU safety directors last month scrutinized a host of significant issues that affect not only Seafarers individually, but also the maritime community and the entire shipping industry during their annual conference at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The five-day gathering, which ran Sept. 13-17, marked the sixth yearly meeting of the union’s safety directors. The conference’s agenda, jam-packed from the opening day, included a series of informational briefings from heads of several of the union’s administrative departments, and presentations by instructors from the Paul Hall Center. The lion’s share of the safety director’s agenda however involved in-depth discussions on small arms awareness, mariner identification documents, and maritime security awareness. Cdr. Capt. John Lawrence of Alaska Tanker Co. provides operational insights about his company to the safety directors. Cyndi Stowe, U.S. Coast Guard, briefed the directors on the Participants in the SIU’s Sept. 13-17 safety directors’ conference pose for a photo shortly after their graduation. From left to right are Mitch Oakley, Frank Vincenzo, Archie Ware, Christian Westbrook, Samuel Spain, Frank Iverson, Kevin Marchand, Amancio Crespo, and Randy Senatore. Small Arms Awareness Training was a highlight of the safety conference. Following many hours of instruction and training in the classroom, conference attendees took to the firing range to practice and hone their newly acquired skills. Cdr. Cyndi Stowe, U.S. Coast Guard, briefs the safety directors on provisions of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2004. Maritime Security Act of 2004 while Capt. John Lawrence presented a seminar on behalf of SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. “The entire conference was very well-organized, flawlessly structured and highly informative,” said Kevin Marchand from the port of Houston. “Everyone involved in putting together the conference did a masterful job, and we all gained a great deal of insight from the union officials who participated in the various workshops with us. “This was my first time participating in the conference,” Marchand continued, “but the veterans in the group all said that this year’s event was the best that they have ever attended. I’m sure I’m speaking for the entire group (fellow safety directors) when I say that we all walked away better equipped to handle the everyday situations which we encounter in our respective ports.” In addition to Marchand, others who participated in the sixth safety conference and their respective ports were: Amancio Crespo, port of San Juan; Frank Iverson, Honolulu; Mitch Oakley, Piney Point; Randy Senatore, New York; Samuel Spain, Norfolk; Frank Vincenzo, Tacoma; Archie Ware, San Francisco; and Christian Westbrook, New Orleans. Paul Hall Center Hosts ITF Inspectors Graham Young (standing in photo below) from the office of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Secretariat, conducts a wrap-up briefing for inspectors who participated in the ITF’s Sept. 12-17 All Americas Inspectorate Training Seminar at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Piney Point, Md. More than 40 inspectors from North, South and Central America converged on the southern Maryland campus to get acquainted, exchange ideas, discuss trends in their respective countries and coordinate strategies for future flag-of-convenience campaigns. Young (right in photo at right) also addressed the inspectors during the seminar’s workshops. Pictured with Young (from the left) are Steve Trowsdale, office of the ITF Secretariat and Stephen Cotton, head of the ITF’s Special Seafarers’ Department. The U.S. Coast Guard conducted a Port Access and Security workshop for the inspectors during which they discussed the ramifications of the United Nations’ new International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and the U.S. Maritime Security Act of 2004. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, who serves as vice chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, also participated in the seminar. “I think it’s good for ITF inspectors to meet from time to time to exchange ideas and hone their skills by becoming acquainted with the various techniques and approaches employed by their counterparts from other countries when dealing with similar situations,” Heindel stated. October 2004 �24753_P1,3,24 cx.qxd 9/27/2004 6:54 PM Page 3 SIU Gains Jobs on 11 LMSRs Seafarers to Crew Up U.S. Military Support Ships The SIU last month welcomed the news that two of its contracted companies have been awarded operating agreements for 11 large, medium-speed, roll-on/ roll-off vessels (LMSRs). Seafarers-contracted American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA) will be the new operator of nine LMSRs, including the seven Bob Hope-class ships and two converted vessels. SIU-contracted 3PSC, LLC will operate two other converted LMSRs. The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) announced the bid awards in early September. Seafarers originally were scheduled to begin crewing most of the ships starting this month and next month. However, Patriot Contract Services (the current operator) has protested the MSC award, thereby delaying the turnover. A memo from the SIU was sent last month to the member- ship detailing the protest. Among other things, the memo points out that Patriot’s objection wasn’t unexpected. “The company is facing a loss of approximately 30 percent of their business,” the memo notes, “and not to protest would be commercially irresponsible…. This is standard operating procedure in this type of situation. The SIU will continue to monitor the situation and fully expect to man these ships when the General Accounting Office upholds the award to AMSEA.” The operating agreements in effect are four years apiece; officially they are four one-year agreements renewable each year. The SIU will fill all unlicensed positions aboard the 11 ships. Seafarers called the announcement of the award a major win for the SIU. “I’m very happy about it,” said OMU Thomas Haskins, who joined the union 10 years ago. Health Network Agreement Offers Many Advantages Saving money while maintaining quality health insurance coverage levels is an unlikely feat, but the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) has pulled it off, thanks to a new affiliation with First Health Network. “This is an effective way of reducing costs without sacrificing quality and without placing any additional burden on our participants,” said SHBP Administrator Bill Dennis. “First Health is a very large, highly regarded network that matches up well with our participants’ home zip codes. I think it’s a win-win situation.” The Plan’s Board of Trustees sent a letter and network membership card to each participant confirming the agreement with First Health Network as this issue of the LOG went to press. That letter notes that the agreement—effective Nov. 1, 2004—should help eliminate applicable out-of-pocket costs for Seafarers. Another expected plus is that Seafarers using the network no longer will have to worry about doctors’ charges exceeding the “reasonable and customary” coverage limit, since the network and its participating physicians agree to a set fee schedule. Another recent communication from the SHBP board points out that “out of network claims [will] continue to be processed and paid in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Plan and may result in a balance bill to the participant.” In other words, while treatment outside the network is an option, members would continue to be responsible for applicable co-payments as well as fees beyond the “reasonable and customary” amount. As reported last month, the health benefits plan of an SIU-affiliated union earlier this year joined the First Health Network, and the results have been clearly favorable for that plan, its participating members and eligible dependents. “Using the network makes sense for members because they save money and they don’t have to deal with paperwork, since the network doctors and hospitals file the claims for them,” Dennis added. More than 4,500 hospitals and some 425,000 physicians and ancillary providers participate in First Health Network. According to the company, 99 percent of hospitals and 96 percent of physicians and ancillary providers normally renew their respective contracts with the network. First Health requires pre-certification (pre-approval) prior to a scheduled hospital admission or surgery. In the case of an emergency hospitalization or surgery, the network must be notified within 48 hours after admission. Each SIU hall will keep a list of the First Health Network participants. Individuals also may call the network at 800 839-1980 to check whether or not their doctor participates, or visit the web site www.firsthealth.com (use login ID SHBP) for an electronic directory. According to recent studies, health insurance premiums paid by U.S. employers increased 11.2 percent this year. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust showed that it costs about $10,000 per year to insure the average family. As part of that expense, workers pay approximately $500 per year for single coverage or roughly $2,600 for family coverage. This marks the fourth straight year that premiums increased by 10 percent or more. In 2003, the jump was 13.9 percent. Those aren’t the only figures on the rise. According to the Kaiser study, workers’ out-of-pocket costs have increased by 60 percent during the past four years. Also, the U.S. Census Bureau recently noted that the number of uninsured Americans increased to 45 million last year. October 2004 “It’s reassuring that things are still going in the right direction.” “I think it’s excellent,” stated AB Mike Penkwitz, a Seafarer since 1988. “It creates a lot of jobs for our members. Those are going to be good ships, and the more ships we have, the better our security.” Bosun’s Mate George Pino, a 30-year member of the SIU, declared that the awards are good news for MSC, too. “SIU members are highly trained, and we have access to one of the best maritime schools in the world,” he observed. “That comes through our union leadership. “The announcement of more jobs for us is definitely a plus.” Recertified Bosun George Khan, who joined the SIU in 1978, said the news of new jobs “most definitely is well-received, especially since we’re going with the good (health benefits) package. That’s big with me, the benefits. It’s more important than anything else.” The Bop Hope ships are the USNS Benavidez, USNS Bob Hope, USNS Brittin, USNS Fisher, USNS Mendonca, USNS Pililaau and USNS Seay. AMSEA also will operate the USNS Shughart and USNS Yano, while 3PSC, LLC will operate the USNS Gordon and USNS Gilliland. SIU President Michael Sacco said the awards are “great news for the membership and a big win for the entire union. When you gain The USNS Seay (above) and the rest of the Military Sealift Command’s fleet of LMSRs have been active throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom. new jobs on 11 ships, there’s every reason to feel good about it.” SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez said the awards “reflect in part the excellent work done by our rank-and-file membership throughout the years and in particular throughout Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. These 11 LMSRs will be in good hands with SIU crews.” The Bob Hope ships were built at Avondale in New Orleans, with delivery dates ranging from 1998 to 2003. The Shughart and Yano were converted at NASSCO in San Diego, while the Gordon and Gilliland were converted at Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding. The converted vessels formerly were containerships; all were delivered to MSC by late 1997. MSC cites two key missions— prepositioning and surge sealift— for its LMSRs, including eight Seafarers-crewed Watson-class vessels. The ships vary in length from about 900 feet to approximately 950 feet. The USNS Benavidez was the last of the Bob Hope-class ships built at Avondale in New Orleans. SBX Joins SIU Fleet Seafarers are crewing up a semi-submersible craft that is part of a U.S. operation called ground-based midcourse defense (GMD). The U.S. Missile Defense Agency is in charge of GMD, which includes a seabased component. As shown in this illustration provided by the agency, the ship essentially is a mobile platform for an advanced radar system. It is 400 feet long and 237 feet wide, selfpropelled and features a twin-hull design. For now, it is being called the SBX—an abbreviation for sea-based X-Band radar. As reported last month, the SBX will be forward-deployed in the Pacific Rim. Seafarers LOG 3 �24753_P1,4,15,18-20,22,23.qxd 9/24/2004 8:06 PM Page 4 Transportation Secretary Credits SIU Crews For Helping Fight Fire on USNS Shughart Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta, in a pair of recent letters to Marine Transport Lines, Inc., formally thanked the SIU crews from two Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessels for their roles in assisting a third vessel which caught fire while offloading military cargo in Kuwait. Specifically, Secretary Mineta expressed his gratitude to the masters and crews of the Cape Douglas and Cape Ducato for assisting the USNS Shughart during an engine room fire which occurred March 5 while it was berthed at the port of Ash Shuaiba in Kuwait. The Shughart was offloading military trucks and equipment for the U.S. Army’s 1st Cavalry Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom when the incident occurred. U.S. Coast Guard investigators say it appears that the fire originated in the auxiliary machinery room on the starboard side of the 950-foot large, medium speed, roll-on/rolloff ship midway between the water line and the main deck. Three crew members apparently suffered smoke inhalation, and the ship’s electrical system was heavily damaged, but all cargo was offloaded and undamaged. In part, the transportation secretary’s correspondence said: “This letter is to thank the crew(s) of the Cape Douglas (and Cape Ducato) in assisting the USNS Shughart during its engine room fire in early March of this year while in the Kuwaiti port of Ash Shuaiba. “I understand that your vessel(s), the Ready Reserve Force ship Cape Douglas (and Cape Ducato) was (were) docked nearby when the engine room fire was reported on board the USNS Shughart. The crews of three Military Sealift Command ships and two Maritime Administration ships worked in unison with shore-side support to put out this fire. As serious as this fire was, the result would have been much worse without your combined gallant efforts. “The response of the Cape Douglas (and Cape Ducato) crew(s) in fighting the fire aboard the USNS Shughart is but a small part of your overall service in the U.S. Merchant Marine. This service is greatly appreciated during this time of sealift support for Operation Iraqi Freedom II.” According to reports released by MSC, the Shughart was about 75 percent offloaded when crew working in the area of the auxiliary machinery room smelled smoke. Upon investigation, they found thick black smoke coming from the auxiliary machinery room and used extinguishers and water hoses to tamp down what they thought was a fire and to cool the area. After about 90 minutes and with smoke still billowing, it was clear the technique was not working. The crew secured the engine room ventilation system and all Notice MSC Notification to Coast Guard Legislation recently was signed into law requiring the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) to notify the U.S. Coast Guard of a positive drug test result within two weeks of the date that MSC receives the result from the medical review officer. Previously, drug test results were not reported to the Coast Guard until CIVMARS were afforded the opportunity to file a grievance against the result and continue through the disciplinary process should they choose to do so. The union is negotiating with MSC to try to reduce the negative impact of this change. MSC has advised the union that once it reports the results to the Coast Guard, Coast Guard officials will be obligated to contact CIVMARS to confiscate their MMD and begin the administrative process against the mariner. CIVMARS who have questions regarding this practice should contact their government services representative. U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta other systems they could reach, and left the space to muster for a head count. Once all crew members were accounted for, the ship’s carbon dioxide fire fighting system was activated in the affected spaces. The system floods the area with carbon dioxide which depletes the oxygen in the space and extinguishes the fire. Council’s Tribute Puts Late SIU VP on Road to Jersey Memorial In many ways, Ed Pulver gave his heart to the people of Jersey City, N.J. Now, the city has dedicated part of its landscape in memory of the late Seafarers vice president. “Edward Pulver Way,” a portion of Washington Boulevard in Jersey City, officially was named on Sept. 9 at a well-attended ceremony in the municipality. Street signs bearing Pulver’s name adorn the road from Dudley Street to the Morris Canal. Identical signs were presented to Pulver’s daughters. The Jersey City Municipal Council last year unanimously approved a city ordinance creating Edward Pulver Way. Pulver passed away May 26, 2002 at age 78. A Jersey City native, he was a tireless philanthropist and dedicated trade unionist. SIU President Michael Sacco called the street dedication “a well-deserved tribute. Ed was a A large contingent of Seafarers on Sept. 6 joined several thousand of their brothers and sisters from other labor unions to participate in the annual Labor Day Parade in Los Angeles/Long Beach, Calif. Some of the parade’s floats and participants are shown in the photo at left. 4 Seafarers LOG sprang into action. Flames were now visible from the starboard side of the ship, the first time actual flames were seen. Smoke had been the culprit during the first battle. Fire fighters decided that the auxiliary machinery room was the likely epicenter of the fire, and getting foam into that space was crucial to extinguishing the fire. The crew immediately went to work cutting holes through the deck above the room, and the Kuwaiti fire trucks pumped foam into the machinery room. It worked. Twenty-four hours after discovery, the fire was finally out, but the ship was seriously damaged. Electrical systems were most affected. An auxiliary diesel generator and an adjacent power pack room were destroyed. The auxiliary switchboard was damaged, and electrical cabling in the fire area needed replacement. Street-Smart Official Ed Pulver Remembered as Caring Leader Seafarers Participate in Labor Day Parade Seafarers, including officials as well as members from the port of Wilmington, photo at right, proudly displayed the SIU banner during the parade. Among those who participated in the parade were Wilmington Port Agent John Cox, Patrolman Jesse Solis and Dispatcher Nick Rios. SIU members who participated included Rudy Bacalla, Jesse Solis Jr., Michael Johnson, John Raquipiso, Al Sanchez, James Boss, Mo Yahya, Abdull Nasser and Hassan Mohamed. In addition to the help rendered by crews from the Cape Douglas and Cape Ducato, fire fighting assistance was requested from SIU-crewed MSC sister ships USNS Red Cloud and USNS Sisler, which also were offloading in the port. Fire trucks from the Kuwait port offices were driven aboard the Shughart and began fighting the smoke and cooling the area. Alongside, tugs sprayed water on the ship’s hull in an attempt to cool the metal. About six hours from the time smoke was discovered, the fire was declared to be out, and the spaces were left to cool. Stevedores worked quickly to finish offloading the remaining cargo. Without warning about 12 hours later, fire flashed again. It appears that the re-flash may have come from fire in the electrical cables that penetrate the decks, according to the report. Again, crew members and fire fighters Participating in the dedication of Edward Pulver Way are (from left) the late SIU VP’s daughters Linda, Marianne, Jean, Jersey City Mayor L. Harvey Smith, Pulver’s daughter Carol and Councilman E. Junior Maldonado. true labor leader and someone who always fought for the underdog. He dedicated his life to helping others.” Jersey City Mayor L. Harvey Smith, Councilman E. Junior Maldonado (who sponsored the ordinance) and SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi were among the featured speakers at last month’s ceremony. All remembered Pulver as a genuine, humanitarian advocate. “The people who knew Ed the best, without exception, described him in superlative terms,” Soresi noted. “I had the pleasure of knowing Ed Pulver and working with him, and I can say without hesitation that he’s truly deserving of this recognition from his native city. It’s a great way to remember a man who did so much to help others. “Professionally, Ed was very well-respected, both politically and within the labor movement,” Soresi continued. “Personally, he was a great guy who would do anything for you. The dedication of Edward Pulver Way is an exclamation point at the end of Eddie’s overwhelming record of generosity.” Among other activities, Pulver founded several organizations which helped immigrants adjust to U.S. society without sacrificing their heritage. He belonged to numerous community and civic groups including the National Executive Board of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, and the Hudson County Economic Development Corporation. He served as executive vice president of the Filipino and Americans As One organization and as president of the Hudson County SPCA. Additionally, he served on the board of directors for the Hudson County School of Technology as well as for Saint Francis Hospital and Christ Hospital. Pulver’s association with the Seafarers dated back more than 50 years. He headed the SIU’s office in Jersey City. He was the president and a founding member of the Hudson County Central Labor Council, and served on the state AFL-CIO executive board. October 2004 �24753_P5-7,9-14,16,24.qxd 9/20/2004 12:10 PM Page 5 Homeland Security Dept. Announces $49 Million in Port Security Grants Agencies Move Toward Large-Scale Adoption of ‘Smart Cards’ As part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) continuing commitment to enhance security at the nation’s key ports and facilities, DHS Secretary Tom Ridge on Sept. 13 announced more than $49 million in the fourth round of port security grants. The Port Security Grant Program provides resources for projects to improve dockside and perimeter security that is vital to securing our critical national seaports. According to the department, these awards will contribute to important security upgrades such as surveillance equipment, access controls to restricted areas, communications equipment, and the construction of new command and control facilities. The grant program represents one layer of the department’s system of defenses for our nation’s ports that includes monitoring the people, cargo and vessels entering U.S. ports from the time they leave a foreign port to the time they arrive in the U.S. “The Department of Homeland Security is committed to further securing our nation’s maritime system, which is vital to our nation’s economic wellbeing as the avenue for international trade and commerce,” said Secretary Ridge. “These projects are critical to the mission of securing our ports.” “Each year, millions of people, vessels and pieces of cargo pass through our nation’s ports,” said C. Suzanne Mencer, executive director DHS’ Office for Domestic Preparedness. “These grants help protect our ports of entry and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global commerce.” The Office for Domestic Preparedness, Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration evaluated this round of port security grant applications and selected 154 award recipients across the nation. Previously, the DHS awarded $92 million in June 2002, $168 million in July 2003, and $179 million in December 2003 as part of the Port Security Grant Program, and $75 million from the Urban Area Security Initiative for port security in August 2003. Elsewhere, federal agencies appear to be moving toward the large-scale adoption of smart cards for identification, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) survey titled “Federal Agencies Continue to Invest in Smart Card Technology.” This work follows up on a similar GAO survey released in January 2003 and is based on a GAO study conducted on the number and scope of smart card programs currently being done by federal agencies. Prepared for Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.), chairman of the Government Reform Committee, the report said that 18 agencies have initiated 62 smart card projects among them. Sources say most of them were small-scale demonstrations until the past two years. Since then, however, some agencies have launched much larger implementations. “We’re seeing a trend toward larger, agency-wide smart card projects,” said John de Ferrari, GAO’s assistant director of information management issues. “Since we reported in 2003, about half of [the ongoing projects] have been terminated. Many of them were pilot projects or they were specific projects in small agencies, offices or divisions.” Between December 2004 and December 2008, according to published accounts, officials at five agencies—the Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Homeland Security, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Interior Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs—are planning to make an aggregated purchase of up to 40 million cards through a General Services Administration (GSA) contract. The DOD alone has ordered 800,000 Common Access Cards from an Amsterdam, Netherlands-based firm, its prime smart card contractor. DOD uses the U.S. Major General Dunwoody Assumes Command at CASCOM A U.S. Army general who is a staunch advocate of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s importance in national security has assumed duties as the commanding general of a major U.S. Army Command. Maj. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody on Sept. 2 during a formal ceremony at Fort Lee, Va.’s Sgt. Sealy Field assumed command of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command and Fort Lee (CASCOM). SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez joined hundreds of military officers, soldiers and civilians who attended the ceremony. Dunwoody replaced Maj. Gen. Terry Juskowiak as commander of CASCOM and in the process became the first woman ever to hold the job. Juskowiak retired from the Army following 31 years of distinguished service. Dunwoody and Juskowiak stood side by side throughout most of the one-hour change-of-command ceremony, according to a report in the The Progress Index, but it was Dunwoody who led the pass in review march of several hundred soldiers who filed past Juskowiak and his wife while they were situated in the reviewing stand. The outgoing commander re- October 2004 ferred to his replacement as “a great combat tested warrior” during his going-away address, the report said. Dunwoody said, “What a great day this is to be an American soldier…There is not a day that I don’t think of our soldiers deployed abroad.” Dunwoody’s new command provides the Army with test and evaluation of combat and training concepts; participates in the force structuring process; determines materiel requirements and influences the development, acquisition and fielding processes for combat service support functions. Prior to assuming CASCOM’s lead position, the general served as commander of the U.S. Army’s Military Traffic Management Command (a component of TRANSCOM), which supports the Department of Defense and the mobilization community worldwide during peace and war with responsive planning, crisis response actions, traffic management, terminal operations, information management and “deployability” engineering. Previously, Dunwoody was commanding general of the 1st Corps Support Command (Airborne), Fort Bragg, N.C. Her unit provided support to Army units deployed in Afghanistan. The general received a direct cards to provide identity verification for access to buildings and for log-on access to computers and networks. Another large agency-wide effort is being launched as part of the DHS’ identification and credentialing project. DHS officials plan to issue 250,000 cards to employees and contractors for “three-factor” authentication, sources report. Smart cards are credit cardsize plastic devices that contain a computer chip capable of exchanging data with other systems and processing information. Unlike debit and credit cards, smart cards do not use strips, which can be deleted or changed. And smart cards have so-called three-factor authentication, a system requiring users to present a smart card, enter a password and verify a biometric scan. “While the technology offers benefits, launching smart card projects—whether large or small—has proved challenging to federal agencies,” the GAO report states. The GSA is responsible for promoting smart card use and guiding agencies, the report notes, adding that GSA’s effectiveness has been “mixed.” Meanwhile, the White House, on the third anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, released a fact sheet on what it considers its accomplishments on the war against terrorism. In the area of port and cargo security, according to the fact sheet: The president has significantly increased funding for the Coast Guard, including dramatic increases for port security and acquisition of new resources. The Coast Guard is creating more than a dozen 100-person Maritime Safety and Security Teams, to provide point defense for critical infrastructure and shipping; employing armed helicopters to provide waterside security; and reviewing thousands of new vessel, facility and port security plans. Funding for Coast Guard port security efforts has increased over 500 percent from the beginning of the current administration through 2004. The Coast Guard’s deepwater fleet modernization project has received a total of $1.5 billion over the last three years, and the president has requested $678 million in his FY 2005 budget. DHS has strengthened measures to protect the nation from smuggled radioactive materials and nuclear devices, by equipping CBP inspectors, Coast Guard boarding personnel and Border Patrol agents with portable radiation detectors and installing radiation detection portals at sea, land, rail and air ports of entry, including mail processing facilities. The first radiation portals were installed in March 2003. DHS established the National Targeting Center (NTC), which uses computer-assisted analytical protocols to determine which cargo and passengers destined for the United States present the greatest threat, focusing examinations and inspections on them. The NTC screens data on 100 percent of inbound seaborne shipping containers (6 million per year) to identify those posing a “high risk,” CBP personnel conduct examinations of 100 percent of high-risk containers. DHS established the Container Security Initiative (CSI), deploying CBP officials to 25 major international seaports to pre-screen shipping containers for illicit or dangerous materials before they are loaded on vessels bound for the United States. CSI includes the ports that ship roughly two-thirds of inbound containers to the United States. Additional ports are being added over the next two years. Maj. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, Commander, CASCOM Coast Guard Especially Concerned About Port Security in 17 Countries commission as a second lieutenant after graduating from the State University of New York at Cortland in 1975. She has graduate degrees in national resource strategy and logistics management. Her past assignments include tours of duty with the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y.; and the Defense Logistics Agency, Fort Belvoir, Va. During Operation Desert Storm, Dunwoody deployed to Saudi Arabia as the division parachute officer of the 82nd Airborne Division. She served overseas from September 1990 to March 1991. The U.S. Coast Guard on Sept. 10 alerted the maritime community that it has concerns about the security of ports in 17 foreign countries because they have failed to report compliance with new international port security requirements. Countries making the list are: Albania, Equatorial Guinea, Kiribati, Madagascar, Nigeria, Soloman Islands, Benin, Guinea, Lebanon, Mozambique, Serbia and Montenegro, Suriname, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nauru and Sierra Leone. The Coast said it will target vessels for increased boardings when arriving in U.S. ports if they have visited one of those countries during their last five port calls. “Shipping is a global industry,” said Adm. Thomas Collins, commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. “In order for us to protect our ports, we must be concerned about the security of the entire shipping chain, including ports overseas.” Countries were required to provide the International Maritime Organization information about their ports’ compliance with new international security requirements by July 1. The Coast Guard has a range of concerns about the information reported from these 17 countries, including reports that they are not in full compliance, incomplete reports, or no reports at all. Seafarers LOG 5 �24753_P5-7,9-14,16,24.qxd 9/24/2004 8:14 PM Page 6 Information for the 2004 Election of Officers SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters District/NMU Balloting Begins Nov. 1 for Union Officers Voting starts Nov. 1 for the election of officers for the Seafarers International Union Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU. SIU members will be able to cast secret ballots at union halls or by mail through Dec. 31, 2004. Seafarers eligible to vote in this election to determine union officers for the 2005-2008 term are full-book members in good standing. This eligibility criteria is spelled out in the union’s governing document, the constitution. The ballot will list the names of all qualified candidates as determined by the credentials committee, a group made up of six rank-and-file Seafarers who reviewed the nominating petitions of all SIU members seeking office in this districtwide election. A sample of this ballot appears on page 8. The credentials committee report, which was prepared Aug. 19, and submitted to the member- ship at the September monthly meetings, indicated 29 candidates had qualified to run for 27 positions. (The committee’s report was published in the September 2004 Seafarers LOG.) The 27 posts for which Seafarers will cast their ballots are president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, eight vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents. 21 Polling Places The election will be conducted by mail ballot as provided by the union’s constitution. Secret ballots, accompanied by envelopes marked “Ballot” and postage-paid envelopes printed with the address of the bank depository where the ballots are kept until submitted to the tallying committee, will be available to full-book members in good standing at 21 union halls around the country. (See list of voting locations on this page.) Notice on Unopposed Candidates One part of the article of the SIU constitution covering rules for elections concerns the election of candidates who are unopposed for the office in question. The section states that those candidates who are unopposed for any office or job shall be considered elected to that office or job and that the tallying committee shall not have to count the votes for any such candidate. The entire section, contained in Article XIII, Section 5 of the SIU constitution, reads as follows: “A candidate unopposed for any office or job shall be deemed elected to such office or job notwithstanding that his name may appear on the ballot. The Union Tallying Committee shall not be required to tally completely the results of the voting for such unopposed candidate but shall certify in their report that such unopposed candidate has been elected to such office or job. The Election Report Meeting shall accept the above certification of the Union Tallying Committee.” Procedures for Voting All Seafarers eligible to vote in the union’s 2004 election of officers and job holders for the term 2005-2008 may vote by secret ballot from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2004. Secret ballots, together with self-addressed, stamped envelopes for mailing, will be available at union halls to all eligible voters. Seafarers are eligible to vote in the union’s election if they are fullbook members in good standing. Details of the election procedure are spelled out in Article XIII of the SIU constitution, which is printed verbatim on pages 9 and 10 of this issue of the Seafarers LOG. In summary, here is the procedure for voting: Eligible Seafarers may pick up ballot and mailing envelopes from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon (local time), Monday through Saturday, excluding legal holidays, from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2004 at designated union halls (see list on this page). When a full-book member arrives to vote, he or she should present his or her book to the port agent or his duly designated representative. The member will be asked to sign a roster sheet indicating the date, the number of the ballot given the member and his or her book number. The member will have his book stamped with the word “Voted” and the date. At the same time, the member will receive a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope. The mailing envelope has the address of the depository printed on it, making it self-addressed. It also has the postage pre-paid. The top part of the ballot above the perforated line will be retained by the port agent or his duly designated representative. In cases where a member does not produce his or her book, or if there is a question about the member’s good standing or other eligibility matters, the member will receive a mailing envelope of a different color marked with the word “Challenge.” His or her book also will be stamped “Voted Challenge” and the date. After a member has voted, he or she puts the ballot in the mailing envelope which is addressed to the bank depository and stamped. The mailing envelope should then be put in the mail. 6 Seafarers LOG Eligible Seafarers may pick up their ballots and envelopes marked “Ballot” and mailing envelopes at these halls between 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, Monday through Saturday, except legal holidays, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31. Each member must present his or her book to the port agent or the agent’s designated representative when receiving the ballot, the envelope marked “Ballot” and the mailing envelope. When the Seafarer receives the ballot and envelopes, his or her book will be stamped with the word “Voted” and the date. If a member does not present his or her book, or if there is a question in regard to his or her eligibility to vote, the Seafarer will receive a mailing envelope of a different color marked with the word “Challenge.” His or her book will be stamped with the words “Voted Challenge” and the date. For members who believe they will be at sea during this time, the SIU constitution provides for absentee voting procedures. Fullbook members in good standing who need to vote by absentee ballot should direct a request for the ballot to the union’s secretary-treasurer at SIU headquarters—5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. NOTICE OF 2004 ELECTION FOR ELECTION OF 2005-2008 OFFICERS SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU Elections will be conducted by secret mail ballot. Ballots may be obtained at the following locations from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon (local time), Mondays through Saturdays, excluding holidays, during the voting period. The voting period shall commence Nov. 1, 2004 and shall continue through Dec. 31, 2004. VOTING LOCATIONS BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 BOSTON 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 DETROIT 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 DULUTH 324 West Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802 FT. LAUDERDALE 1221 South Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 GUAM 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E, Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 JOLIET 10 East Clinton, Joliet, IL 60432 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, AL 36605 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 PHILADELPHIA 2604 South Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 PINEY POINT Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, MD 20674 PUERTO RICO 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave, Santurce, PR 00907 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 TACOMA 3411 South Union St., Tacoma, WA 98409 WILMINGTON 510 North Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 Secret Ballots Once the Seafarer has received his or her ballot and envelopes, he or she marks the ballot for the candidates of his or her choice and puts it in the envelope marked “Ballot.” This envelope is sealed by the member and placed in the mailing envelope and then dispatched in the mail. These steps ensure the integrity of the secret ballot process. The union’s constitution, in Article XIII, details the procedures for voting in union elections. All ballots will be counted by the rank-and-file tallying committee consisting of two members elected from each of the union’s constitutional ports. These committee members will be elected in December. They will convene as the tallying committee in early Jan. 2005. ELECTION INFORMATION CONTINUES ON THE NEXT 5 PAGES. Procedure for Absentee Ballots In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2004 voting period, absentee ballots are 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: Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2004 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2004. The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designed in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2004. Upon receiving the ballot and envelopes, 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 Dec. 31, 2004 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2005. October 2004 �9/24/04 10:35 PM Page 7 ELECTION NOTICE OF 2004 ELECTION Section 401 (e) of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (Landrum-Griffin Act) requires the mailing of an election notice to each member entitled to vote at his last known address. This notice is being sent to you in compliance therewith and, in addition, contains information of interest to all candidates and members. SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR VOTING LOCATIONS AND PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL REVISIONS G TIN VO RS BER ICE EM F C F DE 8O 00 UGH 2 – O 05 20 THR F O 004 N 2 TIO 1st, C E ER L E R MB FO OVE N D IO R PE A David W. Heindel, H-1443 VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT 5 Augustin Tellez, T-764 Rene Lioeanjie, L-15000 12 Charles Stewart, S-15000 Joseph T. Soresi, S-2658 15 VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST (Vote for One) 16 Nicholas J. Marrone, M-2308 17 18 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2005 - 2008 Joseph Mieluchowski, M-2933 BALTIMORE PORT AGENT Vote for One L 22 Georg Kenny, K-1041 23 Michael D. Murphy, M-2483 MOBILE PORT AGENT (Vote for One) 24 NEW ORLEANS PORT AGENT (Vote for One) 25 26 NOTE: Because of the appeals deadline, the final version of the ballot may be different than this sample ballot. If so, the updated ballot will be printed in the November 2004 issue of the Seafarers LOG. E Anthony M. McQuay, M-2735 SAN FRANCISCO PORT AGENT (Vote for One) 27 Vincent Francis Coss, C-8138 ST. LOUIS PORT AGENT (Vote for One) James P. McGee, M-5945 See Reverse Side for Voting Locations and Proposed Constitutional Revisions Stephen W. Judd, J-5336 HOUSTON PORT AGENT (Vote for One) Don Anderson, A-5244 Chester Wheeler, W-25058 Edward Kelly, Jr., K-5043 28 Rebecca J. Sleeper, S-2497 DETROIT-ALGONAC PORT AGENT (Vote for One) 29 Donald A. Thornton, T-5501 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2005 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2005 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2005 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2005 - 2008 21 ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES (Vote for One) Thomas Orzechowski, Jr., O-601 Robert Selzer, S-1258 PHILADELPHIA PORT AGENT (Vote for One) ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS (Vote for One) VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE SOUTHERN REGION, GREAT LAKES AND INLAND WATERS (Vote for One) 9 Ambrose L. Cucinotta, C-1795 ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST (Vote for One) VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE WEST COAST (Vote for One) 8 Nicholas A. Celona, C-1578 ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE GULF COAST (Vote for One) Dean E. Corgey, C-5727 20 George Tricker, T-919 ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATLANTIC COAST (Vote for One) 14 7 P Edward "Edd" W. Morris, M-1358 NEW YORK PORT AGENT (Vote for One) ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF CONTRACTS AND CONTRACT ENFORCEMENT (Vote for Two) VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF THE ATLANTIC COAST (Vote for One) 6 19 Kermett T. Mangram, M-2394 11 13 Vote for One Carl Sands, S-2296 PINEY POINT PORT AGENT (Vote for One) VICE-PRESIDENT AT LARGE (Vote for Two) John Fay, F-363 4 MARK YOUR BALLOT WITH INK OR INDELIBLE PENCIL 10 SECRETARY-TREASURER (Vote for One) 3 VOTING PERIOD NOVEMBER 1st, 2004 THROUGH DECEMBER 31st, 2004 INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS—In order to vote for a candidate, mark a cross (X) in voting square to the left of name. If you vote for more candidates for office than specified herein, your vote for such office will be invalid. M Michael J. Sacco, S-1288 EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT (Vote for One) 2 SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICAAtlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU VICE-PRESIDENT IN CHARGE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND FISHING INDUSTRIES (Vote for One) PRESIDENT (Vote for One) 1 04 20 , t s 31 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2005 - 2008 S No. 00000 OFFICIAL BALLOT For Election of 2005–2008 Officers and Constitutional Amendments OFFICIAL BALLOT 2005 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2005 - 2008 24753_P07-8 �9/24/04 10:37 PM Page 8 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 FOR ELECTION OF 2005-2008 OFFICERS AND CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS Election will be conducted by secret mail ballot. OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 Ballots may be obtained at the following locations from 9:00 A.M. to 12 Noon, Mondays through Saturdays, excluding holidays, during the voting period. The voting period shall commence on November 1st, 2004 and shall continue through December 31st, 2004. VOTING LOCATIONS NEW ORLEANS NEW YORK NORFOLK PHILADELPHIA PINEY POINT 3911 LaPalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 635 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232 115 Third Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 2604 South Fourth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148 Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, MD 20674 PUERTO RICO 1057 Fernandez Juncos Avenue, Santurce, PR 00907 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont Street, San Francisco, CA 94105 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63116 TACOMA 3411 South Union Street, Tacoma, WA 98409 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 WILMINGTON 510 North Broad Avenue, Wilmington, CA 90744 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 520 St. Clair River Drive, Algonac, MI 48001 2315 Essex Street, Baltimore, MD 21224 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 705 Medical Arts Building, Duluth, MN 55802 1221 South Andrews Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 125 Sunny Plaza, Tun Jesus Crisostoma St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 606 Kalihi Street, Honolulu, HI 96819 10 East Clinton, Joliet, IL 60432 1221 Pierce Street, Houston, TX 77002 3315 Liberty Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 1640 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, AL 36605 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 ELECTION NOTICE OF 2004 ELECTION ALGONAC BALTIMORE BOSTON DULUTH FT. LAUDERDALE GUAM HONOLULU JOLIET HOUSTON JACKSONVILLE MOBILE OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 WHEREAS, the Executive Board of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU met on June 7, 2004 to discuss the current needs and conditions of the Union, its membership and the maritime industry in this country; and WHEREAS, among their discussions and deliberations was the subject of proposed revisions in the Union's Constitution which would enable the Union to function more efficiently and to continue to fulfill its obligations to the membership; and WHEREAS, a Constitutional Committee was elected on August 2, 2004, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. They studied the proposed Constitutional Amendments Resolution and unanimously concurred on all proposed constitutional revisions; and WHEREAS, the report of the Constitutional Committee was approved by the membership at the regular membership meetings in September 2004. NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED THE FOLLOWING CONSTITUTIONALLY ADOPTED PROPOSITIONS, TO BE VOTED UPON, IF ADOPTED, WOULD AMEND THE CONSTITUTION AS FOLLOWS: PROPOSITION #1 Are you in favor of amending Article XII, Qualifications for Officers, Assistant Vice Presidents, Headquarters Representatives, Port Agents, and Other Elective Jobs, Section 1 (e) to read as follows: OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 PLACE "X" IN BOX OF YOUR CHOICE YES ❏ NO ❏ PROPOSITION #2 Are you in favor of amending the first sentence of Article XIII, Section 2. Credentials Committee, sub-section (a) to read as follows: “(a) A Credentials Committee shall be elected at either the regular meeting in August of the election year or at special meeting convened in August of the election year at the Port where Headquarters is located.” PLACE "X" IN BOX OF YOUR CHOICE NO ❏ YES ❏ OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 These amendments, if approved, shall become effective upon the date of certification of the Union Tallying Committee. OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 “(e) He is not disqualified by law. He is not receiving a pension from this Union’s pension fund, if any, from a Union-Management fund, to which fund this Union is a party or from a company under contract with this Union; unless such individual OFFICIALcommenced BALLOT 2004 - 2008 2004 - 2008 receiving a pension benefit from any such fundOFFICIAL by virtue of BALLOT having reached 1 the age of 70 /2.” OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 OFFICIAL BALLOT 2004 - 2008 24753_P07-8 �24753_P5-7,9-14,16,24.qxd 9/24/2004 8:49 AM Page 9 Information for the 2004 Election of Officers SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters District/NMU SIU Constitution Spells Out Rules On 2004 Elections The section of the union’s constitution outlining voting procedures in the SIU’s elections, which are held every four years, appears here and on page 10 in its entirety. Article XIII Elections for Officers, Assistant Vice-Presidents, Headquarters Representatives and Port Agents Section 1. Nominations. Except as provided in Section 2 (b) of this Article, any full book member may submit his name for nomination for any office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent, by delivering or causing to be delivered in person, to the office of the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, or sending a letter addressed to the Credentials Committee, in care of the SecretaryTreasurer at the address of Headquarters. This letter shall be dated and shall contain the following: (a) The name of the candidate. (b) His home address and mailing address. (c) His book number. (d) The title of the office or other job for which he is a candidate, including the name of the Port in the event the position sought is that of Port Agent. (e) Proof of citizenship. (f) Proof of seatime and/or employment as required for candidates. (g) In the event the member is on a vessel, he shall notify the Credentials Committee what vessel he is on. This shall be done also if he ships subsequent to forwarding his credentials. (h) Annexing a certificate in the following form, signed and dated by the proposed nominee: “I hereby certify that I am not now, nor, for the five (5) years last past, have I been either a member of the Communist Party or convicted of, or served any part of a prison term resulting from conviction of robbery, bribery, extortion, embezzlement, grand larceny, burglary, arson, violation of narcotics laws, murder, rape, assault with intent to kill, assault which inflicts grievous bodily injury, or violation of Title II or III of the Landrum-Griffin Act, or conspiracy to commit any such crimes.” Dated .......................................... Signature of member Book No. ...................................... Printed forms of the certificate shall be made available to nominees. Where a nominee cannot truthfully execute such a certificate, but is, in fact, legally eligible for an office or job by reason of the restoration of civil rights originally revoked by such conviction or a favorable determination by the Board of Parole of the United States Department of Justice, he shall, in lieu of the foregoing certificate, furnish a complete signed statement of the facts of his case together with true copies of the documents supporting his statement. Any full book member may October 2004 nominate any other full book member, in which event such full book member so nominated shall comply with the provisions of this Article as they are set forth herein relating to the submission of credentials. By reason of the above self-nomination provision, the responsibility, if any, for notifying a nominee of his nomination to office shall be that of the nominator. All documents required herein must reach Headquarters no earlier than July 15 and no later than August 15 of the election year. The Secretary-Treasurer is charged with safekeeping of these letters and shall turn them over to the Credentials Committee upon the latter’s request. Section 2. Credentials Committee. (a) A Credentials Committee shall be elected at the regular meeting in August of the election year at the Port where Headquarters is located. It shall consist of six (6) full book members in attendance at the meeting with two (2) members to be elected from each of the Deck, Engine and Steward departments. No officer, Assistant VicePresident, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent, or candidate for office of the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent, shall be eligible for election to this Committee except as provided for in Article X, Section 4. In the event any Committee member is unable to serve, the Committee shall suspend until the President or Executive Vice-President or the Secretary-Treasurer, in that order, calls a special meeting at the Port where Headquarters is located in order to elect a replacement. The Committee’s results shall be by majority vote with any tie vote being resolved by a majority of the membership at a special meeting called for that purpose at that Port. (b) After its election, the Committee shall immediately go into session. It shall determine whether the person has submitted his application correctly and possesses the necessary qualifications. The Committee shall prepare a report listing each applicant and his book number under the office or job he is seeking. Each applicant shall be marked “qualified” or “disqualified” according to the findings of the Committee. Where an applicant has been marked “disqualified,” the reasons therefore must be stated in the report. Where a tie vote has been resolved by a special meeting of the membership, that fact shall also be noted with sufficient detail. The report shall be signed by all of the Committee members and be completed and submitted to the Ports in time for the next regular meeting after their election. At this meeting, it shall be read and incorporated in the minutes and then posted on the bulletin board in each Port. On the last day of nominations, one member of the Committee shall stand by in Headquarters to accept delivery of credentials. All credentials must be in Headquarters by midnight of closing day. (c) When an applicant has been disqualified by the Committee, he shall be notified immediately by telegram at the addresses listed by him pursuant to Section 1 of this Article. He shall also be sent a letter containing their reasons for such disqualification by air mail, special delivery, registered or certified, to the mailing address designated pursuant to Section 1 (b) of this Article. A disqualified applicant shall have the right to take an appeal to the membership from the decision of the Committee. He shall forward copies of such appeal to each Port where the appeal shall be presented and voted upon at a regular meeting no later than the second meeting after the Committee’s election. It is the responsibility of the applicant to insure timely delivery of his appeal. In any event, without prejudice to his written appeal, the applicant may appear in person before the Committee within two days after the day on which the telegram is sent to correct his application or argue for his qualification. The committee’s report shall be prepared early enough to allow the applicant to appear before it within the time set forth in this Constitution and still reach the Ports in time for the first regular meeting after its election. (d) A majority vote of the membership shall, in the case of such appeals, be sufficient to overrule any disqualification by the Credentials Committee in which even the one so previously classified shall then be deemed qualified. (e) The Credentials Committee, in passing upon the qualifications of candidates, shall have the right to conclusively presume that anyone nominated and qualified in previous elections for candidacy for any office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent, has met all the requirements of Section 1 (a) of Article XII. Section 3. Balloting Procedures. (a) Balloting in the manner hereafter provided shall commence on Nov. 1 of the election year and shall continue through Dec. 31, exclusive of Sundays and (for each individual Port) holidays legally recognized in the City of which the Port affected is located. If Nov. 1 or Dec. 31 falls on a holiday legally recognized in a Port in the City in which that Port is located, the balloting period in such Port shall commence or terminate, as the case may be, on the next succeeding business day. Subject to the foregoing, for the purpose of full book members securing their ballots, the Ports shall be open from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon, Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays. (b) Balloting shall be by mail. The Secretary-Treasurer shall insure the proper and timely preparation of ballots without partiality as to candidates or Ports. The ballots may contain general information and instructive comments not inconsistent with the provisions of this Constitution. All qualified candidates shall be listed thereon alphabetically within each category with book number and job seniority classification status. The listing of the Ports shall first set forth Headquarters and then shall follow a geographical pattern commencing with the most northerly Port of the Atlantic Coast, following the Atlantic Coast down to the most southerly Port on that coast, then westerly along the Gulf of Mexico and so on, until the list of Ports is exhausted. Any Port outside the Continental United States shall then be added. There shall be no write-in voting and no provisions for the same shall appear on the ballot. Each ballot shall be so prepared as to have the number thereon placed at the top thereof and shall be so perforated as to enable that potion containing the said number to be easily removed to insure secrecy of the ballot. On this removable portion shall also be placed a short statement indicating the nature of the ballot and the voting date thereof. (c) The ballots so prepared at the direction of the SecretaryTreasurer shall be the only official ballots. No others may be used. Each ballot shall be numbered as indicated in the preceding paragraphs and shall be numbered consecutively, commencing with number 1. A sufficient amount shall be printed and distributed to each Port. A record of the ballots, both by serial numbers and amount, sent thereto, shall be maintained by the Secretary-Treasurer, who shall also send each Port Agent a verification list indicating the amount and serial numbers of the ballots sent. The Secretary-Treasurer shall also send to each Port Agent a sufficient amount of blank opaque envelopes containing the word “Ballot” on the face of the envelope, as well as a sufficient amount of opaque mailing envelopes, first class postage prepaid and printed on the face thereon as the addressee shall be the name and address of the depository for the receipt of such ballots as designated by the President in the manner provided by Article X, Section 1, of this Constitution. In the upper left-hand corner of such mailing envelope, there shall be printed thereon, as a top line, provision for the voter’s signature and on another line immediately thereunder, provision for the printing of the voter’s name and book number. In addition, the Secretary-Treasurer shall also send a sufficient amount of mailing envelopes identical with the mailing envelopes mentioned above, except that they shall be of different color, and shall contain on the face of such envelope, in bold letters, the word “Challenge.” The Secretary-Treasurer shall further furnish a sufficient amount of “Roster Sheets” which shall have printed thereon, at the top thereof, the year of the election, and immediately thereunder, five (5) vertical columns designated date, ballot number, signature full book member’s name, book number and comments, and such roster sheets shall contain horizontal lines immediately under the captions of each of the above five columns. The SecretaryTreasurer shall also send a sufficient amount of envelopes with the printed name and address of the depository on the face thereof, and in the upper left-hand corner, the name of the Port and address, and on the face of such envelope should be printed the words “Roster Sheets and Ballot Stubs.” Each Port Agent shall maintain separate records of the ballots sent him and shall inspect and count the ballots when received to insure that the amount sent, as well as the number thereon, conform to the amount and numbers listed by the SecretaryTreasurer as having been sent to that Port. The Port Agent shall immediately execute and return to the Secretary-Treasurer a receipt acknowledging the correctness of the amount and the numbers of the ballots sent, or shall notify the Secretary-Treasurer of any discrepancy. Discrepancies shall be corrected as soon as possible prior to the voting period. In any event, receipts shall be forwarded for all the aforementioned election material actually received. The Secretary-Treasurer shall prepare a file in which shall be kept memoranda and correspondence dealing with the election. This file shall at all times be available to any member asking for inspection of the same at the office of the SecretaryTreasurer and shall be turned over to the Union Tallying Committee. (d) Balloting shall be secret. Only full book members in good standing may vote. Each full book member may secure his ballot at Port offices from the Port Agent or his duly designated representative at such Port. Each Port Agent shall designate an area at the Port office over which should be posted the legend “Voting Ballots Secured Here.” When a full book member appears to vote, he shall present his book to the Port Agent or his aforementioned duly designated representative. The Port Agent or his duly designated representative shall insert on the roster sheet under the appropriate column the date, the number of the ballot given to such member and his full book number, and the member shall then sign his name on such roster sheet under the appropriate column. Such member shall have his book stamped with the word “Voted” and the date, and shall be given a ballot, and simultaneously the perforation on the top of the ballot shall be removed at the same time the member shall be given the envelope marked “Ballot” together with the pre-paid postage mailing envelope addressed to the depository. The member shall take such ballot and envelopes and in secret thereafter, mark his ballot, fold the same, insert it in the blank envelope marked “Ballot,” seal the same, then insert such “Ballot” envelope into the mailing envelope, seal such mailing envelope, sign his name on the upper left-hand corner on the first line of such mailing envelope and on the second line in the upper left-hand corner print his name and book number, after which he shall mail or cause the same to be mailed. In the event a full book member appears to vote and is not in good standing or does not have his membership book with him or it appears for other valid reasons he is not eligible to vote, the same procedure as provided above shall apply to him, except that on the roster sheet under the column “Comments,” notation should be made that the member voted a challenged ballot and the reason for his challenge. Such member’s membership book shall be stamped “voted challenge,” and the date, and such member instead of the above-mentioned mailing envelope, shall be given the mailing envelope of a different color marked on the face thereof with the word “Challenge.” At the end of each day, the Port Agent or his duly designated representative shall enclose in the envelope addressed to the depository and marked “Roster Sheets and Ballot Stubs,” the roster sheet or sheets executed by the members that day together with the numbered perforated slips Continued on page 10 Seafarers LOG 9 �24753_P5-7,9-14,16,24.qxd 9/24/2004 8:54 AM Page 10 Information for the 2004 Election of Officers SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes & Inland Waters District/NMU Article XIII Constitutional Rules Continued from page 9 removed from the ballots which had been given to the members, and then mail the same to such depository. To insure that an adequate supply of all balloting material is maintained in all Ports at all times, the Port Agent or his duly designated representative, simultaneously with mailing of the roster sheets and ballot stubs to the depository at the end of each day, shall also make a copy of the roster sheet for that day and mail the same to the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters. The Port Agent shall be responsible for the proper safeguarding of all election material and shall not release any of it until duly called for and shall insure that no one tampers with the material placed in his custody. (e) 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 provided for in Section 3 (a) of this article or is in an accredited hospital any time during the first ten (10) days of the month of November of the election year. The member shall make a request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail or the equivalent mailing device at the location from which such request is made, if such be the case. Such request shall contain a designation as to the address to which such member wishes his absentee ballot returned. The request shall be postmarked no later than 12:00 p.m. on the 15th day of November of the election year, shall be directed to the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters and must be delivered no later than the 25th of such November. The SecretaryTreasurer shall determine whether such member is eligible to vote such absentee ballot. The Secretary-Treasurer, if he determines that such member is so eligible, shall by the 30th of such November, 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 10 Seafarers LOG members to whom absentee ballots were sent. (f) All ballots to be counted must be received by the depository no later than the Jan. 5 immediately subsequent to the election year and must be postmarked no later than 12 midnight Dec. 31 of the election year. Section 4. (a) At the close of the last day of the period for securing ballots, the Port Agent in each Port, in addition to his duties set forth above, shall deliver or mail to Headquarters by registered or certified mail, attention Union Tallying Committee, all unused ballots and shall specifically set forth by serial number and amount the unused ballots so forwarded. (b) The Union Tallying Committee shall consist of 20 full book members. Two shall be selected from each of the 10 Ports of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Mobile, New Orleans, Houston, Detroit-Algonac, San Francisco, St. Louis and Piney Point. The election shall be held at the regular meeting in December of the election year or, if the Executive Board otherwise determines prior thereto, at a special meeting held in the aforesaid Ports on the first business day of the last week of said month. No officer, Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, Port Agent, or candidate for office, or the job of Assistant Vice-President, Headquarters Representative, or Port Agent shall be eligible for election to this Committee except as provided for in Article X, Section 4. In addition to its duties herein set forth, the Union Tallying Committee shall be charged with the tallying of all the ballots and the preparation of a closing report setting forth, in complete detail, the results of the election, including a complete accounting of all ballots and stubs, and reconciliation of the same with the rosters and receipts of the Port Agents, all with detailed reference to serial numbers and amounts and with each total broken down into Port totals. The Union Tallying Committee shall have access to all election records and files for their inspection, examination and verification. The report shall clearly detail all discrepancies discovered and shall contain recommendations for the treatment of these discrepancies. All members of the Committee shall sign the report, without prejudice, however, to the right of any member thereof to submit a dissenting report as to the accuracy of the count and the validity of the ballots, with pertinent details.In connection with the tally of ballots, there shall be no counting of ballots until all mailing envelopes containing valid ballots have first been opened, the ballot envelopes removed intact and then all of such ballot envelopes mixed together, after which such ballot envelopes shall be opened and counted in such multiples as the Committee may deem expedient and manageable. The Committee shall resolve all issues on challenged ballots and then tally those found valid utilizing the same procedure as provided in the preceding sentence either jointly or separately. (c) The members of the Union Tallying Committee shall, after their election, proceed to the Port in which Headquarters is located, to arrive at that Port no later than Jan. 5 of the year immediately after the election year. Each member of the Committee not elected from the Port in which Headquarters is located shall be reimbursed for transportation, meals and lodging expenses occasioned by their traveling to and returning from that Port. Committee members elected from the Port in which Headquarters is located shall be similarly reimbursed, except for transportation. All members of the Committee shall also be paid at the prevailing standby rate of pay from the day subsequent to their election to the day they return, in normal course, to the Port from which they were elected. The Union Tallying Committee shall elect a chairman from among themselves and, subject to the express terms of this Constitution, adopt its own procedures. All decisions of such Committee and the contents of their report shall be valid if made by a majority vote, provided there be a quorum in attendance, which quorum is hereby fixed at ten (10). The Committee, but not less than a quorum thereof, shall have the sole right and duty to obtain all mailed ballots and the other mailed election material from the depository and to insure their safe custody during the course of the Committee’s proceedings. The proceedings of the Committee, except for their organizational meeting and their actual preparation of the closing report and dissents therefrom, if any, shall be open to any member provided he observes decorum. Any candidate may act as an observer and/or designate another member to act as his observer at the counting of the ballots. In no event shall issuance of the above referred to closing report of the Committee be delayed beyond Jan. 31 immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. In the discharge of its duties, the Committee may call upon and utilize the services of clerical employees of the Union. The Committee shall be discharged upon the completion of the issuance and dispatch of its report as required in this Article. In the event a recheck and recount is ordered pursuant to this Article, the Committee shall be reconstituted, except that if any member thereof is not available, a substitute therefor shall be elected from the appropriate Port at a special meeting held for that purpose as soon as possible. (d) The report of the Committee shall be made up in sufficient copies to comply with the following requirements: two copies shall be mailed by the Committee to each Port Agent and the Secretary-Treasurer no later than Jan. 31 immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. As soon as these copies are received, each Port Agent shall post one copy of the report on the bulletin board in a conspicuous manner and notify the Secretary-Treasurer, in writing, as to the date of such posting. This copy shall be kept posted until after the Election Report Meeting which shall be the March regular membership meeting immediately following the close of the election year. At the Election Report Meeting, the other copy of the report shall be read verbatim. (e) Any full book member claiming a violation of the election and balloting procedure or the conduct of the same, shall within 72 hours of the occurrence of the claimed violation notify the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters, in writing by certified mail, of the same, setting forth his name, book number and the details so that appropriate corrective action, if warranted, may be taken. The Secretary-Treasurer shall expeditiously investigate the facts concerning the claimed violation, take such action as may be necessary, if any, and make a report and recommendation, if necessary, a copy of which shall be sent to the member and the original shall be filed for the Union Tallying Committee for their appropriate action, report and recommendation, if any. The foregoing shall not be applicable to matters involving the Credentials Committee’s action or report, the provisions of Article XIII, Sections 1 and 2 being the pertinent provisions applicable to such matters. All protests as to any and all aspects of the election and balloting procedures or the conduct of the same not passed upon by the Union Tallying Committee in its report, excluding therefrom matters involving the Credentials Committee’s action or report as provided in the last sentence of the immediately preceding paragraph, but including the procedure and report of the Union Tallying Committee, shall be filed in writing by certified mail with the Secretary-Treasurer at Headquarters to be received no later than the Feb. 25 immediately subsequent to the close of the election year. It shall be the responsibility of the member to insure that his written protest is received by the Secretary-Treasurer no later than such Feb. 25. The SecretaryTreasurer shall forward copies of such written protest to all Ports in sufficient time to be read at the Election Report Meeting. The written protest shall contain the full book member’s name, book number, and all details constituting the protest. (f) At the Election Report Meeting, the report and recommendation of the Union Tallying Committee, including but not limited to discrepancies, protests passed upon by them, as well as protests filed with the Secretary-Treasurer as provided for in Section (e) immediately above shall be acted upon by the meeting. A majority vote of the membership shall decide what action, if any, in accordance with the Constitution, shall be taken thereon, which action, however, shall not include the ordering of a special vote, unless reported discrepancies or protested procedure or conduct found to have occurred and to be violative of the Constitution affected the results of the vote for any office or job, in which event the special vote shall be restricted to such office, offices and/or job or jobs, as the case may be. A majority of the membership at the Election Report Meetings may order a recheck and recount when a dissent to the closing report has been issued by three (3) or more members of the Union Tallying Committee. Except for the contingencies provided for in this Section 4 (f), the closing report shall be accepted as final. There shall be no further protest or appeal from the action of the majority of the membership at the Election Report Meetings. (g) Any special vote ordered pursuant to Section 4 (f) shall be commenced within ninety (90) days after the first day of the month immediately subsequent to the Election Report Meetings mentioned above. The depository shall be the same as designated for the election from which the special vote is ordered. And the procedures shall be the same as provided for in Section 3, except where specific dates are provided for, the days shall be the dates applicable which provide for the identical time and days originally provided for in Section 3. The Election Report Meeting for the aforesaid special vote shall be that meeting immediately subsequent to the report of the Union Tallying Committee separated by one calendar month. Section 5. Elected Officers and Jobholders. A candidate unopposed for any office or job shall be deemed elected to such office or job notwithstanding that his name may appear on the ballot. The Union Tallying Committee shall not be required to tally completely the results of the voting for such unopposed candidate but shall certify in their report that such unopposed candidate has been elected to such office or job. The Election Report Meeting shall accept the above certification of the Union Tallying Committee without change. Section 6. Installation into Office and the Job of Assistant VicePresident, Headquarters Representative or Port Agent. (a) The person elected shall be that person having the largest number of votes cast for the particular office or job involved. Where more than one person is to be elected for a particular office or job, the proper number of candidates receiving the successively highest number of votes shall be declared elected. These determinations shall be made only from the results deemed final and accepted as provided in this Article. It shall be the duty of the President to notify each individual elected. (b) The duly elected officers and other job holders shall take over their respective offices and jobs and assume the duties thereof at midnight of the night of the Election Report Meeting, or the next regular meeting, depending upon which meeting the results as to each of the foregoing are deemed final and accepted, as provided in this Article. The term of their predecessors shall continue up to, and expire at that time, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Article XI, Section 1. This shall not apply where the successful candidate cannot assume his office because he is at sea. In such event, a majority vote of the membership may grant additional time for the assumption of the office or job. In the event of the failure of the newly-elected President to assume office, the provisions of Article X, Section 12 shall apply until the expiration of the term. All other cases of failure to assume office shall be dealt with as decided by a majority vote of the membership. Section 7. The Secretary-Treasurer is specifically charged with the preservation and retention of all election records, including the ballots, as required by law, and is directed and authorized to issue such other and further directives as to the election procedures as are required by law, which directives shall be part of the election procedures of this Union. October 2004 �24753_P5-7,9-14,16,24.qxd 9/20/2004 12:11 PM Page 11 REPORT OF CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE We, the undersigned Constitutional Committee, were elected at the Headquarters membership meeting, on August 2, 2004, in accordance with Article XXV, Section 2 of our Constitution. We have had referred to us and studied, the proposed Constitutional Amendments Resolution submitted by our Executive Board. This Resolution, containing the proposed amendments, prior to its submission to us, was adopted by a majority vote of the membership at Headquarters and all ports. The provisions of the Resolution including its “WHEREAS” clauses, are summarized in this report and are attached in full so that all members will have available to them its full text for their review and study at the same time that they read this, our Report and Recommendation. Whereas, three changes were recommended. One which would amend the Constitution to enable otherwise active eligible members to fully participate in the affairs of the union by running for office even if such members were receiving pension benefits from an affiliated pension plan if such individuals were receiving these benefits as a result of changes in the Law which required the commencement of benefits due to age; the second would amend the Constitution to provide that the union's Credentials Committee could be elected at a regular or special membership meeting held in the month of August of an election year; and the third was simply a housekeeping change to delete the words “headquarters representative” anywhere that it may currently appear in the Constitution as this position has already been removed from the list of elected officers by prior membership action and voting; and Whereas, the Executive Board is aware of the fact that the union will be holding its general election for officers and jobholders this year as constitutionally mandated; consequently, it is suggested that, if this resolution is approved by the membership, the first two proposed Constitutional amendments should be included on the same ballot and be voted on simultaneously with the election for officers and jobholders; the third proposal which simply implements a prior membership mandate would not need to be included on the ballot; and Whereas, the union’s Executive Board unanimously concurred on all proposed constitutional revisions. The Executive Board hereby RESOLVES, that the following changes be made in the Constitution of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf Lakes and Inland Waters District/ NMU. A. Amend Article XII, Section 1(e) to read as follows: “e. He is not disqualified by law. He is not receiving a pension from this Union's pension fund, if any, or from a Union-Management fund, to which fund this Union is a party or from a company under contract with this Union; unless such individual commenced receiving a pension benefit from any such fund by virtue of having reached the age of 70½.” B. Amend the first sentence of Article XIII, Section 2. to read as follows: Section II, Credentials Committee, Section (a). “a. A Credentials Committee shall be elected at either the regular meeting in August of the election year or at a special meeting convened in August of the election year at the Port where Headquarters is located.” The remaining provisions of this Section 2 and of Article XIII do not need to be amended. C. Effective Date of these Amendments All of the proposed amendments, if approved and voted on affirmatively by the membership, subject to the Constitution, would become effective immediately upon their passage. D. Housekeeping Amendment Remove the words “headquarters representative” from the Constitution anywhere that it may appear; and, specifically, in Article VIII, Article X, Article XI, Article XII, and Article XIII. It is therefore RESOLVED, as constitutionally provided, this Resolution be voted upon by the membership at the July 2004 Membership Meeting at the Constitutional Ports of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, DetroitAlgonac, Houston, New Orleans, Mobile, San Francisco, St. Louis and Piney Point, and, in addition, at all non-constitutional ports, and if concurred in, a Constitutional Committee of six (6) book members shall be elected from the Headquarters Port at the August 2004 meeting to discharge their duties as constitutionally required and be it further RESOLVED, in the event that such Constitutional Committee’s report and recommendations are thereafter accepted by the membership for voting as constitutionally required, a referendum vote by secret ballot on the two substantive amendments shall be held as provided for in the Constitutional Committee’s report and recommendations. The procedure for such voting and the time thereof shall be held, to the extent possible, as part of the secret ballot voting for officers and jobholders scheduled for the months of November and December 2004. We further recommend, if it is reasonably possible, that a copy of our Committee’s Report, together with a copy of the proposed Resolution and membership action taken to date, be printed in the Seafarers LOG, October 2004 issue so that the membership will be kept abreast as to all facts at this time and copies of such LOG issue, to the extent possible, be made available to the membership at all Union offices and Halls during the months of November and December 2004. Your Constitutional Committee wishes to thank the Union, its officers, representatives, members and counsel for their cooperation and assistance during our deliberations and to assure all members that we believe the adoption of the proposed Resolution will serve the needs of the Union and the membership. Fraternally submitted, Constitutional Committee August 20, 2004 Procedure for Absentee Ballots All Seafarers who believe they will be at sea during the voting period— Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2004—should request an absentee ballot. Here’s how to be sure your vote counts. General elections for the union’s officers will take place this year. Voting will begin Nov. 1 and continue through Dec. 31. In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2004 voting period, absentee ballots are 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: Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2004 and must be received at 5201 Auth October 2004 Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2004. 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 Nov. 30, 2004. Upon receiving the ballot and envelopes, 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 your 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 Dec. 31, 2004 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2005. Seafarers LOG 11 �24753_P5-7,9-14,16,24.qxd 9/24/2004 10:46 PM Page 12 U.S.-Flag SIU Members Deliver For U.S. Troops AB Mickey Earhart points to newly refinished name board. AB Fadhel Mohamed moves cargo with a forklift. Participating in a safety drill are SA Hamid Shahbain (left) and AB Mickey Earhart. Sealift remains an important part of Operation Iraqi Freedom—and SIU members still deliver the goods for United States troops involved in the mission. Thousands of Seafarers this year have sailed in support of OIF’s sealift component, transporting vital materiel to U.S. armed forces in the Middle East. As previously reported, based on government projections of troop deployment in Iraq, it seems likely that a considerable number of American-flag military support ships will stay involved for the foreseeable future. The cargo delivered by U.S. mariners aboard those vessels is nothing short of essential for our troops. Citing just one of many examples, the U.S. Transportation Command last month noted that the U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division utilized materiel delivered by Seafarers-crewed LMSRs and fast sealift ships to secure “some of Baghdad’s toughest neighborhoods, and put down an uprising by radical militias in a number of cities in southern Iraq.” That gear included M1-A1 Abrams heavy battle tanks, armored personnel carriers, Bradley fighting vehicles, heavy trucks, Humvees, fuel trucks and containers loaded with various supplies. More recently, the SIU-crewed Cape Island, operated by Crowley, transported materiel from Olympia, Wash. to Kuwait. Third Mate Ed McDonnell took photos during the voyage and sent them to the Seafarers LOG; those images accompany this article. The Cape Island carried U.S. Army equipment, stopping for fuel in Pusan, South Korea and then sailing past Bali to avoid a typhoon before docking in Ash Shuayba, Kuwait. After discharging its cargo, the vessel loaded up more Army equipment and headed for Beaumont, Texas. Many more SIU-crewed ships are participating in the ongoing mission. U.S. military leaders consistently have praised the U.S. Merchant Marine’s performance throughout OIF. Shortly after the conclusion of the all-out combat phase, Air Force General John W. Handy, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, commended members of the nation’s fourth arm of defense for “the incredible job you’ve done in support of this nation. You make all the difference in the world, and I salute your dedication, patriotism and excellence. Victory was made possible by America’s dedicated merchant mariners.” Vice Admiral David L. Brewer, commander, U.S. Military Sealift Command, said of U.S. mariners, “We have prevailed because you answered your nation’s call. You built a steel bridge of democracy from the U.S.A. to the Coast of Kuwait.” Such commitment from the U.S. Merchant Marine is nothing new. Mariners have been an important part of our nation’s economic and national security since the country’s earliest days. U.S. mariners have played key support roles in every major conflict in American history, most notably including the heroic sealift effort of World War II, during which some 8,000 mariners lost their lives. Today, SIU members and the rest of the U.S. Merchant Marine are equally ready to deliver the goods—any time, anywhere. AB Abdullatif Ahmed (left) gua the stern ramp while 2nd Cook S Kassem helps man the galley. AB Peter Bean assists with shipboard security. 2nd Cook Sam Kassem helps keep the crew well-fed. Chief Cook Dana Henry tends to a Memorial Day barbecue at sea. GVA Eric Viera mans a hose during a fire drill. 12 Seafarers LOG Pictured from left to right aboard the Cape Island are Electrician Robert Rush, AB Peter Bean and AB Fadhel Mohamed. AB Desta Gebrai reports to a fire station during a drill. October 2004 �24753_P5-7,9-14,16,24.qxd 9/24/2004 9:24 PM Page 13 Remains Vital to National Defense ) guards ook Sam lley. sts ty. helps The photos on these two pages were taken during a recent voyage aboard the SIU-crewed Cape Island. The vessel is one of many Seafarers-crewed ships participating in the ongoing sealift mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom. orts to drill. October 2004 Seafarers LOG 13 �24753_P5-7,9-14,16,24.qxd 9/24/2004 8:54 AM Page 14 SIU-Crewed Pomeroy Completes Fifth Trip In Support of OIF AB Adrian Jones (left) and AB Kwesi Adu-Gyamfi make up the vessel’s 4x8 watch team. Ready for lunch are (from left) QMED Kurt Benjamin, AB Adrian Jones and Wiper Eugene Johnson. The SIU crew aboard the USNS Pomeroy is doing an excellent job, according to Capt. Michael F. Finnigan, himself a former member of the Seafarers International Union. According to Finnigan, the vessel has made five trips for the U.S military in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “The SIU crew has done an outstanding job aboard and they are all looking forward to making the next trip. . . . Chief Steward Javier Delosreyes and the galley gang have been working hard, feeding and looking after all the security teams during the voyage.” He also noted that more and more Seafarers are signing up for advanced training through the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Finnigan, a hawsepiper who started sailing with the SIU in 1987, worked his way up the ladder by attending classes at Piney Point. The chief mate aboard the vessel is Mike Ryan, also a former SIU member, who graduated from the school’s trainee program in class 317. Additionally, Mike Mayo, the third mate, completed the trainee program in 1979 as a member of class 283. All of them urge the current unlicensed apprentices to upgrade as often as possible. “If you’re going to be out here sailing,” they said, “just keep advancing your career.” The USNS Pomeroy is the seventh large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessel (LMSR) built at the NASSCO shipyard in San Diego through a government-initiated directive known as the Strategic Sealift Program. The 950-foot long vessel was named in memory of U.S. Army Pvt. First Class Ralph E. Pomeroy, who posthumously was awarded the Medal of Honor for his brave actions in Korea in Oct 1952. Capt. Finnigan was aboard the vessel when it was delivered to the U.S. Military Sealift Command in August 2001, and he was joined by his father, John Finnigan, who was in Korea the same year that Ralph Pomeroy served there. The photographs accompanying this article were taken by Capt. Finnigan. Left: The vessel’s deck gang includes (from left) Bosun Clayton Almas, OS Joe LeGree, AB Mark Adams, OS Mike Macisso, OS Nestor Garcia and AB Ted Lahti. Brother Hayes Memorialized Brother John Hayes, 63, passed away Jan. 20. In keeping with his wishes to be forever at sea, the late mariner’s ashes were cast upon the waters Aug. 15 by his brother, FOWT Jerry Hayes, from aboard the SIU-crewed Green Cove. Conducted by Master P. Stalkus, the burial services were held on the Atlantic Ocean at Latitude 39 degrees 41 minutes North, Longitude 24 degrees 29 minutes West. The Green Cove at the time was headed out for a voyage from the East Coast to the Middle East and around the world. The vessel’s crew participated in the event and the ship’s whistle sounded three blasts in tribute to the deceased mariner who was making his final passage. Seafarers aboard the ship during the ceremony included Chief Cook Pedro Edar, Steward Baker Julio Rolon and GSTU Gary Bell. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Brother Hayes joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of New York. The deck department member sailed primarily in the deep sea division, first going to sea aboard Waterman’s Madaket. Brother Hayes last worked aboard the Horizon Discovery and made his home in San Juan, P.R. FOWT Jerry Hayes looks over the stern of the Green Cove shortly after scattering the ashes of his late brother, SIU member John Hayes, at sea. The burial-at-sea ceremony was conducted Aug. 15 in the Atlantic Ocean. 14 Seafarers LOG The USNS Pomeroy enters the calm waters of Souda Bay, Greece, on its way to the Middle East. Above: In the port of Ash Shuaybah, Kuwait, longshoremen from the host nation play a major role in unloading the ship’s cargo. At left: 2nd Mate Curt Laskowski gives OS Mike Macisso a haircut on the deck of the Pomeroy. The name of the shipboard barber shop: Curt’s Kombat Kuts. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. October 2004 �24753_P1,4,15,18-20,22,23.qxd 9/24/2004 8:11 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea November & December 2004 Membership Meetings AUGUST 16 — SEPTEMBER 15, 2004 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Totals 1 3 3 4 2 17 17 1 4 9 20 8 2 3 0 1 3 11 12 2 0 7 1 4 22 35 0 6 12 19 10 4 2 9 14 2 33 24 0 2 4 4 9 13 23 0 9 20 9 20 3 11 5 8 3 21 9 1 3 3 0 0 8 10 0 0 5 5 5 0 1 0 2 1 8 4 0 0 1 0 2 8 14 0 2 4 10 1 0 0 1 7 0 21 9 2 0 11 3 17 46 63 0 14 26 50 20 7 2 12 31 2 53 24 5 10 7 7 13 25 48 1 15 24 32 26 2 12 12 17 4 47 42 0 4 2 4 3 32 27 2 6 18 45 14 2 3 2 2 4 31 23 Baltimore ................Friday: November 12* ................................Thursday: December 9 ................................*(change created by Veterans’ Day holiday) 256 235 121 206 173 56 80 383 349 224 Joliet .......................Thursday: Nov. 18, December 16 0 0 6 0 5 8 19 0 5 10 10 10 6 2 2 12 1 11 1 0 0 4 1 4 7 25 1 3 8 13 11 4 2 1 7 2 18 14 0 0 1 0 0 9 4 0 2 2 7 4 1 1 0 0 2 2 3 1 0 4 0 4 12 17 0 7 9 6 8 2 1 4 8 0 8 9 0 1 2 0 1 9 22 0 4 9 1 14 2 1 0 3 2 14 6 0 0 0 0 0 5 3 0 1 2 1 2 0 1 0 1 0 1 3 0 1 0 0 1 6 5 0 1 2 3 6 3 0 2 4 0 5 4 0 0 8 1 9 17 25 0 10 11 19 12 4 1 5 19 3 18 7 2 0 7 1 8 12 37 2 4 14 23 18 4 3 2 11 1 31 16 2 0 2 0 2 12 5 0 2 4 17 4 1 0 0 2 2 9 11 108 125 38 100 91 20 43 169 196 75 ENGINE DEPARTMENT STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 0 3 3 9 15 14 0 4 10 18 10 2 4 2 25 1 18 17 0 1 2 1 6 4 12 0 2 5 9 9 3 1 3 4 0 11 10 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 1 3 2 0 0 0 2 0 4 3 0 0 0 1 6 13 14 0 4 4 15 5 4 0 0 22 1 10 5 2 0 2 0 1 1 5 0 3 4 2 3 0 1 2 3 1 6 7 1 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 3 4 1 0 0 4 5 4 1 0 3 8 1 4 10 1 0 6 2 19 24 26 0 2 17 30 18 1 7 2 36 0 33 31 0 1 1 3 9 10 26 0 7 7 16 14 4 1 3 12 0 11 13 2 0 0 0 1 7 11 0 2 3 6 3 0 1 0 4 0 8 10 156 83 21 104 43 12 48 255 138 58 1 0 0 0 3 3 2 0 1 2 5 0 0 0 1 3 0 7 3 2 0 5 4 9 15 17 0 6 6 28 13 0 21 3 8 1 20 5 2 2 5 0 1 21 21 0 2 11 34 14 1 25 0 11 0 14 9 0 0 0 0 3 4 4 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 5 3 0 0 4 0 5 2 14 0 4 4 14 5 0 4 4 12 0 8 5 0 0 2 0 1 5 11 0 0 5 2 5 0 6 0 1 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 5 3 3 0 1 2 10 0 0 0 3 8 0 8 4 4 2 2 4 16 29 33 0 8 13 51 14 0 22 4 19 1 40 12 4 7 5 1 11 39 36 0 3 21 80 21 3 37 1 20 2 34 27 31 163 173 26 85 45 0 48 274 352 551 606 353 436 392 133 193 855 957 709 Boston.....................Friday: November 12, December 10 Duluth .....................Wednesday: Nov. 17, December 15 Guam ......................Friday: November 26* ................................Thursday: December 23 ................................*(change created by Thanksgiving Day holiday) Honolulu .................Friday: November 19, December 17 Houston ..................Monday: November 15, December 13 Jacksonville ............Friday: November 12* ................................Thursday: December 9 ................................*(change created by Veterans’ Day holiday) Mobile ....................Wednesday: Nov. 17, December 15 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: November 16, December 14 New York................Tuesday: November 9, December 7 Norfolk ...................Friday: November 12* ................................Thursday: December 9 ................................*(change created by Veterans’ Day holiday) Philadelphia ............Wednesday: Nov. 10, December 8 Port Everglades.......Thursday: Nov. 18, December 16 San Francisco .........Thursday: Nov. 18, December 16 San Juan..................Friday: November 12* ................................Thursday: December 9 ................................*(change created by Veterans’ Day holiday) St. Louis..................Friday: November 19, December 17 Tacoma ...................Friday: November 26, ................................Monday, December 27* ................................*(change created by Christmas holiday) Wilmington ...............Monday: November 22, December 20 Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 ..................................................................................... . a.m. Personals BILL DICKEY Please contact Bill Sharp at wsharpj@aol.com and leave your phone number. REX O’CONNOR Please contact Dolores Marcell at 2362 Crotona Ave., Bronx, NY 10458; or telephone (718) 367-3435. ENTRY DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals All Departments Algonac ..................Friday: November 12, December 10 2 5 7 5 8 13 30 0 11 20 18 21 1 14 8 11 4 34 23 Port Totals Piney Point .............Monday: November 8, December 6 3 0 6 4 10 32 43 0 8 17 27 15 4 3 5 23 2 35 19 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs Attention Seafarers: *“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 2004 Seafarers LOG 15 �24753_P5-7,9-14,16,24.qxd 9/21/2004 10:33 AM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report AUGUST 16 — SEPTEMBER 15, 2004 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 0 12 5 6 11 2 0 13 49 0 3 0 2 4 0 0 3 12 0 12 7 7 1 1 0 5 33 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 3 0 4 7 2 1 1 0 5 20 0 6 1 2 5 0 0 0 14 0 41 11 13 37 7 1 19 129 0 8 2 4 5 0 0 9 28 0 35 0 16 0 0 2 0 53 1 2 1 0 5 1 0 0 10 0 10 4 8 10 1 4 13 50 0 1 4 1 4 0 0 2 13 0 16 1 11 0 0 1 1 30 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 5 0 10 8 5 22 1 1 8 55 0 2 1 3 11 0 1 3 21 0 21 0 6 0 2 1 1 31 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 4 4 3 5 0 0 8 24 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 4 0 6 4 4 1 1 0 4 20 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 8 4 9 15 0 0 8 44 0 7 4 0 12 0 0 6 29 0 2 2 1 1 0 0 3 9 0 1 4 2 1 1 0 3 12 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 3 2 1 6 2 0 5 19 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 5 0 9 2 1 0 0 0 4 16 Port 0 4 1 2 2 3 0 3 15 0 1 0 0 7 0 0 0 8 0 4 2 1 0 0 0 4 11 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 92 21 69 88 20 43 35 234 61 114 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the LOG by Pensioner James Anthony Slay of Mobile, Ala. It was taken at the Aquarium Restaurant in New York City in 1946. In that year, Brother Slay (who is pictured at the front right-hand side of the table) was a wiper aboard the Ransom A. Moore, one of the Liberty ships that carried cargo to our armed forces during World War II. He had signed on in July 1946 in Mobile and received his certificate of discharge in December of that year in New York. Brother Slay, now 76, joined the union in 1955 in the port of Houston. A native of Mobile, he sailed in the engine department and upgraded frequently at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. October 2004 �24753_p02,3,17,21.qxd 9/24/2004 8:37 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA BERT ABELLA, 64, joined the Seafarers International Union in 1979 in Seattle. Born in the Philippines, the deck department member enhanced his skills in 1982 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training in Piney Point, Md. Brother Abella currently lives in Seattle. RITA BALLARD, 64, joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. Sister Ballard’s first voyage was aboard the Santa Magdelena. She was born in Switzerland and worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring, Sister Ballard shipped on the SS Independence. She makes her home in Santa Rosa, Calif. JOHN COSTA, 67, was born in Cape Verde, Cayman Islands. Brother Costa embarked on his seafaring career in 1992 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His initial trip the sea was aboard the USNS Relentless. Brother Costa upgraded his skills in 2000 at the Seafarers’ affiliated school in Piney Point. He worked in the steward department and last went to sea on the USNS Bowditch. With Seafarers on Matson’s Maunawili Chief Cook Barry Alviso, Recertified Steward Hans Schmuck Harry Chromiak SIU members from Aug. 8-18 helped ready the new Matson containership Maunawili at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard so that the Seafarerscontracted vessel could sail on time. SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski, who sent these photos to the LOG, described the shipboard work as “very demanding, but the SIU men were up to the task.” Pictured from left to right in photo directly above are Seafarers Glen Ambrosius, Lenny Tyson and Bill Kelly. Brother Costa calls New Bedford, Mass. home. LUIS CUEVAS, 69, joined the ranks of the SIU in 1980 in the port of New York. Brother Cuevas first set sail on the Manhattan. The steward department member was born in Puerto Rico. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Crusader. Brother Cuevas resides in Bridgeport, Conn. WALTER HANSEN, 64, hails from Brooklyn, N.Y., Brother Hansen started his career with the SIU in 1986 in Piney Point, Md. after serving in the U.S. Navy. He enhanced his skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Hansen was a member of the steward department and initially went to sea on the USNS Triumph. His most recent voyage was aboard the El Morro. Brother Hansen is a resident of Canon City, Colo. CARLOS PINEDA, 65, joined the SIU in 1973 in the port of Houston. Brother Pineda originally sailed aboard an Ocean Clipper vessel. The deck department member was a frequent upgrader at the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point. In 1987, he completed his bosun recertification training and in 1997, his LNG recertification. Prior to retiring, Brother Pineda worked aboard the LNG Virgo. He was born in Honduras and currently lives in Houston. GREAT LAKES WAYNE CLARMONT, 65, was born in Wisconsin. He began his seafaring career in 1962 in Frankfort, Mich., sailing primarily aboard Michigan Interstate Railway’s Ann Arbor as a member of the engine department. Brother Clarmont now resides in Frankfort, Mich. INLAND SHIRLEY KEGEL, 64, began her seafaring career in 1993 in St. Louis. Sister Kegel was born in Kentucky and shipped in the steward department. She worked primarily aboard Orgulf Transport vessels. Sister Kegel is a resident of Paducah, Ky. CHARLES McCLELLAND, 61, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1983 in the port New York. Boatman McClelland was born in Mecklenburg, N.C. He shipped as a member of the engine department, primarily on New York Cross Harbor vessels. Boatman McClelland makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. JOHN RAKYTA, 63, became a Seafarer in 1968 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Rakyta’s first voyage was aboard a Gulf Atlantic Corporation vessel. Born Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1940 The SIU demanded and won from its contracted operators an increase in the bonus on Far East runs from the previous rate of 25 percent to the flat rate of $1 per day, calculated from the day the ship leaves Honolulu until it returns to that port. In addition, the bonus rate on the African run was increased from 33-1/3 percent to the same $1 per day rate. For the entry ratings, this meant an increase of almost 100 percent and for the higher ratings it meant an increase of no less than 25 percent. October 2004 Hazel Johnson SAMUEL STANLEY, 61, joined the Seafarers in 1962 in the port of Mobile. Boatman Stanley was born in Florida and shipped primarily aboard National Marine Service vessels. The engine department member currently resides in Greenville, Ala. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following NMU brothers went on pension effective the date indicated. Name Age EDP Darby, William 65 June 1 Power, George 71 July 1 Sims, Charles 66 July 1 Thompson, Vincent 65 June 1 Zandani, Ali 57 Aug. 1 Melton, Irving 65 Sept. 1 Mentore, John 65 Sept. 1 Smith, Clyde 65 July 1 McAnern, George 66 Aug. 1 Johnson, James 64 Sept. 1 Tomjack, Reed 72 Sept. 1 Allua, Bradford 55 Sept. 1 month for ordinary seamen to $23.73 monthly for chief electricians. The SIU pay hike upset the so-called West Coast formula which the operators hoped to make industry-wide…. Shortly after news of the SIU’s wage gain was made public, the CIO National Maritime Union signed a similar agreement with its contracted operators. This Month In SIU History 1950 Mike Kirby in Illinois, he enhanced his skills a number of times at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Rakyta sailed as a captain, most recently aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington tugs. He calls Prescott Valley, Ariz. home. The SIU once again set a wage pattern for Cities Service seamen with the signing of an agreement early this week establishing a 6.38 percent increase in base pay and other benefits for all ratings. The pay raises, effective as of October 15, ranged from $12.82 per 1960 Firm action by the SIU at payoff time has won more than 1,700 hours of overtime pay for crewmen of the Orion Planet, who were obliged to work on a refueling-at-sea operation involving the Planet and a Navy tanker. As a result of the action by SIU headquarters and the Norfolk hall, the crewmembers received some $3,500 in extra cash for performing an operation which is fairly new in the civilian merchant marine and not yet covered by the standard SIU tanker or dry cargo agreements. The SIU maintained, however, that the work should properly be classed as OT. Seafarers LOG 17 �24753_P1,4,15,18-20,22,23.qxd 9/23/2004 9:35 AM Page 18 Final Departures Deep Sea DANIEL BALERIO ing in 1994, he sailed aboard the Mariner. Brother Eells called Pittsburg, Calif. home. Pensioner Daniel Balerio, 75, died July 16. Brother Balerio became a Seafarer in 1960, joining in the port of Houston. Born in Wharton, Texas, he first went to sea aboard the San Marino. Brother Balerio was a member of the deck department. His final voyage was on the Venture. Brother Balerio went on pension in 1993. He resided in Houston. PETER FRANCISCO ARTHUR BECK VERNER FREDERIKSEN Pensioner Arthur Beck, 75, passed away August 1. Brother Beck embarked on his seafaring career in the port of New York in 1951. The U.S. Army veteran initially sailed aboard Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Noonday. Brother Beck was born in New York and worked in the deck department. He retired in 1990. Brother Beck made his home in Keyes, Calif. Pensioner Verner Frederiksen, 85, passed away June 9. Brother Frederiksen launched his seafaring career in 1942 in the port of New York. He first sailed on the Del Valle, a vessel owned and operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Frederiksen, who was a member of the engine department, last sailed aboard the Mill. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1975. Brother Frederiksen was born in Denmark and made his home in Wisconsin. LEONCIO CALDERON Pensioner Leoncio Calderon, 90, died July 24. Brother Calderon was born in Puerto Rico and began his seafaring career as a charter member in 1939 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Catherine. The steward department member last went to sea on the Stonewall Jackson. Brother Calderon began receiving retirement stipends in 1971. He called Brooklyn, N.Y. home. JAMES CHESTER Pensioner James Chester, 81, passed away July 21. Brother Chester started his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. He was born in Tennessee and resided in El Macero, Calif. Brother Chester went on pension in 1969. BERTRAM ECHERT Pensioner Bertram Echert, 86, died July 14. Brother Echert joined the SIU in 1953 in New Orleans after serving in the U.S. Army. He first shipped aboard the Del Monte as a member of the engine department. Brother Echert’s final voyage was on the Zapata Courier. He began receiving retirement compensation in 1981. Brother Echert was born in Fosteria, Ohio and made Panama City, Fla. his home. BURR EELLS Pensioner Burr Eells, 75, passed away June 12. Brother Eells started his seafaring career in 1967 in Cleveland, Ohio after serving in the U.S. Army. He first went to sea aboard the Western Comet. Born in Wyoming, Brother Eells worked in the engine department. Prior to retir- 18 Seafarers LOG Brother Peter Francisco, 58, died July 16. Born in New York, he joined the ranks of the SIU in 1991 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Francisco sailed in the inland and Great Lakes divisions, but he primarily shipped in the deep sea division. The U.S. Navy veteran was a member of the steward department. Brother Francisco’s first voyage was on the USNS Tenacious; his last trip was aboard the Northerly Island. Brother Francisco lived in Virginia Beach, Va. HARRY GRANGER Pensioner Harry Granger, 83, died April 19. Brother Granger was born in Louisiana and joined the SIU in 1951 in Lake Charles, La. He first went to sea aboard the Abigua, working in the engine department. Brother Granger’s last trip was on the Overseas Alaska. He lived in his native state and went on pension in 1987. KENNETH HART Pensioner Kenneth Hart, 63, passed away July 29. Brother Hart joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He worked in the engine department, last sailing aboard the USNS Antares. Brother Hart, who called Lakeland, Fla. home, began receiving his pension in 1997. JUAN LAGUANA Pensioner Juan Laguana, 74, died July 4. Brother Laguana began his career with the MC&S in 1969 in San Francisco. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he went to sea on a States Steamship vessel. Brother Laguana was born in Guam and worked in the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1991, he sailed aboard American Ship Management’s Comet. Brother Laguana made his home in Calif. RUSSELL MANCINI Pensioner Russell Mancini, 76, passed away August 8. Brother Mancini first donned the SIU colors in 1967 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Born in Maine, he first sailed aboard the Steel King. Brother Mancini shipped in the engine department, last working on the Bay Ridge. He resided in Westminster, Calif. and started receiving retirement compensation in 1993. HARRY MESSICK Pensioner Harry Messick, 72, died July 8. Brother Messick joined the SIU in 1951 in the port of Baltimore. His first vessel was the Edith. Brother Messick, who was born in Camden, N.J,. worked in the engine department. His final voyage was on the Ambassador. Brother Messick called Clearwater, Fla. home. He began receiving his retirement compensation in 1995. SYLVESTER MONARDO Pensioner Sylvester Monardo, 79, passed away July 24. Brother Monardo started sailing with the SIU in 1943 in New York after serving in the U.S. Army. He was born in Braddock, Pa. and worked in the deck department. Brother Monardo first went to sea aboard the Del Mar; his last ship was the LNG Libra. Brother Monardo started receiving his pension in 1987. He made his home in Slidell, La. PHILIP NAVITSKY Pensioner Philip Navitsky, 81, died July 26. Brother Navitsky began his career with the Seafarers in 1947 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Shenandoah, Pa., the deck department member first sailed aboard the Marymar. Brother Navitsky went on pension in 1977. He lived in Schuylkill, Pa. Brother Joseph Packnett, 36, died April 23. He joined the SIU in 1991 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Packnett first sailed on the USNS Bartlett. Born in New Orleans, he was a member of the steward department. Brother Packnett last went to sea aboard the PFC William Baugh. He resided in Lexington Park, Md. HAROLD UNGLERT Pensioner Harold Unglert, 78, passed away June 19. Brother Unglert joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Born in New Jersey, he sailed in the engine department. Brother Unglert was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Before retiring in 1991, he worked on the Overseas New York. Brother Unglert made his home in Old Bridge, N.J. BENEDICT VEINER Pensioner Benedict Veiner, 79, died July 1. Brother Veiner was born in New Brunswick, N.J. He began his career with the Seafarers in 1945 in the port of New York. Brother Veiner initially went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Florida; his last voyage was on the North Platte Victory. The deck department member began receiving his pension in 1996. Brother Veiner called Palatka, Fla. home. CARL WOODWARD Brother Arnold Neff, 64, passed away June 22. He started his seafaring career in 1991 in the port of Houston. Brother Neff initially shipped aboard the Cape Clear. The U.S. Navy veteran worked in the deck department, most recently aboard the Sulphur Enterprise. He was born in Fayette, Ky. and called Freeport, Texas home. Pensioner Carl Woodward, 77, passed away July 20. Brother Woodward began his seafaring career in 1978 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. after serving in the U.S. Army. He was born in Lamar, Mo. and worked in the steward department. Brother Woodward first sailed aboard the Manulani. He most recently worked on the Overseas Alaska. Brother Woodward started receiving his retirement stipends in 1992. He resided in his native state. SHELL NG GREAT LAKES ARNOLD NEFF Pensioner Shell Ng, 79, died July 9. Brother Ng was born in China and embarked on his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards in San Francisco. Brother Ng began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1973. He made his home in San Francisco. ISIDORE OSTROFF Pensioner Isidore Ostroff, 83, passed away June 20. Brother Ostroff launched his seafaring career in 1952 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Bradford Island. Born in New York, Brother Ostroff worked in the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the Philadelphia. Brother Ostroff, who lived in Las Vegas, began receiving his pension in 1981. the Steel T. Crapo. His last vessel was the Richard J. Reiss. Brother Ostwald made his home in Burt Township, Mich. He went on pension in 2000. JOSEPH PACKNETT GIL BOILORE Pensioner Gil Boilore, 56, died April 5. Brother Boilore joined the ranks of the SIU in 1972 in Alpena, Mich. He worked primarily aboard vessels owned by American Steamship Company. Born in Michigan, Brother Boilore was a member of the deck department. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 2002. Brother Boilore lived in Michigan. JOHN OSTWALD Pensioner John Ostwald, 69, passed away August 15. Brother Ostwald started sailing with the SIU in 1974 in the port of Duluth. The Michiganborn mariner worked in the engine department, initially sailing aboard Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. GERONIMO BISHOP Pensioner Geronimo Bishop, 101, passed away August 7. Brother Bishop started his seafaring career with the NMU in 1943, initially shipping from the port of San Francisco. He worked in the steward department primarily aboard vessels operated by Marine Transport. Brother Bishop began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1969. W.H. DENNIS Pensioner W.H. Dennis, 77, died August 13. Brother Dennis was born in Grafton, W.Va. and joined the NMU in 1945. His first voyage was from the port of New York aboard the Gulf Maracaibo. Brother Dennis worked in the engine department. He last shipped on the Massachusetts and went on pension in 1968. EARL PATTERSON Pensioner Earl Patterson, 64, passed away August 19. Brother Patterson first sailed with the NMU in 1966 aboard the Winchester. He worked in the deck department, last sailing on the USNS Roy Wheat. Brother Patterson started collecting compensation for his retirement in 2002. MARKO SIGALAS Pensioner Marko Sigalas, 85, died July 31. After joining the NMU in 1953 in New York, he sailed aboard the Thomas F. Baker. Brother Sigalas last went to sea on the Pasadena. He was born in Greece and shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Sigalas began receiving his pension in 1975. PAUL VEGA Pensioner Paul Vega, 78, passed away August 16. Brother Vega started his career with the NMU in 1945 in the port of Houston. He worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the George Lykes. Brother Vega started receiving his retirement income in 1968. Continued on page 20 October 2004 �24753_P1,4,15,18-20,22,23.qxd 9/23/2004 8:34 AM Page 19 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. NORTHERN LIGHTS (IUM), July 11—Chairman Mark T. Trapp, Secretary Ronald D. Jones. Chairman reported smooth voyage and announced ship layup in Mobile, Ala. July 17. Secretary advised crew members to check expiration dates on all documents and reminded them to consider donating to SPAD when applying for vacation. Everyone asked to clean rooms before layup. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification of procedures requested pertaining to lack of air conditioning or fans. Vote of thanks given to steward department for hard work. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (ATC), July 19—Chairman Christopher J. Kicey, Secretary Michael F. Meany, Educational Director Charles J. Walker Jr. Chairman announced arrival in Cherry Point, Wash. He asked everyone to check with union hall and obey shipping rules. Secretary reported smooth-running ship and encouraged all departments to keep up good work. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on pre-employment physicals. PRINCE WILLIAM SOUND (ATC), July 25—Chairman Albert L. Caulder, Secretary Jeffery L. Smith, Educational Director Thomas E. Woerner. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Long Beach, Calif. Educational director encouraged crew members to read Seafarers LOG and stay abreast of important union issues. He also recommended they get to know their contract and upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer reported $4,000 in ship’s fund to purchase treadmill for crew use and small refrigerators for individual rooms. Disputed OT and beefs reported in deck department. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent job. RICHARD MATTHIESEN (OSI), July 18—Chairman Cleveland N. West, Secretary Crista L. Ali, Educational Director David W. Bodah, Deck Delegate Troy R. Ingersoll. Chairman reminded crew to sepa- Home from Kuwait AB Mike Garland works on deck aboard the USNS Harry Martin when the RO/RO-containership arrived home in Guam. October 2004 rate plastic items from regular trash. Educational director advised that crew allow plenty of time when renewing z-cards. He urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility. Treasurer stated $140 in ship’s fund and $735 in safety fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to raise number of vacation days and call reliefs early so they can meet ship upon arrival. Request made to fix or replace toaster in crew mess hall and purchase an iron. Chief cook should be made aware that watchstanders should be served first. Thanks given to all three departments for jobs well done. 1ST LT. BALDOMERO LOPEZ (American Overseas Marine), Aug. 8—Chairman Larry E. Childress, Secretary Gary Dottino, Deck Delegate Basil R. D’Souza, Engine Delegate Joseph U. Quitugua, Steward Delegate Francisco Roy. Chairman reminded crew about dress code in mess hall (no tank tops, flip-flops or hats). Educational director advised members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about Coast Guard’s new physical requirements. Captain will connect cable TV to ship in near future. Next port: Newport News, Va. 1ST LT. JACK LUMMUS (American Overseas Marine), Aug. 3—Chairman William L. Bratton, Secretary William E. Bragg, Educational Director Michael S. Reuter, Deck Delegate Jose Lopez, Engine Delegate Kenneth L. Couture, Steward Delegate Gregory N. Williams. Chairman reviewed highlights of Guam port agent’s visit aboard ship. He spoke about opportunities on NCL America’s new cruise ships around Hawaii and thanked crew for donations to assist fellow crew member during family crisis. Secretary read communications from union pertaining to benefit changes. He explained payment schedule and reminded crew of need to obtain pre-authorization for health care benefits. Educational director recommended crew not miss out on upgrading opportunities available at Piney Point facility. Treasurer stated $419 remain in ship’s fund after the purchase of two blenders. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for steward to draft petition for implementing launch schedule in Saipan/Guam that would permit steward department pesonnel to go ashore and return in time for scheduled work hours. Next port: Guam. ATLANTIC FOREST (Waterman Steamship Corp.), Aug. 10 —Chairman Wilton F. Perry, Secretary Ekow Doffoh, Educational Director Robert A. Ott, Steward Delegate Alaa A. Embaby. Chairman announced Aug. 13 arrival in New Orleans with payoff the next day. Secretary reported smooth voyage. Educational director emphasized importance of upgrading. He also reminded crew that SIU scholarship program is available to them, their spouses and children. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted by deck and engine delegates. Recommendation made to raise pension benefits. Suggestion made to purchase new freezer to store ice cream and install new TV system. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food and service. Next port: New Orleans. BLUE RIDGE (Intrepid), Aug. 3—Chairman Inocencio M. Desaville, Secretary Jimmie B. Riddick, Deck Delegate Stephen R. Harrington, Engine Delegate Jimmie B. Reddick, Steward Delegate Gery R. Byrd. Chairman announced Aug. 9 payoff in Long Beach, Calif. and advised everyone to keep dues paid up. Secretary informed crew of Coast Guard fireboat drills on next trip to Tampa, Fla. and thanked crew members for helping keep ship clean. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated money in ship’s fund used to pay for cable. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department thanked for good job and encouraged to keep up good work. DEVELOPER (USSM), Aug. 8—Chairman Joseph J. Caruso, Secretary Randy A. Stephens, Educational Director Dimarko L. Shoulders, Deck Delegate David D. Freeman, Steward Delegate Carlos E. Suazo. Chairman reminded crew members to abide by all security and safety regulations on vessel. Secretary informed everyone that applications (medical, vacation, etc.) are available on board ship. Just ask him. Educational director advised crew to check documents for expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman encouraged crew members to vote during union’s elections this year. Request made to replace dryer in laundry room. Chairman thanked all departments for jobs well done. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Miami; Houston. EL YUNQUE (IUM), Aug. 1— Chairman Luis Ramirez, Secretary Francis E. Ostendarp Jr., Educational Director John J. Walsh, Deck Delegate John W. Cooper, Engine Delegate Carlton A. Hendley. Chairman announced Aug. 2 payoff in San Juan, P.R. and encouraged crew to keep all necessary shipping documents current. Educational director advised crew to upgrade skills at Piney Point whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to change prescription policy in order to obtain enough medication for four months while on ship and to change pension eligibility. EXPLORER (USSM), Aug. 12 —Chairman Robert Pagan Jr., Secretary William R. Burdette, Deck Delegate Jose Garcia, Engine Delegate Carlos M. Noriega, Steward Delegate Majed Alsunbahi. Chairman thanked deck department for good performance during trip. He announced Aug. 12 payoff in Los Angeles after ship has cleared customs and requested crew keep rooms as clean as possible and turn in keys before leaving ship. Treasurer reported $400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif. EXPRESS (USSM), Aug. 8— Chairman George H. Perry Jr., Secretary Richard E. Hicks, Educational Director Mohamad Y. Abdullah. Chairman spoke with captain about contract agreement and e-mailed outcome to contracts department at headquarters. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to contribute to SPAD and upgrade at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase number of vacation days earned. HORIZON NAVIGATOR (Horizon Lines), Aug. 2— Chairman Guy L. Wilson, Secretary Mark V. Cabasag, Educational Director Benny A. Orosco, Engine Delegate Gregory L. Howard, Steward LIBERATOR (USSM), Aug. 12 —Chairman Daniel J. Teichman, Secretary Guillermo F. Thomas, Educational Director Elwyn L. Ford, Deck Delegate Jerry Gonzaga, Engine Delegate Si I. Hughes. Chairman thanked crew for good voyage. Educational director talked about opportunities available at Piney Point for upgrading skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to purchase video games for XBox in lounge. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line), Aug. 1—Chairman Abdul Gharama, Secretary John G. Reid, Educational Director Kevin Supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom Bosun Mike Sinclair (right) poses with some of the National Guardsmen who sailed aboard the USNS Harry Martin on its run to Kuwait. Delegate Henry O. Wright Jr. Secretary announced next payoff Aug. 5 in Long Beach, Calif. Educational director emphasized importance of donating to SPAD for job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck and engine departments expressed appreciation to steward department for excellent job. Suggestions made to improve pension and health benefits plans. Next ports: Long Beach; Honolulu; Oakland, Calif. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), Aug. 1— Chairman Dominic L. Brunamonti, Educational Director Kevin T. McCagh, Deck Delegate Brandy G. Carter, Engine Delegate Rhonda Koski, Steward Delegate Kenneth K. Lee. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 7 in Tacoma, Wash. He thanked everyone for generous donations to two fellow crew members who both lost their mothers recently and expressed his deepest regrets. Educational director encouraged crew to enhance skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $1,485 in ship’s fund. Recommendation made to steward regarding future stores. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for fine meals prepared this trip. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), Aug. 19—Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Engine Delegate James B. Spranza. Chairman announced Aug. 21 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. He thanked everyone for following safety procedures (using tunnel, wearing hard hats), especially during cargo operation. Educational director advised crew to upgrade skills (and even bring the family for vacation) at union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He stressed need to check that all documents are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for good food. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. M. Cooper, Deck Delegate Edward H. Majesky Jr., Engine Delegate Valerii H. Lazarov, Steward Delegate Ali S. Salim. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 4 in Charleston, S.C. He thanked crew for safe trip and asked those departing vessel to make sure rooms are clean and supplied with fresh linen for next person. Educational director advised everyone to count vacation days and compare that number with discharges as well as check if any bonuses are due. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to reduce seatime needed for pension benefits. Thanks given to steward department for great cookout. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Newark, N.J. MAERSK CONSTELLATION (Maersk), Aug. 6—Chairman Horace B. Rains, Secretary James J. Battista, Educational Director Juanito D. Dansalan. Chairman stated air conditioning on ship not working properly. Educational director encouraged everyone to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for ice machine, salad bar and grill for galley. Steward department given vote of thanks for great service, preparation and quality of food. OVERSEAS JOYCE (OSG), Aug. 1—Chairman Roger C. Tupas, Secretary Jack A. Hart Jr. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 6 in Portland, Ore. and thanked crew for good, safe trip. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep house clean and for good seamanship. Educational director advised crew members to check expiration dates on MMDs and other documents and encouraged them to upgrade skills at Piney Point whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made regarding increase in pension plan. Requests made for better TV and radio. Seafarers LOG 19 �24753_P1,4,15,18-20,22,23.qxd 9/23/2004 12:16 PM Page 20 Burial at Sea Conducted For Brother Anthony Beck Pensioner Anthony Beck, 95, passed away May 31. In complying with his request to be forever at sea, his ashes were scattered July 14 from the SIUcontracted Horizon Navigator. Officiated by Captain John Jablonski, the last rites for Brother Beck were conducted while the Navigator was steaming across the Pacific Ocean and situated at Latitude 26 degrees 32 minutes North and Longitude 144 degrees 40 minutes West. During his ceremonial remarks, Captain Jablonski said, “Today we gather to honor the memory of SIU Brother Captain John Jablonski (above, right) conducts burial at sea services aboard the Horizon Navigator for deceased SIU Pensioner Anthony Beck as members of his crew look on. Left: Captain Jablonski deposits the ashes of Brother Beck into the sea. The burial at sea ceremony took place July 14 in the Pacific Ocean. Anthony Beck… All who make their living on the sea know the pain of being separated from their loved ones and with that thought in mind we pray for the Beck family in their loss.” Following the reading of the 23rd Psalm, Captain Jablonski continued, “Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. Come to his assistance ye Saints of God. Meet him, ye Angels of the Lord, receive his soul and present it to the Most High. May Christ who called thee; and his Angels lead thee into the Bosom of Abraham. Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.” With that, Captain Jablonski scattered Brother Beck’s ashes into the sea Seafarers aboard the vessel at the time of the services included Bosun Guy Wilson, AB Abdulhameed Mohamed, AB Lauro Clark, GUDE Edibowie Mariano, Engine Utilities Asher Liss and Benny Orosco and SA Kasem Ahmead. Brother Beck launched his career with the SIU in 1948 in the port of New York. Born in California, he shipped in the deep sea division as a member of the engine department. Brother Beck initially went to sea aboard a Waterman Steamship Co vessel. He last shipped on the Fairland. The U.S. Navy veteran resided in Sonoma, Calif. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. Final Departures Continued from page 18 In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following NMU brothers, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. Name Anderson, Armando Anderson, Walter Aponte, Luis Boone, Edward Branch Jr., Arthur 20 Age 70 76 78 81 80 Seafarers LOG DOD July 24 July 24 July 27 July 31 Aug. 25 Brathwaite, Pelham Coleman, William Diaz, Brigido Dix, Robert Freeman, Walter Godwin, Otis Gordon, Joseph Hall, Joseph Jeter, Ruddie Kelly, Franklin King, Willie Lam, Hong Marcelo, Melchor Martin, Josh 78 78 72 84 79 80 89 60 79 82 76 83 91 71 Aug. 3 Aug. 20 July 28 June 22 July 30 July 15 July 24 July 29 Aug. 1 Aug. 14 Aug. 11 Aug. 2 June 26 July 29 Matovich, Sam Melchior, James Mitchell, Charles Moye, James Noche, Alberto Orchard, John Overby, Edward Perez, Manuel Reilly, Thomas Schulte, James Thomas, Ruben Vaugh, Alvin Whitfield, Leroy Wusstig, Frank 69 80 79 79 92 82 81 75 79 71 77 85 67 66 April 20 Aug. 15 Aug. 6 July 2 Aug. 2 Aug. 7 Aug. 3 Aug. 22 June 27 July 24 July 30 Aug. 19 July 26 Aug. 19 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. October 2004 �24753_p02,3,17,21.qxd 9/24/2004 8:29 AM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of 2004. 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. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Operation November 15 December 10 FOWT October 25 December 17 Welding October 4 November 1 October 22 November 19 Safety Specialty Courses Start Date of Course Date Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* November 8 November 19 October 4 October 8 (*must have basic fire fighting) Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman November 8 December 3 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) November 15 November 19 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) Academic Department Courses General education and college courses are available as *(must have radar unlimited) needed. In addition, basic vocational support program GMDSS (Simulator) November 1 November 12 Lifeboatman/Water Survival October 25 November 5 the AB, QMED Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Navigation Fundamentals November 29 December 10 Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduc- Radar November 1 November 12 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) October 4 November 29 October 15 December 10 courses are offered throughout the year, one week prior to tion to computers course will be self-study. Upgrade . . . Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning Sept. 20, 2004. Recertification Bosun October 11 November 8 . . . at the Paul Hall Center � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ October 2004 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 10/04 Seafarers LOG 21 �24753_P1,4,15,18-20,22,23.qxd 9/24/2004 8:12 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 653 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 653 (in alphabetical order) Anthony Bartley, Vincent Deguzman, Latonia Furty Jr., Todd Gallagher, Jonathan Ives, Andrew Jackson, Christopher Jackson, Samuel Lambert Jr., Cleveland Lewis, Carlos Lianos Jr., Jeremy Martinez, Daniel McFarland Jr., Samuel Miller, Adrian Mills, Clifford Nicely, Thomas Nicely, James Nickerson and Martin Simmons Jr. (Note: not all are pictured.) Their instructor, Tom Gilliland, is at far right. Government Vessels — With instructor Greg Thompson (far left) are Aug. 6 graduates of the government vessels course. They are (in no specific order) Mario Torrey, Christopher Wheeler, Jon Carrico, Jovita Carino, Stacy Murphy, Aaron Barnes, Jonathon Hardiman, Nelton Rodriguez, Yamil Sanchez, Orlando Caro, Forrest Cornelison, Russell Wall, Benjamin Anderson and Gregory Ralston. Fast Rescue Boat — Sept. 3 was graduation day for those in the fast rescue boat course. They are (in alphabetical order) Albert Bharrat, David Bracken, Stephen Gardner III, Robert George, Karen Laycock, Steven Medina, Loren Wolfe and Stella Zebrowski. Their instructor, Stan Beck, stands in the back. Certified Chief Cook — Oil Spill Containment — Boatmen from Penn Maritime who completed the oil spill containment course Aug. 6 are James Graham, Brian Bascom, Paul Hendrix, Lindsey Sikora, Kim Duplantis Jr. and Charles Gale. Their instructor, Stan Beck, stands at left. GMDSS — Completing their GMDSS Advanced Fire Fighting — Under the guidance of instructor Anthony Hammett (far right) are Sept. 3 graduates of the advanced fire fighting course. They are (in alphabetical order) Timothy Casey, Scott Lucero, Niko Mansales, James Raney, Trent Sterling, Clive Steward and Jermaine Williams. training Sept. 3 are (from left) Brad Wheeler (instructor), Sheila Petri and James Shaffer. Working toward their certified chief cook endorsements are (from left) Gerald Toledo, Shirley Pellamy, John Dobson (instructor), Alphonzo Berry and Juan Vallejo. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Upgrading Seafarers Roy Brooks and Jorge Bodden joined with unlicensed apprentices in completing the basic auxiliary plant operations course Aug. 20. They are (in no specific order) Jonathan Miller, Travis Zeller, Cody Stasch, Brian Leach, Lon Maduro, Christopher Burke, Dameon Cooler, Terry Chance, Connie Clemons, DeShanna Sherrod, Shawn Sayers, Djaun Wright, Alexander Rhodes, Matthew Wright and Chris Oding. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Computer Lab Classes Showing off their certificates of achievement for completion of several computer classes at the Paul Hall Center are (from left) instructor Rick Prucha and Suzanne Santora; (back row) Brian Delatte, Mohamed Abdelwahab, instructor Rick Prucha, Arthur Quinney III, Nicholas Smithling, (kneeling) Jerry Sobieraj and Rubin Gonzalez; Niko Monsales, instructor Rick Prucha and Paa Kwakye; (seated) John Faith and Jerald Martinez and (standing) instructor Rick Prucha. 22 Seafarers LOG October 2004 �24753_P1,4,15,18-20,22,23.qxd 9/23/2004 8:34 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Upgrading Seafarers who completed this course Aug. 13 are (in no specific order) Bruce Milburn, Paa Kwakye, Philip Hatcher, Edwin Pelingon, Lino Remorin, Harry Hernandez, William Madden III, Jose Norales, Moises Ortiz, James Robinson, Darrol Bates, Manuel Daguio, Vasile Dadgaru, Jimmy Lawhon, Shirley Ballamy and Niko Monsales. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is third from left. Small Arms — Aug. 27 was graduation day for those in the small arms training class. They are (in alphabetical order) Christopher Burke, Jovita Carino, Brian Leach, Jonathan Miller, Stacy Murphy, Jose Nunez, Gilberto Quinones, Alexander Rhodes, Yamil Sanchez, Shawn Sayers, Russell Wall, Djuan Wright and Matthew Wright. Their instructor, Robby Springer, is at far left. Basic Safety Training Classes Lifeboatman/Water Survival — STCW — Aug. 6: Greg Blasquez, William Britton, Allen Cole, Kai Gullilksen, Mark Jones, Fernando Lopes, John Macari, Albert Moore, Karen Petterson, Michael Peck, Joseph Reynolds, Anthony Rosa and Francisco Ocado. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is at far left. STCW — Aug. 27: (Alaska fishermen) Joseph Demmert, Vincent Hamm, Justin Huggins, Roderick McLeod, Charles Melendrez, Timothy O’Hara, Kirk Opheim, Leroy Peterson and Clark Thomas. Earning their lifeboatman/water survival endorsements Sept. 3 are Alaska fishermen (in alphabetical order) Joseph Demmert, Vincent Hamm, Justin Huggins, Roderick McLeod, Charles Melendrez, Timothy O’Hara, Kirk Opheim, Leroy Peterson and Clark Thomas. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, sits aft. FOWT — FOWT — Completing the FOWT course Sept. 3 are (in no specific order) Blas Robert, Justin Violanti, Ryan Strick, Antonio Watson, Robert Walter, Clarence Pearson, Tawrence Abrams, Gregory Davis, Carl Williams, Doug Lowry, Scott Martin, Michael Mazyck, Forrest McGee, Rigoberto Beata and John Faith. Their instructor, Eric Malzkuhn, is at far left. Specially Trained OS — Receiving their STOS certificates of completion Aug. 20 from instructor Stacey Harris (center) are Benjamin Anderson, Aaron Barnes, Orlando Caro, Jovita Carino, Jon Carrico, Forrest Cornelison, Jonathon Hardiman, Regis Makowski, Stacy Murphy, Gregory Ralston, Nelton Rodriguez, Yamil Sanchez, Mario Torrey, Russell Wall and Christopher Wheeler. October 2004 Graduating from this course Sept. 3 are (in no specific order) Philippe Leger, Nathaniel Barker, Geoffery Coulton, Vernel Page, Tristum Beeks, Timothy Sextor, Joseph Thomas, Heriburto Alvarado, James Barker, Joseph Schoonover and Nicholas Bacon. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far right. Specially Trained OS — Another STOS class that graduated Aug. 20, but under the instruction of Tony Sevilla (sixth from left) are Justin Perry, Carlos Gibbons, Omar Madrid, Carl Wonderly, Jerald Martinez, Wilber Pantin, Chris Malbas, Hector Regalado and Michael Smorowski. Also in the photo is Capt. Jack Russell (second from right). Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Seafarers LOG 23 �24753_P1,3,24 cx.qxd 9/24/2004 8:03 PM Page 24 Volume 66, Number 10 October 2004 2=E D ... ... ... President Bush last month issued the following statement: President Bush understands the maritime industry has long played a vital role in our nation’s commerce and defense. Safe, reliable and efficient marine transportation of goods and passengers is essential to sustaining growth in the U.S. economy and to our international trade. In time of war or national emergency, the U.S. military depends on shipping and seafarers drawn from the U.S.-flag commercial fleet to deploy our military overseas and, once deployed, to transport the supplies necessary for them to fight, and win anywhere in the world. A strong maritime industry, however, requires more than just a U.S.-flag merchant marine capable of transporting the country’s waterborne commerce and of maintaining a U.S.-flag presence in international trade. It requires a base of trained and experienced seafarers to man those ships. It requires a shipbuilding and repair industry capable of building and repairing the vessels necessary to sustain that commerce. And it requires a national maritime infrastructure—ports, waterways and inter-modal connections—capable of handling that commerce. To compete in the global economy of the 21st century, President Bush believes the United States needs a maritime policy tailored to 21st century needs. Programs that have contributed to the growth of our domestic fleet, such as the Jones Act, and those that guarantee inter-modal cargo lift and management services when needed in times of crisis or conflict, such as the Maritime Security Program, should be maintained. Additionally, President Bush will vigorously pursue negotiations aimed at ending international practices that disadvantage our industry. In his second term, President Bush will seek to provide the conditions under which the American maritime industry can compete and grow in the 21st century. He will support a revitalized industry that creates jobs and is a competitive transportation option in both foreign and domestic markets. � 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 October 2004 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU SAFETY DIRECTORS EXAMINE NEW U.S. MARITIME REGULATIONS SEAFARERS TO CREW UP U.S. MILITARY SUPPORT SHIPS HEALTH NETWORK AGREEMENT OFFERS MANY ADVANTAGES TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY CREDITS SIU CREWS FOR HELPING FIGHT FIRE ON USNS SHUGHART STREET-SMART OFFICIAL ED PULVER REMEMBERED AS CARING LEADER HOMELAND SECURITY DEPT. ANNOUNCES $49 MILLION IN PORT SECURITY GRANTS U.S. MAJOR GENERAL DUNWOODY ASSUMES COMMAND AT CASCOM SEALIFT SIU MEMBERS DELIVER FOR U.S. TROOPS SIU-CREWED POMEROY COMPLETES FIFTH TRIP IN SUPPORT OF OIF BURIAL AT SEA CONDUCTED FOR BROTHER ANTHONY BECK PRESIDENT BUSH LAST MONTH ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 10/01/2004 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. 66, No. 10 2004 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/a841753ae42d04178fed268b174943d4.pdf 18bc9ba9e238b8fe811bb2b3479be821 PDF Text Text p01_03.qxd 10/29/2004 5:02 AM Page 1 Volume 66, Number 11 November 2004 Construction Starts th On 4 BP Tanker Construction began last month on the fourth double-hull oil tanker being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego. Like its three sister ships—including the Alaskan Frontier, pictured at right—the newest vessel when completed will be operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. Page 3. Maersk Line, Limited Brings Newer Ships into MSP Fleet Six modern containerships are entering the U.S. Maritime Security Program fleet thanks to an agreement between SIU-contracted Maersk Line, Limited and the U.S. Maritime Administration. The vessels, including the Comet (above) and Meteor (below), are replacement ships for older tonnage. Page 3. Ferry Crews Vote SIU Page 2 Union, School Mourn Major Ken Conklin Shipboard Training: Vital Part of Apprentice Program Page 4 New Tug on Lakes Page 2 Benefits Conferences Begin Early Next Year Page 5 The unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education emphasizes practical training, including a 90-day shipboard phase that gives students experience working in each of the three departments. Above, Unlicensed Apprentices Tim Cullen (left) and Mike Esterheld perform their duties, aboard the Freedom in Baltimore. Pages 12-13. �p01_03.qxd 10/29/2004 5:02 AM Page 2 President’s Report More on OIF3 Although the year is winding down, this remains a busy and productive time for Seafarers. Once again, our members are answering the call of Operation Iraqi Freedom, this time for OIF3. As with the first two phases of the sealift component of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Seafarers during this current stage are fulfilling their role as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. Rock-solid professionalism, performance, patriotism and reliability are nothing new for the SIU. It has been that way since our founding in 1938. It will always be that way. I applaud our members who are sailing in support of our troops. You are an ongoing source of pride for your brothers and sisters throughout the union, for merchant marine veterans and for the soldiers and citizens of our nation. You are a vital part of the U.S. effort in Iraq, in Afghanistan and elsewhere overseas. It goes without saying that this is an enormously important mission, one that continues to involve sacrifice and risk. The same is true with Operation Enduring Freedom, the war against terrorism. At the same time, Seafarers also are doing an excellent job meeting our obligations in the commercial sector of the U.S.-flag fleet. That, too, is an important mission. SIU Elections This month marks the start of balloting in the union’s elections, which take place every four years. The current and previous issues of the LOG contain a list of voting locations and other balloting information, including how to vote by absentee ballot. That same information remains available on the SIU’s web site. As I’ve said before, the SIU’s direction begins with the individual Seafarer. You elect the officials to lead the way in improving your union. You hold the power to decide the outcome of proposed constitutional amendments like those on this year’s SIU ballot. That power only works if you vote. Regardless of whom you support in the SIU election, and wherever you stand on the proposed amendments, make the effort to cast your votes. Encourage your brother and sister Seafarers to do the same. Tonnage Tax Last month, President Bush signed into law H.R. 4520, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004. The new law includes a provision that should help provide a more level playing field for companies operating U.S.-flag fleets. Specifically, the law allows American-flag operators engaged in the international trades to pay a yearly tax based on their fleet’s overall tonnage instead of paying an annual corporate income tax. This is good news for our industry, in part because most foreign maritime competitors already operate under a similar tax structure. And once again, the new law reminds all of us that politics in many ways governs our industry. Whether we’re talking about tax structures, training requirements, shipboard and port security procedures, cabotage laws or some other rule or regulation that affects maritime, the bottom line is that we must remain politically active in order to make our voices heard. Thanksgiving On a personal note, I extend warmest wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving to all Seafarers, SIU pensioners and their families. I especially want to offer best wishes to our brothers and sisters who are at sea for the holiday. It’s never easy being away from home at this time of year, but, as mentioned, your work is helping ensure America’s national and economic security. That’s no exaggeration, and your commitment is noticed and appreciated. Professionally, I believe we in the SIU have much to be thankful for as we look back on the year so far. We have organized new vessels, ratified good contracts, and maintained excellent health care benefits at a time when medical coverage is the top, most difficult issue in virtually every contract across the country. We have helped make numerous improvements at our affiliated training center in Piney Point, Md. And of course, we have delivered the goods for U.S. troops overseas. Again, I wish you a safe and happy holiday. Volume 66, Number 11 November 2004 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2004 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Philly Ferry Crews Stick With Seafarers Seafarers once again are sailing aboard the Philadelphiabased passenger ferry Freedom. Hornblower Marine Services became the ferry’s new operator this past summer. In August, with pledge cards in hand from all of the crew members, the union filed for recognition as the mariners’ collective bargaining representative. The company agreed to recognize the union based on the card check. As this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, both parties were awaiting finalization of a first contract for signature. In the interim, the crews are covered by a temporary agreement. “The mariners made it clear that they wanted SIU representation, and the company respected their wish,” noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. “Both sides have bargained in good faith.” The Delaware River Port Authority in the summer of 2003 added the Freedom to its RiverLink service between Philadelphia and Camden, N.J. The boat eventually replaced its predecessor. The Freedom has a minimum crew of three and a crew of six when it carries its maximum number of passengers: 600. The ferry is equipped with two decks, a steel canopy, an insulated cabin and dual wheelhouses (one at each end). The SIU has represented RiverLink crews since March 1992. At that time, the ferry service’s rebirth marked the resumption of a route that had stopped 40 years earlier. In 1952, the Haddonfield, also manned by Seafarers, made its final voyage across the Delaware River. The ferry closed because of new bridge construction and the rising operating costs, including insurance and fuel. The SIU-crewed Freedom transports passengers between Philadelphia and Camden, N.J. BIDCO Adds New Tugboat Seafarers-contracted Buffalo Industrial Diving Company (BIDCO) has added a new tugboat to its operation. The Ruby is the first in a series of tugs that the company plans to add over the next few years. The boat is used for assistance in marine construction and also helps the SIU-crewed dive-support vessel M/V Pipeline Surveyor. The Ruby is covered under a separate three-year contract— one that provides wage increases in each year of the agreement, top-of-the-line medical benefits and pension benefits. BIDCO mariners earlier this year voted to join the SIU. The original crew members work aboard a 110-foot former survey boat which now tends to diving platforms and also delivers construction material. BIDCO’s parent company is involved in marine construction projects including underwater pipeline installation, harbor dredging, underwater repairs and much more. BIDCO assisted in some of the salvage efforts in New York following the attacks of September 11. Pictured aboard the SIU’s newest contracted tugboat are (from left) Seafarers Tom Schultz, Mark Jones, Tom Maciejczyk and Brendan Murphy. NCL America President Tours School NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch last month toured the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Veitch examined all aspects of the school’s operation, including the fire fighting and safety school (above, left, with Safety Director Jim Hanson) and the manpower office (below, with Bart Rogers, head of the department). NCL America operates the SIU-crewed U.S.-flag cruise ship Pride of Aloha. November 2004 �p01_03.qxd 10/29/2004 5:02 AM Page 3 Construction Starts on 4 BP Tanker th SIU-Contracted Alaska Tanker Co. Earns Safety Milestone, Award Construction began last month on the fourth double-hull oil tanker being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company in San Diego. Like its three sister ships, the newest vessel when completed will be operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. (ATC). The first ship in the group— the Alaskan Frontier—was christened at the shipyard in May and was delivered in August. A naming ceremony for the second vessel, which was floated out in July, is slated for early next month. Delivery dates for that ship and the other two range from 20052006. NASSCO describes the four double-hull vessels as among the most environmentally friendly ships ever built, incorporating the latest in tanker design and construction. The design of the four 1.3-million-barrel-capacity tankers in the Alaska Class is intended to allow maximum flexibility for oil deliveries to West Coast ports, including BP refineries in Los Angeles and Cherry Point, Wash. Each of the vessels is 941 feet long and has a beam of 164 feet. According to the shipyard, the vessels employ the latest in international marine technologies, including twin-screw, mediumspeed, diesel-electric propulsion that can achieve a speed of more than 15 knots. The ships come fitted with the most modern machinery and cargo control systems and an integrated navigation system. Earlier this year, the SIUcrewed ATC fleet quietly reached another safety milestone: six million man hours without a lost time injury. The company also earned accolades in the form of a “Legacy Award” issued by the Pacific States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force. The award is given for oil spill prevention, preparedness and response. In announcing the award, the task force noted, “ATC has conclusively demonstrated that preventing spills and injuries is not only the right thing to do, but is cost effective as well. ATC has saved millions of dollars in injury claims, spill response costs, and insurance premiums. During 2002 and 2003, ATC transported 13 billion gallons of crude oil with just 2.2 total gallons being spilled and completed more than five million man hours without a lost time injury. ATC firmly believes that openly reporting near misses and losses of containment—and using this information as the basis for improvement—is a key factor in instilling the awareness and behaviors that prevent pollution…. “ATC has worked with the Seafarers International Union to establish a dedicated employment pool of individuals who meet specific medical, fitness, training, and performance requirements. ATC has also made a point of hiring Alaskans and maintaining an office in Valdez, thus underscoring its commitment to the Alaskan community. ATC has also partnered with the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council and with the Pacific States/BC Oil Spill Task Force on spill prevention projects such as the Ice Detection Radar System, efforts to promote voluntary spill prevention efforts industry-wide, and efforts to plan for requests for Places of Refuge by ships in distress.” Voting for officers of the Seafarers International Union’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU, to be con- Transfers Executed for Six Replacement Vessels; Planning Continues for Transfer of Other Ships November 2004 The Sealand Lightning (above) and SL Charger (below) are two of six modern containerships that will replace older vessels in the MSP fleet. The SIU-crewed ships are managed by Maersk Line, Limited. operating under the U.S. flag with a U.S. crew. The disposition of the six replaced vessels will be determined in the near future, but they are ultimately expected to operate in Maersk’s international fleet. Each of the replacement vessels will be integrated into Maersk’s existing U.S.-flag fleet, streamlining operations and creating efficiencies in MLL’s network of intermodal assets, Last year, seven Seafarerscrewed ATC ships received vessel safety awards at an annual industry gathering in New Orleans. Also last year, the Alaska state legislature formally congratulated the company for its outstanding safety and environmental record. ATC then earned a major Washington State award for excellence in marine safety and environmental stewardship. Union Election Voting Begins Nov. 1 Maersk Line, Limited Replaces Maritime Security Program Ships Agreements were signed Oct. 1, 2004 between Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) and the Maritime Administration to transfer the Maritime Security Program (MSP) contracts on six existing SIU-crewed MSP vessels built in the 1980s and managed by U.S. Ship Management, Inc. (USSM) to six newer containerships. The new replacement vessels are the Sealand Intrepid, Sealand Lightning, Sealand Charger, Sealand Comet, Sealand Meteor and Alva Maersk. The replacements were approved by the Maritime Administration and U.S. Transportation Command and represent a significant improvement in the ability of MLL’s U.S.flag fleet to serve its military and commercial customers. “This is a major milestone in MLL’s plan to enroll newer, faster and larger U.S.-flagged vessels into the maritime security program,” said Ken Gaulden, MLL’s senior vice president for marketing and government relations. “The end result will be a much impoved MSP.” In an Oct. 1 news release, Maersk noted that MSP age limits require that older vessels be replaced in the current program before reaching 25 years of age. The first of the new replacement vessels was expected to enter the U.S- flag fleet late last month. The replaced vessels (the Explorer, Defender, Innovator, Patriot, Liberator and Endurance) will continue to sail under the U.S. flag until their replacements begin The Alaskan Frontier (above) is a sister ship to the one on which construction began last month in San Diego. including terminals, cranes, logistical platforms, computerized management systems, containers and chassis. The transfers will strengthen the MSP for military purposes and enhance the U.S.flag presence in international shipping. Maersk Line, Limited is based in Norfolk, Va. and is one of the Department of Defense’s primary shipping contractors. ducted by secret ballot, begins Nov. 1 and continues through Dec. 31. This election also includes two proposed constitutional amendments. Full-book SIU members in good standing are eligible to vote in the election, which will determine union officers for the 20052008 term. Such members may pick up their ballots at any of 21 SIU halls throughout the country. Ballots may be obtained from 9 a.m. until noon, Mondays through Saturdays, except legal holidays, until Dec. 31. The ballot includes the list of candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, eight vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents (for a total of 27 positions). It also includes the two proposed constitutional amendments. In accordance with the union’s constitution, a credentials committee composed of six rank-andfile Seafarers, elected by their fellow members, reviewed the nomination applications to ensure each candidate’s eligibility. The committee’s report was prepared Aug. 19 (after the nominations period closed) and approved by the membership at the September meetings. The secret ballots are accompanied by envelopes marked “Ballot” as well as postage-paid envelopes bearing the address of the bank depository where the ballots are kept until submitted to the tallying committee. Each Seafarer must present his or her book to the port agent or agent’s designated representative when receiving the ballot, the envelope marked “Ballot” and the mailing envelope. When the member receives the ballot and envelopes, his or her book will be stamped with the word “Voted” and the date. Members who are working aboard an SIU-contracted vessel during the election period or who have a hospital stay during the first 10 days of November may request an absentee ballot. Such requests should be made in writing, by registered or certified mail, to SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel at SIU headquarters: 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Requests for absentee ballots should be postmarked no later than Nov. 15 See page 17 for a list of the voting locations. Article XIII of the union’s constitution spells out the procedures by which an election will be conducted. The entire text of Article XIII, along with a sample ballot, a list of voting locations, the constitutional committee’s report and other related information appears on pages 6-11 of the October 2004 issue of the Seafarers LOG. The same information is available on the internet at www.seafarers.org, in the Seafarers LOG section. Additionally, a notice of the election was mailed in October to all members at their last known address, with a list of all voting locations as well as a sample of the official ballot. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2004 for the observance of Veterans’ Day; Thursday, Nov 25, 2004 to celebrate Thanksgiving Day; and Friday, Dec. 24, 2004 for the Christmas holiday (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. Seafarers LOG 3 �p4,5,10,12,13,17,21.qxd 10/28/2004 3:07 AM Page 4 Remembering Major Ken Conklin (1918-2004) Trainee Program’s Founder Wanted Others to Have Opportunities Even the most optimistic, resolute person surely would have tipped his cap to Major Ken “K.C.” Conklin, founder of the trainee program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Looking back on his service in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, Conklin described the experience as “a break” that helped him turn his life around. Surveying the awesome challenge of building a maritime training center on a largely barren patch of southern Maryland land in 1967, Conklin once remarked —with a sincerity not to be questioned—“I had no doubts about the long-term success of the school.” That type of determination and can-do attitude characterized Conklin, who died Sept. 20 in Dover, Pa. at age 86. Family members and former co-workers remembered the retired Paul Hall Center vice president as tough but generous, indomitable but understanding—the type of man who could view wartime military service as a blessing. Most of all, they recalled his fondness for the Paul Hall Center, a facility that has evolved into a premier maritime school enhanced by academic curriculums including GED and college degree programs. Much of that growth took place during Conklin’s tenure, from 1967 until he retired in 1993. “Right until his absolute dying breath, he was (connected to) Piney Point,” said Conklin’s daughter, Andrea, herself a longtime employee at the school before moving last year to care for her parents. “He remained ever in Piney Point—that was the love of his life.” SIU President Michael Sacco, who served as the school’s vice president from 1968 to 1978, said Conklin “was a hard-working, dedicated guy. He brought that Marine spirit and discipline. He instituted (the trainees) marching to and from class, posting the colors. He was a tough commandant, but someone you could go to if you had a problem.” The school’s current vice pres- ident, Don Nolan, also met Conklin in 1968 during the facility’s earliest days. “He was our very first commandant and one of the most committed and tireless Rogers, who met Conklin in 1980, described him as a father figure with remarkable attention to detail. “His organizational skills were incredible,” Rogers Clockwise, from upper left: Past and present Paul Hall Center VPs Ken Conklin and Don Nolan; Conklin as a high school senior; giving a tour of the Paul Hall Memorial Library; with his wife, Jane. individuals I’ve seen in my entire life,” Nolan recalled. “He’s a person no one will forget. People who haven’t been to the school for 30 years come back and ask about him. He was a true mentor.” Bart Rogers, head of the manpower office at Piney Point, pointed out that despite the school’s commendable growth and virtually mandatory broadening, “The basis of the school is the trainee program, and the foundation for the program is K.C. It’s really that simple. The system and procedures he put in place are still there today.” said. “They’d bring 50 kids in for a class, and the next day he’d be calling each one of them by name.” Paul Hall Center Safety Director Jim Hanson said Conklin “was very dedicated to the kids and the school. It seemed like he was always here and he loved it very much. You could feel it.” Sharon Farr worked for Conklin for more than 10 years. “He had a gruff exterior, but he wasn’t all that gruff, once you got to know him. He had a soft heart and he cared about everybody Tough Commandant Took Pleasure In Helping Trainees Ken Conklin had a strict air befitting a retired U.S. Marine Corps major who served in two wars, but his greatest professional joy was anything but tough. “My father was absolutely committed to giving anybody who may be on the wrong track the break they needed to turn themselves around,” noted his daughter, Andrea. “He and his brother and sister were orphaned very young. As he put it, he and his brother kind of ran wild after they were orphaned. He had influences in his life that he credits with turning him around. “When he went into service to help found Piney Point, the thing that most appealed to him was the opportunity to give people a break, an opportunity.” During a 1992 interview for an article on 4 Seafarers LOG who worked here,” Farr stated. During a shipboard meeting a week after Conklin’s death, the crew of the LNG Libra wrote, “He was a good man and made us the school’s 25th anniversary, Conklin said, “Working with young people is a big part of what attracted me to this job. The truth is there’s nothing wrong with the youth of today. It’s just that we, as adults, don’t have enough time to talk with them. “The reason I’ve stuck with it all these years is, helping people. We’re in the business of giving people an opportunity to better themselves— financially, educationally, every way.” Conklin believed that unyielding effort plays a big part in success. “You’re going to run into a roadblock, and you can either go under, over, around or through,” he said. “But don’t quit. You can do anything you want to do, if you want it badly enough.” understand the steps that we were taking in our lives. Many of us knew the Major from attending the school, either as trainees or upgraders. He taught us about loyalty and the meaning of the U.S. Merchant Marine. He showed us to walk tall and be proud.” Thomas Horton, an accomplished television documentary producer who served under Conklin during World War II, called him “the best Marine officer I ever knew. He was such a straight shooter, never bragged or tried to impress you. It was his job to keep us on the narrow path of doing a good job.” Ken Conklin was born in Clifton, N.J. He served in the Marine Corps from 1941 to 1964, retiring as a major. He was hired by the late SIU President Paul Hall to start the original training program at the Lundeberg School, later renamed for Hall. Conklin is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane Conklin. He also is survived by daughter Andrea McCranie; two sons, boatman Craig Conklin and QMED Kevin Conklin, both active Seafarers; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Rita Ryerson. Funeral services were scheduled for Oct. 28 at the Fort Belvoir (Va.) Chapel, followed by burial at the Arlington National Cemetery. The family encourages a donation in his name to a charity of one’s choice. Notice Pre-Signed Certificates of Discharge The union recently fielded questions about the practice employed by some ships’ masters involving the pre-signing of certificates of discharge. According to the union’s legal department, it is not illegal to have mariners sign their respective certificates of discharge at the outset of a voyage and then fill in the actual discharge date at the end of the voyage. Some captains ask for presigned discharges as a matter of convenience. However, such a practice legally cannot be made a condition of employment, and no mariner can lose his job for refusing to sign the certificate prior to the actual date of discharge. A question was raised concerning a potential problem with this practice; specifically, what would happen if someone filled in an incorrect date on the certificate which differed from the actual discharge date. The concern was that this could be problematic for injury or illness claims if the injury or illness occurred after the date of discharge on the certificate. However, SIU members should be assured that, for the purposes of establishing a legal claim, the mariner simply must demonstrate that he was a seaman working on the vessel at the time of the injury. Thus, even though a seaman may have been technically discharged prior to the injury, he nevertheless can establish his status as a mariner by showing that he was performing duties consistent with the operation of the vessel when he was injured (through payroll records or witness accounts, for instance). The date included on the discharge would not be determinative. Mariners are advised if they do pre-sign their certificates that, upon discharge, they should make sure the correct date of discharge appears on the certificate. If any SIU members have any questions about this practice they may direct them to a union official; however, SIU members should note that this practice is not something about which they need to be overly concerned. November 2004 �p4,5,10,12,13,17,21.qxd 10/29/2004 6:29 PM Page 5 Shore Leave Spotlighted on World Maritime Day Maritime unions and shipowners, in a show of solidarity with seafarers on World Maritime Day (Sept. 30) over the denial of shore leave, urged governments not to prevent mariners from enjoying their entitlement to go ashore. In an unusual cooperative venture, members of the Round Table of shipping organizations—BIMCO, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and International Shipping Federation (ISF), Intercargo and Intertanko—tackled the issue of maritime security and jointly wrote an open letter to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell expressing the shipping industry’s concerns. The industry also is engaging with U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide as part of a global effort to raise awareness of the shore leave problem. Roundtable members aligned with the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) in a further show of unity to further their agenda. “On World Maritime Day we are all joining to back the basic rights of those who work at sea and to remind the U.S. and other governments that enhanced security will be achieved by cooperation, not confrontation,” said ITF General Secretary David Cockroft. ICS/ISF Secretary General Chris Horrocks added: “We are all committed to improving security, as demonstrated by the implementation of the ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code), but we want to remind governments— especially the U.S.—that this is best achieved by working together, not by treating visiting seafarers as potential terrorists.” Efthimios Mitropoulos, secretary-general of the IMO, while praising the rapid work done in the maritime community to progress and implement the ISPS Code has called for balance between the need to strictly implement the new security regime and to facilitate global trade. Mitropoulos said that balance also was also necessary between the need to tighten security precautions against terrorists who might pose as seafarers, “the rights of seafarers themselves” and the “traditional and legally enshrined rights of ships to enjoy freedom of navigation on the high seas.” On security matters, Mitropoulos urged unceasing preparedness. “Now that the new international maritime security measures are in force, we must not make the mistake of resting on our laurels and assuming the work has been completed,” the secretary-general said. “The risks are too high to allow for any hint of complacency and we must make sure that high levels of vigilance and awareness are maintained and built upon until they become second nature throughout the shipping and port industries. “Terrorism is not a matter of concern to just one country or a group of countries—it is a global issue that affects us all,” he said. “We should spare no effort to ensure that, together, we build a robust and resilient defense.” The text of the alliance’s letter to Secretary Powell, dated Sept. 30, follows: Seafarers play a significant role in the smooth operation of the world economy, with around 90% of trade in the world’s raw materials, food and products being transported by sea. On the occasion of World Maritime Day, we are therefore writing to draw your attention to a particular problem confronting the global shipping industry and the 1.25 million seafarers working on board merchant ships that service international trade. Due to the special nature of seafarers’ employment—with crew working at sea during voyages of several weeks’ duration—the provision of shore leave in the foreign ports that seafarers visit is vital to ensure their wellbeing and welfare. However, one of the unresolved problems created by post 9/11 security concerns is the tighter restrictions being placed on the movement of seafarers by certain governments, not least the United States. Apart from concerns about welfare, the entry into force of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code has conferred a major new security role on seafarers. Maritime employers and seafarers’ trade Rep. Vitter Salutes Mariners U.S. Rep. David Vitter (R-La.) made the following statement in the House of Representatives on World Maritime Day (Sept. 30). Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September 30 as World Maritime Day. I urge the members of Congress to join me in saluting the hard-working men and women of the Merchant Marine. Each day, mariners perform a vital service in the global economy by ensuring that international trade proceeds without interruption. They work long hours in all kinds of weather. Whether they sail on the storm-tossed waves of the North Atlantic or the U.S. Rep. David Vitter tropical heat of the South Pacific, these men and (R-La.) women perform their duties without recognition or fanfare. Mariners and many others contribute to homeland security, and we must give them the support they need to effectively keep our ports safe. As we recognize Maritime Day, we cannot overlook the human element. Mariners sail for many weeks without being ashore or hearing a loved one’s voice on a call home. We thank the mariners for their continued commitment to keeping us all secure, and we focus our attention on the challenge in their industry of balancing security needs with mariners’ need for shore leave. I urge members of Congress to join me in working to reach a solution that provides the utmost in security for ports and harbors around the world while allowing for the personal needs of the men and women who sail these great ships. I come to the floor of the House of Representatives to salute and honor the men and women of the Merchant Marine on this World Maritime Day. November 2004 unions therefore believe that unreasonable restrictions on shore leave are counterproductive. They simply generate ill feeling amongst those who have such an important part to play in ensuring the security of ships, port facilities and society at large. The most acute problems have been experienced in the United States, where in addition to the frequent denial of shore leave some companies have been required to hire armed guards to prevent foreign seafarers from leaving their ships. However the problem is widespread, with many other countries no longer adhering to the principle that seafarers should not be required to obtain visas in order to enjoy shore leave, established in international law by the IMO Facilitation Convention, 1965, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) Seafarers’ Identity Documents Convention, 1958. To address concerns about security following the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, but in a manner compatible with providing seafarers with shore leave, ILO has adopted, in June 2003, a new Convention on the Security of Seafarers’ Identity Documents (ILO 185). Crucially, the Convention maintains the principle that port states must afford special treatment to seafarers for the purpose of facilitating shore leave or crew transits, and that seafarers holding the new ID should not normally be required to apply for a visa in advance in their home country. The global shipping industry and seafarers’ trade unions are especially concerned that seafarers must now hold individual visas for entry to the US in order to have any possibility of being granted permission to enjoy shore leave. Apart from the practical difficulties this policy creates, it also gives a negative signal to other governments that are considering whether to ratify the new ILO Convention. As we celebrate World Maritime Day, we respectfully urge the United States to do all that it can to facilitate the movement of seafarers and the provision of shore leave. Yours sincerely, David Cockroft General Secretary International Transport Workers’ Federation Chris Horrocks Secretary General International Chamber of Shipping/International Shipping Federation (On behalf of the Round Table of international shipping associations) Meanwhile, as members of the Round Table were observing World Maritime Day 2004 in London, Pope John Paul II prayed for seafarers worldwide. At a meeting at his summer residence, the Pope said that his thoughts went out to all who worked at sea, and prayed “that they may be able to live with dignity and security.” Elsewhere, World Maritime Day for the first time was commemorated in Port Arthur, Texas. As in other locations around the world, the issue of shore leave took center stage during the Port Arthur observance. Rev. Sinclair Oubre of the Apostleship of the Sea and the Port Arthur International Seafarers ITF Inspector Shwe Aung told those who attended World Maritime Day activities in Port Arthur, Texas how difficult life is for seamen who work aboard flag-of-convenience (FOC) vessels. He also discussed the difficulties he encounters when attempting to gain access on FOCs to perform inspections. Rev. Sinclair Oubre of the Apostleship of the Sea holds a press conference in Port Arthur, Texas on the campus of Lamar State College during the World Maritime Day commemoration. During his remarks to the media, Oubre called for the support of shore leave for mariners coming into U.S. ports. Center, called for ways for foreign seafarers to have shore leave on U.S. soil, The Beaumont Enterprise reported. “With three liquid natural gas facilities in the planning stages for the Port Arthur area, our maritime future is bright and exciting. I pray that as we move into that future that the seafarers who are essential to our community will not be seen as a ‘problem,’ but an opportunity to welcome and serve,” said Oubre, who is an SIU member. Benefits Conferences Will Take Place at SIU Halls in 2005 The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) will conduct conferences at SIU halls beginning early next year to update members, pensioners and spouses on the latest happenings with the various Plans. SHBP Administrator Bill Dennis said the conference dates will be firmed up some time this month; they’ll be published in the December issue of the Seafarers LOG and also will be made available at the halls and on the union’s web site (www.seafarers.org). Information on all of the Seafarers Plans will be available at the conferences. Seafarers, pensioners and family members are encouraged to attend. “I’m very confident that the benefits conferences will be worthwhile for all who attend,” Dennis stated. “Plans representatives will present plenty of information and of course will welcome questions from Seafarers, pensioners and their spouses. If we can’t immediately answer a question, we’ll write it down and get the answer back to the member or spouse.” Two of the more prominent topics at the conferences will be the SHBP’s recent affiliations with First Health Network and (separately) Prescription Solutions. As previously reported, the First Health Network agreement took effect Nov. 1. By utilizing First Health, the SHBP is helping to eliminate applicable out-of-pocket costs for Seafarers. Additionally, one of the biggest expected advantages is that Seafarers using the network no longer will have to worry about doctors’ charges exceeding the “reasonable and customary” coverage limit, since the network and its participating physicians agree to a set fee schedule. More than 4,500 hospitals and some 425,000 physicians and ancillary providers participate in First Health Network. According to the company, 99 percent of hospitals and 96 percent of physicians and ancillary providers normally renew their respective contracts with the network. A quick visit to First Health’s web site (www.firsthealth.com, login ID SHBP) backed up the company’s status as a large network, giving Plan participants plenty of choices. A search for participating clinics and physicians within 20 miles of the SIU’s Algonac, Mich. hall returned 984 matches. A search for providers located within 5 miles of the Baltimore hall yielded 2,674 matches. Large numbers also were the norm for searches within 5 miles of the halls in Boston (8,850 participants), Houston (3,794), Honolulu (560), Jacksonville (1,069), New Orleans (937), New York (4,315), Norfolk (804), San Francisco (2,847), Tacoma (1,056), Wilmington (1,116) and others. At the start of 2004, the SHBP entered into an agreement with Prescription Solutions, a national pharmacy management company, to provide pharmacy benefits to all eligible participants. Under this agreement, the cost of prescribed drugs has been greatly reduced, resulting in a savings to the Plan and to participants. Eligible members and dependents participating at Plan Level G pay only small co-payments for certain prescribed name brand drugs. In addition, maintenance drugs are available without a co-pay when a participant uses the mail-order system. The program provides coverage for new as well as refill prescriptions filled at participating retail pharmacies and through the Prescription Solutions Mail Services Pharmacy. To use the program, members present their Prescription Solutions ID cards to any participating pharmacy. Seafarers LOG 5 �p6,8,9,11,14,16,18 A.qxd 10/26/2004 1:10 AM Page 6 Left: SIU Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz and SEATU Assistant Vice President Elizabeth Brown wave their campaign signs in front of the union hall in support of Rep. Neil Abercrombie (DHawaii). Abercrombie is one of maritime’s strongest allies in Congress and a good friend to the SIU. At Sea and Ashore With the SIU Right: This photo of SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell (left) and Tim Farrell, executive director of the port of Tacoma, was taken at a recent meeting during which discussions were held pertaining to the Jones Act and short sea shipping as well as maritime and port security issues. Kenneth McLamb, bosun aboard the Blue Ridge, sent in this photo of unlicensed apprentice John Niday flying in the bosun’s chair in order to work on block and slushing wire. Since this photo was taken, Niday has returned to the Paul Hall Center to upgrade to AB. Seafarers come to the aid of Teamsters Local 830 in setting up picket lines at Bell Beverage in Philadelphia. At left are SIU members Bill Kelly and Mike Joel. At right is SIU member Andrew Austin with help from his son. Local 830, which is in the process of organizing drivers at Bell Beverage, is trying to raise public awareness of the firm’s substandard wages and benefits. After 36 years with the SIU, Tugboat Captain John Rakyta (front center) is retiring. Helping celebrate the event at the Crowley Maritime office in Oakland, Calif. are Javier Montoya, Bruno Kalmeta, Dragi Odak, Bob Bouton, Craig Perry, Homer Roberson, Ed Brooks, Mike Restivo, George Cox, Jim Penny, Chad Macaulay, Mike Privette, George Esponge, John Ivankovich and Marijan Masnov. Recertified Bosun Carlos Loureiro (below) is at the control station of the boom aboard the Alaskan Frontier, waiting for a signal from AB Mike Bedney (right). Below right, AB Domingo Cazon stands by during a fuel oil transfer. The Alaskan Frontier is one of several new vessels operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Co. to transport crude oil from Valdez, Alaska to oil refineries along the U.S. West Coast. These photos were taken in Long Beach, Calif. Working in the galley aboard the Overseas Joyce are Steward/Baker Jack Hart (left) and GSTU Hernan Sanga. These photos were taken when the car carrier recently docked in Long Beach, Calif. Left: SIU member Paul Jernstrom is the captain aboard an American Marine Corp water taxi in Long Beach, Calif., while his brother, Nils, works as a deckhand. 6 Seafarers LOG November 2004 �p7,15,19,20.qxd 10/28/2004 4:07 AM Page 7 Women’s Work Is in All Three Departments Once a Rarity, Female Seafarers Are More Common Sight Women in the late 1800s smashed the blockade that once prevented them from working in the male-dominated U.S. maritime industry. At that juncture, women worked primarily as stewardesses, hairdressers and in other similar capacities aboard passenger ships. When those vessels were taken over by the government— after the U.S. entered World War II—many of those women lost their jobs. They were required to relinquish their positions when their vessels returned to U.S. ports after Dec. 7, 1941. One of those women, says the www.usmm.org website, was Betty Jackson. Jackson, in correspondence to President Franklin D. Roosevelt about the plight of women mariners, said: “We are not afraid of the dangers and we are willing to put up with any AB Tina Lester hones her skills during a marlinespike seamanship class. inconvenience as long as we can be reinstated and go back to sea.” Her calls for women to be allowed to return to their professions and serve the country during the war were met by deaf ears. Admiral Emory Scott Land, head of the Maritime Commission and War Shipping Administration, replied to Jackson and said simply that there were no provisions on wartime ships for women crew members. Although Jackson’s request was turned down, official records show that three women were awarded the merchant marine combat bar after their ships were torpedoed, and four women were POWs. Fast forward to the present and it’s evident that the old ideologies regarding women and their supposed “place” in the maritime industry have changed. Some 200 years after women initially broke into the maritime business and more than 50 years following pleas by pioneers like Jackson to allow them to remain there, today’s women merchant mariners—especially those in the SIU—are fast becoming trailblazers. Women mariners prominently are represented in jobs found within each of a vessel’s shipboard departments. While little information exists about the number of women who sailed under the SIU’s banner at its inception in 1938, figures since 1951 paint an unmistakable portrait of significant progress. Overall membership went from 19 in 1951 to its pinnacle in 1993 when 693 women sported the SIU said. “You can be gone for days on end, and being the only woman in a house with 30 guys potentially could be nerve-racking. It really does not bother me, though, because I think of them as my brothers, and they have always been nice and very respectful to me. “I love what I am doing and I can’t begin to thank the SIU for the success I have had,” Nunes concluded. “I know I would not be where I am if it was not for the union. Being in the SIU is like a dream come true for me, because I love my job and I defiFemale students routinely populate the Paul Hall Center, as evidenced nitely plan to stick around for a by this photo from last month showing upgraders and unlicensed lot of years.” apprentices enrolled at the facility in Piney Point, Md. Nunes’ reflections about choosing a maritime career were difference is that women now are colors. In 1951, seven women echoed by Phase III Steward held deck department ratings, two going into work areas that previDepartment Trainee Jamey ously were dominated by men to worked in the engine department Russell. A newcomer to the include management. I think this and 10 served as stewards. union, Russell came aboard this is good news not only for Today’s numbers for the same year in January in women, but also ratings are 72, 10 and 309, Anchorage, respectively, with another 39 sail- for the union and “Being on a ship Alaska. the maritime ing in entry ratings not confined “I was the only industry as a to one department. with the rest of the female in a crew whole because “The number of women in the of 27 on my trainwomen can do SIU definitely is growing now crew is just like ing ship—the any job that men compared to when I joined three being with family.” Sealand years ago,” said Natalie Nunes, a can.” Defender—and I A native of steward department member who really did not – Chief Cook Kim Strate Honolulu, Nunes joined the union in 2001 in the have any major has sailed aboard port of Honolulu. Nunes recently problems working the USNS Charlton and the USNS with the men,” Russell said. upgraded to chief steward at the Watson as well as aboard SIUSeafarers-affiliated Paul Hall “They all treated me as an equal contracted passenger ships. She Center for Maritime Training and and showed me the utmost in returned to the USNS Pomeroy Education in Piney Point, Md. terms of respect, so I really did after completing requirements for not have any problems. “When I first came to school her chief steward certification. here as an apprentice, there were “From my perspective, women “Working at sea is challenging are just as capable as doing every only three women in 200 stubecause you are away from your dents. Now that number is about job on a ship that men do,” she family and for the most part away one in three, so the landscape is Continued on page 20 from civilization as well,” Nunes changing” Nunes said. “Another PL 480 ‘Food for Peace’ Program Celebrates Fiftieth Anniversary When President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Agricultural Trade and Development Act into law five decades ago, he said the purpose of the legislation was to “lay the basis for a permanent expansion of our exports of agricultural products with lasting benefits to ourselves and peoples of other lands.” The measure, now known as the Public Law (PL) 480 “Food for Peace” program, has done that many times over, facilitating the sale of some $30 billion worth of commodities and 107 million tons of food aid. In addition, by generating an important source of cargo for U.S-flag vessels, it has helped preserve a viable American maritime industry and enhanced critical U.S. security interests. In any given year, anywhere from 47 to 106 nations will receive some kind of humanitarian food aid from the United States. Last year, 133 million people across the globe were the recipients of American generosity. One hundred thirty-five nations have received some kind of humanitarian aid since 1954. Some, like Taiwan and South Korea, have gone on to become thriving democracies and economic powerhouses. On average, the United States provides 60 percent of the world’s food aid. As President John F. Kennedy observed early in his presidency, “Food is strength, and food is peace, and food is freedom, and food is a helping hand to people around the world whose good will and friendship we want.” Farmers are not the only group of workers involved in the program. Secretary of State Colin Powell recently noted that the PL 480 program also “is the work of ... businessmen, grain elevator operators, truckers, bargemen, freight forwarders, port operations, NGOs, PVOs and government officials. Together, they form an unbroken chain of humanity stretching from this country’s fertile fields to hungry families half a world away.” It is important to remember that in the same year that Congress passed the Agricultural Trade and Development Act, the elected officials also strengthened existing U.S.flag shipping requirements for government-generated cargo by enacting the Cargo Preference Act of 1954. Both bills came at a pivotal time in the history of the American November 2004 maritime industry. The U.S.-flag merchant marine played an instrumental role in supporting American troops in both World War II and Korea. However, it was hit hard by the Ship Sales Act of 1946, which sold surplus U.S.-flag vessels overseas at bargain-basement prices, and the adoption of the Effective U.S. Control Doctrine in 1947, which effectively gave rise to the “flag-of-convenience” (FOC) system. The effect of these two developments on America’s deep-sea industry had become clear by the early 1950s: the U.S-flag merchant marine, once the largest in the world, was fast losing its preeminence to the notorious fleets of Panama, Honduras and Liberia, disreputable “for rent” registries that allowed ship owners to evade paying taxes and skirt existing health, safety, environmental and labor standards. Concerned about this, Paul Hall, the late SIU president, worked with Sen. Warren Magnuson (D-Wash.) and others on Capitol Hill to alleviate the situation. While the maritime industry continued to wage a campaign against FOC fleets, a quick resolution to that problem wasn’t possible. International oil companies, which had helped engineer the FOC scheme, held too much political power. Strengthening Cargo Preference To compensate for this, Magnuson decided to strengthen existing cargo preference requirements for foreign aid cargoes that were passed in the wake of World War II. The 50 percent requirement was only met twice, in 1946 and 1954. Calling this record “a tragedy,” Sen. John Marshall Butler (D-Md.), another supporter of the Cargo Preference Act of 1954, put the matter into perspective by observing on the Senate floor, “No other nation in the world having a merchant marine of any size would be content to have it carry such a small portion of its own foreign trade. Instead of reaching our stated objective of 50 percent, we seem to be retreating from it. I am confident that Congress did not intend and will not permit this competitive decline in our maritime strength to continue long.” Bags of lentils are one of the many products shipped overseas on U.S.-flag vessels under the PL 480 Food for Peace program. The Cargo Preference Law of 1954 is hardly unique. Most nations impose national-flag requirements on certain types of government-impelled cargoes. They do so because cargo is the lifeline of any merchant fleet. As the MTD executive board observed earlier this year, “In order to remain healthy, American bottoms need a steady supply of cargo. The longstanding U.S. law to require at least 50 percent of government sponsored cargoes and 75 percent of certain agricultural cargoes be carried on U.S.-flag vessels crewed by U.S. citizen mariners has responded to that need.” By marrying humanitarian food aid programs and the Cargo Preference Act of 1954, Congress also scored an important diplomatic coup. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then so is a national flag flying over a vessel laden with humanitarian goods. At a time when the Cold War was at its hottest, this was an important consideration. Fifty years later, when America is in a life-and-death struggle against agents of terror, it still is. And so are the irreplaceable benefits that both the PL 480 program and the Cargo Preference Act of 1954 continue to generate by helping ensure the continuation of a strong U.S. maritime industry. Seafarers LOG 7 �p6,8,9,11,14,16,18 A.qxd 10/28/2004 12:39 AM Page 8 Spotlight on San Francisco PRESIDENT GRANT Ali M. Quraish (right) is the ACU aboard the President Grant (below). MOKIHANA The galley gang aboard Matson’s Mokihana include (clockwise from top left) Chief Cook Richard Walker, Steward/Baker Reynaldo T. Magpale and ACU Eduardo Munizaga. MILLENNIUM STAR Timothy Manes works as a deckhand on the Millennium Star, an SIU-crewed escort vessel operated by Starlight Marine Services, Inc. in the port of San Francisco. APL SINGAPORE When the APL Singapore recently sailed into the port of San Francisco, working in the galley were (clockwise from right) Chief Steward Duane Bergeson, ACU Fadhel Hasan and Chief Cook Dominador Guerrero. KAUAI — Working as a team aboard Matson’s Kauai are (from left) Room Steward Mosa Mohamad, Steward Carol Grycko and ACU Ahmed Mohamed. Safety instructor Mitch Oakley from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. was in San Francisco recently to conduct a general security awareness course for SIU members. From left (kneeling) are Oakley, Gene Aruta, Willie Alataua, (second row) John Stein, Rey Dimacale, Louella Sproul, Greg Blasquez, Steve Biles, Kevin Cooper, (last row) John Blasquez, John Schoenstein, George Pino and Jason Schoenstein. 8 Seafarers LOG November 2004 �p6,8,9,11,14,16,18 A.qxd 10/28/2004 2:12 PM Page 9 The Horizon Spirit transports containerized cargo to and from the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii as well as providing transpacific service to the Pacific islands of Guam, Saipan and Tinian. The photos of crew members appearing on this page were sent to the LOG by Jevon C. Vontoure, the electrician aboard ship during an August voyage. Left: ABs prepare for docking operations in port. Right: James “Jimi” Spranza, the 12-4 oiler, grabs a bite to eat. Working Aboard the Horizon Spirit Chipping is one of the shipboard tasks being carried out by Recertified Bosun Ralph Gibbs. Standing the 12-4 watch is AB Joseph Loyal. Working on deck is Leopoldo Viernes Jr., the 4-8 AB aboard the Horizon Spirit. Electrician Jevon Vontoure, who sent the Seafarers LOG the photos of crew members appearing on this page, checks the vessel’s electrical system. AB Shawn Strand helps secure the lines for docking. November 2004 Chief Cook Wilfred Scales and Wiper Luis Aguirre find a place in the freezer for this neatly packaged fish. Abdul Rahman presses a button to blow the tubes. Rahman is the 4-8 oiler on the Horizon Spirit. Seafarers LOG 9 �p4,5,10,12,13,17,21.qxd 10/28/2004 3:45 AM Page 10 Initial Mobilization For OIF3 Includes 9 SIU-Crewed Ships The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) last month accelerated its pace for mobilizing and deploying civiliancrewed vessels for the sealift component of Operation Iraqi Freedom 3 (OIF3). As of press time for the Seafarers LOG, no fewer than nine vessels—all crewed by members of the SIU, including the union’s Government Services Division—recently had been mobilized for OIF3. These included (MSC vessels) the USNS Arctic, 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez, Sgt. William R. Button, USNS Charlton, and U.S. Maritime Administration’s (MarAd) Cape Rise, Cape Race, Cape Douglas, Cape Knox and Cape Wrath. The MSC fast combat support ship USNS Arctic on Oct. 13 deployed with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group for a six-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. Crewed by 160 civil service mariners and 60 embarked ships, the 1st Lt. Baldomero Sailors, the 754-foot Arctic is Lopez, Sgt. William R. Button one of more than 30 civilian- and USNS Charlton from Oct. 3crewed MSC ships that provide 13 took turns pulling into the at-sea logistic support to deployed U.S. Navy ships. Ships like the Arctic enable Navy combatant ships to remain at sea, on station and combat ready for extended periods of time. The Arctic will provide food, fuel, supplies and ammunition to the carrier strike group throughout its deployment. With a top speed of 25 knots, the Arctic is ideal for resupplying Navy ships at sea. Additionally, two on-board Navy MH-60 helicopters will provide vertical replenishment. The 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez is underway Three other MSC supporting U.S. troops. Apply Now for 2005 Scholarship There’s no escaping the fact that college costs are continuing to rise. The cost of higher education has been increasing significantly faster than the rate of inflation or the growth in family incomes for decades. According to recently released reports from the College Board, most students and their families can expect to pay, on average, from $231 to $1,114 more than last year for this year’s tuition and fees, depending on the type of college. The bad news is that this crisis in America’s higher education system threatens to push the dream of college out of reach for millions of students and families. The good news, however, is that help is available. One example is the Union Plus Scholarship Program (see article on this page). Another one— solely for Seafarers and their eligible dependents—is offered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. This year, the Plan is funding eight scholarships to SIU members, their spouses and dependent children to help offset the rising rates for a college education. Three of the scholarships for 2005 are reserved for SIU members. One of those is in the amount of $20,000 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 community college or vocational school. The other five scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. The deadline for submitting the application and other required paperwork is April 15, 2005. That leaves five months from now in which to send away for the program booklet and start working P lease send me the 2005 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________________________________ This application is for: † Self † Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 11/04 10 Seafarers LOG on collecting the items needed for inclusion with the application (such as transcripts, certificates of graduation, letters of recommendation, a photograph and certified copy of birth certificate). Applicants also should arrange to take either the SAT or ACT no later than February 2005 in order to ensure the results reach the selection committee in time to be evaluated. Anyone who truly wants to continue his or her education beyond the high school level should be able to do so—and the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan is trying to help. Take advantage of this unique benefit. Fill out the form below and start the process. The SIU-crewed Cape Race loads materiel in Norfolk, Va. port of Philadelphia. The vessels loaded more than 400,000 square feet of combat gear destined for deployed U.S. forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The SIU-crewed, noncombatant cargo ships were loaded with five-ton trucks, trailers, generators, helicopters and ambulances for use by the U.S. Army National Guard’s 42nd Infantry Division, also known as the Rainbow Division, based out of Troy, N.Y. MarAd vessels to deploy included the Cape Rise, Cape Race, Cape Douglas, Cape Knox Brother Butts Given Burial at Sea On Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2004, Brother Herman Burnell Butts Jr. made his final voyage as his ashes were scattered upon the waters by members of the SIUcrewed Sealand Florida. The burial service, conducted by Capt. Robert C. Sargeant at Latitude 26-18 North, Longitude 088-12 West, included prayers and a poem. Born in Mobile, Ala. in 1956, Butts, who died July 15, 2004, was a 1973 graduate of the trainee program at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, Md. He shipped from the port of Houston, sailing in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Herman B. Butts Sr.; daughter Mandy Butts of Dripping Springs, Texas; sisters Rhonda Faye Davis of Houston and Lisa Eileen Walker of Columbia, Miss.; brother Steven Butts of Rio Medina, Texas; and grandchildren Logan M. Park and Madison M. Albarado. Seafarers aboard the ship during the ceremony included Bosun Frank Thompson, ABs Miguel Guity, Robert Arneel, Bartow Bridges, James Rush and Curtis Williams; Electrician Eric Bain, QMED Jeffery Roddy, DEU Joaquin Martinez, Steward/Baker Donna DeCesare, Chief Cook Daniel Wehr and SA Younis Saleh. Union Plus Provides Funding For Higher Education Goals Applications for the 2005 Union Plus Scholarship Program —which offers $150,000 in scholarships annually to eligible applicants—now are available. Those eligible to apply for this offering include SIU members, their spouses and dependent children who are beginning or continuing their secondary education. Awards are based on academic achievement, character, leadership, social awareness, career goals and financial need. To download an application, go to www.unionplus.org/scholarships or send a postcard with your name, return address, telephone number and international union affiliation to: Union Plus and the Cape Wrath. Part of MarAd’s Ready Reserve Force (RRF), these vessels—each laden with huge caches of military supplies and equipment— last month departed ports in Norfolk, Va., Charleston, S.C., New Orleans, and Baltimore for several destinations in the Middle East. They are part of a fleet of 68 ships owned and maintained by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. The ships are crewed by Seafarers who volunteered for this potentially hazardous duty. Education Foundation, c/o Union Privilege, P.O. Box 34800, Washington, DC 20043-4800. The application deadline is Jan. 31, 2005. In 2004, 106 students, representing 38 AFL-CIO unions, were selected to receive $150,000 in scholarships. Funding for the Union Plus Scholarship program is provided through the Union Plus Education Foundation. Since 1992, the Union Plus Scholarship program has provided more than $2 million to help fulfill the educational dreams of students who represent more than 13 million working families across the nation. Union Plus Scholarship awards are presented annually. Winners of 2005 scholarships will be announced on May 31, 2005. However, due to the high volume of applications, only winners will be notified. The Union Plus Education Service features college planning help, union scholarships and education and consolidation loans. Visit www.unionplus.org/education or call 1-877-881-1022 to speak to a financial aid counselor. Union Privilege, founded by the AFL-CIO in 1986, develops and manages the Union Plus consumer benefit programs. These programs are designed to help the families of the 13 million members of the AFL-CIO affiliated unions save time and money. For more information about all the Union Plus programs, visit www.unionplus.org. November 2004 �p6,8,9,11,14,16,18 A.qxd 10/26/2004 2:08 AM Page 11 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS PENSION TRUST This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Pension Trust, (Employer Identification No. 13-6100329, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $37,032,955. These expenses included $6,473,794 in administrative expenses and $30,559,161 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 16,726 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 $638,855,090 as of December 31, 2003 compared to $584,834,167 as of January 1, 2003. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $54,020,923. 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 $91,053,878, including employer contributions of $4,306,990, gains of $7,777,428 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $78,967,208. 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. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the 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 the office of: William Dennis, Administrator 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.95 for the full report, or $0.15 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: William Dennis, Administrator 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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR MCS SUPPLEMENTARY PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the MCS Supplementary Pension Plan, (Employer Identification No. 516097856, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $715,588. These expenses included $204,240 in administrative expenses and $511,348 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 1,001 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 $8,844,324 as of December 31, 2003 compared to $8,507,070 as of January 1, 2003. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $337,254. 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 $1,052,842, including gains of $335,449 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $717,393. 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. Financial information and information on payments to SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS 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, (Employer Identification No. 13-1953878, Plan No. 003) for the period January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). are included in that report: 1 An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3 Assets held for investment; 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; and 5. Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan. Basic Financial Statement To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: William J. Dennis, Administrator 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $1,437,588. These expenses included $234,898 in administrative expenses and $1,202,690 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 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 $24,672,779 as of December 31, 2003 compared to $22,634,736 as of January 1, 2003. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $2,038,043. 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 $3,475,631, including employer contributions of $135,641, gains of $792,149 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $2,547,841. 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 November 2004 The charge to cover copying costs will be $4.05 for the full report, or $0.15 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: William Dennis, Administrator 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, Room N5638, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. 3. 4. 5. service providers; Assets held for investment; Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; Insurance information including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 6. 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 William Dennis, Administrator 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs will be $5.40 for the full report, or $0.15 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: William Dennis, Administrator 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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS VACATION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Vacation Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5602047, Plan No. 503) for the period January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $15,257,627 as of December 31, 2003 compared to $15,571,521 as of January 1, 2003. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $313,894. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $49,029,365. This income included employer contributions of $47,627,023, realized losses of $64,502 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $1,466,844. Plan expenses were $49,343,259. These expenses included $5,883,481 in administrative expenses and $43,459,778 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. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of: William Dennis, Administrator 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 or the Plan Administrator The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.60 for the full report, or $0.15 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: William Dennis, Administrator 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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Seafarers LOG 11 �p4,5,10,12,13,17,21.qxd 10/28/2004 6:39 AM Page 12 2 Shipboard Training Is Key PHASE Of Unlicensed Apprentice Unlicensed Apprentice Ryan White helps bring stores aboard ship (top photo) and selects the correct bolt in the tool room (below). Practical training is an important part of the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. Through all three phases of the curriculum, students utilize hands-on schooling, along with classroom instruction in the program’s first and third segments. When it comes to gaining practical experience, however, nothing tops Phase II of the apprentice program. During this period, students spend at least 90 days aboard a vessel, alternately working in each of the three shipboard departments. Since the school revamped the trainee program in the mid-1990s, Phase II has proven beneficial to all concerned. It helps turn out more qualified mariners from the program. It also has increased the retention rate and puts mariners on a quicker track toward career advancement. “By and large, most of them come out of here never having seen a large ship,” noted J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of training at the Paul Hall Center. “The experience they gain during Phase II helps them make an informed choice as to which department they want to work in long-term.” Students earn sea time credit for Phase II. For more information on the unlicensed apprentice program or the school, visit the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org or call tollfree 1-877-235-3275. The photos accompanying this story were taken last month in Baltimore aboard the Freedom, an SIU-crewed vessel operated by American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier. Crew memb ABOVE: Unlicensed apprentices spend 30 days in each shipboard department. Here, UAs Tim Cullen (left) and Ryan White examine equipment in the engine room. ABOVE: The shipboard fare apparently agrees with (from left) UAs Esterheld and Ryan White, SA Fabian Aguilar and UA Tim Cullen. LEFT: UA Mike Esterheld unloads a pallet aboard the Freedom. RIGHT: Chief Steward Frank Starling and UA Mike Esterheld load stores. Chief Cook C 12 Seafarers LOG November 2004 �p4,5,10,12,13,17,21.qxd 10/28/2004 6:39 AM Page 13 Unlicensed Apprentices Eager to Uphold Legacy Key Component ce Program ABOVE: UA Mike Esterheld works with valve controls. LEFT: UA Tim Cullen washes dishes in the galley. Students in the Paul Hall Center’s unlicensed apprentice program come from all over the country and, not surprisingly, typically have diverse backgrounds. One thing they normally share, however, is an eagerness to tackle new challenges while helping uphold the U.S. Merchant Marine’s traditional role as the nation’s fourth arm of defense. That spirit was reflected in a Phase III graduation speech given last month by Carlo Balajadia, bosun of Class 646. Some of his comments follow. Our Biggest Assessment “It wasn’t about tying knots or putting out a fire. It wasn’t about giving davit commands or BELOW: UAs Ryan White (kneeling) and Mike Esterheld are on duty in the engine room. Carlo Balajadia, bosun of Class 646 in the unlicensed apprentice program, takes the wheel. embers watch as cargo is loaded into the Freedom’s hold. ok Cecil Scieio provides service with a smile. The apprentices find a way to relax during some off-time. November 2004 knowing the different parts of the MSDS. “All of the assessments we took during our classes were definitely important, but the biggest and most important one was the fourand-a-half months we spent in the dorms during Phase I and Phase III…. The rules that we lived by provided the structured environment that it takes to make a quality person. How do we know if we passed that assessment? We know we passed because we are here today…. “The U.S. Merchant Marine has played a vital role supporting our troops overseas. Through two world wars and many conflicts thereafter, including our continued fight in the war on terrorism, the merchant marine continues to be called upon and continues to face sealift challenges undaunted. It is a legacy that is being handed down to us and, in time, it will be our legacy to hand down to future generations of Seafarers. “Today, I am proud to present to the SIU 31 of the most qualified individuals for the quality, in-demand jobs that are out there. These jobs are unconventional and often times dangerous, but we have answered the call of the sea and we are ready to sail.” Seafarers LOG 13 �p6,8,9,11,14,16,18 A.qxd 10/26/2004 2:11 AM Page 14 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR WELFARE FUND OF THE NMU PENSION AND WELFARE PLAN This is a summary of the annual report of the Welfare Fund of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, EIN 13-6700827, Plan No. 501, for the period January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Insurance Information The plan has contracts with Connecticut General Life Insurance Company to pay dental claims incurred under the terms of the plan. The total premiums paid for the plan year ending December 31, 2003 were $309,225. Because they are so called “experience-rated” contracts, the premium costs are affected by, among other things, the number and size of claims. Of the total insurance premiums paid for the plan year ending December 31, 2003, the premiums paid under such “experience-rated” contracts were $309,225 and the total of all benefit claims paid under these experience-rated contracts during the plan year was $153,342. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $10,996,837 as of December 31, 2003, compared to $13,512,967 as of January 1, 2003. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $2,516,130. This decrease 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 $6,903,149 including employer contributions of $6,262,300, realized losses of $219,307 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $860,153 and other income of $3. Plan expenses were $9,419,279. These expenses included $1,522,131 in administrative expenses and $7,897,148 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. financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. assets held for investment; 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; and 5. insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write the office of Mr. William Dennis who is Administrator, Board of Trustees of Welfare Fund of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; (212) 337-4900. 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 (Board of Trustees of Welfare Fund of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001) 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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR NMU VACATION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report of the NMU Vacation Plan, EIN 136700828, Plan No. 501, for the period January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 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 $1,937,315 as of December 31, 2003, compared to $2,103,859 as of January 1, 2003. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $166,544. This decrease 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 $8,063,067 including employer contributions of $8,019,888 and earnings from investments of $43,179. Plan expenses were $8,229,611. These expenses included $719,071 in administrative expenses and $7,510,540 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. financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. assets held for investment; and 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write the office of Mr. William Dennis who is Administrator, Board of Trustees of the NMU Vacation Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; (212) 337-4900. The charge to cover copying costs will 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 the NMU Vacation Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001) 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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. NMU SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORTS Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $35,789,474. These expenses included $2,417,720 in administrative expenses and $33,371,754 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 10,023 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 $324,293,997 as of December 31, 2003, compared to $322,332,229 as of January 1, 2003. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $1,961,768. 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 $37,751,242 including employer contributions of $917,551, realized gains of $5,659,439 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $30,758,729 and other income of $415,523. 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. financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. assets held for investment; 4. transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets; 5. information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates; and 6. 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 Mr. William Dennis who is Administrator, Board of Trustees of NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; (212) 3374900. The charge to cover copying costs will be $8.40 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, 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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. This is a summary of the annual report for the NMU Pension Plan and Annuity Plan 401K Plan, EIN 13-6592643, Plan No. 002, for the period January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided through insurance and through a trust fund. Plan expenses were $185,135. These expenses included $185,135 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 936 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 $2,941,892 as of December 31, 2003, compared to $2,331,419 as of January 1, 2003. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $610,473. 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 $795,608 including employee contributions of $413,399 and earnings from investments of $382,209. 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. financial information; HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. Seafarers LOG This is a summary of the annual report for the NMU Pension Trust of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plan, EIN 13-6592643, Plan No. 001, for the period January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR NMU PENSION PLAN AND ANNUITY PLAN 401K PLAN IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE 14 FOR NMU PENSION TRUST OF THE NMU PENSION AND WELFARE PLAN 3. assets held for investment; 4. insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; and 5. information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trusts or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of Mr. William Dennis who is Administrator, Board of Trustees of the NMU Pension and Welfare Plans, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001; (212) 337-4900. 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 the NMU Pension and Welfare Plans, 360 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001) 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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 November 2004 �p7,15,19,20.qxd 10/28/2004 4:18 AM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea December 2004 & January 2005 Membership Meetings SEPTEMBER 16 — OCTOBER 15, 2004 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 2 1 5 4 10 22 29 0 11 16 21 4 2 13 7 13 3 30 11 1 4 1 1 3 18 16 1 2 6 8 12 2 1 1 6 0 19 10 1 0 5 0 4 24 21 0 5 13 19 8 2 1 3 15 0 24 16 0 3 3 2 4 16 13 0 8 11 11 12 0 8 7 6 2 22 14 1 1 1 1 1 8 6 1 2 2 4 5 1 0 0 1 0 7 7 0 1 1 0 1 8 5 0 1 5 11 3 1 0 3 12 0 21 8 3 0 10 3 18 45 59 1 22 29 46 21 7 1 13 35 2 53 26 5 4 7 7 18 26 53 1 17 28 32 17 4 15 12 24 5 51 34 0 5 2 4 5 30 31 0 5 18 33 18 4 3 2 5 2 36 20 Baltimore ................Thursday: December 9, January 6 193 204 112 161 142 49 81 394 360 223 Norfolk ...................Thursday: December 9, January 6 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 3 0 5 9 22 1 5 8 9 6 1 1 2 8 1 9 8 0 1 2 2 3 13 22 0 4 8 9 12 3 1 2 10 3 14 10 0 0 0 1 1 8 8 0 3 5 3 2 0 0 0 3 1 9 9 0 0 2 0 4 7 13 0 4 6 4 4 0 1 4 6 1 9 4 0 1 1 0 4 3 13 1 0 5 5 10 4 0 3 5 1 11 9 1 0 0 0 1 2 2 0 3 1 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 4 4 1 0 1 0 0 3 6 0 1 6 0 2 1 1 2 8 1 3 4 0 0 8 1 10 20 35 1 8 13 19 14 5 1 2 18 2 19 10 1 0 5 3 6 22 37 0 8 18 21 20 3 3 1 13 3 26 16 1 0 2 1 1 16 10 0 3 8 13 6 1 1 0 3 2 13 13 Totals 98 119 53 69 76 24 40 186 206 94 0 0 4 0 1 10 17 0 5 8 11 9 1 3 0 19 3 16 18 0 0 0 3 4 4 14 0 3 7 8 12 0 2 2 5 2 7 12 0 0 1 2 1 2 5 0 0 0 4 6 1 0 1 1 0 1 5 0 0 2 0 7 11 11 0 1 7 8 7 0 2 0 19 1 13 10 0 1 1 1 2 4 6 0 2 3 4 7 1 1 2 3 0 3 4 1 0 0 2 0 4 2 0 1 1 2 3 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 4 4 0 0 3 4 1 1 0 1 13 0 8 4 1 0 6 2 9 26 33 0 7 15 28 18 1 6 2 36 2 32 29 0 0 1 3 8 7 30 0 6 10 17 18 3 2 2 9 2 13 18 0 0 1 0 1 5 8 0 1 2 7 7 1 0 0 4 0 7 10 125 85 30 99 45 18 45 253 149 54 0 0 0 0 6 5 2 0 0 3 5 0 0 0 3 4 0 6 0 2 3 3 0 4 9 21 2 7 12 32 10 0 4 4 11 0 18 5 5 3 3 1 3 26 24 1 1 7 22 14 2 25 2 6 0 20 12 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 4 0 2 1 1 0 1 0 5 10 9 1 0 5 13 10 0 12 0 10 0 8 3 0 1 0 0 1 6 3 0 0 5 10 8 0 11 0 2 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 6 5 0 1 4 9 0 0 0 3 6 0 10 3 4 4 4 4 11 24 33 1 15 17 55 13 0 13 8 17 1 45 11 8 6 6 1 8 45 48 1 3 21 64 22 4 39 2 19 0 27 28 34 147 177 16 88 61 0 52 280 352 450 555 372 345 351 152 166 885 995 723 Port Totals Totals Totals All Departments Boston.....................Friday: December 10, January 7 Duluth .....................Wednesday: December 15, January 12 Guam ......................Thursday: December 23, January 20 Honolulu .................Friday: December 17, January 14 Houston ..................Monday: December 13, January 10 Jacksonville ............Thursday: December 9, January 6 Joliet .......................Thursday: December 16, January 13 Mobile ....................Wednesday: December 15, January 12 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: December 14, January 11 New York................Tuesday: December 7, January 4 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: December 8, January 5 Port Everglades.......Thursday: December 16, January 13 San Francisco .........Thursday: December 16, January 13 San Juan..................Thursday: December 9, January 6 St. Louis..................Friday: December 17, January 14 Tacoma ...................Monday: December 27* ................................Friday: January 21 ................................*(change created by Christmas holiday) Wilmington ...............Monday: December 20 .................................Tuesday: January 18* .................................*(change created by Martin Luther King holiday) ............................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Algonac ..................Friday: December 10, January 7 1 0 6 0 10 23 29 1 14 14 18 9 2 0 6 18 0 27 15 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Piney Point .............Monday: December 6, January 3 ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2004 Procedure for Absentee Ballots In the case of members eligible to vote who believe they will be at sea during the Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2004 voting period, absentee ballots are 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: „ Make the request in writing to the SIU office of the secretary-treasurer, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. „ Include in the request the correct address where the absentee ballot should be mailed. „ Send the request for an absentee ballot by registered or certified mail. „ The registered or certified mail envelope must be postmarked no later than midnight, Nov. 15, 2004 and must be received at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 no later than Nov. 25, 2004. „ The secretary-treasurer, after confirming eligibility, will send by registered mail, return receipt requested, to the address designed in the request, a ballot, together with an envelope marked “Ballot” and a mailing envelope no later than Nov. 30, 2004. „ Upon receiving the ballot and envelopes, 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 Dec. 31, 2004 and received by the bank depository no later than Jan. 5, 2005. Seafarers LOG 15 �p6,8,9,11,14,16,18 A.qxd 10/28/2004 12:24 AM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report SEPTEMBER 16 — OCTOBER 15, 2004 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 0 15 4 2 9 1 1 4 36 0 2 5 3 5 0 0 3 18 0 6 3 5 6 1 1 1 23 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 1 3 0 5 0 0 3 12 0 4 3 0 6 1 1 1 16 3 6 3 0 14 1 1 1 29 0 40 13 12 32 4 2 16 119 0 10 3 6 7 1 0 8 35 0 32 0 17 0 0 2 0 51 1 2 0 2 2 0 1 0 8 0 9 6 7 12 2 2 14 52 0 1 3 4 2 0 0 3 13 0 17 1 15 0 0 1 2 36 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 9 8 6 19 2 0 5 49 0 5 1 3 13 0 1 3 26 0 21 2 9 0 2 1 1 36 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 2 3 1 7 2 0 3 18 0 1 3 2 0 0 0 1 7 0 4 1 5 0 0 1 1 12 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 20 2 4 17 4 1 3 51 0 4 2 1 4 1 0 0 12 0 0 4 1 2 0 0 0 7 0 4 1 0 0 0 1 0 6 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 1 2 3 3 2 1 0 12 0 3 0 0 5 0 0 0 8 0 4 3 3 1 1 0 0 12 Port 0 2 5 2 5 1 1 2 18 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 4 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 66 33 47 81 21 26 40 220 74 123 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Pensioner Paul L. Painter of Laurinburg, N.C. It was taken in 1948 aboard the SS Walter Colton, which had just returned from a trip to the Far East. Brother Painter is second from left in the photo. He does not remember the other crew members by name, but would love to hear from them and any other seamen he may have sailed with. Now 75, Brother Painter 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 upgraded his skills at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship. During his career, Brother Painter was active in organizing drives and beefs. He retired in 1997. Those wishing to get in touch with Paul Painter may write him at P.O. Box 325, Laurinburg, NC 28353. November 2004 �p4,5,10,12,13,17,21.qxd 10/28/2004 2:32 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA RALPH MOORE, 57, embarked on his career with the Seafarers in 1968, first sailing on the Galicia Defender. Brother Moore was born in the District of Columbia and worked in the deck department. He completed bosun recertification training in 1979 at the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Moore, who most recently sailed on the Sea-Land De- veloper, makes his home in Houston. ROBERT TIMS, 65, joined the SIU in 1966 in the port of New Orleans after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Tims initially went to sea on Delta Steamship Lines’ Del Mundo. The engine department member, who upgraded his skills in 1978 at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md., last sailed on the Liberty Belle. Brother Tims was born in Louisiana and currently lives in Temple Terrace, Fla. INLAND CHARLES BOWLING, 65, was born in Kentucky and began his SIU career in 1988 in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Bowling is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He shipped in the engine department and upgraded his skills on two occasions at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point. Boatman Bowling is a resident of Beverly Hills, Fla. HARRY TRIMBLE, 62, joined the ranks of the SIU in 1962 in Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Trimble worked in the deck department primarily on Moran Towing of Texas vessels. He was born in Port Arthur, where he continues to live. NOTICE OF 2004 ELECTION FOR ELECTION OF 2005-2008 OFFICERS Balloting Begins SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU this month for EDDIE WILLIAMS, 62, started shipping with the Seafarers in 1977. Boatman Williams was born in Huntington, N.Y. He enhanced his skills on two occasions at the union’s affiliated school and last sailed on a Crowley Towing of Jacksonville vessel. Boatman Williams calls Green Cove Springs, Fla. home. union officers. GREAT LAKES Elections will be conducted by secret mail ballot. Ballots may be obtained at the following locations from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon (local time), Mondays through Saturdays, excluding holidays, during the voting period. The voting period shall commence Nov. 1, 2004 and shall continue through Dec. 31, 2004. VOTING LOCATIONS BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 BOSTON 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 DETROIT 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 DULUTH 324 West Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802 FT. LAUDERDALE 1221 South Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 See page 3 for additional voting information. LONNEE AAKEBERG, 55, joined the SIU in 1979 in the port of Duluth, Minn. Brother Aakeberg was born in Wisconsin and shipped in the deck department, primarily aboard Great Lakes Towing vessels. He enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training in Piney Point, Md. in 1993. The U.S. Army veteran lives in Minnesota. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. GUAM 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E, Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 HONOLULU 606 Kalihi St., Honolulu, HI 96819 HOUSTON 1221 Pierce St., Houston, TX 77002 JACKSONVILLE 3315 Liberty St., Jacksonville, FL 32206 JOLIET 10 East Clinton, Joliet, IL 60432 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, AL 36605 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 NORFOLK 115 Third St., Norfolk, VA 23510 PHILADELPHIA 2604 South Fourth St., Philadelphia, PA 19148 PINEY POINT Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, Piney Point, MD 20674 PUERTO RICO 1057 Fernandez Juncos Ave, Santurce, PR 00907 SAN FRANCISCO 350 Fremont St., San Francisco, CA 94105 ST. LOUIS 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 TACOMA 3411 South Union St., Tacoma, WA 98409 WILMINGTON 510 North Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 1947 To culminate more than two years of organizing and a strike to gain seamen’s demands, the Seafarers International Union finally forced the Isthmian Steamship Company to agree to sign a full contract granting each and every Union demand…. On June 12, the SIU was certified as Isthmian seamen’s collective bargaining agent after the results of a National Labor Relations Board election. The company refused to agree on Union hiring hall provisions, however, and the membership went on strike, tying up 31 Isthmian ships in ports throughout the United States. The company finally surrendered and agreed to the seamen’s demands by signing a full SIU contract. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following NMU brothers went on pension effective the date indicated. Last, First Age EDP Cordero, Miguel 71 April 1 Tyler, Donald 63 May 1 McField, Charles 68 Aug. 1 Miller, Frank 65 Oct. 1 Ponder, George 61 Sept. 1 Lobo, Jack 59 Oct. 1 Leite, Raymond 62 Oct. 1 Langford, Clifton 69 Oct. 1 Lugo, German 72 Sept. 1 Lake, Richard 82 Sept. 1 1976 As the year ends, the union’s deep sea contracted fleet continues to expand since the U.S. Maritime Administration has given the SIU-contracted Waterman Steamship Co. final okay to build four more LASH-container vessels under provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1970. MARAD set the construction subsidy rate at a formal ceremony last month…. In another plus for the SIU-contracted company, the Maritime Administration awarded Waterman a 20-year operating contract for Trade Routes 12 and 22– the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf to Far East. This Month In SIU History 1965 November 2004 NORMAN GUILD JR., 50, became an SIU member in 1972 in Detroit, Mich. Brother Guild initially went to sea aboard the P. Teitjen. The deck department member upgraded his skills on numerous occasions at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Guild was born in Michigan. His last trip was on the Paul H. Townsend. Brother Guild resides in his native state. SIU President Paul Hall called on Congress to amend the U.S. labor laws in order to give the NLRB jurisdiction over crews of foreign-flag vessels substantially engaged in American commerce. The SIU president declared that this action would prevent disasters such as the sinking of the Yarmouth Castle, the American-owned, Panamanianflagged cruise ship which sank in the Caribbean with a loss of 89 lives, after being destroyed by fire. 1993 Seafarers aboard the LNG Leo battled nightfall and 15- to 20-foot seas to save the life of an Indonesian seaman who, like 27 others aboard an Indonesian-flagged freighter, was forced to abandon ship on November 27 off the coast of China. The Dasa Tujuh was en route from Yeew, Malaysia to Kaohsiung, China with a cargo of logs when it sank. The crew abandoned the vessel when it began to list in rough seas. In all, 18 crew members were rescued by various ships on the scene. The body of one deceased crew member also was recovered; eight others were unaccounted for. Seafarers LOG 17 �p6,8,9,11,14,16,18 A.qxd 10/28/2004 2:18 PM Page 18 Final Departures Deep Sea AURELIO ASUNCION Pensioner Aurellio Asuncion, 99, passed away July 10. Brother Asuncion embarked on his seafaring career in 1959 in the port of Seattle. He initially sailed aboard the Ames Victory. Brother Asuncion was a member of the steward department and was born in the Philippines. Prior to retiring in 1976, he went to sea on the Portland. Brother Asuncion made his home in Seattle. ANTHONY BECK Pensioner Anthony Beck, 95, died May 31. Brother Beck joined the SIU in 1948 in New York after serving in the U.S. Navy. Born in California, he worked in the engine department. Brother Beck first sailed aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel and last worked on the Fairland. He went on pension in 1975 and lived in Sonoma, Calif. DONALD CALDER CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT Pensioner Christopher Elliott, 75, passed away May 31. Brother Elliott commenced his career with the SIU in 1964 in New York, initially sailing on the Northern Lights. Born in England, the engine department member last worked on the San Juan. He lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. and began receiving his pension in 1993. THOMAS FLEMING Pensioner Thomas Fleming, 79, died June 30. Brother Fleming joined the SIU in 1974 in New York. The deck department member was born in Ireland. Brother Fleming first shipped aboard the Houston. He last sailed on the Falcon Champion. The Cape Coral, Fla. resident went on pension in 1989. IRA GRIGGERS Pensioner Ira Griggers, 76, passed away August 21. Brother Griggers joined the SIU in 1955 in New York. He was a member of the deck department. Born in Alabama, Brother Griggers went on pension in 1973. He called Uriah, Ala. home. Pensioner Donald Calder, 76, passed away June 15. Brother Calder started sailing with the SIU in 1967 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in the United Kingdom, the steward department member first sailed on the Tucson Victory. Brother Calder last went to sea aboard the SS Independence and began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1993. He called North Cambridge, Mass. home. HENRI HILLION DENNIS CAPLES Pensioner Raymond Lavoine, 82, passed away May 28. A U.S. Navy veteran, Brother Lavoine began his career with the SIU in 1953 in the port of Baltimore. His first ship was an ISCO vessel; his last was the Montpelier Victory. Brother Lavoine worked in the deck department. Born in Massachusetts, he began collecting his retirement in 1979. Brother Lavoine resided in Baltimore. Brother Dennis Caples, 42, died June 11. He began his seafaring career in 1996 in the port of Philadelphia. Brother Caples first sailed aboard the USNS Kane. The U.S. Navy veteran was born in Maryland and made his home in Guam. Brother Caples shipped in the steward department, last sailing on the Paul Buck. MACK CHAPMAN Pensioner Mack “Big Red” Chapman, 76, passed away July 13. Brother Chapman began his career with the Seafarers in 1945 in Wilmington, Calif. Born in Lancaster, Texas, he was a member of the deck department. Prior to retiring in 1989, Brother Chapman shipped on the Adonis. He called Rusk, Texas home. ALTON CLEMENT Pensioner Alton Clement, 83, died Aug. 27. Born in Louisiana, Brother Clement joined the SIU in 1941 in New Orleans. The engine department member first sailed aboard an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. Brother Clement last worked with the Waterman shoregang. He started receiving his retire- 18 Seafarers LOG vessel. He last went to sea on the Sea-Land Endurance. Brother Mar lived in Dale City, Calif. and went on pension in 1981. ment compensation in 1983 and resided in Harvey, La. Pensioner Henri Hillion, 89, died May 31. Brother Hillion was born in France and began his seafaring career in 1944 in New York. He initially worked in the engine department aboard the Steel Admiral. Prior to retiring in 1976, Brother Hillion sailed on Sea-Land Pittsburgh. He made his home in North Carolina. RAYMOND LAVOINE NILS LINDSJO Pensioner Nils Lindsjo, 90, died June 18. Brother Lindsjo joined the SIU in 1942 in Baltimore, initially sailing aboard the Robin Kettering. A native of Sweden, he shipped in the deck department. Brother Lindsjo, who lived in Pennsylvania, last worked on the Merrimac. He started receiving his pension in 1976. JACK MAR Pensioner Jack Mar, 84, died June 19. Brother Mar joined the ranks of the Seafarers in 1951 in New Orleans. He was born in China and shipped in the steward department. Brother Mar’s initial voyage was aboard a Sprogue Steamship Co. American Samoa and worked in the steward department. Brother Timo’s last trip to sea was on the President Harding. He began receiving retirement compensation in 1994 and called San Bruno, Calif. home. worked in the engine department. His first ship was the Santa Paula; his last was the Austral Rainbow. Brother Boyd started receiving his pension in 1998. INLAND Pensioner Johnny Ellis, 80, died Sept. 6. Brother Ellis began his seafaring career with the NMU in 1943 in Savannah, Ga. He first sailed on the John B. Gordon. Born in Georgia, Brother Ellis shipped in the engine department. He most recently worked aboard the American Challenger. Brother Ellis went on pension in 1983. FREDERICK BORENTZ LUIS MARTINEZ Pensioner Luis Martinez, 89, passed away April 26. Born in Honduras, Brother Martinez embarked on his seafaring career in 1960 in New Orleans. The engine department member was a resident of Harvey, La. Brother Martinez started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1979. WILLIAM MIMS Pensioner William Mims, 80, died April 10. Brother Mims launched his seafaring career in 1951 in New Orleans. His first vessel was the Alcoa Partner. Brother Mims, who was born in Mississippi, made his home in Bagalusa, La. He went on pension in 1989. Brother Mims was a member of the deck department and last went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Venture. SEISHO NAKASONE Pensioner Seisho Nakasone, 88, passed away June 5. Brother Nakasone launched his profession with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1966 in San Francisco. Born in Hawaii, the steward department member began receiving stipends for his retirement in 1979. He made his home in Honolulu. IB PEDERSEN Pensioner Ib Pedersen, 76, passed away June 18. Brother Pedersen began his career with the SIU in 1969 in the port of Houston. He worked in the engine department and began receiving his pension in 1986. Brother Pedersen was born in Denmark and made his home in Livingston, Texas. BARTOLOME REGINO Pensioner Bartolome Regino, 82, died April 2. Brother Regino joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. He was born in the Philippines and shipped in the steward department. Brother Regino went on pension in 1978. He called San Francisco home. GASIO TIMO Pensioner Gasio Timo, 69, passed away Sept. 11. Brother Timo embarked on his seafaring career with the MC&S in 1966 in the port of San Francisco. He was born in Pensioner Frederick Borentz, 86, died May 8. Boatman Borentz became an SIU member in 1961 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in New York, he was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Boatman Borentz sailed in the deck department primarily on McAllister Towing Co. vessels. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1985. Boatman Borentz resided in New York. FRANK BOROWICK Pensioner Frank Borowick, 76, passed away August 4. Born in Maryland, Boatman Borowick began his seafaring career in 1971 in Baltimore after serving in the U.S. Army. The deck department member last shipped on a vessel owned by Moran Towing of Maryland. Boatman Borowick began receiving retirement stipends in 1990. He made his home in Baltimore, Md. DENNIS DAIGLE Pensioner Dennis Daigle, 87, died August 8. Boatman Daigle started his career with the SIU in 1964 in Port Arthur, Texas. He sailed in the deck department, most recently as captain. Boatman Daigle began receiving his pension in 1984. He was born in Port Arthur and resided in Nederland, Texas. GEORGE MILBURN Pensioner George Milburn, 80, passed away June 9. Boatman Milburn joined the SIU in 1967 in Norfolk, Va. He shipped in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Boatman Milburn was born in Piney Point, Md. His last trip to sea was on a Michigan Tankers vessel. Boatman Milburn went on pension in 1981 and lived in his native state. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. JOHNNY ELLIS JOHN HARRIS Pensioner John Harris, 70, passed away May 30. Brother Harris started sailing with the NMU in 1953. Born in Wisconsin, he first sailed on the Consumers Power in the engine department. Brother Harris last went to sea aboard the Ashley Lykes. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1996. BENJAMIN JOHNSON Pensioner Benjamin Johnson, 68, died June 19. Born in Portsmouth, Va., Brother Johnson first sailed from the port of Wilmington, N.C. His initial voyage was on the Alaskan and his last was aboard the Tallahassee Bay. Brother Johnson began receiving his pension in 1999. HECTOR QUIROS Pensioner Hector Quiros, 86, passed away Sept. 2. Brother Quiros launched his NMU career in 1937, first sailing from the port of New York aboard the Roosevelt. The steward department member was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Quiros last went to sea on the Independence. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1964. MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ Pensioner Luis Bellaflores, 87, died September 20. Born in Mayaguez, P.R., Brother Bellaflores first sailed from the port of New York in 1948. He was a member of the engine department. Prior to retiring in 1986, Brother Bellaflores sailed on the American Legion. Pensioner Miguel Rodriguez, 93, died July 14. Brother Rodriguez embarked on his seafaring career in 1943 in New York. His first vessel was the Mariposa. Born in Cuba, Brother Rodriguez was a member of the steward department. Before retiring in 1967, he worked aboard the Constitution. JAMES BOYD JACK STANCIL LUIS BELLAFLORES Pensioner James Boyd, 73, passed away August 31. He joined the NMU in 1975 in the port of San Francisco. Born in Tennessee, Brother Boyd Pensioner Jack Stancil, 77, passed away August 30. Brother Stancil, who was born in North Carolina, became a mem- Continued on page 20 November 2004 �p7,15,19,20.qxd 10/28/2004 5:08 AM Page 19 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. ALLEGIANCE (Maritrans), Aug. 28—Chairman Jerry Borucki, Secretary Walter R. Seals, Educational Director Charles L. Jensen, Deck Delegate Michael M. Edwards, Steward Delegate Sherman Harper. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 31 in Port Arthur, Texas. He reminded everyone to be active in this year’s elections—register to vote and then vote or request an absentee ballot. Secretary encouraged crew to support SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members thanked for teamwork during trip. Next ports: Port Arthur; Tampa and Port Canaveral, Fla. CHEMICAL PIONEER (USS Transport), Aug. 29—Chairman Kelvin S. Cherington, Secretary Grant L. Bazile, Educational Director Kevin K. Jones. Chairman spoke about safety meeting and reminded crew to wait for relief before leaving ship. Secretary encouraged Seafarers to upgrade at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. and reported new pay scale being sent to vessel. Educational director suggested everyone check z-cards to be sure they are not about to expire. No beefs or disputed OT reported. EL MORRO (IUM), Aug. 29— Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Michael M. Amador, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty Jr., Deck Delegate Victor M. Pacheco, Engine Delegate Milton L. Israel II, Steward Delegate Christopher M. Green. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in San Juan, P.R. He asked that vessel be secured for storm. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade skills at Piney Point school and check expiration dates on shipping documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase pension benefits. Crew was reminded to support those candidates who support the maritime industry by registering and voting. EL YUNQUE (IUM), Aug. 29— Chairman Angelo S. Wilcox Sr., Secretary Robert E. Wilcox Jr., Educational Director John J. Walsh, Deck Delegate Douglas A. Hodges, Engine Delegate Jimmie R. Graydon, Steward Delegate Nelson F. Morales. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 2 in Ready to Upgrade Michael Maskalenko is a GUDE aboard the Seabulk Challenger, his first ship after graduating from the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center. In photo above, he fills out an upgrading application in anticipation of returning to the school. November 2004 Jacksonville, Fla. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess hall and other common areas clean. Educational director urged members to take advantage of opportunities available at union’s school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made concerning seniority and medical benefits. GREEN LAKE (Central Gulf Lines), Aug. 22—Chairman Frank P. Hedge, Secretary Jaime A. Castillo. Chairman thanked crew for professionalism shown during voyage and reminded departing crew members to clean rooms before leaving ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for refrigerators for each crew member’s room, new toaster and microwave for crew mess as well as spare ice maker. Steward department given vote of thanks for job well done. Next port: Toyohashi, Japan. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Aug. 2—Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary Laura L. Cates, Educational Director Edmund H. Hawkins Jr., Deck Delegate Robert G. Crooks, Engine Delegate Charles E. Johnson, Steward Delegate Alejo A. Fabia Jr. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 4 in Tacoma, Wash. He informed crew members they would need to carry z-cards in order to enter Maersk terminals in Tacoma and Oakland, Calif. due to heightened security. Secretary stated captain will conduct sanitary inspection of cabins and boxes Sept. 1. She also informed crew that steward department would be waxing and polishing passageways and ladder wells before arriving in port and for everyone to use alternate routes until then. Educational director discussed SIU scholarship program as well as courses available at Paul Hall Center. He advised crew to check expiration dates on all documents and renew early, if necessary, and to contribute to SPAD. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted in engine department. Request made for new washing machine for crew laundry room and repair of water fountain in crew lounge. List of cabins without fans to be given to chief engineer. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good job sougeeing and to chief cook for great meals. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland; Honolulu; Guam. LIBERTY GRACE (Liberty Maritime), Aug. 22—Chairman Juan M. Rivas, Secretary Michael Kozak, Engine Delegate Daniel A. Beshears, Steward Delegate Carlos A. Sierra. Chairman announced payoff Aug. 27 in New Orleans. Educational director advised crew to check expiration dates on all documents. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on stores and relief policies. Request made to purchase new mattresses, water cooler and full-size dryer. LIBERTY STAR (Liberty Maritime), Aug. 29—Chairman Gregory R. Jenkins, Secretary James Tucker, Deck Delegate Kenneth R. Lacour, Engine Delegate Chromer W. Jefferson, Steward Delegate Mariano F. Norales. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 5 in New Orleans. He asked crew to clean rooms and take out trash before leaving ship. President’s report from July Seafarers LOG read and discussed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for great meals and service this trip. MAERSK GEORGIA (Maersk Line), Aug. 22—Chairman James J. Keevan, Secretary Roberto Valentine Jr. Educational Director Trinity A. Ippolito, Deck Delegate Selina R. Sobers, Engine Delegate Rahul Bagchi, Steward Delegate Mohamed A. Ahmed. Chairman stressed importance of fireboat drills and congratulated crew for quick performance in surprise drill and working well together as a team. Beef reported by steward delegate; disputed OT noted by engine delegate. Suggestion made regarding standard agreement. Request made for larger ice machine. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Management), Aug. 30— Chairman Thomas R. Temple, Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John E. Trent, Engine Delegate William P. Stone, Steward Delegate Stephen E. Johnson. Chairman asked crew not to burn incense or candles in rooms. He also reminded them to turn cell phones off when leaving ship in Tampa, Fla. and to apply early when renewing z-cards. Educational director advised everyone to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was asked to be mindful of others (who may be sleeping) when going in and out on deck. No smoking in messhall or passageways; smoking allowed only in individual rooms and crew lounge. Next ports: Corpus Christi, Texas and Tampa. PETERSBURG (IUM), Aug. 19 —Chairman Dirk W. Adams, Secretary Oscar R. Angeles, Educational Director Jeffery P. Stuart, Deck Delegate Michael R. Merrell Sr., Engine Delegate Ryan Smith. Chairman thanked deck department for job well done. Educational director talked about opportunities available at Piney Point for upgrading skills and urged crew members to take advantage of them. Treasurer stated $350 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Repair needed for dishwasher. Suggestion made to increase pension plan benefits. Next port: Guam. SEABULK TRADER (Seabulk Tankers), Aug. 26—Chairman Robert J. Coleman, Secretary Ronald Tarantino, Educational Director Eron G. Hill Jr., Engine Delegate Victor M. Quioto, Steward Delegate James E. Harris. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival Aug. 28 in Lake Charles, La. and spoke about article in July Seafarers LOG pertaining to NCL America cruise ships. Secretary advised everyone to check documents for expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for information on new contract. Recommendation made regarding death benefits for spouses and revamping of prescription drug program. CPL LOUIS J. HAUGE JR. (Maersk Lines), Sept. 2— Chairman Paul C. Johnson, Secretary George J. Borromeo, Educational Director Ramon L. Borrero Ramos, Deck Delegate Richard L. Hindson, Steward Delegate William H. Kane. Chairman stated there were no injures, lost time or safety issues on trip. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at Piney Point school and reminded them about need to renew MMDs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new remote control in crew lounge. Next ports: Guam; Saipan. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), Sept. 5— Chairman Lawrence L. Kunc, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Allan Lane, Engine Delegate Eric L. Campbell, Steward Delegate Thomas E. Kleine. Chairman announced Sept. 8 payoff in Oakland, Calif. Everyone should have books ready for boarding patrolman. Secretary asked crew members to clean rooms before leaving ship. Educational director advised crew to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility whenever possible and make sure all documents are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Assistance requested for reminded relief crew to be considerate and get to ship early. Bosun read front of union book reminding crew members that they are all family at sea and it is everyone’s responsibility to look out for and help each other. He then thanked crew for their hard work. Secretary told crew about her experience renewing her z-card and all the documentation that was needed. She thanked GSU Rene Caballero and DEU Bakr Elbana for keeping house clean. She spoke about security policies in place in Cherry Point and Anacortes, Wash. Those members on watch in port were asked to turn off cell phone and alarm clock ringers. Educational Tanker Pays Off in Texas Dwight Ross, chief steward aboard the Seabulk Challenger, prepares lunch in the galley. The tanker recently paid off in Texas City, Texas, where this photo was snapped. electrician while unplugging reefer cargo boxes. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good service. Next ports: Oakland; Los Angeles; Honolulu. INTEGRITY (USSM), Sept. 5— Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker. Chairman thanked all departments for pleasant voyage and announced payoff Sept. 11 in Charleston, S.C. Secretary reported new Prescriptions Solutions benefits working well. Educational director asked crew members to notify electrician if any bulbs are out in working areas as well as other items in need of repair. Safety first! No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on whether transportation monies are included in wages (and therefore taxed). Recommendation made to increase dental, pension and health care benefits. Next ports: Charleston; Houston; Norfolk, Va. MIDNIGHT SUN (IUM), Sept. 26 —Chairman Fadel N. Saleh, Secretary Scott A. Opsahl, Educational Director Joseph J. Egan. Chairman noted this is the time of year for heavy seas. He requested crew secure everything from cargo on deck to TV sets in rooms when “Deck Secured” is posted. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep mess hall and lounge clean. He asked that trays, plates and glasses not be left unattended in serving line. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center and encouraged crew members to read political pamphlets sent by state and local representatives to see if they have the union’s best interests in mind. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Vote of thanks also given to staff at Tacoma, Wash. hall for all their help and hard work. Next ports: Tacoma; Anchorage, Alaska. OVERSEAS NEW YORK (ATC), Sept. 12—Chairman Christopher J. Kicey, Secretary Nancy S. Heyden, Educational Director Edward H. Self. Chairman director encouraged everyone to support the union and upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. When weather starts to turn, shower decks will be painted. Those wishing their decks be painted should give name to chief cook, who is keeping the list. Request made for better dental coverage. “Two thumbs up” given to steward department for great food. Next ports: Cherry Point and Port Angeles, Wash. OVERSEAS WASHINGTON (ATC), Sept. 16—Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Robert M. Mensching, Educational Director Clyde D. Smith, Deck Delegate Doug Gattenheimeiz, Engine Delegate Orlando B. Guzman, Steward Delegate Virginia P. Panonpillo. Chairman informed members of various forms he has available (vacation, medical, grievance, etc.). He also discussed bonus vacation day and form needed for clean-room signoff. Educational director recommended crew make sure Coast Guard documents are current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made regarding contract, including suggestion pertaining to meal hours and break times for steward. Chairman spoke of advantages of Union Plus program. Special thanks given to Captain Dave Artz for getting De La Hoya fight on pay-per view TV. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif.; Valdez, Alaska. QUALITY (USSM), Sept. 2— Chairman Ronnie Hamilton, Secretary Edward P. Dunn, Educational Director Paul P. Pagano, Deck Delegate Jose J. Calix, Engine Delegate Ronnie Hamilton, Steward Delegate Robert Arana. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 4 in Algeciras, Spain. Secretary thanked crew for smooth, safe trip. Educational director suggested crew members upgrade skills at Piney Point and encouraged them not to wait until last minute to renew z-cards. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding possible improvements in dental and pension plans. Seafarers LOG 19 �p7,15,19,20.qxd 10/28/2004 5:14 AM Page 20 Female Mariners Are No Longer a Rarity a male-dominated industry, but when I joined the SIU I welcontinued. “When you get right comed the challenge of proving down to it, we’re all equal. We all that I could do the same jobs that do the same work and we expect men do,” she continued. the same pay.” “Although I don’t feel that there A native Alaskan, Russell should be any differences in the hails from Soldotna. She saw the jobs open and available to SIU as an avenue through which women versus men, that’s simply she could honor her mother’s the way it used to be. wishes. “My mother told me that “I’m sure that there probably if something ever happened to are some people around who still her, it would be my responsibility feel that way,” Walker continued, to take care of my two younger “but things are changing for sisters,” she shared. “I certainly women. I have seen it since I wanted to be able to honor my came in. Our numbers are mom’s wishes and thanks to the increasing and we’re branching SIU, now I can. out in all departments.” “My family members are very Walker said she chose the proud of me and all that I have maritime industry for a career accomplished,” she continued. because she was in the market for “They are encouraging me to a job that was secure as well as continue sailing and take advanchallenging. “The SIU has given tage of every opportunity the SIU me the best of both worlds,” she affords me to improve myself.” said. “That’s why I love the Houston-born Annie Walker union so much. It affords you the sees the maritime industry as opportunity to succeed and go as being easily accessible to women. far as your heart and your skills “Shipping is an industry that’s take you.” very attainable for women, and Walker’s training voyage was the SIU provides a perfect avenue aboard the Horizon Hawaii; she to achieve it,” said the engine has worked one tour aboard the department member, who became Sulphur Enterprise. “Some a Seafarer in 2003. women feel that they have to do “I understand that shipping is more than their male counterparts while at sea in order to prove themselves, but I don’t feel that’s the case,” Walker shared. “In my experience at sea, I was treated fairly by fellow crew members and they never asked more of me than they did of themselves. They were always respectful and very helpful when I needed it.” Chief Cook Kim Engine Room Seafarers Emma Porter and Strate holds a bacheAnnie Walker and Phase III Unlicensed lor’s degree in educaApprentice Paula Gomez test a part during tion. A resident of Atlanta Beach, Fla., an engine utility class. Straight learned about the opportunities available in the SIU through friends who sail. Final Departures “After talking to them, I Continued from page 18 decided that it was time for me to make a career change,” said the ber of the NMU in 1945 in Norfolk, mother of two who was a florist Va. He initially shipped on the by trade prior to joining the Bartholomew Gosnold as a member union. “I tried teaching for a of the engine department. Before while but soon discovered that it retiring in 1969, he sailed on the was not for me. I wanted a new Perryville. challenge and it turned out that the SIU was just what I had been JAMES WADDELL looking for.” Pensioner Since coming aboard in 2002, James Waddell, Straight has sailed on three ves76, died Sept. sels: USNS Sisler, USNS 7. Brother Charlton and the USNS Watkins. Waddell was She plans to return to an SIUborn in contracted military support vessel Baltimore, Md. Continued from page 7 He joined the NMU in 1945 in the port of New York. Brother Waddell first sailed aboard the Antietam. The engine department member last worked on the Delaware Bay. Brother Waddell began collecting retirement stipends in 1988. JAMES WILLIAMS Pensioner James Williams, 85, passed away July 5. Brother Williams joined the ranks of the NMU in 1945 in the port of New York. Born in Newton, Ga., his first ship was the Henry Durant. Brother Williams last sailed aboard the Pioneer Commander. He went on pension in 1970. 20 Seafarers LOG In addition to the foregoing individuals, the folloiwng NMU brothers, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. NAME Benitez, Ramon Brown, Wilson Carrigan, James Cherry, Billy Coleman, Chancy Coleman, William Colon, Angel Daglis, Steve Demery, Leroy Ebanks, Hale Ebanks, Royal Fonseca, Antonio Forbes, Thomas Furtado, Richard Gonzalez, Mario Grant, Richard AGE DOD 92 85 75 77 77 78 87 76 80 71 95 78 63 82 83 74 June 30 June 8 June 27 April 25 Aug. 22 Aug. 20 Aug. 19 Aug. 26 Sept. 8 Sept. 14 Sept. 11 Sept. 13 Sept. 10 Aug. 6 July 17 July 15 Chief Cook Kim Strate measures up the batter for her latest dessert creation. following upgrader training at Piney Point. “I don’t have any problems being in the minority on ships or working with crews that are mostly men,” Straight said. “My life’s experiences have taught me how to present myself and deal with any adverse situation should it arise. So far that has not happened, and I attribute it directly to the professionalism and tremendous training that our crews have. The people at Piney Point should be commended for the fine job they do in this area. “Being on a ship with the rest of the crew is just like being with family,” she continued. “I feel like a sister as well as a mom to a lot of the crew because many of them are so young.” On the topic of specific jobs for women versus men, Straight sees the entire issue as a matter of attitude. “I don’t see any difference between women working specific jobs and men doing them,” she said. “I have worked with crews that had women in both the engine and deck departments and they handled themselves very well. The key is flexibility—being able to relax and change with the demands of your job. “It’s all about the manner in which you present yourself,” Straight pointed out. “There definitely are some old school guys around who feel that women have their place, but that’s only their opinion. There is no middle ground here—you either learn to deal with these attitudes or allow them to get under your skin. It’s been my experience that women handle themselves very well on all of the jobs, and as long as they continue to do that, things will take care of themselves.” Green, Gordon Johnson, Lonnie Jones, George King, Willie Kitagawa, Henley Larkin, James Lindbloom, Bernard Mahoney, Robert May, Tommy Pagan, Juan Raines, Herbert Riley, James Ringley, John Sanbula, Policarpo Santana, Guadalupe Smith, James Soignier, Felix Summers, Purcell Thompson, Levin Vega, Paul Woodward, Donald 79 76 83 76 87 74 76 92 76 78 82 70 65 82 Aug. 15 July 29 Sept. 19 Aug. 11 July 22 July 18 June 16 Aug. 27 Aug. 24 May 18 Aug. 30 Sept. 17 Sept. 7 Sept. 5 76 74 80 87 80 78 76 Sept. 18 Aug. 16 Sept. 4 June 1 June 5 Aug. 16 Aug. 28 Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. November 2004 �p4,5,10,12,13,17,21.qxd 10/28/2004 2:24 AM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of 2004. 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 Safety Specialty Courses Start Date of Course Date Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* November 8 November 19 (*must have basic fire fighting) 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman November 8 December 3 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) *(must have radar unlimited) November 15 November 19 GMDSS (Simulator) November 1 November 12 in an upcoming issue Navigation Fundamentals November 29 December 10 of the Seafarers LOG. Radar November 1 November 12 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) November 29 December 10 Look for the 2005 Upgrading Course Schedule Upgrade . . . Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most recently beginning Oct. 18, 2004. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Basic Auxiliary Plant Operation November 15 December 10 Welding November 1 November 19 . . . at the Paul Hall Center � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ November 2004 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 11/04 Seafarers LOG 21 �p6,8,9,11,14,16,18 A.qxd 10/26/2004 3:56 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Able Seaman — Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 654 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 654 (in alphabetical order) John Barrett, Brandon Bohanon, Carinda Bohus, Kurtis Boyd, Michael Bucher, Anthony Clark, Israel Edmunds, David Eller, Matthew Faber, John Frey, Ernesto Girau, John Ivey III, Keith Jacoway, Cheryl Lynch, Sean Mitchell, Stefon Otey, William Price, Jeffrey Raum, Jervona Vorise, Ronald Williams Jr., Shawn Willis and Jamey Russell. Medical Care Provider — The three ARPA — Earning their ARPA certificates Sept. 17 are (in alphabetical order) Eric Harris, William Holloway, Randy Isenhart, Lawrence Richardson Jr., Ovidio Santos, Anthony Willis and Peter Wojcikowski. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far left. Seafarers completing the medical care provider course Sept. 17 are (from the left) Douglas Carson, Jermaine Williams and Lawrence Soulier. Tanker Familiarization Assistant Cargo (DL) — Unlicensed trainees completing this course Sept. 10 are (in no specific order) Jim Carey, Joshua Wilson, Kyle Rayborn, Michelle Garon, John Tullier, Robert Starr, Chris Dickens, John Villarta, Kyle Pillsworth, Harry Smith, Perry Martin, Mark Kane, Gregory LaRiviere, Ernie Smith, Douglas Shores, Kenneth Houseley, Lonnie Myers Jr. and Jonathan Nielsen. Their instructor, Herb Walling, is at far left. Under the instruction of Mike Smith (far left) are Seafarers who completed the radar course Sept. 18. They are (in alphabetical order) Eric Harris, William Holloway, Lawrence Richardson Jr., Raymond Ryan, Anthony Willis and Peter Wojcikowski. A second tanker assistant class graduated Sept. 10, this one under the instruction of Jim Shaffer (far right). The students are (in no specific order) Ernest Cannon, Keith Rost, Daniel Fields, Jason Brown, Sigfrid Mayer, Kenneth Casteel, Laura Edwards, David Kelch, Jovita Carino, Vasile Daogaru, Zsuzsanna Balla, Carlo Balajadia, Paula Gomez, Shantay Joquin, Jamal Ricks and Daniel Gaffney. Showing off their certificates of achievement for completion of computer classes at the Paul Hall Center are (in left photo, from the left) Bryan Perley, Rick Prucha (instructor) Moises Ortiz, Peter Albano, Julie Dvoroznak, Ashley Nelson and Brian Goodman. In the photo at right are (standing, from left) Tawrence Abrams, Laurance Richardson, Rick Prucha (instructor), Paa Kwakye and (seated) Julie Dvoroznak. Seafarers LOG Radar — Tanker Familiarization Assistant Cargo (DL) — Computer Lab Classes 22 Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Sept. 10 are (in alphabetical order) Sam Baffoe, Darrol Bates, William Boardman, Erik Bradley, Raul Colon, Kerri Curtin, Dorian Edwards, Philip Hatcher, David Hays, Jimmy Sawhon, Lance McFarland, Anthony Mohler, Moises Ortiz, Edwin Pelingon, Donavan Peterson, James Robinson and Zerek Selby. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far left. Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. November 2004 �p6,8,9,11,14,16,18 A.qxd 10/26/2004 4:26 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization Assistant Cargo (DL) — With instructor Jim Shaffer (far right) is one group of trainees and upgraders who completed this course Oct. 8. In no specific order, they are Kurtis Boyd, Gregory Baker, Carinda Bohus, Ronald Davis, Christopher Jackson, Ronald Williams Jr., Alexandr Koroteyev, Paa Kwakye, Daniel McFarland, Moises Ortiz, Steben Torres, Chad Eller, Richard Avila, Robert Oliveto Jr., Lionel Hall, Kevin Craigie, Miles Partridge, Joshua Lampke and Barney George. Tanker Familiarization Assistant Cargo (DL) — A second group completing the tanker familiarization course Oct. 8, this one under the guidance of Herb Walling (far left) are (in no specific order) Matt Faber, Nicholas Serritella, Frank Lyle, Boyd Spivey, William Holloway, Tavid Lewis, Richard Lewis, Jeffrey Raum Jr., Virgilio Hoffmann, Manolito Garcia, Dante Dizon, Edward Cherry, Jeremy Martinez, Stefon Otey, Jervona Vorise, David Quade II, Ernest Cannon, Jamey Russell, Carlos Llanos, Vincent Deguzman, Scott Paxton and James Crate. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — Sept. 17: Mohamed Algalham, Darrol Bates, Patrick Fitzgerald, Sajid Foster, Ismail Hariri, Jimmy Lawhon, James Robinson, Steven Roquemore and John Alberti. Their instructor, Tom Cessna, is at far left. Welding — Graduation certificates for completion of the welding course were given Sept. 10 to (in alphabetical order) Peter Albano, Jeffrey Hawkins, Jerrol Jones, Filiberto Moreira, Ashley Nelson, Bryan Perley and Tomas Torruellas. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Earning their lifeboatman/water survival endorsements Sept. 24 are (in alphabetical order) Sam Baffoe, Michael Copple, Dante Dizon, Kirk Fisher, Carlos Gibbons, Rudy Harjanto, Kosar Iqbal, Steven Kuithe, Tina Lester, Omar Madrid, Donivan McCants and Willie Myrick. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far left. Fast Rescue Boat — Graduating from this course Oct. 8 are (in alphabetical order) Charlie Carlson, Robert Carrasco, William Davis Jr., Sean DeBruler, Larry Jamieson, Paul Sullivan and Leo Venegas. Their instructor, Stan Beck, is at far left. GMDSS — Completing their GMDSS training Oct. 8 are (in alphabetical order) Robert Boudreaux, Douglas Crawford, Ghassan Khalek, Cliff Lattish and Lawrence Richardson. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is at far left. Advanced Fire Fighting — Graduates of the advanced fire fighting course that ended Oct. 1 are (in alphabetical order) Juan Castillo, Deronja Clark, Ronel Guerzon, Craig Hammer, Eric Harris, Stephen Johnson, Marc Marcus, Timothy Martin, Chad Stieteler, Justin Vonsprecken, Elaine Watts and Loren Wolfe. November 2004 Specially Trained OS — Proudly displaying the Alaskan flag are Alaskan fishermen who completed the STOS course Sept. 17 under the guidance of Stacey Harris (center). They are (in alphabetical order) Joseph Demmert III, Vincent Hamm, Justin Huggins, Rod McLeod, Charles Melendrez, Timothy O’Hara, Kirk Opheim, Leroy Peterson and Clark Thomas. Seafarers LOG 23 �p6,8,9,11,14,16,18 A.qxd 10/29/2004 6:39 PM Page 24 A November 2004 Volume 66, Number 11 p 1 &D S P P p a R P P S T M G L S V P 1 N P T o t N a W P W F o t P a W P N V a N P P a P 4 P T The Green Dale loads thousands of cars in Baltimore, Bayonne, Jacksonville, Houston and Charleston for ports in the Middle East and Japan. The Green Dale had a total of 28 time changes on its trip around the world, advancing the clocks one hour a night on the average of 4 times a week, and turning the clocks back twice. Also, one full day was repeated after crossing the international dateline. Bosun Fred Collins Temperatures were from 100 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. AB Thami Boulabat Chief Cook Said Abdullah At the time of payoff in Newark, N.J., the Green Dale had sailed 31,591 miles on its recent voyage and used roughly 22,580 barrels of fuel. The distance around the world at the equator is roughly 24,900 miles. AB Romeo Escalera Automobiles were off-loaded in San Juan, P.R. AB Jesse Osborne Jr. he SIU-crewed Green Dale, a Waterman Steamship Corp. car carrier, has the difficult, yet fascinating job of circling the globe every voyage in anywhere from 90 to 100 days—twice a year. With 21 officers and crew, the vessel sails through good weather and bad carrying its cargo of vehicular machines of all types, including automobiles and sometimes parts. Brandon Maeda, recertified steward aboard the Green Dale, sent in this account of the vessel’s most recent voyage as well as the accompanying photos. “We signed foreign articles on May 19 in the port of Baltimore. There we began the process of on-loading vehicles for overseas transport and continued to do so in the subsequent ports of Bayonne, N.J.; Jacksonville; Houston; and Charleston, S.C. While in Jacksonville, the U.S. Coast Guard boarded the vessel for their first-ever ‘Homeland Security Audit’ on a visiting ship in that port—and the mighty Green Dale passed with flying colors. “We then sailed the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, stopping in Port Said, Egypt to transit the Suez Canal. The captain held several safety meetings to discuss the very real threats of terrorism, hostage-taking and beheadings in that part of the world, and the ship remained on a high security alert as we transited the Red Sea and proceeded to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. “We off-loaded U.S. vehicles and military equipment in the Arabian ports of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Ad Damman and On its return home, the car carrier had Kuwait. The weather in to transit the Panama Canal. the Persian Gulf ranged from 100 degrees to 122 degrees Fahrenheit in the shade, and the locals say it can get up to 144 degrees in the summer. It was hot! “Empty now, we made sail for the Indian Ocean and Japan, but first had to contend with the Strait of Malacca. The vessel posted a ‘pirate watch’ because incidents of piracy are on the increase in this heavily trafficked area. We managed to survive the strait without incident and sailed north to Japan. We arrived in the port of Kobe and, once again, began cargo operations, this time loading Japanese vehicles for the U.S. and Mexico. “While in Kobe, a general audit of the ship was held, and the Green Dale passed the test. Not only that, but our U.S.-flagged vessel received the highest score yet posted by any car carrier in the fleet. “The subsequent, very hot-weathered Japanese ports were: Mizushima, Nakanoseki, Kawasaki and Yokohama. After loading more than 3,000 vehicles of all types and sizes, the Green Dale departed Yokohama and made sail for Paradise—the sunny islands of Hawaii and the port of Honolulu. “Hawaii was great, as always, and so was our next port of Mazatlan, Mexico. We had a full day in Balboa, Panama (on the Pacific side) and then transited the canal and headed for Puerto Rico on the Atlantic side. We spent a day off-loading vehicles in San Juan and sailed back to Jacksonville on the U.S. mainland. “The rest of the off-loading occurred in Baltimore, Davisville, R.I. and Boston, with the final payoff in Newark in midAugust.” In addition to Brother Maeda, the SIU crew members aboard the Green Dale on that voyage included Bosun Fred Collins, Mazatlan, Mexico was one Chief Cook Said Abdullah, ABs Romeo Escalera, Bill Winnett, Jesse Osborne Jr. of the final stops before returning to the U.S. and Thami Boulabat, and OMUs Aaron Anderson and Alfredo Mendoza. AB Bill Winnett OMU Alfredo Mendoza OMU Aaron Anderson � 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 November 2004 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES PHILLY FERRY CREWS STICK WITH SEAFARERS BIDCO ADDS NEW TUGBOAT NCL AMERICA PRESIDENT TOURS SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION STARTS ON 4TH BP TANKER SIU-CONTRACTED ALASKA TANKER CO. EARNS SAFETY MILESTONE, AWARD UNION ELECTION VOTING BEGINS NOV. 1 MAERSK LINE, LIMITED REPLACES MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM SHIPS REMEMBERING MAJOR KEN CONKLIN SHORE LEAVE SPOTLIGHTED ON WORLD MARITIME DAY WOMEN’S WORK IS IN ALL THREE DEPARTMENTS ONCE A RARITY, FEMALE SEAFARERS ARE MORE COMMON SIGHT PL 480 ‘FOOD FOR PEACE’ PROGRAM CELEBRATES FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY INITIAL MOBILIZATION FOR OIF3 INCLUDES 9 SIU-CREWED SHIPS APPLY NOW FOR 2005 SCHOLARSHIP BROTHER BUTTS GIVEN BURIAL AT SEA SHIPBOARD TRAINING IS KEY COMPONENT OF UNLICENSED APPRENTICE PROGRAM CIRCLING THE GLOBE ON THE GREEN DALE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 11/01/2004 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. 66, No. 11 2004 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/92a975eabebffde14b5552721898c9ac.pdf f6551c1de091d0747affea1717be4098 PDF Text Text 25834_P1.7-9.11-14.16-18.20-23.qxd 11/24/2004 4:11 PM Page 1 Volume 66, Number 12 December 2004 Beck Notice Page 6 More New Jobs Page 2 �25834_P2.4.qxd 11/24/2004 7:43 AM Page 2 President’s Report A aM With the new Congress just around the corner, Seafarers will have a lot at stake, both from a maritime standpoint and as part of the labor movement. Some of the most important issues we’ll advance during the coming year are the need for a strong U.S.-flag fleet, improving the critical state of health insurance, and recognizing that the freedom to choose union representation is a fundamental human right. As usual following Election Day, we already know there will be dozens of new members of the House and Senate come January, because of election results as well as retirements and career changes. As always, the SIU will make sure that those new legislators are familiar with the U.S. Merchant Marine, our issues and how we help boost America’s national and economic security. Preserving and growing our industry is a never-ending job. As Seafarers know, we’re in one of the most heavily regulated trades in the nation. That was true before the attacks of September 11 and it’s even more true today. And that alone is enough reason why it’s vital for us to remain politically active. We have further incentive, though. The U.S.-flag fleet constantly is under attack from foreign-flag interests on every imaginable level. Whether it’s cabotage laws or cargo preference or crew size or some other key part of our livelihoods that’s governed by federal laws, the confrontations don’t stop. The need to make sure our voices are heard on Capitol Hill doesn’t stop either. On that note, I thank the membership for your continued support of SPAD, the union’s voluntary political action fund. SPAD is essential for the SIU’s survival. Your support is just as important today as it was in the weeks and months leading up to Election Day. As we say in the SIU, “Politics is pork chops,” and “It takes a four-letter word (SPAD) to be heard!” Without question, politics also will play a big part in solving our country’s health care crisis. I’ve written about this subject many times this year, because it’s an issue that threatens every working family across the nation. Health insurance is the number one issue in contracts, and for some other unions it has led to strikes and lockouts from coast to coast. Last month, voters throughout the U.S. identified affordable health care as among their greatest concerns. It’s easy to understand why. The SIU will continue working with the other maritime unions and the rest of the labor movement to help solve this devastating problem. We also will step up to fight for protection of the freedom to choose union representation—one of the most important and hardearned rights in America. Technically, the law gives workers that freedom of choice. Realistically, employers across the country continue to use threats, coercion and intimidation to block workers’ efforts to unionize, often with little or no penalty. Upholding employees’ rights to freely choose whether to form unions is the correct thing to do. In the long run, it’s also obviously important to the continued existence of all unions. These aren’t the only issues we’ll be working on in the next Congress, but they’re good indicators of what’s on the line and why we must always stand up for ourselves. We must protect our livelihoods, because no one’s going to do it for us. H To all Seafarers, retirees and their families, I wish you the safest and happiest holiday season and a great New Year. I especially ask that all of you join me in keeping our brother and sister Seafarers who are sailing in support of our armed forces in your thoughts and prayers. May they all have successful missions and safe return voyages, and the same goes for our troops overseas. Happy holidays and may God bless the SIU! Volume 66, Number 12 December 2004 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 899-0675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2004 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG ‘Lewis and Clark’ Ships Signal More New Jobs for CIVMARs Construction recently started on the second ship in the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s T-AKE program—a new class of combat logistics force vessels designated the Lewis and Clark class. Members of the SIU’s Government Services Division will fill the unlicensed positions on the new ships. Overall, the U.S. Navy has awarded contracts for six new Lewis and Clark dry cargo/ammunition ships—with options for an additional six vessels. The ships are being built at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego. At a mid-September ceremony for the second vessel, Mrs. DeAnne Sutton, wife of U.S. Navy Commander George Sutton of the NAVSEA Program Office, made the first cut on the ship’s first steel plate to signify the start of construction. The vessel will be named the Sacagawea in honor of the Shoshone Indian woman who acted as guide and interpreter for Lewis and Clark on their expedition into the Northwest region of the United States from 1804-1806. The first T-AKE, which has been under construction at NASSCO for a year, will be named the Lewis and Clark. According to the shipyard, the T-AKE is the first new combat logistics force ship designed for the Navy in almost 20 years. The yard further noted that the new class combines lower-cost commercial ship design features with high-performance, proven international marine technologies such as integrated electric-drive propulsion. The T-AKEs will be 689 feet long, with beams of 105 feet and a design draft of 30 feet. The ships will carry almost 7,000 metric tons of dry cargo and ammunition and 23,500 barrels of marine diesel The Lewis and Clark, pictured last month in San Diego, is scheduled for delivery in 2005. fuel. They will have 40-year life expectancies. In addition to the six T-AKEs, NASSCO is building four double-hull oil tankers for BP Shipping Company of Alaska, the first of which was delivered—and crewed by SIU members—in August. Seafarers Continue OIF3 Mobilization As activations continued for the third phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom’s sealift component, 40 SIU-crewed ships had been mobilized by mid-November. That total included 21 ships from the Ready Reserve Force, 17 U.S. Military Sealift Command vessels and two from the U.S.flag commercial fleet. “SIU members have answered the call throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom,” noted SIU President Michael Sacco. “The membership has demonstrated great respect for and support of our troops, and I know they’re proud of our role as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. We’ll continue to deliver the goods, wherever and whenever needed.” The following Seafarerscrewed ships are among those sailing in support of OIF3. Vessel operators are listed first: AMSEA’s Cape Jacob; Crowley’s Cape Inscription, Cape Intrepid, Cape Island and Cape Wrath; Interocean Ugland Management’s USNS Chesapeake, USNS Petersburg, Northern Lights, Westward Venture and Independence; Keystone’s Cape Race, Cape Rise, Cape Knox, Cape Orlando and Cape Vincent; and Maersk Line, Limited’s USNS Charlton, USNS Dahl, USNS Pomeroy, USNS Red Cloud, USNS Sisler, USNS Soderman, USNS Watkins and USNS Watson. Also underway are Mormac’s Cape Decision, Cape Domingo, Cape Douglas, Cape Ducato, Cape Edmont, Cape Horn and Cape Hudson; Pacific-Gulf Marine’s Cape Farewell; and American Ship Management’s USNS Brittin, USNS Benavidez, USNS Gilliland, USNS Gordon, USNS Fisher, USNS Pillilau, USNS Seay, USNS Yano and Cape Girardeau. The USNS Pomeroy (above) and Cape Intrepid (below) are among 40 Seafarers-crewed ships that had mobilized for OIF3 by mid-November. Referring to both the ongoing war on terrorism and the all-out combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the U.S. Maritime Administration noted, “During Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, the combined strategic sealift operation provided more than 80 percent of all cargo transportation to the theater of operations. Led by the U.S. Transportation Command, this joint effort included the Military Sealift Command, the Military Traffic Management Command, and the Maritime Administration. Forty RRF vessels supported Army and Marine missions during the operations providing up to 20 percent of the total combined surge sealift capacity.” During a U.S. Senate Seapower Subcommittee hearing earlier this year, U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, the ranking Democrat on the subcommittee, described the RRF as “one of the great successes. We followed that very closely in this (Armed Services) committee. Their ships have done an extraordinary job.” In a prepared statement, Gen. John W. Handy, USAF, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, USN, commander, Military Sealift Command (MSC); and Maj. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, USA, then the commanding general, Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, noted, “The increased readiness standards and maintenance of our RRF have made it more efficient and better able to meet lift requirements than ever before. The RRF today is a wellmaintained, ready force of 31 surge roll-on/roll-off ships and 37 special-purpose sealift ships.” December 2004 �25834_P3.5.6.10.15.19.24.qxd 11/24/2004 7:38 AM Page 3 Newer Maersk Vessels Join MSP Fleet Seafarers are sailing aboard five containerships operated by Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) that have transferred into the U.S. Maritime Security Program, replacing older tonnage. A sixth MLL vessel was scheduled to enter the fleet in late November or early December. As previously reported, agreements were signed Oct. 1, 2004 between MLL and the U.S. Maritime Administration to transfer the Maritime Security Program contracts on six existing SIU-crewed MSP vessels built in Chief Cook Owens and QEE Howard Hendra check out the galley aboard the Sealand Charger. the 1980s and managed by U.S. Ship Management, Inc. (USSM) to six newer containerships. Seafarers crewed up MLL’s Sealand Charger Oct. 28 in Los Angeles; the Sealand Meteor Nov. 9 in Dubai; the Alva Maersk —since renamed the Maersk Alabama—Nov. 10 in Dubai; and both the Sealand Intrepid and Sealand Comet Nov. 16 in Los Angeles. The Sealand Lightning was due to join the fleet in Southern California after press time for this issue of the LOG. The replacements were approved by the Maritime Administration and the U.S. Transportation Command and represent a significant improvement in the ability of MLL’s U.S.-flag fleet to serve its military and commercial customers. In a recent press release, Maersk noted that MSP age limits require that older vessels be replaced in the current program before reaching 25 years of age. The fate of the six replaced vessels will be determined soon, but they are likely to operate in Maersk’s international fleet. The Maritime Administration describes the Maritime Security Program as “a fundamental element of the U. S. maritime trans- Balloting Continues In SIU Election Voting began last month and will continue through Dec. 31 for the election of officers of the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU. Balloting is taking place at 21 SIU halls throughout the country. Full-book SIU members in good standing are eligible to vote in the election, which will determine union officers for the 2005-2008 term. This, of course, includes eligible members who were in the NMU when that union merged into the AGLIWD in 2001. The ballot also includes two proposed constitutional amendments. Seafarers may obtain their ballots from 9 a.m. until noon, Mondays through Saturdays, except legal holidays, until Dec. 31. The ballot includes the list of candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, eight vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents (for a total of 27 positions) along with the two proposed constitutional amendments. At the union halls, a member in good standing (upon presenting his or her book) is given a ballot and two envelopes. After his or her selection is marked, the ballot is folded and placed inside an envelope marked “ballot.” That envelope then is sealed inside a postage-paid envelope bearing the mailing address of the bank depository where ballots are kept until submitted to the union tallying committee. The rank-and-file tallying committee, consisting of two members from each of the union’s constitutional ports, will be elected in December. They will convene in early January to tabulate ballots and announce the election results. Article XIII of the union’s constitution spells out the procedures by which an election will be conducted. The entire text of Article XIII, along with a sample ballot, a list of voting locations, the constitutional committee’s report and other related information appears on pages 6-11 of the October 2004 issue of the Seafarers LOG. The same information is available on the internet at www.seafarers.org, in the Seafarers LOG section. Additionally, a notice of the election was mailed in October to all members at their last known address, with a list of all voting locations as well as a sample of the official ballot. SIU Port Agent Neil Dietz (seated) reviews balloting procedures with Seafarers Chris Hyatt (center) and Eddie Thomas at the union hall in Honolulu. December 2004 portation system, providing an active, privately owned, U.S.flag, and U.S.-crewed liner fleet in international trade which is available to support Department of Defense sustainment in a contingency.” The MSP was established by the Maritime Security Act of 1996 and provides annual funding for up to 47 vessels to partially offset the higher operating costs of keeping these vessels under U.S.-flag registry. MSP payments represent approximately 13 percent of the cost of operating U.S.-flag vessels. Last December, President Bush signed a 10-year extension of the MSP, set to begin next year when the current program expires. The updated MSP increases the number of participants from 47 ships to 60 ships and provides financial assistance to construct five newly built tankers in the United States that are capable of carrying military petroleum products during a war. The MSP helps maintain a pool of well-trained 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. Ready for a lifeboat drill on the Sealand Charger are AB George Barber, AB Nasir Isa, GVA Charlie Powers, AB William Horton, AB Eduardo Malabad, Steward/Baker Roger Linasan and Chief Cook Willy Owens. The ship’s port of registry and IMO numbers are updated in Los Angeles in late October. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Friday, Dec. 31, 2004 to celebrate the New Year’s Day holiday and Monday, Jan. 17, 2005 for the observance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. Union Families Again Provide Big Turnout on Election Day Union families had a big impact on Election Day, accounting for one out of four voters, according to a survey by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc. The survey showed that there were 27 million union household voters. AFL-CIO leaders said the unprecedented grassroots participation by working men and women in the “biggest, most unified labor program ever” will generate gains for working families. “We’re going to take that energy, momentum, technology and field operation and start right now building a movement that will keep turning this country around,” said AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. According to the Hart Research polling, union members cited jobs and the economy, the war in Iraq and health care as among their top issues. From a maritime perspective, as was the case four years ago, a solid group of pro-maritime legislators won their respective elections in the House and Senate, according to SIU Political Director Terry Turner. Additionally, President George W. Bush—whose administration has a strong record of supporting the U.S. Merchant Marine—won reelection. “Many people were re-elected who understand the importance of a strong U.S.-flag fleet,” Turner stated. “As always, there also are some new faces in both houses of Congress. The SIU will do everything possible to make sure those legislators know the vital role of the U.S. Merchant Marine.” According to the AFL-CIO, the national federation of trade unions, more than 5,500 full-time staff or union members worked in battleground states—up from 1,500 in 2000. The numbers of full-time staff or union members in only three states in 2004—Ohio (728), Pennsylvania (723) and Florida (514)—exceeded the total number nationwide in 2000. More than 225,000 volunteers participated in the Labor 2004 program. Union members knocked on more than 6 million doors in neighborhood walks that ran daily in many states since Labor Day. Volunteers made more than a hundred million phone calls and passed out more than 32 million leaflets at workplaces and in neighborhoods. Union members reached out at 257 phone banks with 2,322 lines running in 16 states. The AFL-CIO’s program sent out more than 30 million pieces of mail to union households—not including mailings sent by affiliate unions to their members independently. “Through our political program, we have invested in our future,” said AFL-CIO Political Director Karen Ackerman. “More unions than ever participated on a large scale in the AFLCIO’s coordinated program. We have now set the stage to bring working family friendly candidates into office throughout the nation.” Working America, the AFL-CIO’s new national organization for working people, played a key role. Working America has 750,000 members, and is in touch with a total of 1.1 million members of working family households, offering information on where the candidates stand on such key issues as jobs, health care and overtime pay. The AFL-CIO’s non-partisan voting rights project, “My Vote, My Right,” began forming community partnerships over the summer which met with elections officials, educated voters, and recruited and trained poll watchers. Seafarers LOG 3 �25834_P2.4.qxd 11/24/2004 3:45 PM Page 4 New Contracts Take Seafarers into the New Year Seafarers recently approved a number of first-rate contracts to take them into the new year and beyond. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez credited the negotiating committees for outstanding work in presenting the membership with agreements that will enable them to maintain or improve on many of the benefits that are vital to providing a good quality of life both at sea and ashore. On Oct. 6, crew members employed aboard inland vessels operated by Allied Transportation, Inc. ratified a new threeyear agreement. The contract provides for the continuation of topof-the-line health benefits and wage increases over its duration. Additionally, crew members will maintain their pension credits for each day worked. Mate Marty Marevy and Engineer James Woods, who sat on the negotiating committee, were pleased with the proposal they were able to bring to the membership for a vote. Also in October, crew members working aboard inland vessels operated by Cape Fear Towing, Inc. unanimously ratified a new three-year pact. Captains Eddie Green and Douglas McDonald and Mate Roy Honeycutt served on the negotiating committee. They came away with a contract that CIVMAR Notice MSC Proposes New Changes To CMPI 610 The union has received a notice from the Military Sealift Command (MSC) that the agency is ready to begin negotiations over Civil Marine Personnel Instruction Section 610. This section discusses hours of work, work rules, overtime and penalty pay provisions. The union is reviewing the proposal and preparing questions for APMC negotiators. After the responses are reviewed, the union will submit proposals and negotiations will begin. The SIU will keep CIVMARS up-to-date on this process via the LOG, e-mail messages to the vessels and ship visits. Questions regarding this process may be sent to your union representatives or e-mailed to civmarsupport@seafarers.org CIVMAR News New Health Care Options Available for 2005 Officials at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) recently announced new health-care options that may be of interest to members of the union’s Government Services Division. For next year, the health benefits programs offered to federal employees will include 18 “high-deductible” plans. According to the OPM, “A High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) provides traditional medical coverage and a tax-free way to help you build savings for future medical expenses. The HDHP/HSA or HRA gives you greater flexibility and discretion over how you use your health care benefits.” On its web site, the agency notes that the HDHP “features higher annual deductibles (a minimum of $1,050 for Self and $2,100 for Self and Family coverage) than other traditional health plans. The maximum amount out-of-pocket limits for HDHPs participating in the FEHB Program in 2005 is $5000 for self and $10,000 for Self and Family enrollment. Depending on the HDHP you choose, you may have the choice of using in-network and out-of-network providers. Using in-network providers will save you money. With the exception of preventive care, you must meet the annual deductible before the plan pays benefits. Preventive care services are generally paid as first dollar coverage or after a small deductible, or co-payment. A maximum dollar amount (up to $300, for instance) may apply.” The program’s “open season” began Nov. 8 and ends Dec. 13. The OPM further pointed out, “When you enroll in an HDHP, the health plan determines if you are eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). If you are Medicare enrolled, you are not eligible for an HSA. Each month, the plan automatically credits a portion of the health plan premium into your HSA or HRA, based on your eligibility as of the first day of the month. You can pay your deductible with funds from your HSA or HRA. If you have an HSA, you can also choose to pay your deductible out-of-pocket, allowing your savings account to grow.” More information is available on line at: http://www.opm.gov/hsa/ 4 Seafarers LOG continues a high level of health coverage and pension credit for eligible crew members and offers across-the-board overtime rate increases. A majority of crew members employed aboard USS Transport vessels ratified a new three-year agreement Oct. 25. In addition to wage and overtime boosts throughout the life of the pact, as well as excellent health and dental benefits, a section was added regarding transportation rates for travel of less than 200 miles. Crew members of the Keystone Barge fleet were presented with a new five-year agreement, which they unanimously ratified Oct. 11. Chief among the provisions were SIU members aboard the Charleston (above) and seven other ships in the USS Transport fleet recently approved a new three-year contract. Other new agreements were ratified by Seafarers working aboard Allied Transportation, Cape Fear Towing and Keystone Barge Services vessels. wage and overtime increases in each year as well as an annual reimbursement for safety shoes for permanent and trip tour personnel. Tribute to Hospital Ship Unveiled At Arlington National Cemetery A quilt commemorating the service of the hospital ship USNS Comfort in Operation Iraqi Freedom was unveiled on Veterans’ Day during a ceremony at the Women in Military Service Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The Comfort is crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division and is one of only two hospital ships in the Navy. It deployed from Baltimore in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on Jan. 10, 2003, and served in the Persian Gulf from March 5-June 21, 2003. A 1,000-bed hospital facility with 12 fully equipped operating rooms, the Comfort treated nearly 700 patients, including U.S. military forces, Iraqi freedom fighters, wounded civilians and enemy prisoners of war. While deployed to the Middle East, Lt. Paula Godes, MSC, USNR, a Navy physical therapist and one of more than 1,160 medical personnel stationed aboard the Comfort during its activation, wanted to tell the story of Comfort’s mission in OIF and acknowledge the heroism and kindness displayed every day by her fellow shipmates to their patients. An avid quilter whose sewing machine traveled with her to the Middle East, Godes set out to complete a small project commemorating the Comfort and her crew. It grew to be much more than that. As word spread about the quilt, more than 800 people got involved, from other medical personnel aboard the Comfort to quilters all across the country who donated fabric and supplies. More than 60 women in a Northern Virginia quilters’ guild also volunteered their time, stitching the layers of the quilt together after the Comfort returned home. In her address at the ceremony marking the quilt’s dedication, Godes said, “This quilt represents over 2,000 hours of work. It is a story that pays tribute not only to the crew of the Comfort but to those we served and cared for— the Americans, coalition forces and the Iraqis we were sent to liberate.” The Comfort quilt is currently on display at the Women in Military Service Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. The Comfort quilt was the brainchild of Lt. Paula Godes, MSC, USNR, a physical therapist aboard USNS Comfort during its deployment in the Persian Gulf. Godes says she was inspired to tell the story of the Comfort in OIF “in an artistic way that symbolized the very warmth and comfort we provided. And what symbolizes warmth and comfort better than a quilt?” Benefits Conference Dates Announced Officials from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) early next year will begin conducting benefits conferences at SIU halls to update members, pensioners and spouses on the latest happenings with the various Plans. As of press time for this edition of the Seafarers LOG, officials announced the following conference dates and locations. The Piney Point conference is scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. Each of the others will begin at 10:30 a.m. local time. DATE DAY LOCATION Jan. 3 Jan. 4 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan.13 Jan. 14 Jan. 18 Jan. 26 Jan. 27 Jan. 28 Feb. 3 Feb. 8 Feb. 14 Feb. 15 Monday Tuesday Wednesday Friday Thursday Friday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Thursday Tuesday Monday Tuesday Piney Point, Md. Baltimore Philadelphia New York Houston New Orleans Mobile, Ala. Jacksonville, Fla. Fort Lauderdale, Fla. San Juan Norfolk, Va. Wilmington, Calif. San Francisco Tacoma, Wash. December 2004 �25834_P3.5.6.10.15.19.24.qxd 11/23/2004 7:03 PM Page 5 U.S. Government Report Cites Need for Tighter Security on Shipping Containers President Bush Signs Homeland Security Appropriations Act Federal inspectors of oceangoing shipping containers need to improve their detection equipment and search procedures to prevent terrorists from sneaking weapons of mass destruction into U.S. ports. This was the finding of a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) report released Oct. 15. According to several sources, the department’s inspector general acknowledged that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has made security changes and has others planned for future implementation. Clark Kent Ervin said he still has recommendations to improve the equipment that detects threatening cargo, such as nuclear material, and make inspection procedures more effective. “Improvements are needed in the inspection process to ensure that weapons of mass destruction or other implements of terror do not gain access to the U.S. through oceangoing cargo containers,” Ervin wrote in the report. U.S. Rep. Jim Turner of Texas, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said the government needs to put specialized radiation monitors at all U.S. ports and have enough people to physically inspect cargo containers that set off radiation alarms. While improvements in cargo inspection have been made since Sept. 11, 2001, less than 5 percent of containers are inspected. “We all know that the number one threat faced by the American people is a nuclear weapon in the hands of a terrorist,” Turner said. “It illustrates what a wide gap there is in the rhetoric of protecting the homeland and the reality of what we are actually doing. It is one security gap that has got to be closed.” Turner and U.S. Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) requested the report after an ABC News team smuggled 15 pounds of depleted uranium into the United States in 2002 and 2003. ABC cited experts who said that shielded depleted uranium had the same signature as shielded weaponsgrade uranium—a finding the agency has rejected. DHS spokesman Dennis Murphy cast doubt on the ABC experiment’s validity, saying depleted uranium is used in everyday items, including elevators and jets. He said it only carries a risk if heated to a point that microscopic pieces can be inhaled. The inspector general said senior scientists from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory concluded that the DHS agency now has tools that can detect both depleted uranium and highly enriched uranium that could be used in a weapon, but the ability to sense them is reduced in certain conditions. Those conditions were not publicly disclosed. Ervin’s report makes recommendations to improve the equipment, but they were not disclosed. The report also urged better training and search procedures to be followed by cargo inspectors. Today, if a container creates an alert, Murphy said, experts at the always-open National Targeting Center work with inspectors at the ports to determine if there is a problem. He said everyday items, including dirt and bananas, are known to set off alarms. Elsewhere, President George W. Bush on Oct. 18 signed the FY 2005 Homeland Security Appropriations Act, which provides $28.9 billion in net discretionary spending for the DHS. This is $1.8 billion more than the FY 2004 enacted level— reflecting a 6.6 percent increase in funding for the DHS over the previous year. Including Project BioShield, mandatory and feefunded programs, a total of $40.7 billion will be available to the department in FY 2005. The Act is intended to allow the DHS to build upon significant investments by improving the nation’s safeguards against terrorism, while sustaining the many other important departmental activities. The Act includes $419.2 million in new funding to enhance border and port security activities, including the expansion of pre-screening cargo containers in high-risk areas and the detection of individuals attempting to illegally enter the United States. Additional funding for the U.S. Coast Guard ($500 million, an 8.6-percent increase) is aimed at upgrading port security efforts and providing additional resources to implement the Maritime Transportation Security Act. Key enhancements funded by the Act include: The Container Security Initiative (CSI) focuses on pre-screening cargo before it reaches our shores. The Act includes an increase of $25 million over the current program funding of $101 million to continue both Phases I and II, as well as to begin the final phase of CSI. The United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US VISIT) program’s first phase was deployed at 115 airports and 14 seaports. US VISIT expedites the arrival and departure Prospects Improve for ANWR Drilling The chances of opening the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil drilling improved following Election Day, according to press reports and a statement from the coalition Arctic Power. The coalition—a non-partisan, nonprofit group founded in 1992—described the likelihood for passage of pro-drilling legislation as “looking better than ever. Opening the 1002 Area of the coastal plain to responsible oil development is part of President Bush’s National Energy Plan. It is also a policy supported by a majority of the members of the House of Representatives. Although in the past the U.S. Senate has consistently supported ANWR proposals, last year the Senate fell short by two votes to pass a comprehensive energy bill including an ANWR provision. It is hoped that with a new wave of freshman senators joining the Senate in January 2005, any ANWR legislation will have an easier time of making it to the president’s desk.” In recent newspaper interviews, U.S. Rep. Richard Pombo (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Resources Committee, said that 2005 brings “probably the best chance we’ve had” to open the coastal plain to drilling. U.S. Senator Pete Domenici (RN.M.), chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, stated, “With oil trading at nearly $50 a barrel, the case for ANWR is more compelling than ever. We have the technology to develop oil without harming the environment and wildlife.” Throughout the fight to open the coastal plain for December 2004 safe exploration, some of the strongest pro-drilling arguments have come from Alaskans themselves. For instance, U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) and Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski last year told the MTD executive board that ANWR exploration potentially offers substantial benefits for the entire nation. “If we get ANWR, we will have, in fact, developed more merchant marine jobs than any other time in the last 25 years, ever since we built the pipeline,” stated Young. He added that ANWR exploration would not impact the “pristine area in Alaska. We have 147 million acres now that are still pristine and will always be pristine—and we’re talking about 2,000 acres (for potential exploration, all of it essentially an arctic desert). That will deliver us 1 million barrels of oil for the next hundred years.” Murkowski said ANWR signifies good jobs for U.S. citizens. “That’s what this issue is all about. Jobs for Americans. Jobs here in the United States. Good-paying jobs.” Murkowski continued, “When you really think about it, these are jobs building new ships. These are jobs crewing new ships built in U.S. yards with U.S. crews. We shouldn’t be shy about this because we’re talking about using it to the advantage of the country. ANWR will create good-paying jobs. It will reduce our dependence on foreign imported oil and create revenue for the federal government. Now I ask you, what’s wrong with that kind of formula? It’s a winner all the way.” White House Photo by Tina Hager President George W. Bush signs the FY2005 Homeland Security Appropriations Act into Law. With the president are members of the Department of Homeland Security staff, including Secretary Tom Ridge, right. of legitimate travelers, while making it more difficult for those intending to do us harm to enter our nation. The Act provides $340 million in 2005, an increase of $12 million over the FY 2004 funding, to continue expansion of the US VISIT system. Aerial Surveillance and Sensor Technology increases the effectiveness of the more than 12,000 Border Patrol agents deployed along the borders, and supports other missions such as drug interdiction. The Act includes $64.2 million for CBP to enhance land-based detection and monitoring of movement between the ports. The Act also includes $28 million for CBP to increase the flight hours of P-3 aircraft and $12.5 million for long range radar operations. Radiation Detection Monitors screen passengers and cargo coming into the United States. The Act includes $80 million for the next generation of screening devices for our nation’s ports of entry. CBP Targeting Systems aid in identifying high-risk cargo and passengers. The Act includes an increase of $20.6 million for staffing and tech- nology acquisition to support the National Targeting Center, trend analysis, and the Automated Targeting Systems. The Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) focuses on partnerships to improve security along the entire supply chain, from the factory floor, to foreign vendors, land borders and seaports. The FY 2005 appropriation includes an increase of $15.2 million for this effort. The Act increases the U.S. Coast Guard’s budget by 9 percent—from $5.8 billion in FY 2004 to $6.3 billion in FY 2005. In addition to maintaining its ongoing mission, the budget provides more than $100 million to support the implementation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act, which will increase the Coast Guard’s ability to develop, review and approve vessel and port security plans, improve underwater detection capabilities, and increase the intelligence program. The budget also provides for the Coast Guard’s ongoing Integrated Deepwater System initiative, funding the program at $724 million, an increase of $56 million over the FY 2004 funding level. U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William Schubert on Nov. 15 presented an award in Washington, D.C. to the staff of the manpower office at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md. The award recognizes the staff’s dedication shown throughout Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom—mobilizations that often have meant very long hours for the employees who help with the logistics of crewing up U.S.-flag military support ships. Pictured with the award are (from left) Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, manpower staff members Ginger Bagwell, Carol Johnson, Bonnie Johnson, Terri Gerek, Sylvia Texeira and Giselle Viohl and Manpower Director Bart Rogers. Seafarers LOG 5 �25834_P3.5.6.10.15.19.24.qxd 11/24/2004 7:39 AM Page 6 USNS Rainier Returns from Deployment with Carrier Strike Group The fast combat support ship USNS Rainier, crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division, recently returned from a five-month deployment to the Western Pacific as a part of the USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group. According to the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the Stennis strike group participated in three major exercises during this deployment—Exercise Northern Edge, Rim of the Pacific exercise 2004 and a joint air and sea training exercise with the USS Kitty Hawk strike group. During its deployment, the Rainier provided more than 49 million gallons of fuel for the strike group. That amount of fuel would fill 100 Olympic-size swimming pools, MSC noted. The ship also transferred more than 10 million pounds of food, ammunitions, mail and various dry cargos to re-supply other ships. The Rainier’s on-board Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 11 Detachment Two performed vertical replenishments to lift cargo to the other ships in the strike group. Operation of the Supply-class ships by MSC saves the strike groups time since they can receive all the fuel, cargo and ammunition needed from one ship. With a top speed of 29 knots, the Rainier has no difficulty keeping pace with the other ships. The 754-foot vessel is crewed by 160 civil service mariners, a 28-member active duty Navy support department and a 32-member Navy helicopter detachment. The ship was transferred to MSC in August 2003. It was decommissioned as a combatant ship, and civil serBECK NOTICE vice mariners replaced the vessel’s active duty Navy crew. Following a brief voyage repair period, the Rainier was scheduled to deploy again, but with a different carrier strike group. The Seafarers-crewed ship was slated to sail with the USS Abraham Lincoln last month. MSC operates more than 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish Navy ships at sea, chart ocean bottoms, conduct undersea surveillance, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move 95 percent of military equipment and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces. SIU Crews Honored at Yearly AOTOS Event Ebeling, Magee Net Top Awards Crew members and officers from nine Seafarers-crewed vessels were honored by the United Seamen’s Service at the 35th Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) Awards in New York City Nov. 5. Mariners from the Lykes Discoverer, MV Resolve, USNS Shughart, USNS Red Cloud, USNS Sisler, MV Cape Ducato, MV Cape Douglas, USNS Guadalupe and MV Merlin were recognized. Representatives from each ship were presented with an AOTOS Mariners’ Plaque for displaying outstanding seamanship, courage and devotion to duty at sea. As previously reported, the main AOTOS Awards went to Raymond P. Ebeling, chairman and president of SIU-contracted American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier (ARC), and Robert P. Magee, chairman and CEO of SIU-contracted Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE). The crews and masters of large, medium-speed, roll-on/ roll-off ships Shughart, Red Cloud and Sisler and Ready Reserve Force ships Cape Ducato and Cape Douglas received an AOTOS Mariners’ Plaque for their combined, unrelenting efforts to save the Shughart from a dangerous fire that sparked while the ship was offloading cargo in Kuwait on March 5, 2004. The crew of Guadalupe, a fleet replenishment oiler, was recognized for the rescue of 13 fishermen aboard a stricken Taiwanese vessel in the Pacific Ocean on June 22, 2004. The fishermen had been adrift for five days with little food or water. The Resolve was honored for saving two fishermen who had abandoned their sinking vessel about 50 miles from shore near Robert P. Magee, chairman and CEO, Totem Ocean Trailer Express Raymond P. Ebeling, chairman and president, American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Frying Pan Shoals, N.C. The Resolve was commencing a transatlantic passage on Dec. 13, 2003 when the crew received distress calls from the fishing vessel All Hooked Up. The calls ended before the vessel location was given, but the Resolve proceeded to search for the distressed mariners. Two survivors were found, retrieved and given vital medical attention. The crew of maritime prepositioning ship Merlin was honored for the daring rescue of a man in danger of drowning after his ship, MV Kephi, sank in stormy seas. The rescue took place Jan. 23 in the Mediterranean Sea. The Lykes Discoverer helped rescue the crew of a drifting 45foot fishing vessel, Sea Gypsy, on a voyage from St. John’s, Newfoundland on Dec. 22, 2003. The vessel had been adrift for four days after losing power, had suffered structural damage and wasn’t carrying an Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon (EPIRB). Notice to Employees Covered by Union Agreements Regulated Under the National Labor Relations Act The Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD/NMU 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/NMU 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/NMU. 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/NMU 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 $400.00 (four hundred dollars) per year or $100.00 (one hundred 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 Photo courtesy MSC Fueling hoses from the fast combat support ship USNS Rainier cross rough waters to refuel aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis during the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise earlier this year off the coast of Hawaii. 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 2003 calendar year, the fee cost associated with this representation amounts to 70.20 percent of the dues amount. This means that the agency fee based upon the dues would be $280.80 (two hundred eighty dollars and eighty cents) for the applicable year. An appropriate reduction also will be calculated for working dues. This amount applies to the 2005 calendar year. This means that any individual who wishes to elect to pay agency fees and submits a letter between December 1, 2004 and November 30, 2005 will have this calculation applied to their 2005 dues payments which may still be owed to the union. As noted below, however, to continue to receive the agency fee reduction effective January 2006, your objection must be received by December 1, 2005. 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/NMU, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746. This report is based upon an audited financial report of the union’s expenses during 2003. 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/NMU, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 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 2004 �25834_P1.7-9.11-14.16-18.20-23.qxd 11/23/2004 7:06 PM Page 7 Bosuns Credit Union, Paul Hall Center For Opportunities With a mixture of well-earned insightfulness and typical directness, the union’s newest class of recertified bosuns offered plenty of noteworthy comments last month as they graduated from the top curriculum available to deckdepartment Seafarers. Addressing the November membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., the 14 graduates encouraged the unlicensed apprentices enrolled at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. They also described the SIU and the Paul Hall Center as offering great opportunities for those willing to dedicate themselves to their careers. Completing the month-long recertification class were Oliver Balico, Evan Bradley, Manolo Delos Santos, Timothy Girard, Barry Hamm, Weldon Heblich, Michael Keogh, David Martz, William Mulcahy, Edward O’Connor, Clarence Poore, Michael Presser, Kissinfor Taylor and James Walker. The graduation was an historic occasion in more ways than one. Heblich is believed to be the first former NMU member to complete the course, while Keogh and Mulcahy are believed to be the first Great Lakes division Seafarers to finish the class. The course itself includes a mixture of classroom and practical training. Students met with representatives from the union’s various departments and the Seafarers Plans, both in Piney Point and at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. They closely studied information about contracts, training record books (TRBs) and computers. They completed training in health and Manolo Delos Santos Michael Keogh December 2004 Delos Santos joined the union in 1980 and currently sails from the port of Wilmington, Calif. He began his SIU career on the “white ships” (the cruise vessels Independence and Constitution). “I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve found with the union,” he said. “I’m grateful for all the Brotherhood help and success, and I thank Walker joined the union in (SIU Wilmington Port Agent) 1982 in Baltimore and currently John Cox along with the staff in sails from the port of Ft. Wilmington and here at Piney Lauderdale, Fla. He cited com- Point. puter training, fire fighting and “To the apprentices, make the first aid and CPR as being among most of the wonderful opportunithe more useful segments of the ties the SIU gives you.” recertification class. Girard signed on with the SIU Addressing in 1991 in New the apprentices, York, from ‘We make a signifihe stated, “This where he still is a brotherhood. ships. You’re part of cant and valuable He said the the brotherhood. course included Our officials have contribution to numerous highworked their lights, such as national defense of [backsides] off reviewing the for us, and impact of the this great country. It you’re our futInternational ure. Work hard is our responsibility Ship and Port and don’t be Facility Security afraid to ask to rise up and take Code, studying questions.” the workings of M u l c a h y pride in our work the Seafarers joined the SIU in Plans, learning because we are engi- about computers 1977 in Detroit and sails from and brushing up the port of Al- neered for dependon safety and gonac, Mich. fire fighting He told the ability.’ training. membership that Girard de—Recertified Bosun his father also scribed the Michael Presser sailed with the union as “a famSIU and that the ily and a real Paul Hall Center instructors are team. Since joining the SIU I “exceptional.” have never lacked for work. The Mulcahy’s advice to the appren- union’s constant growth and tices was straight to the point: record of success are testimony to “Work hard and pay attention.” its leadership, its members and its commitment to being second-tonone!” Turning toward the apprentices, he concluded, “The best thing you can bring to class and each day aboard ship is a good attitude.” Poore joined the Seafarers in 1997 in Norfolk, Va., which remains his home port. Previously, he served in the U.S. military for 32 years. He said the recertification class helped provide him with “more detailed and in-depth knowledge, and more precise Evan Bradley information to pass along to the crew. My experience at Piney Point was a very good one.” He advised the apprentices to “take a good work ethic and the knowledge you gained here when you go aboard ship. There’s no limit to how far you can go.” Keogh joined the union in 1978 in Frankfort, Mich. and now sails from the port of Algonac. He noted that before joining the SIU, he sailed out of Liverpool for 10 years. “I was then lucky enough to join the SIU, and have enjoyed every minute of it.” Oliver Balico Speaking to the apprentices, safety (including fire fighting), government vessels and simulators. Additionally, the bosuns examined various international maritime conventions and helped unlicensed apprentices with hands-on training aboard the vessel Osprey. Barry Hamm and Michael Presser Kissinfor Taylor Edward O’Connor he stated, “You have a great career to look forward to. The union expects you to comport yourselves in a professional manner, learn your trade and upgrade on a regular basis. You have to know your stuff, otherwise the shipowner doesn’t need you. “From your union, you can expect brotherhood and the respect of your peers. You’ll make friends who’ll be lifetime friends. You’ll call them brother and truly mean it.” Taylor joined in 1981 in Tacoma, Wash. He said he enjoys being “part of the team” that is the SIU. Bradley joined the union in 1975 and also comes from a family of Seafarers. He is a frequent upgrader, and pointed out that “after 9/11, we have to know more and work closer together than ever before. That’s one reason upgrading is so important.” He told the apprentices that the Paul Hall Center “gets better every time I come back. It helps keep our family going, at sea and ashore.” Balico signed on with the SIU in 1992 in New York, still his home port. He said the class contained lots of valuable training, including communications skills, safety and vessel security. He described his overall experience at the school as “interesting and fun. I come here every year for vacation with my family.” Balico credited the union “for giving me the opportunity to work and achieve the American dream, which has become reality. I’m grateful to the leadership of the SIU and to you, my brothers and sisters.” He told the apprentices to “make the most of what’s being taught here. There is no substitute for knowledge and training.” Hamm joined the Seafarers in 1989 and currently sails from the port of Tacoma. He said the union “has improved my life, and I’m grateful to those who made it possible. To the apprentices, study hard, work smart, show initiative and you can go far.” Martz completed the trainee program in 1974 and now sails from the port of Baltimore. “I came in here 30 years ago with a seventh-grade education, so this was a great opportunity,” Continued on page 8 James Walker Clarence Poore Weldon Heblich Seafarers LOG 7 �25834_P1.7-9.11-14.16-18.20-23.qxd 11/23/2004 7:07 PM Page 8 Recertified Bosuns Graduate Continued from page 7 he recalled. “I thank the union and our officials—they keep us working. To the UAs, take advantage of the opportunity. Listen and learn.” O’Connor, who joined the SIU in Philadelphia in 1991 and now sails from New York, said he had looked forward to the recertification course for many years. “My time here at the Paul Hall Center was a fast-paced educational experience,” he said. “My classmates were top-of-the-line, and that made this time even more rewarding.” He urged the apprentices to “absorb all the knowledge and education this school and staff have to offer. Keep a positive attitude and it will pave the way for you professionally and personally. This union is the best, and if you believe that in your hearts, you’ll go places.” Heblich, who began his maritime career with the NMU in the 1980s, sails from the port of Tacoma. “I’m honored to be the first NMU bosun to be recertified,” he said. “Since the merger (in 2001), the SIU has become the dominant union in the industry. I’m glad to be part of history.” With a nod toward the apprentices, he concluded, “Have a good attitude and ask plenty of questions.” Presser, the final speaker, started his SIU career in Hawaii in 1980 before enrolling in the trainee program in Piney Point. Currently sailing from Baltimore, Presser gave an especially passionate speech in which he quoted Franklin D. Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln to reinforce the importance of the labor movement and the U.S. Merchant Marine. “We’re the fourth arm of defense,” he declared. “We go where they (the armed forces) need us.” Presser thanked the union’s headquarters officials along with SIU Baltimore Port Agent Dennis Metz and the staff at the Baltimore hall. He commended the union for maintaining good medical benefits for Seafarers at a time when health care costs are out of control. Sizing up both the SIU and the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole, Presser stated, “We make a significant and valuable contribution to national defense of this great country. It is our responsibility to rise up and take pride in our work because we are engineered for dependability.” Timothy Girard William Mulcahy David Martz Monthly Membership Meetings Keep Seafarers Informed As with most other Paul Hall Center classes, bosun recertification includes lots of hands-on training. One way to keep track of all the news which affects the lives and livelihoods of Seafarers is by attending 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 2005. Each issue of the Seafarers LOG also lists the dates for the next two meetings scheduled in each port. Membership Meetings in 2005 Monday after first Sunday 3 7 7 4 2 6 5* 8 6* 3 7 5 Tuesday after first Sunday 4 8 8 5 3 7 5 9 6 4 8 6 Wednesday after first Sunday 5 9 9 6 4 8 6 10 7 5 9 7 Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 5 9 7 11 8 6 10 8 Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 5 9 7 11 8 6 10 8 Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 5 9 7 11 8 6 10 8 Thursday after first Sunday 6 10 10 7 5 9 7 11 8 6 10 8 Friday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 12 9 7 14* 9 Friday after first Sunday 7 11 11 8 6 10 8 12 9 7 14* 9 Monday after second Sunday 10 14 14 11 9 13 11 16* 12 10 14 12 Tuesday after second Sunday 11 15 15 12 10 14 12 16 13 11 15 13 Wednesday after second Sunday 12 16 16 13 11 15 13 17 14 12 16 14 Wednesday after second Sunday 12 16 16 13 11 15 13 17 14 12 16 14 Thursday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 12 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 Thursday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 12 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 Thursday after second Sunday 13 17 17 14 12 16 14 18 15 13 17 15 Friday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 19 16 14 18 16 Friday after second Sunday 14 18 18 15 13 17 15 19 16 14 18 16 Monday after third Sunday 18* 22* 21 18 16 20 18 22 19 17 21 19 Thursday after third Sunday 20 24 24 21 19 23 21 25 22 20 25* 22 Friday after third Sunday 21 25 25 22 20 24 22 26 23 21 25 23 *Wilmington changes created by Martin Luther King’s brithday and Presidents Day holidays; Houston change created by Paul Hall’s birthday holiday; Algonac and Boston change created by Veterans’ Day holiday; Guam change created by Thanskgiving Day holiday; Piney Point changes created by Independence Day and Labor Day holidays. 8 Seafarers LOG December 2004 �25834_P1.7-9.11-14.16-18.20-23.qxd 11/23/2004 7:21 PM Page 9 Right: Chief Pumpman Charles Dahlhaus admires the decorated cake given to him at a retirement party aboard the OS Chicago, an Alaska Tanker Co. vessel. A member of the SIU for more than 51 years, Dahlhaus plans to spend his “golden years” in Osaka, Japan with his wife and family. He hopes to have plenty of time to build steam engines in his machine shop and do some traveling. Helping celebrate the welldeserved retirement are OS Rolando Lopez, OS Segundo Soliano, Bosun Jesse Mixon, Chief Mate Nick Karagiannis, 1st Engineer S. Liebling, Chief Engineer Mark Norwak and 2nd Engineer Brian Good. Thanks to AB Jim Elbe for sending the LOG these two photos from the OS Chicago. Left: While anchored outside Valdez, Alaska on the OS Chicago, AB Pablo Borja Jr. (left) caught an 80-pound halibut. Assisting him in weighing the fish are 2nd Pumpman Jason Flesner and Chief Engineer Mark Norwak. Right: Houston Patrolman Michael Russo (right) poses with some of the crew members aboard the Breton Reef who just purchased MDLs when the vessel arrived in the port of Houston. Below: Recertified Bosun Frank Hedge and crew help in the loading of stores aboard the LNG Libra during port time in Japan. Above: In Port Everglades, Fla. aboard the Maritrans vessel Allegiance, Bosun Jerry Borucki works with Antonio Santos in connecting the discharge pipeline while (at left) ABs Mike Edwards and Victor Cooper paint the deck. Captain Mike Murphy presents Wiper Eduardo “Eddie” Pereira, 70, with a gift during his retirement party aboard the USNS Pollux. Pereira, who upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2000 and 2001, makes his home in Louisiana. Wiper Pereira, seated, receives a retirement cake and lots of good wishes from fellow crew members on the Pollux (from the left) Port Engineer Chris Keefe, Chief Mate Jeff Yegge, MSC Rep. Toya Hayes, Chief Engineer Chris Wallace, Electrician Troy Ancar, Pereira, Bosun Wilfredo “Willie” Rice, SA Armando Evangelista, Capt. Mike Murphy, Steward Farid Zaharan and Wiper Cynthia Harris. December 2004 When the Lykes Navigator was in Houston recently, SIU Rep Michael Russo (second from left) went aboard to meet with some of the crew. Among those in the photo are Bosun George Price, Herman Beasley, Kerry Bush, Althalo Henton, Leonard Johnson and Justino Sanchez. The SIU was represented during October meetings in Seattle, Wash. between Crowley Maritime and their West Coast unions to plan for implementation of the new Quality & Safety Management Program. From the left (seated) are Dennis Conklin, IBU business agent; Marina Secchitano, IBU regional director; Bryan Powell, SIU Tacoma port agent; Robert Grune, VP/general manager, Crowley Marine Services; Bruce Barto, VP/general manager, Petroleum Services; Steve Demeroutis, MM&P vp; (back row) Alan Cote, IBU rep; Jerry Dowd, Crowley VP labor relations; Mitch Oakley, maritime instructor, Paul Hall Center; Alex Sweeney, Crowley VP energy & marine services; Ray Shipway, MM&P rep; Charlie Nalen, Crowley VP environmental, safety, quality assurance; Stephen Wilson, Crowley director of health, safety & environmental affairs; Lee Egland, Crowley director of labor relations; and Mike Murray, MM&P rep. Seafarers LOG 9 �25834_P3.5.6.10.15.19.24.qxd 11/23/2004 7:38 PM Page 10 Maritime Briefs No-F Fee Passports Available to Mariners The U.S. Department of State has developed written guidance on the issuance of no-fee passports to American seamen serving on U.S.-flag vessels (and to employees of the United Seamen’s Service). According to a recent communication from the government to the SIU, in order for American mariners serving on U.S.-flag vessels to apply for no-fee passports, they must present both “acceptable documentation and citizenship documentation. Additionally, both American seamen and employees of the United Seamen’s Service must present documentation from their employers. An American seaman must submit a letter from the employer certifying that he/she is working on a ship of U.S. registry and must also provide a copy of their U.S. Merchant Mariner’s document….” The letter from the State Department to the union continues, “The no-fee passports will be valid for a five-year period and cannot be extended…. No-fee passports are to be used only for official job-related travel. These passports are not to be used for personal travel.” Anthrax Vaccination Program Paused At press time for this issue of the LOG, the Department of Defense (DoD) was reviewing a preliminary injunction issued Oct. 27 by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia regarding the department’s anthrax vaccination program. The injunction did not question the safety and effectiveness of the anthrax vaccine or the immunization program in the DoD. The injunction centered on FDA procedural issues stating that additional public comment should have been sought before the FDA issued its final rule in December of 2003. The Defense Department’s anthrax vaccination program is an important force protection measure. According to the government, research conducted by several prominent medical experts and a report by the National Academy of Sciences has determined that the anthrax vaccine is safe and effective for all forms of anthrax exposure. As a result of the injunction, the Department of Defense will pause giving anthrax vaccinations until the legal situation is clarified. The recent ruling is similar to a judge’s injunction issued in December 2003. At that time the DoD paused the vaccination program pending clarification of the legal issues. The 2003 injunction was lifted roughly two weeks later. The DoD remains convinced that the anthrax immunization program complies with all the legal requirements and that the anthrax vaccine is safe and effective. A copy of Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld’s memorandum concerning the action is available on line at http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Oct2004/d20041027anthrax.pdf Regional Exam Center Changes Hours The hours of operation at the U.S. Coast Guard Regional Exam Center in Baltimore will change effective Dec. 20, according to the facility’s officer in charge. Fridays and weekdays between Christmas and New Year’s Day will be dedicated to the review and evaluation of applications. This means that the facility will be closed to walk-in customers on those days. The facility will continue to accept completed applications at its front security desk and by mail. Staffers will be available to answer questions by phone (410962-5132) during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. According to the Coast Guard, the modification of walk-in hours is designed to improve the turnaround time involved for the issuance of credentials and should allow the center staff to continue providing the level of service that the merchant mariner community expects and deserves. The new hours will be as follows: Monday: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed for walk-in customers Fridays and weekdays between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Closed on all national holidays and the Friday following Thanksgiving. 10 Seafarers LOG SIU’s Peter Drews Dies at 76 what he felt was a worthwhile The SIU has lost a dedicatcause.” ed organizer, patrolman and Brother Drews donned the proud merchant mariner. SIU colors in 1944 in He is Recertified Bosun Charleston, S.C. He worked Peter W. Drews. Brother primarily in the deep sea diviDrews passed away Aug. 25 sion, first going to sea aboard following a lengthy battle Sinclair Oil Corp.’s Robin with diabetes. He was 76. Doncaster. Fellow officials rememAfter sailing for 17 years, bered Drews as a highly he came ashore in 1961, respected and totally dedicatbecoming an organizer in ed individual whose commitDuluth, Minn. and coordinatment to the union was garganRecertified Bosun Peter W. Drews, right, ing many recruiting drives for tuan. “Peter was a dedicated joins the late SIU General Counsel the union. Brother Drews union representative who Howard Schulman during an AFL-CIO later served as a patrolman in New York, Detroit, Puerto always put the best interests convention. Rico, Houston and St. Louis. of the membership first,” said He was an assistant for Paul SIU President Michael Sacco. always went that extra mile on Hall, the union’s second presi“He was a key figure in the early behalf of the membership.” days of the union and was very Michele Bluitt, a close friend dent. Brother Drews went back to active in negotiations. He will be of Brother Drews, in correspondence to the Seafarers LOG sea in 1974 and continued sailmissed.” Retired SIU Vice President remembered Drews as “not only ing until declining health forced Contracts Red Campbell worked a member of the Seafarers, but him ashore for the final time. He with Drews when both were also one of the men who helped last went to sea aboard Crowley union officials back in the early propel the Seafarers into the American Transport’s Ambassadays. “He was an active official organization it is today. Pete dor. Brother Drews began receivwho took part in a number of loved his work at the Seafarers key beefs and negotiations for and talked of it often. He was ing his pension in 1986 and the union,” Campbell said. “He proud to have given his time for made his home in Dunedin, Fla. Seafarers Answer OIF’s Call Aboard Tanker Samuel Cobb As the various stages of the sealift mission for Operation Iraqi Freedom continue, Seafarers are unrelenting in answering their call to duty as members of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. By the hundreds, they are boarding Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessels that are either being mobilized or deployed to transport personnel, war fighting materiel (machinery, weapons and ammunition) and other supplies to various overseas destinations. Among the latest SIU-crewed vessels to take to the high seas in support of U.S. troops and the war against terrorism is the Samuel L. Cobb. The Cobb in October was headed for an overseas port when the photos on this page were taken. They were sent to the LOG by Chief Steward Herbert Davis, who wanted to share some of the crew’s experiences during the voyage with fellow Seafarers. Seafarers aboard the Samuel L. Cobb during the voyage included: Bosun Pete Malone; QM Dave Carpenter; ABs Damian Kelly, James Osborne, Carlos Burroughs and Otis Reynolds; Chief Pumpman Brad Saxon; QMEDs Greg Alvarez and David Bodah; Wipers Lloyd Clark and Richard De La Cruz; Chief Steward Davis; Chief Cook Sonia Felix; and Utilities Qais Ahmed and Tawfiq Shaibi. The Cobb is one of five MSC transport tankers that ferries fuel for the Department of Defense during peacetime, war and other contingencies. The vessel entered service in 1985 along with its sister ships, the Gus W. Darnell and the Paul Buck. The Richard G. Matthiesen and Lawrence H. Gianella entered MSC service in 1986. These tankers embark on many unique missions including refueling the National Science Foundation in Antarctica, Thule Air Force Base in Thule, Greenland, and federal government installations in remote sections of Alaska. Known as T5s, the vessels have double hulls and are ice-strengthened for protection against damage in colder climates. Chief Cook Sonia Felix, left, and Stewart Utilities Qais Ahmed and Tawfiq Shaibi, right, pose for a photo in the galley of the Samuel L. Cobb. Chief Pumpman Brad Saxon takes a break from his normal shipboard duties to hone his skills on the M-16. Wiper Lloyd Clark prepares to fire the M-16. Bosun Pete Malone takes his turn firing the M-16 assault rifle. Wiper Richard De La Cruz mans the M-60. Looking on are members of the U.S. Navy Security Force who also were aboard the vessel. Chief Steward Herbert Davis has both hands full as he fires the M60 machine gun. December 2004 �25834_P1.7-9.11-14.16-18.20-23.qxd 11/23/2004 9:16 PM Page 11 Left: The ship’s committee aboard the Adm. Callaghan is composed of (from left) Chief Electrician Jeffery Curry, Chief Steward Denise Smith and Bosun Paul Borg. Below: Seasoning the dinner roast is Christopher Hopkins, chief cook on board the President Truman. Left: Some of the crew members aboard the Keystone State, Gem State and Grand Canyon State pose for a group picture in Alameda, Calif. The three vessels are on ROS status. Wilbert J. Miles Jr., DEU on the Cape Mohican, and Jasper Brown, electrician on the Cape Fear, get together for lunch. Kashmir Dillon, chief electrician on the Cape Mohican, enjoys his lunch of spaghetti and meatballs. Members of the ship’s committee on board the Meteor include (from left) Bosun Kenneth Herqstein, DMAC Joseph McCrosky, Chief Steward Johnny Westberry and DEU John Rosron. Bosun Jouencio Cabab enjoys a hearty lunch aboard the Cape Fear. Right: Cooking up some hotdogs for lunch on the Cape Mohican is Chief Steward Louis Morris. Left: Chief Mate Peter Fileccia Jr. (below) gives directions to Bosun Kenneth Herqstein (above), who is operating the crane to load stores aboard the Meteor. December 2004 Seafarers LOG 11 �25834_P1.7-9.11-14.16-18.20-23.qxd 11/24/2004 5:09 PM Page 12 PRI Pride of Aloha at a Glance Entered service: August 1999 Reflagged U.S. in June 2004 Length: 853 feet Breadth: 108 feet Draft: 26 feet Speed: 23 knots Tonnage: 77,104 GRT Propulsion: Diesel electric, six diesel generators Auxiliary power: From diesel electric plant Guest capacity: 2,002 double occupancy Guest decks: 12 The efforts of a ship’s culinary staff are vital not only to the enjoyment of passengers but the crew as well, so galley training is emphasized in Piney Point. ABOVE: Rebekah Torkelson and Peter Quenga brush up on their cleaning techniques. LEFT: Sharon Ross is one of hundreds of NCL America crew members who have trained at the Paul Hall Center. They of course hope never to nee these skills, but students practic lifeboat training (left and below) as pa of their NCL America curriculum. BELOW: Tomas Ramirez keeps a close eye on his housekeeping training. LEFT: Yen Dunton gets practical training as a waitress and bartender. BELOW: Hoping not to make a splash behind the bar are Cri David Butler (fifth photo, far right). Crew members such as Roeno Babaan keep NCL America’s vessels clean at all times. 12 Seafarers LOG Lisa Salmans and Matthew Baptist get the hang of bartending. December 2004 �25834_P1.7-9.11-14.16-18.20-23.qxd 11/24/2004 5:09 PM Page 13 IDE NCL America students receive a mix of classroom instruction and practical training both at the Paul Hall Center and at its affiliated school in Hawaii. When NCL America’s SIU-crewed Pride of Aloha entered service this past summer, it marked the rebirth of the deep-sea U.S.-flag cruise ship industry. Less obvious, but just as important, the vessel also signaled a renewed need for top-notch training for crew members of NCL America’s inaugural ship. The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md., along with its sister school in Honolulu are fulfilling that need. Both facilities offer fire fighting and safety training; the Piney Point campus also provides departmental training for non-marine personnel. The curriculums are wide-ranging and include (among other topics) communication and diversity training, effective listening, team building, conflict resolution and stress management. Students also take STCW Basic Safety Training and courses covering shipboard security, environmental responsibility and medical awareness. They also spend approximately one week in department-specific courses. As with most Paul Hall Center classes, the NCL America curriculums blend classroom instruction with hands-on training. The Pride of Aloha is the first of three U.S.-flag cruise ships planned by NCL America. The others are the Pride of America (scheduled to enter service in 2005) and the Pride of Hawaii (scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2006). Significantly, as more and more NCL America crew members have completed training through the Paul Hall Center (both in Piney Point and in Hawaii), customer feedback on the Pride of Aloha steadily has improved. The most recently compiled “comment cards” showed the best scores yet in overall satisfaction, ship appearance and hospitality. Training as bartenders are (from left) Jason Yets, Matthew Baptist, Jill Latza, Patrick Apa, Matthew Nelson, Robert Rivers, Bethany Tarantion, Crisanto Leonor, Lisa Salmans, Katie Rupp and David Butler (instructor). 1st Cook Dennis Neptune looks sharp while training in the galley. It’s cold in there, but someone’s got to move the stores (in this case, Warren Turner). LEFT AND ABOVE: Whether preparing meals or serving them, crew members understand the importance of prompt, polite service. o need ractice as part . BELOW: Fire fighting is part of the crew members’ STCW training. If practice makes perfect, passengers can count on service with a smile from Jill Latza. LEFT: Chris Halk (left) and Warren Turner concentrate on their training. e Crisanto Leonor (four photos directly below) and NCL America Trainer December 2004 Seafarers LOG 13 �25834_P1.7-9.11-14.16-18.20-23.qxd 11/23/2004 8:48 PM Page 14 SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS MONEY PURCHASE PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (Employer Identification No. 52-1994914, Plan No. 001) for the period January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a trust (benefits are provided in whole from trust funds). Plan expenses were $834,548. These expenses included $290,692 in administrative expenses and $543,856 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 9,780 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 $22,415,912 as of December 31, 2003 compared to $16,163,494 as of January 1, 2003. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $6,252,418. 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 $7,086,966, including employer contributions of $4,300,323, employee contributions of $52,401, gains of $106,288 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $2,627,954. Minimum Funding Standards 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 list- SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN ed below are included in that report: 1 An accountant’s report; 2. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of William Dennis, Administrator 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.30 for the full report, or $0.15 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: William Dennis, Administrator 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, Room N15l3, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. P lease send me the 2005 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 ______________________________________________ Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 12/04 14 Seafarers LOG 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. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; and 4. Transactions in excess of 5 percent of the plan assets. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of William Dennis, Administrator 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.00 for the full report, or $0.15 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: William Dennis, Administrator 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Self Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $4,199,920 as of December 31, 2003 compared to $11,397,458 as of January 1, 2003. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $7,197,538. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year, or the cost of assets acquired during the year. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $64,086,634. This income included employer contributions of $63,061,373, realized gains of $53,827 from the sale of assets and earnings from investments of $882,047. Plan expenses were $71,284,172. These expenses included $5,994,150 in administrative expenses and $65,290,022 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. 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, Room N1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE This application is for: This is a summary of the annual report for the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, (Employer Identification No. 13-5557534, Plan No. 501) for the period January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2003. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) is offering eight scholarships in 2005 to SIU members as well as their spouses and dependent children to offset some of the costs associated with study at the college level. With the rapidly rising costs of tuition —as well as room and board—many students may find it difficult to continue their education without some assistance. The SHBP wants to help. As in past years, three of the scholarships are reserved for SIU members. One of those is in the amount of $20,000 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 community college or vocational school. The other five scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of Seafarers. The deadline for submitting the application and all the other required paperwork is April 15, 2005. That leaves four months from now in which to send away for the program booklet and start working on collecting the items needed for inclusion with the application (such as transcripts, certificates of graduation. letters of recommendation, a photograph and certified copy of birth certificate). Applicants also should arrange to take either the SAT or ACT no later than February 2005 in order to ensure the results reach the selection committee in time to be evaluated. The program booklet spells out eligibility requirements and procedures for applying. Send away for yours today! December 2004 �25834_P3.5.6.10.15.19.24.qxd 11/24/2004 7:40 AM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea January & February 2005 Membership Meetings OCTOBER 16 — NOVEMBER 15, 2004 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Totals Totals Totals All Departments Algonac ..................Friday: January 7, February 11 3 4 2 4 7 19 41 1 5 14 20 21 5 25 10 14 7 20 22 0 2 1 2 1 17 9 0 2 10 15 2 2 4 2 3 2 19 11 0 0 4 1 6 22 23 2 7 4 22 6 4 0 6 12 1 19 20 5 0 5 5 3 12 23 0 8 8 13 9 3 13 8 10 4 23 16 0 3 2 3 2 7 5 0 0 4 4 5 1 1 0 2 0 10 4 0 0 0 0 0 12 16 0 5 5 7 2 1 1 6 11 1 17 10 3 0 9 3 16 39 56 0 21 34 41 27 2 1 9 32 0 50 30 3 6 3 5 19 31 58 1 10 32 35 29 4 24 12 23 7 41 31 0 3 1 3 4 30 28 0 6 16 33 14 4 6 3 7 4 36 22 Baltimore ................Thursday: January 6, February 10 202 244 104 159 168 53 94 373 374 220 Norfolk ...................Thursday: January 6, February 10 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: January 5, February 9 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 1 5 11 20 0 3 9 6 7 2 3 4 7 1 11 13 2 0 5 2 5 11 17 0 4 7 12 11 3 3 3 6 2 19 9 2 0 1 0 0 5 9 0 1 3 4 3 0 0 2 0 0 3 3 0 0 3 1 4 10 16 1 4 7 7 7 2 1 1 10 2 10 10 1 0 4 2 2 6 11 0 4 7 5 15 1 0 2 7 3 11 6 2 0 1 0 0 2 2 0 2 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 5 6 0 2 4 2 7 0 0 2 4 0 6 4 0 0 5 0 8 16 36 0 6 13 16 10 5 3 4 11 0 16 12 1 0 6 4 9 21 38 0 7 14 26 12 5 5 3 10 2 30 17 0 0 1 1 1 15 16 0 2 9 12 5 1 0 1 1 2 8 10 106 121 36 96 87 18 43 161 210 85 1 0 1 0 14 12 19 0 2 11 18 7 3 3 2 13 1 11 24 0 0 0 2 4 2 15 0 2 5 4 9 1 4 1 5 0 6 7 0 0 1 1 0 3 4 0 0 2 3 4 0 0 2 0 0 6 3 0 0 2 0 9 10 19 0 1 3 13 7 0 3 1 13 1 8 18 0 0 0 2 5 0 13 0 2 3 6 7 2 0 2 2 0 6 11 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 1 0 3 7 7 0 2 1 6 1 0 1 3 6 0 7 9 1 0 5 2 12 25 28 0 8 21 28 14 4 4 3 31 2 31 30 0 0 1 2 6 7 26 0 3 11 11 15 1 6 1 9 2 12 12 0 0 1 1 1 4 7 0 1 3 8 8 1 0 3 3 0 9 8 142 67 29 108 61 11 54 249 125 58 0 0 0 0 6 3 4 1 0 3 4 0 0 0 1 3 0 2 2 0 0 3 2 5 11 14 0 5 5 30 11 0 17 5 10 0 19 9 5 4 1 1 5 12 17 0 3 12 23 9 1 16 1 9 4 25 21 0 0 0 0 2 2 4 0 1 0 5 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 4 3 4 3 9 0 5 4 12 8 0 14 1 6 0 15 6 0 3 1 1 3 4 9 0 0 1 2 3 0 16 2 3 2 13 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 5 4 1 0 7 7 0 0 0 2 8 0 11 3 2 3 3 3 11 29 31 1 12 14 64 14 0 14 11 17 1 31 13 11 4 6 0 6 40 42 1 4 26 67 24 4 34 1 20 2 30 30 29 146 169 18 94 72 0 57 274 352 479 578 338 381 410 154 191 840 983 715 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Piney Point .............Monday: January 3, February 7 0 0 3 1 5 25 29 1 9 14 27 15 1 0 3 15 0 28 26 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs Boston.....................Friday: January 7, February 11 Duluth .....................Wednesday: January 12, February 16 Guam ......................Thursday: January 20, February 24 Honolulu .................Friday: January 14, February 18 Houston ..................Monday: January 10, February 14 Jacksonville ............Thursday: January 6, February 10 Joliet .......................Thursday: January 13, February 17 Mobile ....................Wednesday: January 12, February 16 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: January 11, February 15 New York................Tuesday: January 4, February 8 Port Everglades.......Thursday: January 13, February 17 San Francisco .........Thursday: January 13, February 17 San Juan..................Thursday: January 6, February 10 St. Louis..................Friday: January 14, February 18 Tacoma ...................Friday: January 21, February 25 Wilmington ...............Tuesday: January 18*, February 22* .................................*(changes created by Martin Luther King holiday .............................................and Presidents Day) ............................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals RANDY WURR Please contact your father, Duane Wurr, at (360) 697-2491 concerning a matter of great importance. S ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2004 Seafarers LOG 15 �25834_P1.7-9.11-14.16-18.20-23.qxd 11/23/2004 Seafarers International Union Directory 9:03 PM Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report OCTOBER 16 — NOVEMBER 15, 2004 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 5 6 3 7 15 1 3 2 42 3 1 0 3 2 1 2 4 16 0 6 8 8 2 1 1 2 28 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 3 4 0 4 0 1 2 4 18 0 5 10 2 2 1 1 2 23 1 3 2 3 1 0 0 0 10 2 37 11 13 37 5 3 12 120 0 7 3 5 8 1 0 6 30 0 29 1 22 0 0 2 0 54 0 1 3 0 1 1 1 1 8 0 9 5 5 16 3 2 14 54 1 1 3 2 2 0 0 3 12 0 18 1 19 0 1 1 2 42 0 3 1 0 3 1 0 0 8 1 9 3 4 13 3 0 3 36 0 5 3 2 11 0 1 2 24 0 19 2 12 0 2 1 1 37 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 6 2 4 4 3 0 3 25 1 0 4 0 1 1 0 0 7 0 4 8 6 0 1 4 2 25 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 3 11 5 4 12 0 3 3 41 4 10 3 5 1 2 0 1 26 0 3 4 1 1 1 0 0 10 0 0 8 2 0 0 6 2 18 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 2 1 1 1 2 0 3 4 0 1 2 0 3 0 0 1 7 0 1 5 6 1 3 0 2 18 Port 0 5 6 2 7 1 1 4 26 0 2 1 2 4 0 0 2 11 0 3 7 1 1 3 0 1 16 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 78 30 71 93 39 57 26 210 66 133 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photocopied pictures were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Michael L. Molinari of Brooklyn, N.Y. Molinari joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served for two years as a gunner in the Armed Guard aboard U.S. merchant ships. His first trip was to Murmansk, Russia aboard the Andrew Carnegie, a voyage during which three other ships in his convoy were lost and he, himself, was wounded. (U.S. and British ships, including the Carnegie, were delivering war materiel to that North Russian port.) His second ship was the Esso Philadelphia (shown at top right), which carried oil from Trinidad to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Just off the coast of Africa, the ship ran into a terrible hurricane, during which time its motor stopped working. Thanks to the work of the first engineer, it managed to limp back to the U.S. Molinari, who is now retired, lives in Brooklyn with his wife Lena. They have seven children and five grandchildren. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. At left is Michael Molinari when he was in the U.S. Navy’s Armed Guard. At right, Molinari (wearing his Armed Guard logo on his jacket) talks about World War II to students at a local school. December 2004 �25834_P1.7-9.11-14.16-18.20-23.qxd 11/24/2004 2:27 AM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA PATRICIA BALLANCE, 65, was born in Covington, La. and began her SIU career in 1989. Sister Ballance first shipped aboard the SS Independence in the steward department. She enhanced her skills on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, Sister Ballance sailed on the LNG Aries. She lives in her native state. BENJAMIN CRUZ, 72, joined the SIU in 1993 in the port of Honolulu. Brother Cruz first went to sea on the SS Independence. He worked in the steward department and upgraded his skills at the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Cruz most recently worked aboard the Innovator. Born in the Philippines, he now resides in Long Beach, Calif. CHARLES DAHLHAUS, 67, became a member of the SIU in 1961 in New Orleans after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Dahlhaus first went to sea on the Steel Worker. He was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Dahlhaus, who was born in New York, shipped in the engine department. He last sailed on the Overseas Chicago. Brother Dahlhaus currently lives in Japan. AMADO ESCOBAL JR., 65, started his SIU career in 1968 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Escobal first sailed on the Cosmos Mariner in the steward department. His most recent voyage was aboard the President Kennedy. Brother Escobal was born in the Philippines and continues to live there. ISADORE GREENBERG, 66, joined the ranks of the SIU in 1979 in New Orleans. Brother Greenberg was born in Camden, N.J. and first went to sea on the Cove Sailor. He was a member of the engine department and upgraded his skills on numerous occasions in Piney Point, Md. Brother Greenberg last sailed aboard the USNS Algol. He is a resident of New Orleans, La. LARRY HARRIS, 56, began his seafaring career in 1977 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Harris was born in California and is a veteran of the U.S. Army. His December 2004 first vessel was the Mayaquez. Brother Harris worked in the engine department and upgraded his skills in 1994 at the Paul Hall Center. He calls Concord, Calif. home. PEDRO LABOY, 65, was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Laboy joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of New York, first sailing aboard the Detroit. He worked in the steward department and enhanced his skills on two occasions at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His most rececent trip to sea was aboard the Horizon Producer. Brother Laboy is a resident of Ponce, P.R. MARILYN SANTOS, 64, started her seafaring career in 1989 in Honolulu. Sister Santos worked primarily aboard the SS Independence as a member of the steward department. She was born in Waimanalo Oahu, Hawaii and currently lives in Kaneohe, Hawaii. RUDY WATTIMENA, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1994 in the port of Wilmington, Calif., first sailing aboard the SS Independence. Brother Wattimena was born in Indonesia and worked as a member of the steward department. He enhanced his skills in 2001 at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Wattimena’s most recent voyage was on the USNS Denebola. He is a resident of Dover, N.H. JAMES WEISMORE, 68, started sailing with the SIU in 1990 in Piney Point, Md. after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Weismore first sailed aboard the PFC William Baugh. Born in New York, he worked in the engine department. Brother Weismore upgraded his skills on many occasions at the Paul Hall Center. He last went to sea on the LNG Virgo and makes his home in Minersville, Pa. IRA WHITE, 64, embarked on his seafaring career in 1965 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother White was born in Florida and first shipped on the Manhattan as a member of the engine department. He lives in his native state. INLAND ROY DENT, 61, hails from Arkansas. Boatman Dent started his seafaring career in 1970 in the port of St. Louis. He shipped as a member of the deck department, last sailing on a Southern Ohio Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Dent makes his home in Lilbourn, Mo. GEORGE ESPONGE, 68, began his SIU career in 1984 in the port of Houston. Boatman Esponge shipped primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Towing and Transportation. He worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills a number of times at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Esponge was born in Golden Meadow, La. and currently resides in Galveston, Texas. CLARENCE JENNETTE JR., 61, joined the SIU in 1976 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Jennette worked primarily on Maritrans vessels. The U.S. Air Force veteran was born in North Carolina and shipped in the steward department. Boatman Jennette enhanced his skills in 2001 at the Piney Point, Md. training school. He calls Beverly Hills, Fla. home. TARLTON LANGELE, 64, launched his seafaring career in 1971 in the port of Mobile. Born in Alabama, the deck department member last sailed aboard the Crescent Mobile. He lives in his native state. DRAGI ODAK, 64, started his career with the SIU in 1984 in Wilmington, Calif. Born in Yugoslavia, the deck department member worked primarily on Crowley Towing and Transportation vessels. Boatman Odak is a resident of San Pedro, Calif. JAMES WHITE JR., 61, embarked on his seafaring career in 1968 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in North Carolina, Boatman White shipped in the engine department and upgraded his skills in 1998 and again in 2000 at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He calls Tyner, N.C. home. 1987. Brother Best was born in Guyana, South America and shipped in the deck department. Prior to retiring, Brother Best worked on the Cape Domingo. FITZ FLEMMING, 87, joined the NMU in 1940, sailing from the port of Boston. Brother Flemming, who hails from Barbados, was a member of the steward department. His most recent voyage was aboard a Lykes Brothers vessel. RAMON GONZALEZ, 62, launched his career with the NMU in 1965. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Gonzalez first sailed in the engine department aboard the SS Constitution. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension and Trust, recently went on pension. LEON HARRIS, 58, joined the NMU in 1964. A native of Wilmington, N.C., Brother Harris first sailed aboard the SS Atlantic. The steward department member last went to sea on the Lyra. JAMES ABBINGTON, 65, was born in Oakdale, La. Brother Abbington joined the NMU in 1969, sailing from Port Arthur, Texas. His first ship was the Gulf Pride. In addition to the foregoing individuals, the following NMU brothers went on pension effective the date indicated. WAVELL BEST, 63, began his seafaring career with the NMU in Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. Certified by the NLRB as collective bargaining agent for nine Cities Service Oil Company tankers, the SIU immediately called upon the company to enter negotiations for a contract covering the company’s unlicensed personnel. The contract will culminate two years of effort by the SIU to obtain union wages, conditions and security for Cities Service seamen. The company began firing crew members by the shipload at the end of each voyage as the election drew near, but the replacements hired recognized the need for union representation and voted for the SIU. The company’s attitude was scored by the NLRB: “… it ill behooves the employer to file objections stemming principally from its own recalcitrance.” With anti-U.S.-flag merchant marine interests stepping up their efforts to weaken and destroy the Jones Act, the SIU has called for vigilance in pre- Name Age EDP Berry, Jack 65 Nov. 1 Boza, Marcus 64 Nov. 1 Hus, Joseph 68 Aug. 1 Reyes, Alonzo 67 Sept. 1 Woolfork, Norman 72 April 1 serving the law that restricts domestic shipping to vessels of American registry. Government agencies and members of Congress are being increasingly peppered with requests from various interests seeking waivers of the Jones Act that would permit them to bring foreign-flag ships into domestic operations. Since the sharpening of the energy crisis over the past few months, requests for Jones Act waivers have been based on the deception that the fuel situation would be eased by permitting foreign-flag fuel carriers to operate between U.S. ports. Seafarers are answering their nation’s call to duty again as they crew vessels headed to the East African nation of Somalia. At the request of the United Nations, U.S. military forces are leading an international effort to bring food and peace to the war-ravaged nation. Two years of civil war as well as many more years of famine and drought have caused an estimated 600,000 people to die. As of Dec. 24, a total of 17 SIU-crewed vessels were involved in the relief effort. Seafarers LOG 17 �25834_P1.7-9.11-14.16-18.20-23.qxd 11/23/2004 11:43 PM Page 18 Final Departures worked in the deck department. Brother Kane was born in New York and resided in Spring Hill, Fla. The U.S. Army veteran began receiving DEEP SEA CHARLES BAILEY SR. Pensioner Charles Bailey Sr., 93, passed away August 30. Brother Bailey joined the SIU in 1946 in New York. He was born in Barbados and worked in the deck department. Before retiring in 1973, Brother Bailey sailed on the Steel Traveler. He made his home in Mobile, Ala. JOHN BENNIFIELD Brother John Bennifield, 49, died Sept. 17. He was born in Philadelphia and began his seafaring career in 1977 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Bennifield’s first ship was the Overseas Alice. The engine department member most recently sailed on the El Yunque. Brother Bennifield called Jacksonville, Fla. home. FELIX BONEFONT Pensioner Felix Bonefont, 97, passed away July 21. Brother Bonefont was a charter member of the union, having joined the SIU in 1939 in New York. He was born in Puerto Rico and worked in the deck department. Brother Bonefont began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1972. He was a resident of New York. CLOYDE DICKEY Pensioner Cloyde Dickey, 82, died Sept. 17. Brother Dickey launched his career with the SIU in 1953 in Houston. Born in Alabama, he shipped as a member of the deck department. Brother Dickey lived in Bessemer, Ala. and went on pension in 1981. DWAYNE GORDON Brother Dwayne Gordon, 35, passed away August 25. Born in Florida, he joined the ranks of the SIU in 1991 in Piney Point, Md. His first ship was the Cape Edmont. Brother Gordon worked in the deck department, most recently aboard the SeaLand Express. He resided in Jacksonville, Fla. FREDERICK GOSSE Pensioner Frederick Gosse, 84, died August 27. Born in Newfoundland, Canada, Brother Gosse launched his seafaring career in 1947 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The deck department member first shipped on the Fair Hope, a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Prior to retiring in 1983, Brother Gosse sailed aboard the Sea-Land Long Beach. He called San Francisco, Calif. home. JOHN KANE Pensioner John Kane, 77, passed away Sept. 25. Brother Kane joined the SIU in 1952 in New York. He 18 Seafarers LOG his pension in 1992. WALTER MATTHEWS Pensioner Walter Matthews, 76, died August 8. Brother Matthews embarked on his seafaring career in 1948 in Savannah, Ga. He was born in Perry, Fla. Brother Matthews worked in the deck department, most recently aboard the Horizon Producer. He was a resident of his native state and started collecting his pension in 1982. PERICLES RENGEPIS Pensioner Pericles Rengepis, 72, died August 13. Brother Rengepis joined the SIU in 1968 in New York. His initial voyage was on the Amicus, were he worked in the steward department. Brother Rengepis was born in Pennsylvania and last sailed on the Baltimore. He made his home in Greece and began receiving his pension in 1996. JUAN ROSARIO Brother Juan Rosario, 62, passed away June 6. He started sailing with the SIU in 1970 in New York. Brother Rosario’s first ship was the Arizpa; his last was the Horizon Producer. The steward department member was born in Fajardo, P.R. and lived in Santurce P.R. SOU SHEK Brother Lowell Miller, 50, passed away June 1. He began his SIU career in 1978 in Piney Point, Md. Born in New York, Brother Miller’s first vessel was the Monticello; his last was the USNS Stalwart. He worked in the engine department and resided in Fort Myers, Fla. Pensioner Sou Shek, 91, died April 21. Brother Shek was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He joined the SIU in 1951 in New York. Brother Shek worked in the steward department, first sailing aboard the Steel Architect. His last vessel was the Sea-Land Gallaway. Born in China, Brother Shek resided in Brooklyn, N.Y. He went on pension in 1977. OLIVER MYERS FRED UMHOLTZ Pensioner Oliver Myers, 81, died Sept. 26. Brother Myers launched his seafaring career in 1958 in Baltimore. The U.S. Navy veteran initially went to sea aboard the Chilore. Brother Myers, who was born in Lynchburg, Va., made his home in New Haven, Conn. He went on pension in 1987. Brother Myers was a member of the engine department and last went to sea aboard the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus. Pensioner Fred Umholtz, 76, passed away May 20. Brother Umholtz became a Seafarer in 1947 in New Orleans. The U.S. Army veteran was a native of Arkansas. Brother Umholtz sailed in the deck department, first aboard the Genevieve Peterkin, a Bloomfield Steamship Co. vessel. His last trip was aboard the Archon. Brother Umholtz called Springdale, Ark. home. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1986. LOWELL MILLER LEONARD NIXON Pensioner Leonard Nixon, 77, passed away August 17. Brother Nixon joined the SIU in 1952 in Houston after serving in the U.S. Army. The engine department member’s first ship was the Cecil N. Bean. Before retiring in 1989, Brother Nixon shipped on the Overseas Marilyn. He was born in Somerville, Texas and resided in League City, Texas. DANILO PEDROSO Brother Danilo Pedroso, 52, died June 20. He began his seafaring career in 1999 in St. Louis. Brother Pedroso first sailed aboard the USNS Able. Born in the Philippines, the deck department last shipped on the Captain Steven L. Bennett. He lived in Illinois. CARROLL QUINNT Pensioner Carroll Quinnt, 83, passed away June 5. Brother Quinnt joined the SIU in 1940 in the port of Baltimore. The deck department member’s last vessel was the Santa Juan. Brother Quinnt went on pension in 1982. Born in Baltimore, he called Reno, Nev. home. VINCENT VANZENELLA Pensioner Vincent Vanzenella, 81, died April 6. Brother Vanzenella launched his seafaring career in 1959 in New York after serving in the U.S. Navy. He sailed in the deck department in both the deep sea and inland divisions. Prior to retiring in 1991, Brother Vanzenella worked aboard the Overseas Vivian. He made his home in Pinole, Calif. DONALD VILLAFLOR Pensioner Donald Villaflor, 86, passed away Sept. 20. Brother Villaflor began his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1956. He shipped primarily on American President Lines vessels during his career, including the President Johnson and the President Pierce. Brother Villaflor was born in Honolulu and lived in Seattle, Wash. WALTER WINSTON Pensioner Walter Winston, 79, died June 6. Brother Winston joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of San Francisco. He was born in Alabama and first sailed on the Cosmos Mariner. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Brother Winston worked in the steward department. His final voyage was aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Winston went on pension in 1990. He made his home in Michigan. INLAND RICHARD RAFFERTY Boatman Richard Rafferty, 59, died Sept. 10. He was born in Darby, Pa. and started his seafaring career in 1962 in Philadelphia. Boatman Rafferty worked in the deck department. He was a resident of Philadelphia. CHARLES SABATIER Pensioner Charles Sabatier, 85, passed away May 18. Boatman Sabatier joined the SIU in 1960 in the port of Houston. Born in Galveston, Texas, he was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Boatman Sabatier retired in 1984 and made his home in Texas. GREAT LAKES THOMAS MacVICAR Pensioner Thomas MacVicar, 84, died Sept. 12. Brother MacVicar started sailing with the SIU in 1970 in the port of Algonac, Mich. after serving in the U.S. Army. Born in Nova Scotia, he initially shipped on the John P. Reiss in the deck department. Brother MacVicar last sailed on the Kinsman Independent. He made his home in New York and began receiving retirement stipends in 1984. MANUEL SIGLER Pensioner Manuel Sigler, 77, passed away April 12. Brother Sigler was born in Indiana and joined the Seafarers in 1952 in New York. A U.S. Navy veteran, he worked in the deck department. He was a resident of Indianapolis, Ind. and started collecting his pension in 1994. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. ROBERT ALONSO Pensioner Robert Alonso, 76, died October 18. Brother Alonso, who was born in Tampa, Fla., joined the NMU in 1946, initially sailing from the port of New Orleans. His first ship was the Alexander Ramsey. Prior to retiring in 1976, Brother Alonso worked on the Pure Oil. JOHN CONROY Pensioner John Conroy, 90, passed away Oct. 13. Brother Conroy became a member of the NMU in 1942 in San Pedro, Calif. Born in Uniontown, Pa., he first went to sea on the Carreta as a member of the engine department. Brother Conroy began receiving his pension in 1981. NICK ELLIS JR Pensioner Nick Ellis Jr., 85, died Oct. 12. Brother Ellis embarked on his seafaring career in 1947 in Baltimore, Md. His first vessel was the William E. Pendleton. Born in Scranton, Pa., Brother Ellis was a member of the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Texaco Rhode Island. Brother Ellis started collecting retirement stipends in 1984. FEDERICO GUZMAN Pensioner Federico Guzman, 79, passed away Oct. 11. Brother Guzman starting sailing with the NMU in 1961. He was born in San Juan, P.R. Brother Guzman first sailed aboard the America in the engine department. He last went to sea on the Texaco Montana. Brother Guzman began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1987. DELFIN INACIO Pensioner Delfin Inacio, 77, passed away Aug 17. Born in Portugal, Brother Inacio initially sailed from New York in 1966 aboard the United States. The steward department member last worked aboard the American Resolute. Brother Inacio started receiving retirement compensation in 1989. GEORGE JONES Pensioner George Jones, 83, died Sept. 19. Brother Jones joined the NMU in 1944 in Seattle and worked in the steward department. Born in Baton Rouge, La., Brother Jones last worked aboard the Shirley Lykes. He went on pension in 1974. JAMES MOON Pensioner James Moon, 81, died Oct. 16. Brother Moon launched his NMU career in 1957. His first ship was the Annapolis; his last was the Mariner. Brother Moon, who was born in Houston, went on pension in 1974. JOSE QUINTERO Pensioner Jose Quintero, 83, passed away Sept. 26. Brother Quintero joined the NMU in 1945. He initially went to sea on the Lake Charles Victory in the steward department. Brother Quintero’s last Continued on page 20 December 2004 �25834_P3.5.6.10.15.19.24.qxd 11/24/2004 1:35 AM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings (Seabulk Tankers), Sept. 24—Chairman Mario R. Romero, Secretary Luis A. Escobar, Educational Director James L. MacDaniel, Engine Delegate Bryan T. Fletcher, Steward Delegate Robert J. Johnson. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 26 in Long Beach, Calif. Secretary informed crew that contributing to SPAD is the best way to keep our union and maritime interests afloat. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He also advised them to start z-card renewal process early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent meals. Next port: Houston. (USSM), Sept. 17— Chairman Joseph J. Caruso, Secretary Randy A. Stephens, Educational Director Dimarko L. Shoulders, Engine Delegate Charles H. Kennedy, Steward Delegate Carlos E. Suazo. Chairman updated members on status of new washers and dryer for crew laundry on 03 level. He recognized Dayman Amat for completing his months of service on vessel. Secretary reported applications available for unlicensed crew members. Educational director encouraged crew to keep all documents current and to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Members reminded to vote in upcoming union elections and get absentee ballots if at sea during that time period. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman thanked all departments for job well done. Next port: Houston. (USSM), Sept. 16— Chairman Robert Pagan Jr., Secretary Roger D. Linasan, Educational Director Robert Mayer, Deck Delegate Ricardo M. Ribeiro, Engine Delegate Soo Ahn, Steward Delegate Abdulla N. Jinah. Chairman reminded those getting off ship to make sure room is clean and leave keys for next person. Secretary thanked everyone for excellent trip. Educational director talked about opportunities available at Piney Point for upgrading skills and income and urged crew to take advantage of them. Treasurer reported $382 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew asked to separate aerosol cans from other trash as safety pre- caution. Next ports: Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif. (Maersk Line), Sept. 19— Chairman Frank L. Thompson, Secretary Donna M. DeCesare, Educational Director Michael D. Murphy, Deck Delegate Bart H. Bridges, Engine Delegate Jeffrey E. Roddy, Steward Delegate Daniel L. Wehr. Chairman reported everything running smoothly. Secretary asked crew to return perishable items (such as mayonnaise) to refrigerator after each use. Educational director talked about national elections and asked everyone to vote with their conscience. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Inquiry made about progress of installing ship’s antenna. Crew was advised it was being worked on. Recommendation made to reduce retirement age, increase pension benefit and reduce sea time requirements for full pension. Vote of thanks given to steward department for exceptional food and salad bar. Next port: Charleston, S.C. (USS Transport), Sept. 29—Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, Educational Director Earl Olson, Deck Delegate Mark E. Pesola, Steward Delegate Elsayed T. Asmasha. Chairman spoke at length about importance of SPAD—“our voice in Congress.” He reminded crew to keep areas clean, respect others’ work and be quiet in passageways. He advised them to keep an eye on their document expiration dates and to upgrade at Piney Point whenever possible. Educational director reported ship’s library needs more shelves for books and movies. President’s report from August Seafarers LOG read and discussed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to Steward Jaime Castillo for his hard work and Steward Amasha for continuing to bake fresh biscuits, muffins, rolls, breads and cookies twice a day. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. (Osprey Ship Mgmt), Sept. 27—Chairman Michael S. Sinclair, Secretary Lolita A. Sanchez, Educational Director Mark W. Dumas, Deck Delegate Bruce E. Howell, Engine Delegate Joseph A. Yamson, Steward Delegate Cecil R. Husted. Chairman thanked steward department for job well done and acknowledged hard work being done in deck and engine departments. Educational director Bosun Chris Kicey (reading the Seafarers LOG), Steward Nancy Heyden and GSU Rene Caballero wait for the start of the union meeting on board the Overseas New York. advised all members to go to Paul Hall Center to enhance skills. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck delegate reported gangway phones not working. Engine delegate reported elevator out of service and awaiting parts. President’s report read and a vote of thanks given to SIU President Michael Sacco for all he does for the union. Concerns raised regarding new contract. Repairs or replacement suggested for lounge furniture and broken juicers in both galleys. Ship heading to Saudi Arabia and Singapore. (Maersk Line), Sept. 18—Chairman Luke F. Wells, Secretary Billy G. Gigante, Educational Director George W. Rose, Deck Delegate Joshua Mazsa, Steward Delegate Ali S. Hydera. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 19 in Newark, N.J. He thanked crew for safe and enjoyable trip and reminded everyone to keep all documents up to date and to vote in national and union elections. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew informed ship will stop in Italy this voyage, which would add 3 days to trip. (USSM), Sept. 17—Chairman Jimmie L. Scheck, Secretary Charles E. Curley, Educational Director Richard A. King, Steward Delegate Joel A. Molinos. Chairman announced payoff in Algeciras, Spain and thanked crew for nice trip with no problems. Secretary thanked deck department for helping keep house clean. Educational director talked about Piney Point facilities and courses available there and urged everyone to take advantage of the educational benefit. Treasurer stated $240 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to start getting movies. (Seabulk Tankers), Sept. 26—Chairman Bradley L. Seibel, Secretary Steven R. Wagner, Educational Director Candido Molina, Deck Delegate James M. Moore, Engine Delegate Alberto Gutierrez, Steward Delegate Samuel S. Johnson. Chairman announced payoff Sept. 28 in Lake Charles, La. He reported that U.S. Coast Guard inspection will take place while in port and reminded crew that gangway watches must make sure all visitors are signed in. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to lower age requirement for special early normal pension. Discussion held on health care benefits for retirees and spouses. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Lake Charles; Tampa, Fla. (Waterman Steamship), Oct. 10—Chairman Mark S. Downey, Secretary Ekow Doffoh, Educational Director Melvin L. Kerns, Deck Delegate Shane L. Mackey, Steward Delegate Alaa A. Embaby. Chairman announced U.S. Coast Guard inspection Oct. 11; all members should be present. Secretary thanked crew for wonderful trip and smooth sailing. Educational director advised members to continue to upgrade skills at Piney Point and contribute to SPAD for strong and efficient union. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Coaxial cable to be purchased and installed for better TV reception. Bosun praised steward department for wonderful job and good food. Next port: New Orleans, La. (Marine Transport), Oct. 3—Chairman Richard Wilson, Secretary December 2004 Dadang B. Rashidi, Educational Director Robinson A. Valenzuela, Deck Delegate Caesar N. Smith Jr., Steward Delegate Santiago Amaya. Secretary requested TV for crew mess hall and thanked crew members for smooth trip. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Educational director discussed coordinating upgrading courses with vacation time. (USSM), Oct. 3— Chairman Gerry A. Gianan, Secretary Jesse B. Natividad, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Carlos R. Bonilla, Engine Delegate Wade T. Rudolph, (Ocean Ships), Oct. 3—Chairman Bernardino R. Eda, Secretary James E. Lewis, Educational Director George H. Bixby Sr., Engine Delegate James R. Summers, Steward Delegate Darryl K. Goggins. Secretary reported crew needs new TV as well as receipt of DVS and VHS tapes. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made pertaining to overtime and pension plan. Next port: Key West, Fla. (Pronav), Oct. 10— Chairman Jack J. Cooper, Secretary John A. Palughi, Educational Director Endang Crew members give the “thumbs up” sign for a great trip and thank Chris Kicey (third from right) for all he has done as bosun on the Overseas New York. Kicey will be leaving the ship to join the crew of the Tonsina. Steward Delegate Thurman C. Johnson. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 4 upon arrival in Los Angeles, Calif. He thanked crew for keeping plastic items separate from trash and for helping keep ship clean. He asked that departing crew members leave clean linen for next person. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read president’s report from LOG pertaining to security and training drills. Vote of thanks given to galley gang for excellent job. (Horizon Lines), Oct. 10—Chairman Lance X. Zollner, Secretary Sherman W. Anderson, Educational Director Kevin T. McCagh, Deck Delegate Geraldine B. Carter, Engine Delegate George D. Tidwell, Steward Delegate Bienvenida C. Badillo. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 16 in Tacoma, Wash. Crew discussed importance of safety. Treasurer stated $1,402 in ship’s fund, to be used to purchase 3 refrigerators in Tacoma. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report from LOG posted on bulletin board. Suggestion made regarding additional vacation pay. (USSM), Oct. 10— Chairman Stephen R. Kastel, Secretary James D. Morgan, Educational Director Christopher L. Earhart, Steward Delegate Mostafa Loumrhari. Chairman announced payoff Oct. 12 in Los Angeles. He thanked riding gang and deck department for keeping ship looking good. Educational director advised Seafarers to check all documents for expiration dates and allow ample time for renewal process. He also encouraged them to upgrade skills whenever possible at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Announcement made that new washer has been installed and that port agent would bring absentee ballot instructions on board for those needing them. Crew wished good luck to those getting off. Abidin. Chairman led discussion on shipping with Pronav. Secretary requested clarification regarding severance pay, crew e-mail, shipping rules and vacation. Treasurer stated $548 in ship’s fund with $500 more due from company for safe third quarter. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to increase pension benefits. (Maersk Line), Oct. 3—Chairman Carlos M. Soto, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Randy D. Clark, Deck Delegate Lenard Ilagan, Engine Delegate Sjamsidar Madjidji, Steward Delegate Radfan A. Almaklani. Chairman reported ship diverted to nearest port (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) during trip for sick crewman. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep ship safe and clean. Educational director advised members to allow at least six months for renewal of MMDs. Treasurer stated $1,200 in ship’s fund, after purchasing $368 of DVDs for video library. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks were given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Newark, N.J. (Sulphur Carriers), Oct. 3— Chairman Thames H. Solomon, Secretary Nee Tran, Educational Director Antenor O. Linares, Deck Delegate Tibby L. Clotter. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep crew mess and TV lounge neat, with special thanks to chief cook for keeping galley clean and organized. Educational director recommended all members enhance skills in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. President’s report from September Seafarers LOG read and discussed. Requests made for satellite TV, additional washer in crew laundry room and refrigerators in all rooms. Suggestions made to provide better medical, dental and pension plans. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Tampa, Fla.; Galveston, Texas. Seafarers LOG 19 �25834_P1.7-9.11-14.16-18.20-23.qxd 11/24/2004 2:03 AM Page 20 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.) M To those who knew Maj. Ken Conklin, on Sept. 21, 2004 my father passed on to his “new duty station.” For those of you who were touched by his life, I hope you remember him like the Marine Corps mascot: the bulldog! A big bark, but once you knew him, no bite and very loyal. Our family mourns at his passing, but we rejoice to all that he touched in a positive way. Thank you and love to all. “Semper Fi.” Kevin Conklin Aboard ship Editor’s note: Kevin Conklin is an active SIU member. Ken Conklin founded the trainee program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. His obituary was published in last month’s LOG and also is available at www.seafarers.org in World War II. Our record shows 866 ships lost from enemy action, 31 ships disappeared without a trace, and one of every 29 men killed from enemy action. The Battle of the Atlantic was won with heavy losses by our U.S. Merchant Marine, keeping England and Russia supplied with arms, giving us time to build up our armed forces. In 1942, 400 U.S. merchant ships were sunk on the Eastern seaboard by German submarines. Our life at sea then was we slept with our clothes on and one eye open, holding our lifejackets. If our merchant marine had failed in the Battle of the Atlantic, our congress now would speak German. Our merchant marine H i W Our president proclaimed Maritime Day May 22…. The U.S. Merchant Marine was the only all-volunteer service Continued from page 18 voyage was aboard the Thompson Lykes. He was born in Puerto Rico and began collecting his pension in 1985. JAMES WESTBERRY Pensioner James Westberry, 95, died Oct. 15. Brother Westberry joined the NMU in 1937, first sailing from New York. Born in Georgia, his last voyage was on board the American Resolute. Brother Westberry started receiving his retirement stipends in 1968. Pensioner Everett Williams, 88, passed away Sept. 9. Brother Williams began his seafaring career in 1949, initially shipping aboard the Chiriqui. Born in New Orleans, he began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1970. In order to help 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 Peter Salvo Clarion, Pa. O T I would like our union brothers and sisters worldwide to know about turmeric, a curry spice that has killed cancer cells in laboratory tests. I use it regularly and I’m convinced it helped my mother live to 102 years, cancer-free. I retired from the NMU in August 1967 after sailing AB/ bosun. Please let everybody know about the power of turmeric. Brother Marie C. Durand Lydia, La. DHOYEN WOO Final Departures EVERETT WILLIAMS Maj. Ken Conklin never defaulted. We now have only a small group of survivors living in Pennsylvania, but we’re still waiting for our World War II $500 state bonus. Pensioner Dhoyen Woo, 77, died Oct. 7. Brother Dhoyen, who was born in Hawaii, became a member of the NMU in 1947. He originally sailed on the Santa Paula. Prior to retiring in 1993, Brother Dhoyen worked aboard the Leslie Lykes. HAZEL ZUCKERMAN Pensioner Hazel Zuckerman, 94, passed away Oct. 7. Sister Zuckerman joined the ranks of the NMU in New York, first sailing on the Argentina in the steward department. She was one of the first women to work on American freighters. Sister Zuckerman’s final voyage was aboard the Texaco Connecticut. She went on pension in 1976. In addition to the foregoing individuals, a number of other NMU brothers and sisters, all of whom were pensioners, passed away. They will be listed in next month’s Seafarers LOG. 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 or e-mail corrections to kclements@seafarers.org HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone No.: ________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ Active SIU Pensioner Book No.: ________________ 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. 20 Seafarers LOG 12/04 Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. December 2004 �25834_P1.7-9.11-14.16-18.20-23.qxd 11/23/2004 11:51 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Safety Specialty Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. for the first two months of 2005. 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. Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 24 February 18 Lifeboatman/Water Survival January 10 January 21 Radar January 31 February 11 Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman (STOS) (Phase III training) February 14 February 25 Date of Course Date Completion Government Vessels (Phase III training) January 24 January 28 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 14 February 25 January 24 January 28 (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start The January edition of the Seafarers LOG will contain a complete guide of all the upgrading courses available to Seafarers in the year 2005. Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason—that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week, most Upgrade . . . recently beginning Nov. 29, 2004. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion FOWT January 10 March 4 QMED - Jr. Engineer January 10 April 1 Welding January 17 February 4 . . . at the Paul Hall Center UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ 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 OL, AB and JE applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No 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? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ December 2004 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 12/04 Seafarers LOG 21 �25834_P1.7-9.11-14.16-18.20-23.qxd 11/24/2004 12:38 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Able Seaman— Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Oct. 22 are (in alphabetical order) Michael Copple, Joseph Dupre, Bradley Flowers, Raymond Hotchkiss, Joshua Kirk, Kevin Koch, Tina Lester, Donivan McCants, Michael Merrell, Willie Myrick, George Peters, Steven Richards, Oscar Swangin and Michael Widmark. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 655 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 655 (in alphabetical order) Saif Ali, Richard Avila, ThiaCaron Banks, Audania Bomar, Kevin Craigie, Timothy Cullen, Barney George, Lionel Hall, Mark Keblis, Joshua Lampke, Frank Lewis, Samantha Murphy, Richard Murray II, Robert Oliveto, Hector Ortiz, Javier Ortiz, Miles Partridge, Brian Peters, Jerome Prince, Wayne Reed, Perry Schroff, Steben Torres, Teresa Ward, Evan Werner, Kenneth Williams and William Wilson. Their commandant, Tom Gilliland, is at far right. Welding — Graduation certificates for completion of the welding course were given Oct. 22 to (in alphabetical order) Richard Brown, Lester Harris, Valerii Lazarov, William McLaughlin, Richard Schlumm, Elaine Watts and Loren Wolfe. (Note: not all are pictured). Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is third from right. Culinary Training — NCL America training includes working in the galley. Pictured here are cooks (back row, from left) Edgardo Manahan, Jerrick Guerrero, Francisco Valdez, Andy Gutierrez, Jake Palacios, Willy Duenas, (front row) Rommel Valdez, Antonio Archibald, Natalie Grimalde, Julian Perez and Edgar Malaga. Left: Showing off their certificates of achievement for completion of several computer programs are (seated from left) Rasaura Carson, Val Custis (standing) Rudy Harjanto, Instructor Rick Prucha and Steven Kuithe. Right: Dante Dizon (seated left) and Ed Cherry display their certificates while their instructor, Rick Prucha, looks on. Left: Instructor Rick Prucha also congratulated steward department members Julio Marcone and Loicy Jones for their accomplishments in the computer lab. Right: Other recent graduates of computer classes are (seated from left) Velicia Williams, Andres Cruz, William Zobel, (standing) Prucha, Bruce Placido, Bruce Zarobell and Ryan Burrows. 22 Seafarers LOG December 2004 �25834_P1.7-9.11-14.16-18.20-23.qxd 11/24/2004 1:03 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Completing this course Oct. 15 are (in no specific order) Kenneth Casteel, Brian Goodman, Sajid Foster, Jamal Ricks, Harry Smith, Ernie Smith, Daniel Gaffney, Annie Waker, Emma Porter, Greg ory LaRiviere, William Brinson, John Tullier, Kyle Pillsworth, Sigfrid Mayer, David Kelch, George Jenkins and Paul Gomez. (Note: not all are pictured.) Their instructor, John Cronan, is at far left. Specially Trained OS — Receiving their STOS certificates of completion Oct. 15 from instructor Tony Sevilla (second from left) are (in no particular order) Alexander Matthew, Vasile Daogaru, Steven Kuithe, Robert Cullifer, Brian Robison, Robert Starr, Josh Wilson, John Villarta, Phillip Stephens, Ryan Burrows, Rudy Jarjanto, Val Custis and David Morales. Basic Safety Training Classes Lifeboatman/ Water Survival — With instructor Tony Sevilla (standing right) are graduates (clockwise from left front) Tara Chand, David Lassiter, Nicole Arevalo, David Moore, Christopher Halk, Gde Fedora, Brittany Lewis, Alfredo Benitez, Devon Reed and Becky Cahal. STCW — Oct. 22: Murray Carter, Andreas Daneville, Jeremy Daniuk, Cody Espaniola, Jesse Fowler, Henry Gamponia, Ryan Harris, Bret Marks, Malachi Rayfield, Christopher Sherlock, Stacey Shipman, Donald Simpson, Terence Snell, Jean Stewart, Sarah Tanner, William Turner and Bergan Wieler. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Oct. 22 graduates of the lifeboatman/water survival class include NCL crew members (front row, from left) Katharine Staskauskas, Ashley Shepherd, Susan Mason, (second row) Patrick Kelley, Antonio Dayrit, Johnathan Partridge, Ralph Johns Jr., Natalie Lopez and Armenio Prangan. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — Earning their lifeboatman/water survival endorsements Oct. 22 are NCL crew members (standing, from left) Mark Pollak, Benjamin Delrosario, Richard Champion, Lehneer Capenia, (seated) Jonathan Ramirez, Angel Martinez, Delvin Tyree, Tomas Ramirez, Shannon Athow, Sharon Ross, Henry Gamponia, Yen Dunton, Javier Sterling, Dennis Neptune, James Reed, Rebekah Torkelson and Laurencio Roco. Small Arms — Oct. 22 was graduation day for those in the small arms training class. They are (in alphabetical order) Carlo Balajadia, Zsuzsanna Balla, Laura Edwards, Daniel Fields, Paula Gomez, Shantay Joquin, David Kelch, Sigfrid Mayer, Lonnie Myers, Jonathan Nielsen, Jamal Ricks, Douglas Shores and Joshua Wilson. Their instructor, Robbie Springer, is at far left. December 2004 Tankerman (PIC) Barge — With instructor Herb Walling (far left) are Oct. 8 graduates of the tankerman (PIC) barge course. From the left are Walling, Craig Hammer, James Kasha, Kirk Pegan, Richard Slater, Karl Mayhew, Douglas Carson and Walter Malia. Seafarers LOG 23 �25834_P3.5.6.10.15.19.24.qxd 11/24/2004 5:58 PM Page 24 Volume 66, Number 12 A December 2004 Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan and Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan — Page 14 — The ABCs of FOCs i The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF)— through its affiliated seafarers and dockers unions (including the SIU)—for some 50 years has waged a vigorous campaign against shipowners who abandon the flags of their own countries to engage in runaway flag or socalled flag-of-convenience shipping. Those who resort to such practices—flying flags of convenience (FOCs)—often do so purely for economic considerations and have little or no regard for the mariners who work aboard their vessels. An FOC ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than the country of its ownership. FOCs provide a means of avoiding labor regulations in their countries of ownership, and become vehicles for paying low wages and forcing long hours of work and unsafe working conditions. Since FOC ships have no real nationality, they are beyond the reach of any single national seafarers’ trade union. The ITF, however, is unique in this regard because it has a powerful influence on the wages as well as working conditions of seafarers who work on these vessels. The history of flags of convenience dates back centuries, but it was not until after World War II that the desire and need to be competitive in the world shipping markets gave rise to the growth in the use of such flags. The growth in open registry almost doubled over the years following World War II and today accounts for more than 54 percent of world shipping. Therefore, the ITF has taken on the international role that traditionally is exercised by national trade unions: to organize ITF inspectors met in Piney Point, Md. earlier this year to map out strategies advancing the federation’s campaign against runaway-flag shipping. and negotiate on behalf of FOC crews. In defining an FOC, the ITF takes as its most decisive factor whether or not the nationality of the shipowner is the same as the nationality of the flag the vessel flies. In 1974 the ITF stated the following about FOCs: “Where beneficial ownership and control of a vessel is found to lie elsewhere than in the country of the flag the vessel is flying, the vessel is considered as sailing under a flag of convenience.” The ITF campaign against flags of convenience, which formally was launched at the 1948 World Congress in Oslo, Norway, has two elements: A political campaign designed to establish a genuine link between the flag a ship flies and the nationality or residence of its owners, managers and seafarers by international governmental agreement; and An industrial campaign designed to ensure that seafarers who serve on flag of convenience ships, whatever their nationality, are protected from exploitation by ship owners. Although the political campaign to date has not succeeded in preventing growth in ships using FOC registers, the industrial campaign has been successful in enforcing decent minimum wages and conditions on board nearly 5,000 FOC ships. In addition, the ITF has become the standardbearer for exploited and mistreated seafarers throughout the world, regardless of nationality or trade union membership. During the past 50 years, the ITF’s maritime affiliates have ITF Names 28 So-Called Flags of Convenience Cut-rate registration fees, low or no taxes and freedom to employ cheap labor typically are the motivating factors behind a shipowner’s decision to flag out. When declaring a register an FOC, the ITF takes into consideration the degree to which foreignowned vessels are registered and fly the country’s flag. The following additional criteria also are taken into account: The ability and willingness of the flag state to enforce international minimum social standards on its vessels, including respect for basic human and trade union rights, freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining with bona fide trade unions. The social record as determined by the degree of ratification and enforcement of ILO Conventions and Recommendations. The safety and environmental record as revealed by the ratification and enforcement of IMO Conventions and revealed by port state control inspections, deficiencies and detentions. Based on these parameters, the following 28 countries have been declared FOCs by the ITF’s Fair Practices Committee (a joint committee of ITF seafarers’ and dockers’ unions), which runs the ITF campaign against FOCs: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda (UK), Bolivia, Burma, Cambodia, Cayman Islands, Comoros, Cyprus, Equatorial Guinea, Sri Lanka, German International Ship Register (GIS), Gibraltar (UK), Honduras, Jamaica, Lebanon, Liberia, Malta, Marshall Islands (USA), Mauritius, Mongolia, Netherlands Antilles, Panama, Sao Tome and Príncipe, St Vincent, Tonga and Vanuatu. In the ITF’s view, a “genuine link” should exist between a vessel’s real owner and the flag it flies. This position is in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). No such link exists in the case of FOC registries listed above. Some of these registers have poor safety and training standards, and place no restriction on the nationality of the crew. Sometimes, because of language differences, seafarers can’t communicate effectively with each other, putting safety and the efficient operation of the ship at risk. In many cases these flags are not even run from the country concerned. Once a ship is registered under an FOC, many shipowners then recruit the cheapest labor they can find, pay minimal wages and cut costs by lowering standards of living and working conditions for the crew. In a well-publicized incident that reaffirmed the danger of runaway flags, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft bought a first officer’s certificate (above) and sea book issued by the Republic of Panama in 2001. The documentation cost about $4,000 and authorized him to navigate a vessel, despite a complete lack of qualifications to hold such a position. developed a set of policies which seek to establish minimum acceptable standards applicable to mariners serving on FOC vessels. The policies form the basis of an ITF Standard Collective Agreement which sets the wages and working conditions for all crews on FOC vessels irrespective of nationality. It is the only agreement normally available to shipowners who run into industrial action. All FOC vessels covered by an ITF-acceptable agreement are issued an “ITF Blue Certificate” by the ITF Secretariat, which signifies the ITF’s acceptance of the wages and working conditions aboard the FOCs. About a quarter of all FOC vessels currently are covered by ITF agreements, thus providing direct protection to more than 90,000 seafarers. Compliance with ITF-recognized agreements is monitored by a network of more than 100 ITF inspectors in ports throughout the world. ITF inspectors are union officials who either work full or part time directly with the ITF. By inspecting FOC ships, they monitor the payment of wages and other social and employment conditions and, if necessary, take action to enforce ITF policy. In recent years the number of inspectors has doubled. They can now be found in ports in every region of the world. The FOC campaign is the joint responsibility of the Seafarers’ and Dockers’ Sections—SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel is vice chair of the Seafarers’ Section—and it is overseen by the Fair Practices Committee (FPC). These bodies since 1952 have provided the key forum by which both sections’ representatives have come together to review the daily operation and effectiveness of the campaign. The involvement of the dockers’ unions, whether through direct action or cooperation with seafarers’ unions, continues to be vital to the success of the campaign. The goals of the FOC campaign since its inception have been: The elimination of the FOC system and the establishment of a regulatory framework for the shipping industry. To attack sub-standard shipping and seek ITF acceptable standards on all ships irrespective of flag, using all the political, industrial and legal means at the ITF’s disposal. To protect and enhance the conditions of employment of maritime workers and to ensure that all maritime workers, regardless of color, nationality, sex, race or creed, are protected from exploitation by their employers and those acting on their behalf. To individually strengthen affiliated unions, in all aspects, so as to ensure the provision and delivery of a greater degree of solidarity in the campaign. USCG photo by PA3 Donnie Brzuska A U.S. Coast Guard boarding team prepares to board a Bahamianflagged cargo ship in the Caribbean Sea. The Bahamian flag has been identified by the ITF as a runaway flag. � 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 December 2004 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES ‘LEWIS AND CLARK’ SHIPS SIGNAL MORE NEW JOBS FOR CIVMARS SEAFARERS CONTINUE OIF3 MOBILIZATION NEWER MAERSK VESSELS JOIN MSP FLEET BALLOTING CONTINUES IN SIU ELECTION UNION FAMILIES AGAIN PROVIDE BIG TURNOUT ON ELECTION DAY NEW CONTRACTS TAKE SEAFARERS INTO THE NEW YEAR TRIBUTE TO HOSPITAL SHIP UNVEILED AT ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETARY U.S. GOVERNMENT REPORT CITES NEED FOR TIGHTER SECURITY ON SHIPPING CONTAINERS PROSPECTS IMPROVE FOR ANWR DRILLING USNS RAINIER RETURNS FROM DEPLOYMENT WITH CARRIER STRIKE GOUP SIU CREWS HONORED AT YEARLY AOTOS EVENT BOSUNS CREDIT UNION PAUL HALL CENTER FOR OPPORTUNITIES SIU’S PETER DREWS DIES AT 76 SEAFARERS ANSWER OIF’S CALL ABOARD TANKER SAMUEL COBB NCL AMERICA CREWS EAGERLY TAKE VALUABLE TRAINING IN PINEY POINT AND HONOLULU HOW AND WHY THE ITF FIGHTS AGAINST RUNAWAY-FLAG SHIPPING Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 12/01/2004 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. 66, No. 12 2004 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ffe185e554b1726a956f6692eff89e69.pdf d2e40a935fd4e022105002ee1b87c045 PDF Text Text 26035_P01,4,9,15,16,17.qxd 12/20/2004 7:31 PM Page 1 Volume 67, Number 1 Alaskan Explorer Christened The SIU-contracted tanker Alaskan Explorer (below) was christened last month at a ceremony in San Diego. It is the second of four new double-hulled tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. Page 3. MSP Fleet Continues Adding Newer Replacement Vessels The U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet continued its recent upgrade last month as SIU members crewed up two newly reflagged containerships for Waterman Steamship. Seafarers also recently crewed up a sixth containership for Maersk Line, Limited that transferred into the MSP. Among the newly reflagged vessels are the Sealand Meteor (below) and the Sealand Charger, whose crew includes (from left in photo at right) Chief Cook Wiley Owens, GVA Charlie Powers and Recertified Steward Roger Linasan. Page 4. Seafarers Rally with Flight Attendants Page 5 San Francisco Hall Hosts Yearly Feast Page 7 SIU’s Year in Review Page 24 January 2005 Paul Hall Center Announces Course Schedules for 2005 The SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has announced course dates for this year. A schedule is on page 10; course descriptions are listed on pages 11-14. Pictured below are upgraders in various Paul Hall Center classes. The school is located in Piney Point, Md. �26035_P2, 6_8, 11_14, 20_24.qxd 12/20/2004 7:50 PM Page 2 President’s Report Our Children, Our Troops, Our Heroes Making the short climb up the fold-out staircase leading into the airplane, I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I walked through the door. The scene was Scott Air Force Base, Ill., a week before Thanksgiving. The plane was a large old C-141 carrying nearly 100 injured American soldiers back from the fierce fighting in Fallujah and other Michael Sacco Iraqi cities. What happened during my hour aboard that plane will stay with me forever. It may be hard to understand how a brush with wounded soldiers could be positive and uplifting, but my time with those troops was all that and more. Their incredible spirit and bravery, their genuine love of this country, and their unwavering commitment to each other left me with overwhelming feelings of admiration and gratitude. You might expect a planeload of injured troops to be sad or scared or maybe even resentful. The men and women on that aircraft returning from the battlefield were just the opposite. As I walked through the darkened plane, shaking their hands and thanking them for serving our country, soldier after soldier expressed the exact same sentiments. First and foremost, they wanted to get patched up so they could go back to their friends, their fellow soldiers in Iraq. Can you imagine that kind of courage? I saw it up close, and believe me, it’s real. The troops also waved off any description of themselves as heroes. We were just doing our jobs, they said. Maybe so, but in my book they are heroes in the finest sense of the word. Their wounds varied in severity, but even the more seriously injured took a businesslike attitude toward the whole experience. One soldier casually remarked that he planned to save some of the shrapnel that literally had torn through his neck and cheek so he could polish it and turn it into jewelry. Another young man who’d been machine-gunned in the chest calmly pointed out that his flak vest had saved him. As a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, I’ve always admired and believed in our armed forces, but recently witnessing their strength, character and integrity up close was an awesome experience. Their morale couldn’t have been much better, and they said the same is true of their fellow soldiers still in the fight. Keep in mind they are all volunteers, much like our own U.S. Merchant Mariners. The other thing that stood out from my visit was how young so many of the soldiers are. For some of the guests aboard that plane, it was like looking at our children or grandchildren—a jolting feeling. For others, they actually were looking at and visiting with their children. It called to mind some of the stories from World War II, when kids in their mid-teens lied their way into the armed forces or the merchant marine because they wanted to join the fight. They wanted to help win the war. It’s heartening to know that so many Americans were ready then, just as we were in Korea and Vietnam and the first Persian Gulf War. It’s inspirational to see that so many have stepped up to win today’s battles. I went to Scott Air Force Base to join in honoring our good friend, Lt. Gen. Gary Hughey, who is retiring as the deputy commander of TRANSCOM, the U.S. Transportation Command. After spending time on the base with General Hughey and on the plane with Lt. Col. Todd Robbins, I came away with an even greater appreciation for the incredible job done by TRANSCOM under the outstanding leadership of its commander, Gen. John W. Handy. I have similarly strong appreciation for the performances of our troops and the unsung heroes who make up the medical staffs for our armed forces. Believe it or not, there were lighthearted moments on the plane, too. The rivalry between the Yankees and Red Sox was in full force, as evidenced by fans of both baseball teams. And a number of the soldiers joked about having a chance to “autograph” the bulkheads, as others had done as far back as the mid-1970s, when that very same plane carried the last known POW’s from Vietnam. Because of the SIU’s role as part of America’s fourth arm of defense, I’ve probably never looked at news reports on the war in Iraq quite the same way as the average American does. Our own SIU brothers and sisters repeatedly have sailed into harm’s way to support our troops in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Our SIU brothers and sisters have sailed side by side with military security teams aboard our U.S.flag ships. So it has always been personal. Still, after spending time on that plane, I’ll never view the war reports the same way. It’s different now, even closer to the heart. We’ve often said in the SIU, we deliver the goods. As we enter the New Year, I want everyone to know that the people we deliver for—the men and women of the United States Armed Forces—are the finest individuals on this planet. God bless us all in 2005 and beyond. Lt. Gen. Hughey, Strong Supporter of U.S. Mariners, Bids Farewell to Marine Corps and U.S. TRANSCOM Lt. Gen. Dail Appointed Deputy Commander of Key Defense Agency The number two general at the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) for the past few years, Lt. Gen. Gary H. Hughey, deputy commander, was honored Nov. 18 at his retirement ceremony at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Hughey was joined center stage by his wife, Heidi, and daughter Shannon and by Air Force Gen. John W. Handy, commander, TRANSCOM, who presided over the ceremony. SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez represented the SIU at the event. “General Hughey has been a great friend to the U.S. Merchant Lt. Gen. Robert Dail (center), TRANSCOM’s new deputy commander, celebrates his promotion with his wife, Anne, and Gen. John Handy, commander, TRANSCOM. Volume 67, Number 1 January 2005 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2005 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Marine,” Sacco stated. “I know I speak for our entire union when I say that we respect him immensely and we will miss his presence at TRANSCOM. “At the same time, we congratulate his successor, and we look forward to working together to help further ensure that U.S. mariners on U.S.-flag ships continue to serve America’s national and economic security.” Hughey’s official retirement date is Jan. 1, 2005—at which time he will have completed 36 years, 9 months and 18 days of cumulative service to the Marine Corps and a grateful nation, leaving behind a legacy of visionary leadership and logistical innovations. Defense officials recently confirmed Maj. Gen. Robert T. Dail’s appointment to the rank of Lt. Gen. with assignment as Deputy Commander, U.S. Transportation Command. Dail was promoted and assumed his new duties late last year. During Hughey’s retirement ceremony, in front of an audience of friends and family, the majority wearing multi-colored uniforms from each of the military services, Handy presented Hughey the Defense Distinguished Service Medal. The narrator, Navy Capt. Nan Honey, described Hughey’s impact and contributions while reading from the award citation: “During his [Hughey’s] tenure, the command [TRANSCOM] flawlessly supported Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, transporting over 1.5 million passengers, over 4 million short tons of cargo, while concurrently supporting numerous high-visibility operations, peacekeeping efforts around the world, emergency response to the Space Shuttle disaster, Super Typhoon Pongsona, Iranian earthquake relief, the California wildfires, and hurricanes Charley, Frances, Jeanne and Ivan, as well as support to the National Science Foundation in Antarctica.” In a news release about the ceremony, the agency pointed out that Hughey’s leadership at TRANSCOM “came during a pivotal era for military logistics. Hughey has been instrumental in USTRANSCOM’s role as the Distribution Process Owner for the Defense Department. He championed the first-ever joint service distribution command and control entity to integrate, prioritize cargo, and provide end-to-end in-transit visibility of military cargo. This concept has already avoided more than $268 million by shifting lift assets from air to sea.” The agency noted that Dail, an Army Transportation Corps officer, has commanded and led logistics units at every level, Lt. Gen. Gary H. Hughey served as deputy commander of the U.S. Transportation Command. with service in mechanized, airborne and special operations organizations. Since August 2003, he has served as the Director of Operations, J3, at TRANSCOM. In this capacity, Dail oversaw efforts to manage and synchronize the aircraft, ships, trains and trucks that allow America to project power and sustain forces worldwide. During Dail’s tenure, the command conducted the largest rotation of military personnel and assets since World War II. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, Feb. 21, 2005 for the observance of Presidents Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. January 2005 �26035_P3_5,18.qxd 12/17/2004 12:20 PM Page 3 Tanker Alaskan Explorer Christened The second of four new double-hull tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA was christened Dec. 4 at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) yard in San Diego. The Alaskan Explorer will be operated by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC). SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez and SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone represented the union at the ceremony. “The construction of the Alaska-class tankers is significant on many levels,” noted Tellez. “It means new shipboard job opportunities for SIU members. It strengthens the U.S.-flag fleet. It also helps maintain a pool Seafarers Support Our Troops! Dozens of SIU-crewed military support ships are sailing in what has been dubbed Operation Iraqi Freedom 3, the current phase of the war’s sealift mission. The USNS Watson (top photo) and USNS Pomeroy (below) are among the Seafarers-crewed vessels supporting our troops. The photo above shows participants in a security drill (from left) Sgt. Prem Shahi, Capt. Ryan White, U.S. armed forces member Yam Thapa and AB Sean Farra. Below, celebrating the “birthday” of the U.S. Marine Corps are (from left) Sgt. Dennis Weisend, USMC; Steward/Baker Javier G. “Deli” Delosreyes; Cpl. John Gibbs, USMC; LCpl. Harley Dickson, USMC; Capt. Paul K. Davis, master of the Pomeroy; and Sgt. Gabriel Delarosa, USMC. The celebration reflects the team atmosphere generated by crew members, officers and troops on SIU-crewed vessels. of well-trained, loyal, reliable U.S. citizen mariners who are available to sail on military support ships for our national defense.” Seafarers already are sailing aboard the first ship in this class, the Alaskan Frontier. That vessel was delivered last August. By early last month, the Alaskan Frontier had completed five voyages between Alaska and the West Coast, delivering 5.5 million barrels of Alaska North Slope crude to West Coast ports. “The Alaskan Frontier is performing extremely well in its early months of service and is meeting our every expectation for reliability, safety and efficiency,” said BP Shipping, Ltd. Chief Executive Bob Malone. “We look forward to the addition of the Alaskan Explorer and her sister ships to continue our mission of safe, environmentally friendly transportation of cargoes.” The keel laying for the third ship took place in July. Construction on the steel blocks that will become the fourth ship in the class began in October. The remaining three ships are scheduled to be delivered between now and the end of 2006. Both BP and NASSCO describe the new double-hull vessels as the most environmentally friendly tankers ever built. “These ships use seawater instead of oil to cool and lubricate their propeller shafts, thus eliminating accidental oil leaks,” the companies noted in a news release following the Alaskan Explorer ceremony. “Their cargo piping, normally installed on the deck, is inside the cargo tanks, to reduce the risk of small spills. The ships have twin diesel-electric propulsion systems in separate engine rooms, powering two propellers and twin rudders. Diesel-electric propulsion was The Alaskan Explorer is pictured last summer during a “float out” (top) and earlier in the year while under construction. It is the second of four Alaska-class tankers being built in San Diego for operation by SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company. chosen because it significantly increases reliability and reduces air emissions and maintenance downtime.” Each of the ships is 941 feet long and 164 feet wide, with a capacity of 1.3 million barrels. The hulls are designed to last 50 years, the deck structures 35 years. Maureen Hayward, spouse of Tony Hayward, Group Chief Executive of Exploration and Production for BP, was the Alaskan Explorer’s sponsor, officially naming the vessel and striking a ceremonial bottle of champagne across the ship’s hull. Sharon Marshall, spouse of Steve Marshall, President of BP Exploration (Alaska), was the tanker’s Matron of Honor. BP’s Malone was the keynote speaker. In 2004, the SIU-crewed ATC fleet reached another safety milestone: six million man hours without a lost time injury. The company also earned accolades in the form of a “Legacy Award” issued by the Pacific States/ British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force. The award is given for oil spill prevention, preparedness and response. SIU Election Results Will Be Announced Voting was scheduled to be completed at the end of last month, and results of the election of officials for the Seafarers International Union’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU will be announced, in accordance with the SIU constitution, upon completion of the tallying committee’s work. Results of balloting on the two proposed constitutional amendments also will be announced. Special membership meetings were conducted late last month in union halls listed in the SIU con- stitution to elect delegates for a rank-and-file tallying committee. That committee, including two members from each of the union’s constitutional ports, will tabulate results of the election, which started Nov. 1 in all SIU halls and was scheduled to end Dec. 31. The February issue of the Seafarers LOG will carry the results of the election. The ballot included a list of candidates seeking the posts of president, executive vice president, secretary-treasurer, eight SIU San Francisco Port Agent Vince Coss (right) hands a ballot to Seafarer George Rose. January 2005 vice presidents, six assistant vice presidents and 10 port agents (for a total of 27 positions) along with the two proposed constitutional amendments. Individuals elected in this round of balloting will serve a four-year term lasting from 2005 through 2008. Seafarers who were eligible to vote in the election were full book members in good standing, according to the union’s constitution. Members had the opportunity to pick up a ballot either in person at one of the 21 union halls around the country and overseas or via mail (absentee ballot). Article XIII of the union’s constitution spells out the procedures by which an election will be conducted. The entire text of Article XIII, along with a sample ballot, a list of voting locations, the constitutional committee’s report and other related information appears on pages 6-11 of the October 2004 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Additionally, a notice of the election was mailed in October to all members at their last known address, with a list of all voting locations as well as a sample of the official ballot. In San Francisco, SIU Safety Director Archie Ware (right) and SIU Representative Lumanlan Romy answer Seafarer John Ropp’s questions about the balloting procedure. SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak (left) assists Chief Steward Lonnie Jones in securing a ballot at the union hall. Seafarers LOG 3 �26035_P01,4,9,15,16,17.qxd 12/20/2004 8:52 AM Page 4 More Ships Rotate into MSP Fleet Replacement Vessels Give Fresher Look to U.S.-Flag Fleet The U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet continued its recent upgrade last month as SIU members crewed up two newly reflagged containerships for Waterman Steamship. Seafarers also recently crewed up a sixth containership for Maersk Line, Limited that transferred into the MSP. All eight of the newly reflagged Seafarers-crewed ships are replacement vessels, giving the MSP fleet a more modern element that bodes well for U.S. national and economic security. The two Waterman ships are the P&O Nedlloyd Veracruz and the Buenos Aires. They are expected to run between the Gulf Coast and the Middle East. Both ships are equipped with cranes. Maersk’s new additions are the Sealand Charger, Sealand Meteor, Maersk Alabama, Sealand Intrepid, Sealand Comet and Sealand Lightning. As previously reported, the U.S. Maritime Administration describes the Maritime Security Program as “a fundamental element of the U. S. maritime transportation system, providing an active, privately owned, U.S.-flag, and U.S.-crewed liner fleet in international trade that is available to support Department of Defense sustainment in a contingency.” Left: AB Jerome Luckett Sealand Meteor Right: OMU Soo Ahn and AB Peter Koucky Sealand Meteor The MSP was established by the Maritime Security Act of 1996 and provides annual funding for up to 47 vessels to partially offset the higher operating costs of keeping these vessels under U.S.flag registry. MSP payments represent approximately 13 percent of the cost of operating U.S.-flag vessels. In December 2003, President Bush signed a 10-year extension of the MSP, set to begin later this year when the current program expires. The updated MSP increases the number of participants from 47 ships to 60 ships and provides financial assistance to construct five newly built tankers in the United States that are capable of carrying military petroleum products during a war. The MSP helps maintain a pool of well-trained American seafarers who are available to crew the U.S. governmentowned strategic sealift fleet as well as the U.S. commercial fleet, both in peace and war. Seafarer and Reservist Approaches Both Jobs with Pride, Patriotism SIU Electrician Notes Merchant Marine’s Key Role SIU member Richard King has seen Operation Iraqi Freedom from the perspective of a merchant mariner, sailing in support of U.S. troops. Now, he is experiencing the mission as an activated member of the U.S. Naval Reserve. King mobilized Nov. 30 for training in Norfolk, Va. before heading to the Middle East. “I’m excited about it,” he said while en route to Norfolk. “I’ve prayed about this, and I’m glad to be one of the guys to stand up and be counted. I definitely believe in the cause, I’m very grateful to be an American and I don’t mind at all paying back what little I can.” King, 34, sails as an electrician with the SIU. He joined the union in 1995 after graduating from Class 540 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. In addition to being a First Class Engineman in the reserves, King also sails with the American Maritime Officers. He enlisted in the Navy out of high school and served four years (including during the Persian Gulf War) before joining the Naval Reserve. The resident of East Alton, Ill. speaks from experience when he says the U.S. Merchant Marine is vital to America’s military capability. “The merchant marine’s role is extremely important. We’re able to deliver mass quantities of the best equipment our country can produce, and the quality that the seamen provide is top notch,” he said. Throughout OIF, members of the armed forces have sailed aboard civilian-crewed U.S.-flag vessels, primarily for security purposes. “That’s the one chance for the military guys (destined for duty overseas) to have a hot meal and a good night’s sleep,” King pointed out. “They appreciate being on merchant ships; they say that all the time. And we get along great with each other. There’s a lot of respect.” King’s wife, Christie, is a nurse who also is a member of the Naval Reserve. She is due to activate next month, likely headed for a hospital compound in Kuwait. “We’re both goal-oriented, and she’s very sup- 4 Seafarers LOG Seafarer Richard King and his wife, Christie, both serve in the U.S. Naval Reserve. portive and understanding,” King said. “She knows I enjoy the profession of being a Seafarer. As a matter of fact, I don’t think I’ll ever not sail. It’s a good niche for me, and I’m a big fan of the travel. It truly is an adventure that lets you learn about cultures.” A frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center, King said that another appealing part of his job is “it’s the one place where a guy can literally promote himself. It’s all a matter of time and ambition. If you want to go to the top, you most certainly can.” In the Naval Reserve, King normally works as a barge ferry engineer. “Any time the equipment goes from the ship to the beach, we’re involved,” he explained. For the current mission, however, he was joined by hundreds of fellow reservists from across the country for special training involving vessel and port security. Their assignments with the Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Force in Iraq and Kuwait apparently will be similar to some of what the Coast Guard does in U.S. ports. “I’m excited about it,” King concluded. “Who knows, I may even get there on an SIU ship.” Seafarers greet SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (second from left) and SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox (center, standing) at the newly reflagged Sealand Comet in Los Angeles late last year. Recertified Steward Larry Lightfoot Sealand Meteor Bosun David Collins Sealand Meteor Solidarity with CWA in D.C. Seafarers recently demonstrated with Communications Workers of America (CWA) mailers who are battling to secure a fair contract at The Washington Post. Hundreds of trade unionists participated in the Nov. 15 rally in Washington, D.C. Approximately 400 CWA mailers are part of the bargaining unit which has fought for a new agreement for more than 18 months. “I couldn’t be more proud of them for standing up to this huge conglomerate,” said Bill Boarman, CWA vice president for the Printing Sector. “The Post wants them to work longer for less. They don’t want to give them any pay increase. And they don’t want to give them equal pay for equal work.” The Post also wants the mailers to give up money they’ve contributed to their defined benefit pension. With Starlight Marine Boatmen SIU Assistant VP West Coast Nick Celona (front row, second from left) recently met with boatmen on the Seafarers-crewed tug Millennium Star in San Francisco to catch up on the latest union and industry news. Pictured aboard the boat are Celona and Seafarers Sean Dering, John Paxson, Yorik Cade, Daniel Porschien, Justin Rodgers and Chris Swan. January 2005 �26035_P3_5,18.qxd 12/17/2004 12:20 PM Page 5 Flight Attendants Launch National Campaign Against Corporate Greed Flight attendants, other union members (including Seafarers) and labor supporters rallied in Washington, D.C. and at airports across the country Dec. 14 to focus attention on the critical need for government action to stop management’s assault on workers’ pensions, health care and jobs in the airline industry In Washington, a rally and candlelight vigil took place in the early evening near the White House, on what to that point was the year’s coldest day in D.C. Seafarers joined hundreds of flight attendants, other union members and supporters in hearing from Association of Flight Attendants-CWA President Pat Friend, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney and other speakers. In related events, informational picketing took place at the SeaTac Flag Pavilion, in front of Seattle’s Sea-Tac International Airport, and flight attendants and supporters in San Francisco conducted a march and candlelight vigil outside United Terminal 3 at San Francisco International Airport. These events and others are part of a national effort calling for action by Congress and adminis- tration regulators to end practices that allow companies to abuse the bankruptcy process in order to strip workers of their retirement security and health care, impose devastating wage cuts and destroy careers. AFA also is calling for “a real public policy discussion of aviation policy in the United States to address today’s critical issues,” said President Friend. ”The position of many airline executives that workers must subsidize one failed business plan after another must end,” Friend said, adding that other parties, government, consumers and management must support this industry as well. “Airline management is overreaching, and if they are not stopped, the continuing cuts in wages, benefits and working conditions across the industry will spread to financially health carriers, and then on to other industries.” Sweeney told the crowd at the Washington rally, “Our airlines are Wal-Mart with wings. Thousands of workers and tens of thousands of passengers are sharing substandard and potentially unsafe working and traveling conditions.” The 2004 event took place at the St. Louis America’s Center and drew hundreds of thousands of guests. Portland Hosts 2005 Edition Of Union Industries Show North America’s only allunion product and skills exposition—the AFL-CIO Union Industries Show—will be conducted April 29-May 2 at Portland’s Oregon Convention Center. For four days, virtually everything union men and women make or do will be on display for the public to touch, see and sample. Admission to the outing will be free. “The AFL-CIO Union Industries Show has everything from union-trained seeing eye dogs to union-made wedding cakes, motorcycles and blue jeans, all under one roof,” said Charles Mercer, president of the Union Label and Service Trades Department, AFL-CIO, which produces and manages the event. More than 300 exhibits covering an area equal to four football fields will bring to life the show’s theme, “Good Jobs Build Strong Communities,” Mercer said. The event will feature live skills demonstrations, such as “high iron” construction work, silkscreening, haircutting and other January 2005 crafts and trades. Free prizes, including new cars, a Harley Davidson motorcycle, ranges and refrigerators will be raffled to the public. Students and job seekers can meet training and apprenticeship coordinators and representatives from dozens of different industries. Except for a few years during World War II, the AFL-CIO Union Industries Show has visited one U.S. city each year since 1938. Portland last hosted the show in 1992. “Local and national unions and employers work together at the show to demonstrate the importance of good jobs to the economic and social life of the community,” Mercer explained, adding “This is a highly entertaining, as well as an educational experience, for the entire family—and it’s free admission!” Show hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 29 through Monday, May 2. More information about the event is available at www.unionindustriesshow.org. Flight attendants are sending a message to airline management, corporate America and Washington’s lawmakers that dragging down the standard of living for flight attendants threatens the very foundation of traditional American values, and that the AFA will fight this assault. In November, the union approved a global strike if a federal bankruptcy court agrees to allow an airline to throw out its collective bargaining agreement. Four airlines have filed for bankruptcy protection and are seeking huge cuts in workers’ pay and benefits; at least two are seeking to abrogate their flight attendant contracts if agreement is not reached on the cuts. Those carriers, United and US Airways, want to walk away from the contracts while slashing retiree medical benefits and eliminating pensions. Flight attendants at those carriers are voting on whether to authorize strike action. The AFA includes more than 46,000 members. Bill Burke/PageOne Photography Seafarers who participated in last month’s rally in Washington, D.C. are pictured with Association of Flight Attendants President Pat Friend (sixth from left) and AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex (right). AFL-CIO President John Sweeney tells a reporter that workers and passengers should not be exposed to potentially unsafe conditions. Filipino Crew of FOC Ship To Testify on Safety Violations The crew of a so-called flagof-convenience vessel is stranded at the Port of Long Beach after becoming unintentional star witnesses in a federal grand jury investigation. Reports say the mariners, 13 Filipinos, don’t know when they will be allowed to return home. Their fate since Sept. 14 has been uncertain since the U.S. Coast Guard impounded their vessel, the Katerina, because of safety and environmental violations. The 13 mariners must remain in the United States until they testify at a trial expected to take place sometime this year. “We are all helpless; we cannot say how long we will be here or what will happen to our families,” said Roberto Yanoc, the ship’s third engineer. “We are sacrificing our professions by being material witnesses.” A 16,320-ton Greek-operated cargo ship, the Katerina in early September was sailing under a Maltese flag of convenience when it steamed into Long Beach. Its cargo was steel coils and reinforced steel bars. Coast Guard officials boarded the craft and discovered that its oil sludge filter had been disabled, toilets were broken and crew members had been deprived of food and water. The vessel was infested with cockroaches and other parasites. Crew members complained that at their last port of call in Balboa, Panama, they had resorted to boiling buckets of river water and fishing off the fantail. Federal prosecutors say the Katernia’s captain, chief engineer and second engineer ordered the crew to dump oil waste and sewage overboard and conceal it from Coast Guard inspectors. One of the ship’s officers also allegedly threatened crew members with bodily harm if they cooperated with the Coast Guard. Continued on page 9 NY Port Council Honors 3 The AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department’s Maritime Port Council of Greater New York and Vicinity on Oct. 16 honored three individuals for their respective commitments to the working men and women of this nation and to the U.S. maritime industry. Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, USN, Commander, Military Sealift Command, was named Government Man of the Year; Joseph P. Gehegan, Jr., president and CEO of United States Shipping LLC received the Herb Brand Memorial Man of the Year Award; and Stuart Appelbaum, president of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union received the Paul Hall Award of Merit. Pictured at the event are (from left) Port Council President Joseph Soresi, who also is vice president of the SIU’s Atlantic Region; Vice Admiral Brewer; Gehegan; Appelbaum; SIU and MTD President Michael Sacco; and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez. Seafarers LOG 5 �26035_P2, 6_8, 11_14, 20_24.qxd 12/22/2004 4:28 PM Page 6 Meeting aboard the Puerto Rico Towing tug Punta Borinquen are (clockwise from left) Deckhand Felix Prieto, Deckhand Sinforiano Negron, AB/Delegate Angel Lozada, Deckhand Julio Maldonado, Capt. Alfredo Gonzalez (AMO), SIU Port Agent Victor Nuñez and Crowley Docking Master Johnny Velez. e e Mo v h t n O W Aboard the Horizon Hawaii in San Juan, P.R., Recertified Bosun Stewart Dixon (left) informs SIU Port Agent Victor Nuñez that this will be his last vessel before applying for his pension. ith the U I S In the Tacoma, Wash. SIU hall, Port Agent Bryan Powell (at right in the photo at left) issues a ballot for the SIU election to Ahmed Shaibi. Above, SIU Assistant VP Donnie Anderson is busy at the service counter. When Dragi Odak, 64, retired late last year, he was given a surprise party, complete with a decorated cake (bottom photo) and lots of gifts from fellow crew members and friends at Crowley. Among those pictured with Dragi (top photo) are EU John Tipich, Mate Chad MacAulay, Mate Mike Schmidt and Capt. Ed Brady. Brother Dragi makes his home in San Pedro, Calif. Kermett Mangram, SIU vice president Government Services, attended the Virginia AFL-CIO convention in Williamsburg last August. Above, he shakes hands with Virginia Gov. Mark Warner and, below, he meets with Tim Kaine, the Commonwealth’s lieutenant governor. Left: Crew members aboard the SL Pride attend a shipboard meeting in Houston. Included in the group are Bosun Kyle Schultz, ABs Luis Alvarez, Alan Lumansoc, Lorenzo Tifre, Michael Warren and Hans Gottschlich, Chief Electrician Ronald Pheneuf, QMEDs Pete Murtagh and Alton Hickman Jr., GUDE Angel Bruno, Recertified Steward Pedro Sellan, Chief Cook Leonicio Gonzalez and Utility Terry Allen. Bosun Kyle Schultz (left) and SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey talk about a recent voyage. 6 Seafarers LOG Assistant VP Jim McGee (left) poses with Deck Delegate Hans Gottschlich and VP Dean Corgey McGee and Corgey meet with members of the Houston shoregang: Kendra Savage, Bosun’s Mate Gilbert Rodriguez, Robert Zepeda, Eddie Hall and Monte Perina. January 2005 �26035_P2, 6_8, 11_14, 20_24.qxd 12/15/2004 9:56 AM Page 7 San Francisco SIU Hall Hosts Holiday Celebration SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and SIU Assistant VP Nick Celona welcome House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi to the annual holiday feast at the union hall in San Francisco. Guests at Annual Gathering Give Thanks, Remember Troops Electrician Steven Biles (right) carries the U.S. Merchant Marine flag as members of the 4th Marine Division, 23rd Regiment, present the colors. Art Pulaski, executive secretarytreasurer of the California State AFL-CIO, addresses the crowd. Hundreds of Seafarers, retirees, dignitaries and their families got an early start to Thanksgiving when they celebrated the holiday Nov. 23 at the SIU hall in San Francisco. The 14th annual gathering, organized by SIU Assistant Vice President Nick Celona with strong support from Recertified Stewards Peter Ciddio and Louella Sproul, lived up to its reputation as one of the most consistently worthwhile labor events in the area. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi commended the U.S. Merchant Marine for its role in Operation Iraqi Freedom, as did many of the other speakers. As usual, the audience included individuals from labor, business, government and the military. “The whole tone of the event really centered on supporting our troops and maintaining a strong U.S. Merchant Marine to supply those troops,” noted Celona. “We prayed for the troops and gave thanks that we live in a free country.” Alioto’s Restaurant on Fishermen’s Wharf cooked 32 turkeys and 18 hams for the event, while numerous Seafarers joined Ciddio and Sproul in volunteering for further meal preparation and presentation. Altogether, more than 350 people attended. Editor’s note: Thanks to Charlie Farruggia for providing the photos on this page. Left: Enjoying their time at the SIU hall are (from left) San Francisco Chief of Police Heather Fong, Superior Court Judge James McBride and Tony Hall, executive director of the Treasure Island Development Authority. San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris said the SIU event represented the city’s finest traditions. California State Senator Jackie Speir shares her Thanksgiving message. Right: The celebration brought together individuals from labor, management, government and the military. Pictured from the left are Eddie Powell, 1st VP, International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees; SIU Assistant VP Nick Celona; U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Mike Samarov; and Lenny Stefanelli, president of Consolidated Environmental Industries. Seafarers Charlie Cowan, Louella Sproul and Peter Ciddio helped make the guests feel welcome at the union hall on Fremont Street. Among those keeping the food in order are (two photos directly above) Retiree Patricio Capito, Chief Cook V. Noble and other Seafarers. SIU VP Nick Marrone (left) and Assistant VP Nick Celona (right) present a ship’s wheel to Walter Johnson, who retired last year as secretary-treasurer of the San Francisco Central Labor Council. January 2005 Seafarers donated their time and talents to help make the gathering successful. Pictured from left to right are Chief Cook C. Maderas and his wife, Chief Cook John Stein and ABs Joe Tallum and A. Aggire. Seafarers LOG 7 �26035_P2, 6_8, 11_14, 20_24.qxd 12/15/2004 10:19 AM Page 8 AT THE SIU HALL Seafarers are sworn in at the San Francisco hall as they receive their full book from SIU Assistant VP Nick Celona (left). Taking the oath are (from right) Theresa Ballard, Jessie Espiritu and Ralph White. Looking on is SIU Vice President Nick Marrone. APL KOREA At Sea and Ashore in San Francisco PRESIDENT POLK Chief Steward Thomas Barrett, Chief Cook Kenneth Clark, ACU Talama Moega HORIZON ENTERPRISE ACU Jose Maglalang Chief Cook Dante Cruz Chief Steward Franchesca Rose Chief Cook Aleja A. Fabia SA Robert Cartmel 8 Seafarers LOG Chief Steward John Alamar Relief Steward Keene Gregory January 2005 �26035_P01,4,9,15,16,17.qxd 12/23/2004 9:54 AM Page 9 Runaway-Flag Vessel Runs Aground, Breaks Up Near Alaska’s Aleutian Islands A runaway-flag bulk carrier ran aground and broke apart Dec. 8 near the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, spilling an unknown amount of fuel. Six crew members presumably died in a subsequent rescue attempt involving U.S. Coast Guard helicopters and the Malaysian-flag vessel, the 738foot Selendang Ayu. Because the ship foundered in an extremely hard-to-reach area in the Bering Sea, on Unalaska Island between Skan Bay and Spray Cape, some details about the grounding were scarce even a full week after the accident. However, The New York Times called it “potentially the worst spill in Alaska since the Valdez lost 11 million gallons of oil in spring 1989.” A mid-December “situation report” from the U.S. Coast Guard noted that spill response “continues to be limited due to severe weather conditions.” The Selendang Ayu, with crew members from India and the Philippines, was transporting grain to the Far East but also carried 470,000 gallons of its own fuel. According to Coast Guard and news reports, the ship lost power Dec. 7, but its captain didn’t notify the U.S. Coast Guard for 13 hours. The ship drifted in 35-foot seas and gusting winds up to 60 miles per hour. Most of the crew members were rescued via helicopter, but during a subsequent attempt to lift the remaining mariners, the helicopter crashed. The three helicopter crew members and a 24year-old cadet from the ship were rescued by another Coast Guard helicopter. Six mariners—none of whom was wearing a survival suit—were not found. The ship was equipped with three survival suits, according to newspaper accounts. The water temperature at that time was roughly 43 degrees. An hour later, the Selendang Ayu ran aground and split in two, slightly less than one mile off Unalaska Island (approximately 800 miles southwest of Anchorage). The ship is owned by IMC Group, which is based in Singapore. It was built in 1998 in China. The Coast Guard reported that tugboats had tried to stop the drifting vessel, but weather conditions broke the tow lines each time. The Selendang Ayu also lost both anchors. USCG Photo by PA3 Gail Sinner A Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter hovers over the 738-foot Selendang Ayu as a salvage team inspects the damage caused when the freighter broke in two after grounding Dec. 8 less than a mile from Unalaska Island. With Seafarers on the Great Lakes AB Mark Nicholson gets the job done aboard the Great Lakes Towing tugboat Wyoming, docked near the SIU hall in Algonac, Mich. At SIU-contracted American Steamship Company, safety comes first, as shown in this photo of two crew members pulling cable for mooring the Buffalo in Marysville, Mich. Captain Paul Allers is pictured in the pilothouse of the passenger ferry Straits Express, at the Arnold Transit Company dock at Mackinac Island, Mich. Left: AB Mike Presser works on the deck of the Southdown Challenger in Detroit, with Windsor, Ontario in the background. Stranded Crew to Testify Continued from page 5 The sailors initially lived in a Holiday Inn in San Pedro after their vessel was impounded. The shipowner stopped paying the hotel bill before Thanksgiving so the crew as of mid-December was sleeping on the floor of a charity group’s offices in Long Beach. The crew members have no work permits, so they are not allowed to hold jobs. As a result, they have been unable to send any money home to their families. Prosecutors forced DST Shipping Co., the ship’s operator, to post a $500,000 bond to ensure that it would respond to any future federal subpoenas and to pay for the crew’s lodging while the vessel was made seaworthy. After upgrades were effected on the Katerina, however, it sailed away and the company reneged on its promise to pay the hotel bill. Since the crew had January 2005 agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors and had no place to stay, the government intervened. “The one option the government had was to arrest them—detain them as material witnesses—and place them in the care of the United States government,” said William Carter, chief of the environmental crimes section of the U.S. Attorney’s office in Los Angeles. U.S. marshals took the men into custody and transported them to the courthouse. Prosecutors asked for a reduced bail and informed a federal magistrate that they were agreeable to the mariners’ release, with assurances that they would testify at a later time. The crew eventually was released to a charitable group that assists mariners, which in turn is working with labor organizations to help feed and house them. Right: DEU Abdul Ghaleb heads back to the John J. Boland in Detroit. NOTICE/BULLETIN Benefits Conferences Postponed Officials from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) announced as this issue of the LOG went to press that the benefits conferences originally scheduled to begin this month and run through midFebruary have been postponed until further notice. The postponement in part stems from unforeseen scheduling conflicts due to a late change in AFL-CIO meeting dates and also due to national security issues (significant numbers of vessel activations). The SHBP apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the postponement. The Plan will announce new conference dates as soon as they are confirmed. All active members, pensioners and their spouses will be invited to the sessions, which will provide an update on the latest happenings with the various Plans. Seafarers LOG 9 �26035_P10,19.qxd 12/17/2004 1:33 PM Page 10 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through August 2005. 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 Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning Jan. 10, 2005. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion FOWT January 10 March 28 June 20 March 4 May 20 August 11 Machinist February 21 April 1 Marine Electrician April 18 June 13 QMED - Jr. Engineer January 10 June 20 April 1 September 8 Welding January 17 February 14 March 21 April 11 May 9 August 22 February 4 March 4 April 8 April 29 May 27 September 9 Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman January 24 March 7 April 18 May 30 July 11 August 22 February 18 April 1 May 13 June 24 August 5 September 16 February 14 April 18 June 20 August 22 February 18 April 22 June 24 August 26 Bridge Resource Management (Unlimited) May 9 May 13 Celestial Navigation March 14 May 16 July 18 April 8 June 10 August 11 GMDSS (Simulator) February 21 April 25 June 27 August 29 March 4 May 6 July 8 September 9 January 10 February 21 April 4 May 16 June 27 August 8 January 21 March 4 April 15 May 27 July 8 August 19 January 31 April 4 June 6 August 8 February 11 April 13 June 15 August 17 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* Radar (Inland) January 10 January 14 Radar Renewal (1 day): February 21, April 25, June 27, August 29 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) Lifeboatman/Water Survival Radar Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* March 14 May 16 July 18 March 25 May 27 July 29 Fast Boat Rescue May 2 June 6 May 6 June 10 Government Vessels February 28 March 14 April 11 May 23 July 4 August 8 August 22 March 4 March 18 April 15 May 27 July 8 August 12 August 26 Medical Care Provider March 28 May 30 August 1 April 1 June 3 August 5 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* February 14 April 4 June 6 August 1 February 25 April 15 June 17 August 11 February 21 June 27 February 25 July 1 (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) Academic Department Courses � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ 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 OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ 10 Seafarers LOG SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 1/05 January 2005 �26035_P2, 6_8, 11_14, 20_24.qxd 12/15/2004 10:30 AM Page 11 Paul Hall Center School Supplement This handy version of the Paul Hall Center’s catalog is printed in the Seafarers LOG as a convenience to SIU members. Please keep it for reference. NOTE: Prerequisites for all upgrading courses in the SHLSS catalog include being 18 years old, holding a U.S. Merchant Marine Document, passing a physical exam, and English language proficiency in accordance with 46 CFR. F ounded in 1967, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation. Based in Piney Point, Md., the school is a hub of STCW training, featuring unsurpassed educational facilities and peaceful surroundings that facilitate learning. Among the school’s most beneficial training tools are the bridge and engine simulators, the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (located on a nearby satellite campus) and the culinary lab. The Paul Hall Center offers everything from entry training to license preparation to academic support and more. Students at the southern Maryland school also may receive college credit recommendations for Prerequisites for all upgrading courses at the Paul Hall Center include being 18 years old, holding a U.S. Merchant Mariner’s Document, passing a physical exam, and English language proficiency in accordance with 46 CFR. DECK Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman Applicants completing our Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch/Able Seaman program satisfy: (1) the training, seagoing service, and assessment requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-3(c) and Section AII/4 of the STCW Code, Mandatory Minimum Requirements for Certification of Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch;—AND—(2) if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, the written examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.05-9 for the “Deck General & Navigation General” and “Deck Safety & Rules of the Road” exam modules for any Able Seaman endorsement and the practical (knot tying) examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.059 for any Able Seaman endorsement PROVIDED that all other requirements of 46 CFR Subpart 12.05, including sea service, are also met. The course 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. Prerequisites: Sea service, Water Survival (Lifeboatman), STOS Special: 12 months’ service on deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master, the OIC of the navigational watch, or qualified ratings (STCW) Limited: 18 months’ service on deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master, OIC, or qualified ratings. Unlimited: 3 years’ deck, 2 months’ sea service under the supervision of the Master or OIC. Bridge Resource Management Applicants completing our 30-hour Bridge Resource Management course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the requirements of Section BVIII/ 2, Part 31 of the STCW Code. Bridge Resource Management-Unlimited is designed for persons with significant shipping experience who hold or are seeking a U.S. Coast Guard license. This course fulfills the training requirements of effective bridge teamwork as set forth in STCW 95, A-II/1, A-II/2, and B-VIII/2 and 46 CFR 10.25 and 10.209. Prerequisites: Radar Unlimited, ARPA, License of 200 Gross Tons or greater OR January 2005 successfully completing certain sanctioned courses. As vocational training for U.S. mariners seemingly becomes more important each year, the Paul Hall Center continues to offer state-of-the-art schooling for mariners. An overview of the courses available at Piney Point (including the 40-plus Coast Guard-approved classes) is contained in this four-page section. Course descriptions also are listed on the web site www.seafarers.org, in the Paul Hall Center section. Students should note that courses and class dates may change due to the manpower needs of SIU-contracted companies. Therefore, mariners should check the latest issue of the Seafarers LOG as well as the web site for the most up-to-date class listings. The basic eligibility for SIU members who want to seeking an original third mate or limited license Bridge Resource Management (1600 Tons or less) Students who successfully complete this course will have the knowledge and experience needed to continually reassess the allocation and use of bridge resources using bridge management principles. Applicants completing our 26-hour Bridge Resource Management (1600 Tons) course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(o) and the requirements of Section B-VIII/2, Part 3-1 of the STCW Code. THIS APPROVAL IS LIMITED TO SERVICE UPON VESSELS OF NOT MORE THAN 1600 GROSS TONS (DOMESTIC). Prerequisites: Radar Unlimited, ARPA, License of 200 gross tons or greater OR in the process of getting license Celestial Navigation Applicants completing our 126-hour Celestial Navigation course with a passing grade of at least 80% satisfy the Celestial Navigation training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). In conjunction with this course, any approved instructor is authorized to signoff for a successful demonstration on the students’ “Control Sheets” for the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW 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, then the upgrader must meet all Coast Guard requirements prior to taking the class. Some courses have other specific requirements which are listed in italics. 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 206740075, or call (301) 994-0010. Code: OICNW-1-1A; OICNW-1-1B; OICNW-1-1C; OICNW-1-1D; OICNW-1-1E and OICNW-1-1F. The 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 amplitude and azimuth, star identification, and care and use of the sextant. Prerequisites: ARPA. Radar Observer, Scientific calculator skill, time/speed/distance formula Crisis Management & Human Behavior Applicants completing our 7-hour Crisis Management & Human Behavior course satisfy: (1) the Crisis Management & Human Behavior training requirements of Table AV/2 and Paragraph 5 of Section A-V/2 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Ships;—AND—(2) the Passenger Safety training requirements of Paragraph 4 of Section A-V/2 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Ships. This course is designed for any person responsible for the safety of passengers in an emergency on passenger ships. The training includes organizing the safe movement of passengers when embarking and disembarking, organizing shipboard emergency procedures, optimizing the use of resources, controlling responses to emergencies, control- ling passengers and other personnel during emergency situations, and the establishing and maintaining effective communications. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Crowd Management Applicants completing our 4-hour Crowd Management course satisfy: (1) the Crowd Management training requirements of Paragraph 1 of Section A-V/3 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Vessels;—AND—(2) the Safety Training requirements of Paragraph 3 of Section A-V/3 of the STCW Code for Passenger Ships Other Than Ro-Ro Passenger Vessels. This course profiles the required knowledge and applicable skills for crowd management including controlling a crowd in an emergency, locating safety and emergency equipment on board a vessel, complying with ships’ emergency procedures, effective communications during an emergency, and demonstrating the use of personal life-saving devices. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (ECDIS) Applicants completing our 35-hour Electronic Chart Display Information Systems (ECDIS) course are considered to have successfully demonstrated the competencies “Plan and Conduct a Passage and Determine Position: Thorough Knowledge of and Ability to Use ECDIS” of Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code AND “Determine Position and the Accuracy of Resultant Position Fix: Position Determination Using ECDIS With Specific Knowledge of its Operating Principles, Limitations, Sources of Error, Detection of Misrepresentation of information and Methods of Correction to Obtain Accurate Position Fixing” of Table A-II/2 of the STCW Code. The course provides training in the basic theory and use of electronic chart display and information systems (ECDIS) for those who will be in charge of a navigational watch on vessels equipped with ECDIS. Students learn to use, update, and verify electronic chart information. The training comprises all safety-relevant aspects and aims beyond the use of operational controls. All theoretical aspects and major characteristics of ECDIS data, such as data contents, system integration, information layers, and data updating, are covered in depth. Prerequisites: General Admission requirements; ARPA certificate; Radar certificate; Terrestrial Navigation training for license preparation; USCG-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course Fast Rescue Boats Applicants completing our 30-hour Fast Rescue Boats course satisfy the requirements Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 11 �26035_P2, 6_8, 11_14, 20_24.qxd 12/15/2004 10:31 AM G Continued from page 11 of Table A-VI/2-2 of the STCW Code, Specification of the Minimum Standard of Competence in Fast Rescue Boats. The Paul Hall Center’s Fast Rescue Boats course trains students to handle and take charge of fast rescue boats during or after launch in adverse weather and sea conditions. Students learn how to operate a fast rescue boat engine, use all locating devices, including communication and signaling equipment between the rescue boat and a helicopter and the ship, and how to carry out search patterns. Prerequisites: Basic Safety, Survival Craft and Rescue Boats other than fast rescue boats Fundamental Concepts of Navigation Applicants completing our 70-hour Fundamental Concepts of Navigation course and who present our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center WITHIN 5 YEARS of the completion of training, receive 20 days’ sea service credit that may be used—ONLY—for the following: (1) Any license restricted to service upon vessels of not more than 200 gross tons (domestic); OR (2) Any license restricted to service upon inland or Great Lakes waters; OR (3) Any Able Seaman endorsement PROVIDED that the applicant has at least 6 months of actual sea service that can be credited toward an Able Seaman endorsement. Topics covered in this c1ass include the use of nautical charts, calculating time, speed, and distance problems, the use of plotting instruments and compasses, dead reckoning, bearings, fixes, current sailing, piloting, and an introduction to collision regulations and rules of the road. Prerequisites: 120 days of sea time as an AB Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) Applicants completing our 70-hour Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS) course with a passing grade of at least 75% satisfy the GMDSS training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(n) and Table A-IV/2 of the STCW Code. Applicants for this 70-hour course must hold a 200-ton or greater license, or show a current U.S. Coast Guard approval letter indicating they are eligible to sit for a license greater than 200 tons. The class is designed to meet the requirements set forth in Table AIV/2 of the amended STCW convention. Topics include principles of the global marine distress and safety system communications, distress alerting and operational procedures for VHF DSC, INMARST-C, MF/HF, NAVTEX, EPIRB, SART, and VHF (SCT). The course blends classroom instruction and practical exercises. Prerequisites: 1 year experience as a member of navigational watch on the bridge of an ocean going vessel OR licensed radio officer or engineer. Government Vessels This 3-week class is open to mariners sailing in any department. The course is structured as three 1-week, 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.) Prerequisites: No additional Radar Observer (Unlimited) Applicants completing our 5-day Radar Observer (Unlimited) course, including successful demonstration of all practical assessments, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480 for an endorsement as Radar Observer (Unlimited) and the radar training 12 Seafarers LOG Page 12 requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC). In conjunction with this course, any approved instructor is authorized to sign-off for a successful demonstration on the students’ “Control Sheets” for the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-1-2B; OICNW-1-2C; OICNW-3-1A; OICNW-3-1B; OICNW-31C; OICNW-3-1D; OICNW-3-1E; OICNW3-1F; OICNW-3-1G; OICNW-3-1H; OICNW-3-1I; OICNW-3-1J; and OICNW-31K. This 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 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. Prerequisites: Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation Radar Observer Recertification Applicants completing our 1-Day Radar Observer Recertification course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480(d) for renewal of any Radar Observer endorsement. This course does not satisfy any training or assessment requirements of the STCW Convention and STCW Code. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.) Prerequisites: No additional Radar Observer Refresher Applicants completing our 3-Day Radar Observer Refresher course satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 10.480(d) for renewal of any Radar Observer endorsement. This course does not satisfy any training or assessment requirements of the STCW Convention and STCW Code. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.) Prerequisites: Radar Observer ARPA Applicants completing our 32-hour Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) course, including successful demonstration of all practical assessments, satisfy the ARPA training requirements for certification as Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch on vessels of 500 or more gross tonnage (ITC) and of 46 CFR 10.205(m)(1). The practical assessments conducted in this course are equivalent to the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code: OICNW-3-2A; OICNW-3-2B; OICNW-3-2C; OICNW-3-2D; OICNW-32E; OICNW-3-2F; OICNW- 3-2G; OICNW3-2H; OICNW-3-2I; OICNW-3-2J; OICNW3-2K; OICNW-3-2L; and OICNW-3- 2M. (Navigation exercises assume background in chart work and coastal navigation.) This course of instruction incorporates the use of ARPA simulation equipment to operate, observe, and use the radar plotting aids. Students gain an understanding of the limitations of the aids as well as their performance factors, sensor inputs and malfunctions and gain knowledge of tracking capabilities, processing, operational warnings, and target acquisition. Prerequisites: Radar Observer Medical Care Provider Applicants completing our 21-hour Medical Care Provider course satisfy the Medical First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/4 and Table A-VI/4-1 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 12.13-1. This course is designed for mariners who are employed or may be employed on U.S.-flag ships. It meets STCW requirements. Students successfully completing this course must take a refresher course within 5 years or provide information to the U.S. Coast Guard documenting maintenance of medical skills. Cardiopulmonary (CPR) certification must be renewed annually. Training as a Medical First Aid Provider is the second level of medical training required by STCW. Topics include a review of cardiac and airway management, rescuer safety, body structure, examining trauma victims and medical patients, treating head and spinal injuries, burns, musculoskeletal injuries, and rescued persons. Also included are obtaining radio medical advice, administering medication, and sterilization techniques. Prerequisite: Candidates for the course must possess current certification from the American Red Cross for CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent certification issued through a similar authorizing agency Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch (Including Sea Service) Applicants completing our entire Officer in Charge of a Navigational Watch Program, INCLUDING the 360 days of seagoing service: (1) receive 720 days’ sea service credit toward a license as Third Mate of Ocean or Near Coastal Steam or Motor Vessels of Any Gross Tons. Applicants must present evidence of not less than 1 year of qualifying seagoing service obtained AFTER enrollment in the OICNW program, including at least six months performing bridge watchkeeping duties under the supervision of the master or a qualified officer. Applicants must have previously completed our entire “Unlicensed Apprentice Program,” and sea service awarded for completion of the “Unlicensed Apprentice Program” may NOT be used to meet the service requirements for OICNW and Third Mate;—AND—(2) Satisfy the training and assessment requirements of 46 CFR 10.910 and Section AII/ 1 and Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code, Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence for Officers in Charge of a Navigational Watch on Ships of 500 Gross Tonnage or More, PROVIDED that they have also completed the following Coast Guard approved courses within five years of completion of the OICNW program: a) Basic Safety Training; b) Basic and Advanced Fire Fighting; c) Medical Care Provider; d) Proficiency in Survival Craft; e) Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids); f) Celestial Navigation (STCW); g) Radar Observer (Unlimited); h) Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA); i) Bridge Resource Management; j) Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS); and k) Visual Communications. Prerequisites: ARPA, Basic/Adv. Fire Fighting, BRM, Celestial Navigation, First Aid, GMDSS, Medical First Aid Provider, Proficiency in Survival Craft or Water Survival, Radar Observer, Tanker Familiarization, Visual Communication, BST, sea time for 3rd Mate and OICNW Oil Spill Prevention and Containment This 1-week course consists of classroom and practical training exercises. Topics include oil types and petroleum products’ behavior on water; pollution prevention regulations; hazardous materials training; spill prevention; absorbents, suction equipment, skimmers, and their proper use; and small boat operations. Students also receive instruction in spill containment booms, boom towing configurations, and anchoring operations. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites HAZMAT Recertification This 1-day class includes a regulatory overview of Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements, 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. Prerequisite: 24- or 40-hour Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) courses Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities Applicants completing our 4-hour Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(l)(4) and Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-4 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code. This course provides the unlicensed apprentice candidate with a general understanding and basic knowledge of human relationships, social skills necessary for living and working aboard operational merchant ships, and a working knowledge of issues impacting preparedness for international travel. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Personal Survival Techniques Applicants completing our 12-hour Personal Survival Techniques course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the Personal Survival training requirements of Section AVI/1 and Table A-VI/1-1 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(1). Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Proficiency in Survival Craft/Personal Survival Techniques (Lifeboatman) Applicants completing our 37-hour Proficiency in Survival Craft/Personal Survival Techniques course satisfy: (1) the Survival Craft training requirements of Section A-VI/2 and Table A-VI/2-1 of the STCW Code;—AND—(2) the training requirements of 46 CFR 12.10-3(a)(6) for any endorsement as Lifeboatman, PROVIDED that sea service requirements are also met;—AND—(2) if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, the written and practical examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.10-5 for a Lifeboatman endorsement (exam module 481xx) and the written “Survival Craft” examination requirements for service on vessels not equipped with lifeboats (exam module 441xx or 706xx),—AND—(3) the Personal Survival Techniques training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-1 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(1). This course helps mariners develop the required knowledge and application skills for water survival including launch, use and recovery of survival craft, and the proper use of survival equipment. Additionally, students learn the procedures necessary to take charge and maintain a survival craft and protect embarked personnel while on board. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman Applicants completing our 70-hour Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the training requirements for service as a Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman AND the training and assessment requirements of Table A-II/4 of the STCW Code, “Specification of Minimum Standard of Competence for Ratings Forming Part of a Navigational Watch,” and 46 CFR 12.05- 3(c) PROVIDED they also present evidence of at least 6 months’ sea-going service performing navigational watchkeeping functions under the supervision of the Master or officer in charge of the navigational watch. If the applicant does not present evidence of 6 months of this service, he or she satisfies the training and assessment requirements for certification as Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch RESTRICTED to lookout duties only. This certification is valid for 1 year and may not be renewed. This course is designed for deck trainees who need a fast track to Ratings Forming Part of the Navigational Watch. It meets the requirements of 46 CFR 12.05.3(c) and STCW Table A-II/4. Topics covered in the course include: anchoring, mooring, knottying, gyro and magnetic compass, wheel watch, error chain analysis and pilot interactions, helm control, rules of the road, IALA buoy systems, shipboard communication, helm watch relief and lookout watch. Prerequisites: UA Program Phases 1 and 2 Tank Barge Dangerous Liquids Applicants completing our 38-hour Tank Barge Dangerous Liquids Course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the training Continued on next page January 2005 �26035_P2, 6_8, 11_14, 20_24.qxd 12/15/2004 G Continued from page 12 requirements of 46 CFR 13.309 for an endorsement as Tankerman-PIC (Barge). Prerequisites: Present evidence of service in accordance with 46 CFR 13.303. Fire Fighting may be taken simultaneously with the course Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids Applicants completing our 5-day Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids course satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d) (1) (ii) (A), 13.115 (b) (1), 13.209, 13.309, 13.409 or 13.509 for any dangerous liquids tankerman endorsement. This course provides training for masters, chief engineers, officers, and any person with immediate responsibility for the loading, discharging and care in transit or handling of cargo. It comprises a specialized training program appropriate to their duties, including oil tanker safety, fire safety measure and systems, pollution prevention, operational practice and obligations under applicable laws and regulations. Prerequisites: 3 months’ seagoing service on tankers (DL) OR completion of a Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) (Paul Hall Center “Tanker Assistant” course) to cover STCW Code Section A-V/1 para. 2-8. Fire fighting course in accordance with 47 CFR 13.121 Table 13.121(g) OR Paul Hall Center Basic Fire Fighting, U.S.C.G.-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids (Simulator) Applicants completing our 53-hour Tank Ship Dangerous Liquids (Simulator) course satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d)(1)(ii)(A), 13.115 (b)(1), 13.209, 13.309, 13.409 or 13.509 for any dangerous liquids tankerman endorsement;—AND— receive credit for: (1) two loadings and two discharges which may be applied toward satisfying the requirements of 46 CFR 13.203(b)(1);—AND—(2) one commencement of loading and one completion of loading which may be applied toward satisfying the requirements in 46 CFR 13.203(b)(2);— AND—(3) one commencement of discharge and one completion of discharge which may be applied toward satisfying the requirements in 46 CFR 13.203(b)(3). This course provides training for masters, chief engineers, officers, and any person with immediate responsibility for the loading, discharging and care in transit or handling of cargo. It comprises a specialized training program appropriate to their duties, including oil tanker safety, fire safety measure and systems, pollution prevention, operational practice and obligations under applicable laws and regulations. Prerequisites: 3 months’ seagoing service on tankers (DL) OR completion of a Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) (Paul Hall Center “Tanker Assistant” course) to cover STCW Code Section A-V/1 para. 2-8. Fire fighting course in accordance with 47 CFR 13.121 Table 13.121(g) OR Paul Hall Center Basic Fire Fighting, U.S.C.G.-approved STCW Basic Safety Training course Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) Applicants completing our 63-hour Tank Ship Familiarization (Dangerous Liquids) course satisfy the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.409 for an original endorsement as Tankerman-Assistant DL. This course meets the Code of Federal Regulation requirements for personnel not having the required sea service. The objective of this course is to provide students with 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 Characteristics, Enclosed Space Entry, Cargo Transfer and Shipment, and Pollution Prevention, and Emergency Operations and Response. Prerequisites: Fire Fighting January 2005 10:31 AM Page 13 Tank Ship Familiarization (Liquefied Gases) Applicants completing our 30-hour Tank Ship Familiarization (Liquefied Gases) course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the training requirements of 46 CFR 13.409 for an original endorsement as Tankerman- Assistant (LG); —AND— (2) the tanker familiarization training requirements of paragraphs 1-7 of Section A-V/1 of the STCW Code. This 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 fire fighting, confined space awareness, LNG nomenclature, LNG ship operations, personal safety, LNG safety, hazardous material, LNG cargo tank (level indicators, temperature), LNG cargo pump (Carter pump construction and ops), inert gas generator (general flow system), nitrogen gas system, LNG vapor compressor, warm-up heater and boiloff heater. Prerequisites: Advanced Fire Fighting Vessel Security Officer This 12-hour course provides knowledge to those wishing to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Vessel Security Officer (VSO) as defined in section A/2.1.6 (and section A/12.1) of the ISPS Code with respect to the security of a ship, for implementing and maintaining a Ship Security Plan, and for liaising with the Company Security Officer (CSO) and Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs). Successful students will be able to undertake the duties and responsibilities as Vessel Security Officer as defined in section A/12.2 of the ISPS Code. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites. Visual Communications (Flashing Light) Applicants completing our 1-day Visual Communications course with a minimum score of 80% will: (1) Satisfy the practical signaling examination requirements (flashing light) of 46 CFR 10.401(h) IF presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training;—AND—(2) Be considered to have successfully demonstrated the competence “Transmit and Receive Information by Visual Signaling” of Table A-II/1 of the STCW Code. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites ENGINE Many engine department courses have prerequisites. For example, to be accepted for Advanced Refrigeration/Containers, students must have successfully completed Basic Marine Electrician and Refrigeration System Maintenance and Operations. Fireman, Oiler & Watertender (FOWT) Applicants completing Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations and both Basic Motor Plant Operations and Basic Steam Plant Operations will meet the requirements for endorsement as FOWT. (These classes are described below as stand-alone courses.) Applicants completing Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations and either Basic Motor Plant Operations or Basic Steam Plant Operations will be eligible for an FOWT (Restricted) endorsement. Prerequisites: Successful completion of the Paul Hall Center Unlicensed Apprentice Training Program; successful completion of the unlicensed apprentice sea voyage and required sea projects; unlicensed apprentice sea voyage performance evaluations within the engine department as completed by the First Assistant Engineer of at least satisfactory or better; recommendation by the unlicensed apprentice sea voyage participating vessel’s Chief Engineer. OR 6 months’ sea time as wiper AND STCW certification in all areas of basic safety training; successful completion of the entrylevel sea voyage and auxiliary plant familiarization sea project; total USCG approved sea service or equivalent sea service in the engine room of vessels of at least 6 months; meet all USCG physical standards for qualified members of the engine department. Military veterans meeting the prior military sea service requirement in the engine room of vessels must meet the following entrance requirements: Prior approval to the military veterans program for ratings forming part of an engineering watch; meet all USCG physical standards for qualified members of the engine department. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operation Applicants completing our 140-hour Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations course and who present our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the General Safety (80XXX) examination module, PROVIDED they have also completed either our 63-hour Basic Motor Plant Operations course and/or our 70-hour Basic Steam Plant Operations course. Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present individually completed “Control Sheets” for the assessments in application for STCW certification. Successful completion of this course is the equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-III/4 of the STCW Code: RFPEW-11A, RFPEW-1-1B, RFPEW 1-1C, RFPEW1-1D, RFPEW-1-1E, RFPEW-1- 1F, RFPEW-1-1G RFPEW-1-1H, RFPEW-1-1I, RFPEW-1-1J, RFPEW-1-1K, RFPEW-1-1L, RFPEW-1-1M, RFPEW-1-1P, RFPEW-1-1R, RFPEW-1-1V, RFPEW-1-3A, RFPEW1-4A, RFPEW-1-5A, RFPEW-3-1A, RFPEW-32A, and RFPEW-3-2B. The objective of this course to provide students with knowledge and practical operational skills required of rated engine department watchstanders as they sail in the capacity of FOWT. This objective is accomplished through classroom lectures and shore-side auxiliary plant simulator practical exercises. Prerequisites: Same as FOWT program Basic Motor Plant Operation Applicants completing our 63-hour Basic Motor Plant Operations course and who presents our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the General Safety (80XXX) and Oiler (87XXX) examination modules, PROVIDED they have also completed our 140-hour Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations course. Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present individually completed “Control Sheets” for the assessments in application for STCW certification. Successful completion of this course is equivalent of the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-III/4 of the STCW Code: RFPEW-11A, RFPEW-1-1B, RFPEW-1-1D, RFPEW1-1U, RFPEW-1-2B, and RFPEW-1-5A. Prerequisites: Same as FOWT Basic Steam Plant Operations Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Steam Plant Operations course and who presents our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, satisfy the examination requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9 for the General Safety (80XXX), FiremanWatertender (86XXX), and Oiler (87XXX) examination modules, PROVIDED they have also completed our 140-hour Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations course. Applicants who have successfully completed our course need not present individually completed “Control Sheets” for the assessments in application for STCW certification. Successful completion of this course is equivalent to the following assessments from the National Assessment Guidelines for Table A-III/4 of the STCW Code: RFPEW-11S, RFPEW-1-1T, RFPEW-1-1U, RFPEW1-5A, RFPEW-2-1A, RFPEW-2-1B, RFPEW-2-1C, RFPEW-2-1D, and RFPEW2-1E. The objective of this course to provide students with knowledge and practical operational skills required of rated engine department watchstanders in auxiliary plant watchstanding as they sail in the capacity of FOWT. This objective is accomplished through classroom lectures and shore-side auxiliary plant simulator practical exercises. Prerequisites: Same as FOWT program 203-Hour Auxiliary Plant Maintenance Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70-hour Basic Electricity, and 203-hour Auxiliary Plant Maintenance courses, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the General Safety (80XXX), Junior Engineer (81XXX), and Deck Engineer (87XXX) examination modules, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days engine room service while endorsed as a QMED Oiler prior to commencing the above training. Prerequisites: Basic Safety. Recommended: Tankerman Assistant (DL), QMEDOiler/Motor, Total USCG-approved sea service or equivalent service in engine room of vessels for at least 6 months, Fireman/WT or Oiler rating Basic Electricity Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70-hour Basic Electricity, and 203-hour Auxiliary Plant Maintenance courses, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the General Safety (80XXX), Junior Engineer (81XXX), and Deck Engineer (87XXX) examination modules, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days engine room service while endorsed as a QMED Oiler prior to commencing the above training. Prerequisites: Basic Safety. Recommended: Tankerman Assistant (DL), QMEDOiler/Motor, Total USCG-approved sea service or equivalent service in engine room of vessels for at least 6 months, Fireman/WT or Oiler rating Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70-hour Basic Electricity, and 203-hour Auxiliary Plant Maintenance courses, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the General Safety (80XXX), Junior Engineer (81XXX), and Deck Engineer (87XXX) examination modules, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days’ engine room service while endorsed as a QMED Oiler prior to commencing the above training. This course provides the mariner the cognitive and practical mechanical skills required of rated engine department members in the area of Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance as they sail in the capacity of Junior Engineer during voyages on U.S.flagged vessels. Prerequisites: Basic Safety. Recommended: Tankerman Assistant (DL), QMEDOiler/Motor, Total USCG-approved sea service or equivalent service in engine room of vessels for at least 6 months, Fireman/WT or Oiler rating Basic Refrigeration & HVAC Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70-hour Basic Electricity, and 203-hour Auxiliary Plant Maintenance courses, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the General Safety (80XXX), Junior Engineer (81XXX), and Deck Engineer (87XXX) examination modules, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days’ engine room service while endorsed as a QMED Oiler prior to commencing the above training. This course provides the mariner the cog- Continued on next page Seafarers LOG 13 �26035_P2, 6_8, 11_14, 20_24.qxd 12/15/2004 10:31 AM G Continued from page 13 nitive and practical mechanical skills required of rated engine department members in the area of Basic Refrigeration and HVAC as they sail in the capacity of Junior Engineer during voyages on U.S.-flagged vessels. Prerequisites: Basic Safety. Recommended: Tankerman Assistant (DL), QMEDOiler/Motor, Total USCG-approved sea service or equivalent service in engine room of vessels for at least 6 months, Fireman/WT or Oiler rating Junior Engineer Program Applicants completing our 70-hour Basic Propulsion Systems Maintenance, 70-hour Basic Refrigeration & HVAC, 70-hour Basic Electricity, and 203-hour Auxiliary Plant Maintenance courses, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the General Safety (80XXX), Junior Engineer (81XXX), and Deck Engineer (87XXX) examination modules, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days engine room service while endorsed as a QMED Oiler prior to commencing the above training. Prerequisites: Basic Safety. Recommended: Tankerman Assistant (DL), QMEDOiler/Motor, Total USCG-approved sea or equivalent service in engine room of vessels for at least 6 months, Fireman/WT or Oiler rating. Machinist Applicants completing our 102-hour Machinist course, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15- 9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the Machinist (85XXX) examination module, provided they also present evidence of completing the requirements to be endorsed with a Junior Engineer rating endorsement prior to commencing the above training. This course provides mariners cognitive and practical mechanical skills in the area of general metalworking and machine tool operations. Prerequisites: STCW certification in all areas of basic safety training, USCG physical standards for QMED OR hold the USCG Oiler Rating endorsement, STCW certificate as a RFPEW, completed QMED Jr. Eng training program, and USCG Jr. Engineer rating. Marine Electrician Applicants completing our 280-hour Marine Electrician course, and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy the requirements of 46 CFR 12.15-9, if presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the completion of training, for the Electrician (85XXX) examination module, provided they also present evidence of acquiring at least 90 days’ engine room service while endorsed as a QMED–Junior Engineer prior to commencing the above training. This course provides Engine Department personnel with the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills necessary to perform maintenance and repair operations on motors, generators, and controllers on board ship. Prerequisites: 6 months QMED Diesel Engine Technology This 4-week course, 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. 14 Seafarers LOG Page 14 Students receive practical training in the operation and repair of diesel engines on board school training vessels. Prerequisites: QMED-Any Rating or equivalent inland experience ing, and cutting. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Automated Cargo Ops Galley Operations This course of instruction in the pumpman career track includes classroom and simulator training in all facets of liquid cargo loading and discharge. 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. Prerequisite: QMED-Any Rating Class 3 or QMED Junior Engineer/Pumpman Class 3. Recommended: Basic and Intermediate Math and Computer Basic. *Advanced plant maintenance must be completed for advancement to QMED Class 2. Refrigeration System Maintenance & Operations Now an elective, this 6-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 operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of ships’ stores plants, air conditioning plants, cargo ventilation and dehumidifying equipment, and 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 is also 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. Prerequisites: QMED-Any rating, OR Refrigeration Engineer and Electrician OR equivalent inland experience Refrigerated Containers Advanced Maintenance This 4-week course leads to certification in refrigerated containers maintenance and consists of 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, and maintenance procedures. Prerequisites: 6-months’ sea time as Wiper, 6 additional months’ sea time in any Engineering Department rating. Must hold a QMED-any rating endorsement, or endorsements as Refrigeration Engineer and Electrician, or possess equivalent inland experience Hydraulics The curriculum in the 4-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 variety of other shipboard systems. Prerequisite: QMED-Any Rating Welding Classroom instruction and hands-on training compose this 4-week course, which features practical training in electric arc welding and cutting and oxy-acetylene brazing, weld- STEWARD The course consists of two 2-week modules (totaling 4 weeks). Each module is 35 hours with additional time participating in the school’s galley operations. This course provides the student with understanding of the basic baking knowledge and skills potentially required of a member of the steward department. Prerequisites: Paul Hall Center UA Program and 240 days’ sea time OR 365 days’ sea time as an SA Certified Chief Cook This course consists of six 2-week standalone modules totaling 12 weeks. This structure allows eligible upgraders to enroll at the start of any module. The objective of the Certified Chief Cook (FSM 203) is to provide Steward Department personnel with an understanding and knowledge of sanitation, nutrition, and the preparation and service of soups, sauces, meats, poultry, and seafood. Prerequisites: Galley Operations and 180 days’ sea time Advanced Galley Operations This course consists of four 1-week modules (totaling 4 weeks). The course provides students with a thorough grasp of the advanced baking knowledge and skills required of a member of the steward department. Prerequisites: Paul Hall Center Certified Chief Cook and 180 days’ sea time Certified Chief Steward The Certified Chief Steward course is a 12-week course for members of the Steward Department. The course is presented in eight modules. Each module is assessed independently of the others. Modules may be taken in 1 week increments with breaks between. This course trains stewards to take charge of production galley, plan and prepare meals, and supervise employees in galley operations for a period of not less than 28 days. On meeting the minimum requirements for Certified Chief Steward, culinary students will be competent to take charge of a production galley. The Certified Chief Steward course stresses the competencies related to the supervision of the galley, menu planning, requisitioning of supplies, inventory control, and sanitation. Prerequisites: Advanced Galley Operations and 180 days’ sea time SAFETY Basic Safety Training Applicants completing our 40-hour Basic Safety Training course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the Personal Survival training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-1 of the Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(1);—AND— (2) the Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/1-2 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);—AND—(3) the Elementary First Aid training requirements of Section AVI/1 and Table A-VI/1-3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(3);—AND—(4) the Personal Safety & Social Responsibilities training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1-4 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(4). Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites First Aid & CPR (21-Hour) Applicants completing our 21-hour First Aid & CPR course satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety-Elementary First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/ 1-3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(3); —AND— (2)—IF— presented WITHIN 1 YEAR of the date of training, the First Aid & CPR training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(h)(1)(ii) and 10.205(h)(2)(iii) for original issuance of a license. Students in this class learn the principles and techniques of safety and basic first aid, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to the accepted standards of the American Red Cross. Successful students are awarded a certificate from the American Red Cross. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites First Aid (8-Hour) Applicants completing our 8-hour Elementary First Aid course and presenting our Certificate of Training at the Regional Exam Center (REC) satisfy: (1) the First Aid training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(h)(1)(ii) for original issuance of a license;—AND—(2) the Basic SafetyElementary First Aid training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table A-VI/1- 3 of the Seafarers Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(3). Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Advanced Fire Fighting Applicants completing our 37-hour Advanced Fire Fighting course satisfy the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/3 and Table A-VI/3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2); —AND—the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license. During this course, students learn to blueprint a vessel and organize emergency squads for fire fighting. The class covers effective communication between crew members and land-based fire units, leadership roles and responsibilities, documentation of crew training, and emergency squad training. Students also learn to inspect and service personal shipboard fire extinguishing equipment before going through shipboard simulations and actual firefighting drills. Prerequisites: Basic Fire Fighting Basic Fire Fighting (16-Hour) Applicants completing our 16-hour Basic Fire Fighting course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/1-2 of the Seafarers Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);— AND—(2) the Basic Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license;—AND—(3) the Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113 (d)(2)(i)(A), 13.113(e)(1)(i)(A) or (B), 13.201(e), 13.301(e), 13.401(d) or 13.501(e) for any tankerman endorsement. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Basic Fire Fighting (30-Hour) Applicants completing our 30-hour Basic Fire Fighting course and presenting our Certificate of Training at a Regional Exam Center, satisfy: (1) the Basic Safety Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/1 and Table AVI/1-2 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2);—AND—(2) the Basic Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license;— AND—(3) the Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 13.113(d)(2)(i)(A), 13.113(e)(1)(i)(A) or (B), 13.201(e), 13.301(e), 13.401(d) or 13.501(e) for any tankerman endorsement. The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with the chemical process of fire, its behavior and the various methods and equipment used to combat it. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites Combined Basic & Advanced Fire Fighting Applicants completing our 32-hour Advanced Fire Fighting course satisfy: (1) the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of Section A-VI/3 and Table AVI/ 3 of the STCW Code and 46 CFR 10.205(l)(2); —AND—(2) the Advanced Fire Fighting training requirements of 46 CFR 10.205(g) and 10.401(g)(1) for a license. The objective of this course is to familiarize students with the fundamentals of shipboard and tank barge fire fighting. Prerequisites: No additional prerequisites January 2005 �26035_P01,4,9,15,16,17.qxd 12/20/2004 7:37 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea February & March 2005 Membership Meetings NOVEMBER 16 — DECEMBER 15, 2004 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Totals Baltimore ................Thursday: February 10, February 10 1 2 0 2 2 20 15 0 4 8 16 4 0 3 1 3 2 15 18 1 0 4 2 4 18 29 0 8 16 21 10 3 0 5 14 0 23 16 1 6 3 3 6 18 21 1 6 13 16 15 0 19 7 17 2 22 12 0 3 1 1 0 10 8 0 2 3 6 1 0 3 2 1 2 10 4 1 0 1 0 4 10 22 0 5 14 13 8 1 1 9 9 1 22 7 4 0 8 1 13 47 65 0 21 23 45 26 5 1 10 32 1 47 32 3 3 3 6 12 24 65 0 10 21 33 24 7 20 9 13 8 44 34 2 2 0 2 3 33 21 0 6 15 29 11 1 2 1 8 2 33 30 257 224 116 174 188 57 128 381 339 201 Norfolk ...................Thursday: February 10, March 10 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: February 9, March 9 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 2 12 13 18 0 9 9 12 6 2 5 6 10 0 12 6 2 2 6 2 6 6 25 1 3 7 3 10 4 3 0 4 2 20 15 0 0 1 0 1 7 9 0 1 2 4 2 0 2 0 9 1 2 6 0 0 4 1 3 9 13 0 5 10 11 1 1 3 2 8 0 6 4 1 1 3 3 10 2 12 1 4 8 6 6 2 1 1 4 1 13 8 0 0 0 0 1 3 6 0 1 1 2 1 0 1 1 1 1 3 4 0 0 3 0 7 2 12 0 1 3 7 0 1 1 2 3 2 13 5 0 0 4 1 15 18 36 0 8 12 13 12 4 5 6 12 0 17 14 2 1 7 3 4 19 41 0 3 8 16 14 6 5 1 9 3 35 22 0 0 1 1 1 10 16 0 2 8 7 4 0 1 0 8 1 6 11 125 121 47 81 87 26 62 177 199 77 0 0 3 0 9 15 13 0 5 8 15 8 2 1 0 28 0 24 20 2 0 1 0 4 8 9 1 2 4 9 11 1 1 1 4 1 3 6 0 0 0 0 1 1 5 0 1 1 3 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 2 0 0 2 0 4 13 13 0 3 14 10 7 3 0 0 19 1 17 17 0 0 0 0 5 2 5 1 2 3 7 13 0 3 0 3 1 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 4 7 9 0 0 4 7 3 1 1 0 8 1 11 6 1 0 4 0 18 23 29 0 10 12 23 13 2 4 2 33 1 33 29 2 0 1 1 4 10 23 0 3 10 9 12 1 3 2 9 2 5 11 0 0 1 1 2 4 8 0 1 2 8 9 1 0 2 2 0 7 5 151 68 20 123 59 9 62 237 108 53 0 0 0 0 2 6 4 0 1 2 7 0 0 0 0 6 0 7 1 2 1 3 2 9 20 12 1 6 9 24 7 0 16 3 8 2 20 6 2 2 1 0 5 22 19 0 1 17 28 15 1 28 1 9 1 16 13 0 0 0 0 5 4 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 6 2 0 0 1 1 6 15 9 0 0 8 17 5 0 17 2 4 0 9 6 0 1 1 0 1 12 7 1 1 7 1 10 0 23 2 2 0 12 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 5 6 1 1 7 11 0 0 0 2 8 0 9 0 3 3 5 2 11 26 26 1 14 12 56 14 0 10 10 18 2 27 13 12 3 3 0 8 32 38 0 3 21 64 21 3 29 0 19 3 28 38 36 151 180 24 100 84 0 54 253 325 569 564 363 402 434 176 252 849 899 656 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Boston.....................Friday: February 11, March 11 Duluth .....................Wednesday: February 16, March 16 Guam ......................Thursday: February 24, March 24 Honolulu .................Friday: February 18, March 18 Houston ..................Monday: February 14, March 14 Jacksonville ............Thursday: February 10, March 10 Joliet .......................Thursday: February 17, March 17 Mobile ....................Wednesday: February 16, March 16 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: February 15, March 15 New York................Tuesday: February 8, March 8 Port Everglades.......Thursday: February 17, March 17 San Francisco .........Thursday: February 17, March 17 San Juan..................Thursday: February 10, March 10 St. Louis..................Friday: February 18, March 18 Tacoma ...................Friday: February 25, March 25 Wilmington ...............Tuesday: February 22* .................................Monday: March 21 .................................*(change created by Presidents Day) ............................................ Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals ANYONE WHO KNEW WILLIAM DEAN William Dean, who sailed as a recertified bosun, mostly recently aboard the SL Defender, died Sept. 6, 2004. His brother, Daniel Dean, also an SIU member, would like to talk with anyone who knew William. Daniel may be reached by phone at his home (573) 686-5518 or his cell phone (573) 576-8532. ENTRY DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals All Departments Algonac ..................Friday: February 11, March 11 1 4 3 4 3 13 38 0 8 13 25 19 3 18 6 10 4 31 21 Port Totals Piney Point .............Monday: February 7, March 7 3 0 6 1 3 33 44 0 13 13 36 17 7 1 8 19 1 31 21 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs *“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 2005 Seafarers LOG 15 �26035_P01,4,9,15,16,17.qxd 12/20/2004 8:36 AM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report NOVEMBER 16 — DECEMBER 15, 2004 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 5 9 4 6 18 1 1 6 50 3 3 2 0 3 1 0 1 13 0 5 8 1 6 4 5 3 32 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 24 3 3 15 2 1 7 59 3 5 1 3 2 0 1 1 16 0 8 10 1 6 5 6 3 39 1 7 4 4 10 1 0 0 27 4 26 9 14 40 4 2 12 111 1 4 3 3 9 2 0 5 27 0 24 0 21 0 0 3 0 48 2 6 2 2 8 2 0 2 24 2 6 7 7 15 2 2 13 54 2 1 5 2 1 0 1 2 14 0 18 1 15 0 1 1 3 39 1 1 2 2 8 0 0 1 15 2 7 3 5 10 3 1 2 33 0 6 2 1 10 0 1 1 21 0 17 1 14 0 1 1 1 35 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 3 2 4 9 1 3 6 31 2 0 4 0 0 0 1 2 9 0 7 11 4 2 0 2 5 31 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 1 8 1 1 9 2 3 6 31 1 4 3 0 1 0 0 4 13 0 8 12 4 2 0 2 5 33 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 3 2 2 4 4 1 0 0 16 1 1 1 0 4 0 0 1 8 0 5 8 4 4 1 2 3 27 Port 2 7 3 2 7 1 0 0 22 1 4 2 0 6 0 0 2 15 0 5 10 2 4 3 3 3 30 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 97 30 90 112 44 102 66 198 62 122 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by pensioner Kathryn Mobley Kaufman of Sacramento, Calif. It was taken in October 1956 aboard the SS Mariposa en route to Tahiti. The Mariposa was the first American passenger ship to hire women as waitresses in the dining room for its first-class passengers. Sister Kaufman notes that the vessel made the six-week South Pacific run for 22 years until its final voyage in 1978. She retired in April 1985. Some of the other women pictured at right, whose names Sister Kaufman can still remember, include Alma Becker, Terry Strom, Ginger Gingeroski, Ray Lange, Ann Wynn, Bobby Faust, Anna Perosi, Bea Anderson, Helen Dalrymple, Lorraine Torres, Beth Denton, Sharon Sheldon and Kathy Reynolds. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. January 2005 �26035_P01,4,9,15,16,17.qxd 12/22/2004 1:42 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA FERNANDO AGUILAR, 65, was born in Honduras and began working for the SIU in 1966 in the port of New York. Brother Aguilar initially shipped aboard the Alcoa Trader as a member of the engine department. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. in 2000. Brother Aguilar last went to sea on the Global Mariner. He lives in his native country. ROBERTO BENDECK, 65, joined the Seafarers in 1961 in New Orleans. Brother Bendeck first sailed aboard a vessel owned by Seatrain Lines. The steward department member’s last voyage was on the Liberty Star. Brother Bendeck was born in Honduras and now calls Metairie, La. home. DOYLE CORNELIUS, 64, embarked on his seafaring career in 1973 in the port of Honolulu. Brother Cornelius first shipped on Delta Steamship Lines’ Santa Mariana. He completed steward recertification training in 1987 and LNG recertification in 1997, both at the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Cornelius was born in Kansas. He most recently sailed aboard the Liberty Grace. The steward department member makes his home in Reno, Nev. JOSEPH DUNNAM, 65, became a Seafarer in 1964 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Dunnam worked primarily on Waterman Steamship vessels such as the Topa Topa and the Atlantic Forest. Born in Mississippi, he was a member of the deck department. Brother Dunnam upgraded his skills numerous times at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He resides in Leakesville, Miss. OMER A. OMER, 63, hails from Arabia. Brother Omer began his profession with the SIU in 1968 in New York, initially sailing aboard the Alcoa Explorer. The engine department member went to the union’s affiliated school in 2001 to enhance his skills. Brother Omer’s last ship was the Horizon Hawaii. He calls Brooklyn, N.Y. home. EDUARDO PEREIRA, 70, started his seafaring career in 1970 in New Orleans. Brother Pereira, who was born in Brazil, shipped as a member of the engine department. He first worked on Waterman Steamship’s Fairport. Brother Pereira upgraded his skills in 2000 and again in 2001 at the Paul Hall Center. His last voyage was aboard the USNS Pollux. Brother Pereira makes his home in Marrero, La. DAVID REGISTER, 64, joined the union in 1977 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Register, who was born in Seagate, N.C., shipped primarily on Cape Fear Towing vessels. The engine department member currently resides in Wilmington, N.C. EDDIE WILLIAMS, 62, hails from Parris Island, S.C. Boatman Williams joined the Seafarers in 1974 in Norfolk, Va. after serving in the U.S. Navy. He sailed with Crowley Towing of Jacksonville, as a captain until his retirement. Boatman Williams was a frequent upgrader at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He calls Green Cove Springs, Fla. home. INLAND CHARLES SPRINGLE, 65, initiated his SIU career in 1989 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in North Carolina, Boatman Springle first worked aboard a vessel operated by Steuart Transportation as a member of the deck department. Prior to retiring, he shipped with Penn Maritime. Boatman Springle lives in his native state. MOHAMED NASSIR, 66, launched his seafaring profession in 1970 in Detroit. Born in Arabia, his first ship was the Hennepin. Brother Nassir shipped in the engine department, most recently aboard the Southdown Challenger. He upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2003. Brother Nassir currently lives in Detroit. MITCHELL KILLIAN, 61, joined the ranks of the SIU in 1980 in New York. Boatman Killian worked as a member of the deck department. The Texas-born mariner’s first trip to sea was aboard the Seabulk Tanker. Boatman Killian last went to sea on a vessel owned by Higman Barge Lines. He is a resident of Orange, Texas. RICHARD MOSELEY, 62, began shipping with the Seafarers in 1996 in the port of Houston. Boatman Moseley initially worked on a G&H Towing Co. vessel, but later shipped primarily with Moran Towing of Texas. In 2001 the deck department member upgraded his skills at the Piney Point school. Boatman Moseley was born in Plant City, Fla. and now lives in Houston. WILLIAM WATTIGNEY, 60, became a Seafarer in 1966 in New Orleans, shipping primarily on Cresent Towing vessels. Boatman Wattigney was born in California and sailed as a member of the deck department. He is a New Orleans resident. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1946 The membership voted overwhelmingly for a resolution that authorized the election of a committee to investigate the possibilities and advisability of establishing an upgrading school in the port of New Orleans. The membership felt very strongly that the union should establish and operate its own training schools rather than have schools controlled and operated by the government. GREAT LAKES Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension and Trust, recently went on pension. Name Age EDP Cruz, Angel 58 Nov. 1 Gonzalez, Ramon 62 Oct. 1 Rivera, Alberto 65 Dec. 1 Valentin, Teodoro 58 Nov. 1 Zander, Stephen Dec. 1 65 exceeding $8,200,000, of which $5,200,000 is invested in government bonds and top grade stocks. 1994 Within hours after an emergency call went out that an oil barge had run aground and was leaking, Seafarers were stringing containment booms and crewing tugboats and skimmers to sweep the petroleum before it reached the beaches of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Around 4 a.m. on January 7, the barge Morris J. Berman broke loose from its line to the tugboat Emily S. and drifted onto a coral reef approximately 300 yards from the beaches that serve some of San Juan’s best-known hotels. The barge was loaded with 1.54 million gallons of heavy number 6 bunker oil. Several of the barge’s holds ripped open, sending its contents toward the shore. Among the first people called out to handle the crisis were Seafarers working for Crowley Maritime. SIU members sprang into action by deploying containment booms around environmentally sensitive areas. This Month In SIU History 1960 S January 2005 D A P During the next two weeks the combined benefits paid out to Seafarers and their families under the Welfare and Vacation Plans will pass the $20 million mark. As of December 18, 1959, the total benefits amount to $19,822,218.45. Of this, more than $7 million represents welfare benefit items with the remaining $12,750,000 coming under the Vacation Plan. The Welfare Plan started functioning in July 1950 and the Vacation Plan in February 1952. In addition, the latest formal report showed total assets of the two plans now Seafarers LOG 17 �26035_P3_5,18.qxd 12/17/2004 12:21 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA DONALD AVERILL Pensioner Donald Averill, 87, died Oct. 26. Brother Averill was a charter member of the SIU, having joined the union in 1939, initially sailing with M. J. Troy Inc. The deck department member was born in Boston, Mass. Prior to retirement in 1979, Brother Averill worked aboard the Sea-Land Resource. He resided in his native state. LIBARDO CIFUENTES Pensioner Libardo Cifuentes, 80, passed away Sept. 1. Born in South America, Brother Cifuentes began his SIU career in 1969 in the port of Houston. His first voyage was on the OMI Sacramento, on which he worked as a member of the deck department. Brother Cifuentes last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Atlantic. He went on pension in 1989 and called Houston home. port of New York after serving in the U.S. Navy. His first ship was the Oremar; his last was the SeaLand Independence. Brother Kleimola, who was born in Michigan, was a resident of Las Vegas. The deck department member began collecting his pension in 1995. Aug. 19. Brother Turpin joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Air Force. His first ship was the Montpelier Victory; his last was the Sea-Land Patriot. Brother Turpin was born in England and sailed as a member of the deck department. He went on pension the 1987 and was a resident of San Diego, Calif. WALTER MITCHELL Pensioner Walter Mitchell, 84, died Oct. 7. A U.S. Army veteran, Brother Mitchell began sailing with the SIU in 1944 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first voyage was aboard the Alcoa Pointer. Born in Philadelphia, Brother Mitchell was a member of the engine department. He last worked on the Gulf Merchant and began receiving retirement stipends in 1986. Brother Mitchell called Brazoria, Texas home. LLOYD PALMER INLAND WILLIAM CALLAHAN Boatman William Callahan, 70, passed away Oct. 17. He joined the SIU in 1977 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Callahan initially shipped aboard a Dixie Carriers vessel. The U.S. Army veteran worked in the deck department, most recently with Crowley Towing of Jacksonville, Fla. Born in Burlington, Mass., he made his home in Jacksonville. Brother Dennis Coleman, 69, died Sept. 28. He joined the union in 2000 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Coleman worked as a member of the steward department. His first trip to sea was aboard the Global Link. Brother Coleman’s most recent voyage was on the APL Korea. He was born in Freeport, N.Y. and made his home in Hawthorne, Calif. Pensioner Lloyd Palmer, 71, passed away Aug. 20. Born in Mobile, Ala., Brother Palmer first donned the SIU colors in 1987 in the port of Mobile. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Brother Palmer, who worked in the steward department, initially sailed on the USNS Dutton; his last trip to sea was on the Sea-Land Newark Bay. Brother Palmer began collecting compensation for his retirement in 1999 and lived in his native state. CARLOS FIGUEROA RUPERTO PERALTA Pensioner Carlos Figueroa, 78, passed away Aug. 21. Brother Figueroa began his seafaring career in 1969 in the port of New York. He first sailed on a Michigan Tankers vessel. Brother Figueroa’s last ship was the San Juan. The deck department member was born in Manati, P.R. and retired in 1990. Brother Figueroa lived in Manhattan, N.Y. Pensioner Ruperto Peralta, 78, died Oct. 9. Brother Peralta embarked on his SIU career in 1973. The U.S. Navy veteran worked in the steward department. Brother Peralta’s first voyage was on the Sea-Land Pittsburgh. He was born in the Philippines and made his home in San Diego, Calif. Before retiring in 1993, Brother Peralta went to sea aboard the Sea-Land Defender. Pensioner Alton Douglas Jr., 69, passed away Oct. 27. Born in Louisiana, Boatman Douglas joined the SIU in 1958 in New Orleans. He first sailed aboard an Allied Towing vessel in the deck department and most recently sailed as a captain. He worked with Dixie Carriers prior to retiring in 2000. Boatman Douglas resided in his native state. EDWIN GAMBREL CHESTER SPINKS HENRY DUDLEY Pensioner Edwin Gambrel, 51, died Sept. 24. Brother Gambrel began his SIU career in 1973 in the port of Houston. He initially shipped on the Zapata Rover in the deck department. Brother Gambrel’s last voyage was aboard the Liberty Wave. He was born in Mobile, Ala. and continued to reside there. Brother Gambrel went on pension in 2002. Pensioner Chester Spinks, 88, passed away July 16. Brother Spinks commenced his seafaring career in 1946 in New Orleans. The Alabama-born mariner shipped mainly aboard Waterman Steamship Corp. vessels. He first sailed aboard the Phillip Barbara; his last ship was the John Taylor. Brother Spinks was a veteran of the U.S. Army and worked in the steward department. He began receiving his pension in 1976. Brother spinks called Brewton, Ala. home. DENNIS COLEMAN WILLIAM KLEIMOLA Pensioner William Kleimola, 77, passed away Sept. 9. Brother Kleimola joined the Seafarers International Union in 1951 in the 18 Seafarers LOG RICHARD TURPIN Pensioner Richard Turpin, 85, died in the U.S. Army. Born in North Carolina, he shipped in the deck department, initially aboard a Southern Carriers Corp. vessel. Boatman Furman’s last trip was with Allied Transportation Co. He went on pension in 2000 and lived in Windsor, Va. CALVIN WAGNER Pensioner Calvin Wagner, 78, died July 17. Boatman Wagner joined the SIU in 1958 in the port of Houston. The U.S. Army veteran shipped primarily on G&H Towing vessels. Boatman Wagner was a member of the engine department. He was born in Moulton, Texas and resided in Webster, Texas. Boatman Wagner began receiving his retirement stipends in 1989. GREAT LAKES HAROLD ASPSETER, SR. Pensioner Harold Aspseter Sr., 91, passed away Oct. 21. Brother Aspseter joined the ranks of the SIU in 1960 in Detroit. He worked primar- IVIE DANIELS Pensioner Ivie Daniels, 94, died Oct. 30. Boatman Daniels embarked on his seafaring career in 1956 in the port of Baltimore. Born in North Carolina, he first worked on a Wheeling Steel Corp. vessel. Boatman Daniels shipped in the deck department as a captain. Before retiring in 1984, he sailed on the Charles H. Harper. Boatman Daniels made his home in Glen Burnie, Md. ALTON DOUGLAS JR. Pensioner Henry Dudley, 78, died Oct. 13. Boatman Dudley started his SIU career in 1960 in the port of Houston, initially shipping on a Wheeling Steel Corp. vessel. He was born in Galveston, Texas and last went to sea aboard a G&H Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Dudley started receiving his pension in 1991 and called Santa Fe, Texas home. JOHN FURMAN Pensioner John Furman, 66, passed away Oct. 1. Boatman Furman began his seafaring career in 1966 in the port of Norfolk, Va. after serving ily aboard vessels owned by American Steamship Co. Born in South Dakota, Brother Aspseter was a member of the deck department. He started collecting retirement compensation in 1978 and lived in Wisconsin. THOMAS FORGRAVE Pensioner Thomas Forgrave, 62, died Oct. 22. Brother Forgrave was born in Michigan and began his seafaring career there in 1966. The U.S. Army veteran initially shipped aboard a vessel owned by Dunbar & Sullivan. Brother Forgrave, who worked in the deck department, most recently shipped aboard a Luedtke Engineering vessel. He retired in 2004 and made his home in Bay Mills, Mich. EUGENE SVERCL Pensioner Eugene Svercl, 78, passed away Sept. 26. Brother Svercl started his career with the union in 1960 in Toledo, Ohio, initially sailing with American Steamship Co. The deck department member was born in Owatonna, Minn. Brother Svercl last sailed aboard the Saint Clair. He began receiving his retirement compensation in 1986 and called Sandstone, Minn. home. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. NAME Bayliss, William Bellaflores, Luis Bellevue, Alexander Borowick, Frank Brooks, Stanley Bush, Alfred Colantino, Peter Coleman, Chancy Colon, Angel DeJan, Byron Ebanks, Hale Ebanks, Royal Eden, Terencio Fonseca, Antonio Hickey, Edward Johnson, Lonnie Kafantaris, Marios Kitagawa, Henley Kowal, Michael Leslie, Wilton MacLean, James Martinez, Antonio Mather, Leon Matute, Teodoro McDonald, Jose Pagan, Juan Polanco, Cesar Raines, Herbert Riley, James Rivera, Francisco Santana, Guadalupe Sigmon, William Snead, John Vega, Paul Waddell, James Wiley, Clyde Williams, James AGE 80 88 96 77 77 76 88 77 87 69 71 95 61 78 88 84 93 88 87 84 93 85 91 87 91 78 83 82 82 84 76 83 90 78 77 78 86 DOD Oct. 3 Sept. 20 Oct. 7 Aug. 4 July 15 Oct. 9 Oct. 5 Aug. 22 Aug. 19 Sept. 3 Sept. 14 Sept. 11 Oct. 16 Sept. 13 Aug. 1 July 29 Aug. 16 July 22 Oct. 11 Sept. 15 Sept.20 Sept. 16 Oct. 21 July 27 Sept. 17 May 18 Sept. 30 Aug. 30 Sept. 17 Oct. 22 Sept. 18 Aug. 7 Oct. 5 Aug. 16 Aug. 11 Oct. 8 July 5 January 2005 �26035_P10,19.qxd 12/15/2004 11:42 AM Page 19 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. ITB BALTIMORE (USS Transport), Oct. 28—Chairman Jeffrey H. Kass, Educational Director Geoffrey L. James, Deck Delegate Mark E. Pesola, Engine Delegate Ahmed S. Salim, Steward Delegate Elsayed T. Amasha. Chairman thanked watchstanders for excellent job securing ship. He noted everyone has been good about preventing accidents by using safety gear on deck. He asked crew to use portside door to access stern while in port and reminded members about upgrading facilities at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Educational director expressed appreciation for new treadmill and microwave oven for crew use. Treasurer stated $200 being put aside monthly for DVDs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Special thanks given to Steward Amasha for excellent salad bar, baked cookies, breads and cakes. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. Treasurer reported zero balance in ship’s fund; money was used to purchase souvenir shirts and hats for crew. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested by engine department on overtime. Request made to provide chair on bridge for watchstanders. Crew thanked steward department for providing excellent meals during trip. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (Sulphur Carriers), Oct. 31— Chairman Thames H. Solomon, Secretary Nee Tran, Educational Director Antenor O. Linares, Deck Delegate Tibby L. Clotter, Steward Delegate Jose R. Norales. Secretary reminded departing crew members to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next person. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade whenever possible at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to improve medical and pension plans and increase crew wages. Crew requested refrigerator in every room. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. Next port: Galveston, Texas. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Nov. 7—Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary James N. Brockington, Educational Director Edmund H. Hawkins Jr., Deck Delegate Gavino Octaviano, Engine Delegate Cecilio A. Banga, Steward Delegate Alejo A. Fabia. Chairman informed crew of payoff Nov. 13 in Tacoma, Wash. He reminded crew there would be no shore leave until ship cleared customs and immigration. Coast Guard fire and boat drill to be held Nov. 16 in Oakland, Calif. Secretary notified crew of sanitary inspection Nov. 11 and requested everyone to return videos to locker prior to arrival. Educational director encouraged everyone to be completely truthful when applying for new z-card. Security is very strict. Current courses available at Paul Hall Center posted on notice board; crew urged to take a look. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letters from Seafarers Health & Benefits Plan and from Tacoma port agent read and posted on notice board. Vote of thanks given to steward department for keeping interior of ship clean and for good meals. Thanks also given to Tacoma and Oakland shoregangs for assistance in port. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam; Hong Kong. ENDURANCE (USSM), Nov. 9— Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Rolando M. Lopez, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Carlos R. Bonilla, Engine Delegate Wade T. Rudolph, Steward Delegate Carlito S. Navarro. Chairman expressed gratitude to crew members he has worked with during his stay on the Endurance. Secretary thanked Seafarers for keeping common areas clean. Educational director emphasized importance of enhancing skills at union’s affiliated school in Piney Point and contributing to SPAD regularly. OVERSEAS HARRIETTE (OSG Management), Nov. 20—Chairman Clyde C. Smith, Secretary George Quinn, Educational Director Ronnie L. Bond, Deck Delegate Floyd Patterson, Engine Delegate Raul O. Giron, Steward Delegate Leoncio A. Castro. Chairman announced arrival Nov. 22 in New Orleans with payoff same day. Educational director advised crew members to upgrade skills at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made regarding lowering seatime and age requirements to qualify for pension. Next Security Aboard Ship At the gangway, AB Amir Kasim signs crew members and visitors on and off the LNG Libra while in port. January 2005 ports: Quito, Ecuador; Portland, Ore. OVERSEAS WASHINGTON (Alaska Tanker Company), Nov. 19—Chairman Tim D. Koebel, Secretary Sean O’Malley, Educational Director Kevin E. Hall, Deck Delegate Wilfredo Gatman, Engine Delegate Antonio N. Liboon, Steward Delegate Johnson Ashun. Chairman spoke of need to vote in SIU elections by Dec. 31 and informed members that when ship is in port, Tacoma (Wash.) SIU hall would provide transportation, if needed. Educational director asked crew to get jump-start on renewing documents and to return DVDs when finished viewing them. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letters from headquarters read responding to last month’s written resolutions and motions. Crew appreciates quick response. Suggestions made regarding vacation pay. Chairman pointed out necessity of having room cleanliness sheets signed by bosun or steward. Thanks given to DEU Bakr Elbana for outstanding sanitary work. Crew also thanked Capt. David Arze for new wide screen TV in crew lounge. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska; Cherry Point, Wash.; Tacoma. RICHARD C. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Shipholding), Nov. 3— Chairman Dana Maze, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director Kelly L. Mayo, Deck Delegate Thomas S. Scubinna, Engine Delegate Jose J. Irigoyen, Steward Delegate Thomas K. Gingerich. Chairman reviewed various aspects of dental coverage as specified in contract. Bosun discussed importance of SIU elections and urged every full book member to vote. While ship is in Long Beach, Calif., somebody will pick up those wishing to vote and take them to Wilmington union hall. He also explained absentee ballot procedures. Secretary asked crew to clean lint filters before and after drying clothes for fire safety purposes. Educational director advised members to start renewal process of MMDs at least six months in advance. Treasurer stated $150 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on new health network and LMSR contracts on Bob Hope class vessels. Suggestions made regarding improvement of medical, dental and prescription benefits. Vote of thanks to 1st Engineer Dave Daly for installing satellite dish and to steward department for great job. Next ports: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Cherry Point, Wash.; Long Beach and Crockett, Calif. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk Tankers), Nov. 9—Chairman Juan Castillo, Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Educational Director Charles J. Walker, Deck Delegate Marshall Turner, Engine Delegate Abdulhamid Mosa, Steward Delegate Kim Gardner. Chairman informed crew that patrolman will come aboard in Anacortes, Wash. to review and resolve past and current issues. Crew members were advised to pay dues at that time. Secretary reported smooth trip and thanked everyone for helping keep mess hall and house clean. He praised Chief Cook Gardner and steward department for great food. He said Rolando Alonzo was best GVA he has had in his time aboard vessel. Educational director advised Seafarers not to let documents expire; to do so would mean they would have to take all exams over. (Editor’s note: To renew tankerman assistant, one must show proof of being involved in two loadings and/or discharges.) No disputed OT; beefs reported in engine and steward departments. Communication received from union on SIU elections was posted in crew mess hall for all to read. Recommendation made to lower age requirement in order to qualify for pension. Thanks given to chief steward for sharing his DVDs. Next ports: Anacortes; Kenai, Alaska; Barber’s Point, Hawaii. SEABULK CHALLENGE (Seabulk Tankers), Nov. 9—Chairman Harold L. Sebring, Secretary Timothy J. Dowd, Educational Director Randolph E. Scott, Engine Delegate Walter V. Bagby, Steward Delegate Heath G. man Franz C. Eder, Secretary Edgardo H. Ong, Educational Director Katherine A. Craig, Deck Delegate Mike Bay. Chairman discussed company switch from Dyn Marine to Horizon Lines. He reported ship in good condition and expressed gratitude to MSC for smooth turnover. Secretary noted ship would be getting additional coffee and milk due to increased crew size. Educational director stated educational videos available for members to watch on their own time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for reimbursement of safety shoes. Discussion held about new contract. LNG Libra Crew Members Go Ashore Recertified Bosun Frank Hedge (right) and AB Dave Burnham sign out to catch the launch and go ashore in Bontang, Indonesia. Bryan. Chairman informed crew of receipt of communication from union headquarters about questions raised at last shipboard meeting. He thanked everyone for help during recent safety audit and inspections. Secretary urged members to look into taking new safety course offered at Piney Point and advised them to check expiration dates on all documents. “Expired documents means no work.” Educational director noted that renewal process takes time because of new background check procedures. He advised them to have all possible documents at hand to help speed things up. Treasurer stated safety award money used to install new satellite aboard vessel. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on wages paid in lieu of time off. Special thanks given to steward department for wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla.; Texas City, Texas. TONSINA (Alaska Tanker Company), Nov. 7—Chairman Chris J. Kicey, Secretary Ken Mitchell, Educational Director Anthony R. Hulsey, Deck Delegate Bobby P. Belches, Steward Delegate David Vaughn. Chairman announced arrival Nov. 8 in Long Beach, Calif. and departure for Martinez, Calif. two days later. Educational director advised crew members to take advantage of opportunities available at Paul Hall Center to enhance their education. He encouraged them to apply for and renew documents early and spoke about the importance of contributing to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested by engine delegate regarding performing maintenance work while on cargo watch. Suggestion made to lower number of days needed for retirement. Crew thanked Chief Cook Vaughn for his hard work and great food and wished him good luck on next ship. USNS BRUCE C. HEEZEN (Horizon Lines), Nov. 5—Chair- HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), Nov. 3—Chairman Steve L. Bush, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director Keith L. Jordan Sr., Deck Delegate Julius C. Udan, Engine Delegate Nabil Ahmed, Steward Delegate Charles Atkins. Chairman discussed importance of donating to SPAD. He asked crew to check in with customs and immigration and make sure rooms are clean and supplied with fresh linen before leaving ship. Secretary encouraged members to take advantage of courses offered at Piney Point. He also advised them to keep all documents and drug tests current. Educational director reminded crew to check pay vouchers and not to forget STCW training. Treasurer reported $255 in ship’s fund and $264 in cookout fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Following reading of president’s report from Seafarers LOG, crew gave vote of thanks to President Sacco and his staff for a job well done. Captain congratulated crew on successful sanitary inspection. Everyone asked to keep noise down while others are resting. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Hawaii; Guam; Hong Kong; Taiwan. USNS MARY SEARS (Horizon Lines), Nov. 18—Chairman Samuel Duah, Secretary Dennis Hunt, Educational Director Darlene Brooks, Deck Delegate Harlan K. Hulst, Engine Delegate Ryan M. Reedy, Steward Delegate Marvin T. Brooks. Chairman advised crew members to read Horizon/SIU contract. Secretary in process of signing everybody onto ship’s payroll. Educational director advised Seafarers to take advantage of educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center and contribute to SPAD. No beefs reported; steward delegate requested clarification on overtime opportunities available for MDRs. Request made for extra copies of crew list roster and ship’s minutes forms. Crew members discussed contract items. Seafarers LOG 19 �26035_P2, 6_8, 11_14, 20_24.qxd 12/15/2004 12:27 PM Page 20 Know Your Rights At Work and Play on the Seabulk Mariner At left, AB Albert Mensah Jr. stands aboard a spider rig to give a fresh coat of paint to the no smoking sign on the Seabulk Mariner’s house. The 601-ft. Seabulk Mariner is one of seven petroleum product carriers in the Seabulk Tanker fleet. Built in 1998, the double-hull tanker, which runs coastwise, has a capacity to carry 342,040 barrels of petroleum products. FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. Bosun Ramon Castro (left) directs loading operations while AB Daniel Vasquez (above) stands watch. 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 Break time is just long enough for a quick game of dominoes. The players are Bosun Ramon Castro, AB Matilde Zuniga, AB Daniel Vasquez and OMU Nestor Ramirez. Performing some routine maintenance is Chief Pumpman Oscar Garcia. Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to help 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 or e-mail corrections to kclements@seafarers.org HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone No.: ________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ † Active SIU † Pensioner Book No.: ________________ † 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. 20 Seafarers LOG 1/05 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. January 2005 �26035_P2, 6_8, 11_14, 20_24.qxd 12/15/2004 10:40 AM Page 21 Union Plus Offers Online Tax Service Union Plus gives SIU members and their families access to a number of cost-saving benefits programs. A new online tax service has been added to the list of programs being offered, beginning the first quarter of 2005, to assist SIU members with filing their income tax returns. Union Plus (formerly Union Privilege) is a non-profit entity created in 1986 by the AFL-CIO to provide union members and their families with valuable consumer benefits. Basically, the organization secures good rates for union members who are enrolled in the various programs, based on the potential collective purchasing power of all members of participating unions. In short, it’s a case of strength in numbers. Below is a summary of the latest benefit, which will provide a low-cost Internet-based tax preparation program for union members and their families. preparation are the computer programs do the math and check for obvious errors like missing information, so there are fewer mistakes on the return. Additionally, e-Filing provides a more rapid refund. Overview „ The online tax preparation and filing for both federal and state returns will cost $21.95. This compares favorably to the competition, which ranges anywhere from $39.99 to $52.95. The filing will be free for individuals with Adjusted Gross Incomes of less than $25,000. „ Members will not be bothered by the promotion of other financial services, including rapid refund loans, which, for a substantial fee, may save only two Many consumers either prepare their own returns or go to tax preparation companies. With the increased use of the computer and Internet, many more individuals who prepare their taxes themselves are opting to use an electronic tax preparation system and file their returns via the Internet. For the 2003 tax year, about 22 percent of individual returns were filed electronically. The advantages of electronic tax Program Provider Union Privilege has selected Dennis G. Jenkins, CPA to provide the program’s service. He will use a website developed by CCH Incorporated to provide the web-based tax service for the Union Plus Online Tax Service. CCH is the leading provider of tax and business law information and software for tax preparation professionals. The company was founded in 1913 and has been providing web-based tax services directly to consumers for five years. Many tax preparation professionals use CCH software to file taxes for their clients. Program Features SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE weeks. „ Members are not charged until they either file or print their returns. How the Program Works The program will be available only through the Internet. Members will log onto the Union Plus Tax Service at www.unionplus.org/taxes. They will then be directed to a Union Plus branded tax preparation site provided by CCH. Once on the site, members will log in and enter their income tax information from their W-2s, 1099s and other tax forms. The entry process is an interview where the program walks the member through the filing process by asking appropriate questions (e.g., did you purchase a house this year?). Once the data is entered, it is placed in the appropriate tax return line. Members will be able to save information and start again later, so they do not have to complete their returns all at one time. Yearto-year information also is saved, so members will be able to import information from a prior year’s returns. For each step there is an extensive online help system that answers many questions the member may have about a particular line on the tax form. If the member has a particular question not answered by the help system, he or she may either e-mail the question to CCH with a 24-hour turn-around for a response at no cost, or chat directly online with a CCH customer service representative for $4.95 per session. At the end of the process, the program checks to ensure all the information needed is correct. A Other Savings Programs Provided by Union Plus Credit Card Apply online at www.unionpluscard.com or call 1-800-5224000. January 2005 Auto Insurance For comparison quotes, go to www.unionplus.org or call 1-800294-9496 to apply. Education Services Visit www.unionplus.org or call 1-877-881-1022. College Scholarship For more details, call 1-301431-5404. Secured Credit Card Call 1-800-622-2580. Term Life Insurance Call 1-800-899-2782. Health Savings Call 1-800-228-3523 for more details. For more information about Union Plus Programs, visit www.unionplus.org. April 15, 2005 Is the Scholarship Deadline No matter what your qualifications or needs are, no one can be awarded an SIU scholarship without filling out an application and mailing it to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan by April 15. That leaves three months in which to apply for one of the eight scholarships being given out this year—so 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 requesting one from the Scholarship Program of the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. The application form is very straightforward. But the entire application package contains a number of additional items that must accompany the form and may take a little time to collect. They include: autobiographical statement, photograph, certified copy of birth certificate, high school transcript and certification of graduation or official copy of high school equivalency scores, college transcript, letters of reference and SAT or ACT results. Three of the scholarships are reserved for SIU members. One of those is in the amount of $20,000 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 community college or vocational school. Additionally, five scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $20,000 each to the spouses and dependent children of eligible Seafarers HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. page with possible errors is displayed with links back to the appropriate spot to correct the information. Once ready to file, the member may print out the return and mail it directly to the IRS and their state authority or file the return electronically. Refunds may be direct-deposited to a checking or savings account or sent via a check. The return will continue to be available throughout the year if the member needs to refer back for any reason. If you sent in an application form in 2004 and were not selected for one of the scholarships, you should try again this year. P lease send me the 2005 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 ________________________________________________________ This application is for: † Self † Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 1/05 Seafarers LOG 21 �26035_P2, 6_8, 11_14, 20_24.qxd 12/15/2004 10:59 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 656 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 656 (from left, standing) Michael Warner, William Burdette, Stephen Morris, Ronald Stump, Jarret Leask, Frank Muellersman, Stephen Cooper, Robert Morrison, Damaine Thorne, Gabriel Santa, Andre Robinson, Ariel Lopez-Albino, Benjamin Clark, Timothy Watson, (kneeling, from left) Huey Napier, George Phillips, James Ruffin, Mitchell Jordan, Ronald Whitlow and their instructor, Ben Cusic. Small Arms — Nov. 19 was graduation day for those in the small arms training class. They are (in alphabetical order) Richard Avila, Kevin Craigie, David Eller, Barney George, Ernesto Girau, Lionel Hall, Christopher Jackson, Carlos Llanos, Jeremy Martinez, Daniel McFarland, Stefon Otey, Jamal Ricks and Jervona Vorise. Their instructor, Robbie Springer, is at far left. Advanced Fire Fighting— Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Oct. 22 are (in alphabetical order) Michael Copple, Joseph Dupre, Bradley Flowers, Raymond Hotchkiss, Joshua Kirk, Kevin Koch, Tina Lester, Donivan McCants, Michael Merrell, Willie Myrick, George Peters, Steven Richards, Oscar Swangin and Michael Widmark. Government Vessels — Completing the government vesses course Nov. 26 are unlicensed apprentices (in alphabetical order) Michael Broadway, Nicholas Fleming, John Frey, William Hunt, Cleveland Lewis, Sean Mitchell, James Nickerson, Norman Rodriguez, Derek Rye, Martin Simmons and Nigel Williams. Their instructor, Greg Thompson, is at far left. ARPA — Earning their ARPA certificates Nov. 19 are (from left) Mike Smith (instructor), Clifford Lattish, Justin Von Sprecken, Christopher Waldo, Ronel Guerzon and Kreg Stiebben. Medical Care Provider — Under the instruction of Jennifer Lankford (not pictured) are Nov. 5 graduates of the medical care provider course. They are (from the left) Brian Miller, Ian Ferguson, Jerome Wong and Lawrence Richardson. Radar — Earning their radar endorsements Nov. 10 are (from left) Mike Smith (instructor), Justin VonSprecken, Kreg Stiebben, Steven Kroner, Ronel Guerzon, Clifford Lattish and Christopher Chikwere. Computer Lab Classes Instructor Rick Prucha (standing at far right) congratulates students for their accomplishments in the computer lab. Seated (from the left) are Donivan McCants, Kirk Fisher and Jared Blavat. Standing (from the left) are Wardell Paze, Steve Richards Kevin Koch and Prucha. 22 Seafarers LOG GMDSS — Completing their GMDSS training Nov. 5 are (from left) Brad Wheeler (instructor), Joel Fahselt Henry Gamp, Christopher Waldo, Peter Wojcikowski, William McLaughlin and Jared Blavat. Culinary Classes — Working in the culinary lab are (from left, front row) Paul Armstrong (chief cook), Glenn Toledo (chief steward), Adele George (chief steward), (back row) Frederick Gilbert (chief cook), Brandy Parmer (chief cook), and Paul Hall Center employees Paul Gelrud, David Potter and Robert Johnson. January 2005 �26035_P2, 6_8, 11_14, 20_24.qxd 12/15/2004 11:16 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Lifeboatman/Water Survival — With instructor Tony Sevilla (far right) are Nov. 5 graduates or the water survival course (in alphabetical order) Laurent Abad, James Benefield, Ryan Burrows, Andres Cruz, James Footer, Diana House, Greg Karr, Art Rogers, Elaine Watts and Velicia Williams. Welding — Graduation certificates for completion of the welding course were given Nov. 19 to (in alphabetical order) Grey Hann, Charles Jones, Yuriy Khitrenko, Dan Marcus, Aaron Matuszuy, Gerardo Vega and John Watson. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is third from left. Celestial Navigation — Graduating from the celestial navigation course Oct. 22 are (in no specific order) Darryl Alexander, Johnie Chavis, Steve Randle, Jared Blavat, Peter Wojcikowski, Tzvetan Ovalov and Brian Miller. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, is at far right. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — Nov. 19: Jeannette Aguon, Christopher Amarillo, Jennifer Ancheta, Patrick Apa, Yolanda Arceo, Roeno Babaan, Matthew Baptist, Michael Blas, Robert Bordallo, Fred Buckley, Esperanza Bugarin, Josephine Calaguas, Joao Coentro, Erano Cortez, Steven Cruz, Kimberly Dale, Emilio DeLeon, Donta Drake, Willy Duenas, Kathleen Edayan and Joshua Esau. STCW — Nov. 19: Edward Mendiola, Kenneth Mills, Herminia Molina, Timothy Moses, Jezabel Narvaez, Matthew Nelson, Daniel Nickerson, Angela Ohelo, Francisco Ortega, Patrick Pablo, Jake Palacios, Madelon Parrillo, Lyn Pimauna, Edgar Quejado, Peter Quenga, Erik Raker, Angelo Ramat, Jennifer Ramirez, Anthony Rauch, Joycelynn Rivera and Robert Rivers. Their instructor, Mike Daras, is at far left. Specially Trained OS — Receiving their STOS certificates of completion Nov. 12 from instructors Stacey Harris (far left) and Herb Walling (far right) are SIU member Nicasio Arzu (second from right) and unlicensed apprentices (in alphabetical order) Richard Avila, Ernest Cannon, Kevin Craigie, Vincent Deguzman, David Eller, Matt Faber, Barney George, Lionel Hall, Christopher Jackson, Carlos Llanos, Daniel McFarland, Stefon Otey, Miles Partridge, Jeffrey Raum and Ronald Williams. January 2005 STCW — Nov. 19: Dennis Essen, Derrick Francis, Larry Green, Natalie Grimaldi, Jerrick Guerrero, Andy Gutierrez, Andre Holcom, James Hunt, Lilani Itliong, Ernesto Javier, Carlton Knight, Moana Lane, Jill Latza, Diana Laureano, Villamore Leones, Crisanto Leonor Jr., Joseph Licup, Edgar Malaga, Edgardo Manahan and Connie McComas. STCW — Nov. 19: Shirley Roberts, Lynn Rolland, Rustico Rosales, Katy Rupp, Jacob Sablan, Abdulmoghni Said, Lisa Salmans, Nathan Santos, Jennifer Sieczka, Bethany Tarantino, Tiffany Terrell, Richard Toliver, Manuel Trillana, Hidelisa Tunac, Francisco Valdez, Rommel Valdez, Benjamin Vogel and Jason Yets. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Graduating from this course Nov. 5 are (in no particular order) Cleveland Lewis, Nigel Williams, Anthony Clark, Richard Murray II, Derik Rye, James Nickerson, Adam Soto, Michael Broadway, Christopher Samuel, Sean Mitchell, William Hunt, John Frey, Clark Howard, Maurice Perry, Robin Bourgeois, Aaron Ford, Craig Artice , Todd Gallagher, Martin Simmons Jr., Norman Rodriguez, Nick Fleming and Chris Eide. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Seafarers LOG 23 �26035_P2, 6_8, 11_14, 20_24.qxd 12/15/2004 11:26 AM Page 24 Volume 67, Number 1 H G January 2005 p C f 1 -1 1 f o 2 t l 2004 in Review Job Growth, Sealift Efforts, Good Contracts Highlight Another Strong Year for Seafarers For the SIU, the year 2004 was packed with important news and substantial progress. Seafarers began the year by mobilizing for the second phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom’s sealift component; they finished 2004 by activating for OIF3. In so doing, they reliably supported our troops and strongly upheld their role as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. When it came to new shipboard job opportunities, the union once again had no shortage of gains. Among all the additions, NCL America’s Pride of Aloha garnered the most headlines, as it signaled the rebirth of the deep sea U.S.-flag cruise ship industry. Less obviously, but also with great significance, the union negotiated contracts that unfailingly included top-of-the-line medical benefits at affordable rates. Given the dismal state of health insurance costs across the country, the SIU’s steady victories at the bargaining table arguably were remarkable in their consistency. “This is a great time for our union,” noted SIU President Michael Sacco. “We made a lot of progress in the past 12 months and I’m looking forward to another good year with the support of the membership. What we’ve accomplished has happened because of teamwork—a team that cares about the issues and gets things done.” Following is a look back at some of the highlights from 2004. New Ships, More Jobs Christened in Honolulu on Independence Day, the Pride of Aloha marked a milestone in the U.S.-flag deep sea cruise ship industry’s rebirth. The first of three such ships planned by NCL America, the Pride of Aloha set sail in July and offers seven-day, round-trip Hawaii itineraries. The Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education added and refined courses pertaining to shipboard security. The SIU participated in domestic and international forums on security, including extensive involvement in the U.S. Coast Guard’s Area Maritime Security Committees. The 9/11 Commission Report identified need to invest in maritime security. The Apostleship of the Sea worked to improve potentially dangerous and often unnecessary restrictions on mariners’ shoreleave rights. ITF Throughout the year, Seafarers sailed aboard U.S.-flag ships in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Here, the SIU-crewed Westward Venture loads materiel in Anchorage, Alaska. with newer ones in the U.S. Maritime Security Program; Waterman is doing the same with two of its MSP ships. Further, the SIU maintained jobs on seven surveillance ships when MSC awarded an operating contract to Horizon Lines. Finally, the union won organizing campaigns at Hornblower Marine Services in Philadelphia; Puerto Rico Towing in San Juan; and Laken Shipping LLC in Cleveland. Supporting Our Troops Thousands of Seafarers sailed in OIF2 and OIF3, with dozens of SIU-crewed vessels on the move as of late last month. In one of the more newsworthy missions, five Seafarerscrewed LMSRs loaded out more than 70,000 tons of Army hardware in Antwerp, Belgium for the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, better known as Big Red One. Additionally, among many other key missions involving Seafarerscrewed military support ships, the Flickertail State delivered critical cargo to U.S. Marines in Haiti. High-level recognition of the U.S. Merchant Marine’s importance was evident throughout the year. Early in 2004, three well respected U.S. military leaders jointly testified before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee’s Seapower Subcommittee, where they reaffirmed the U.S. Merchant Marine’s importance in national security. Gen. John W. Handy, USAF, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); Vice Adm. The SIU-crewed Pride of Aloha is the first vessel in NCL David L. Brewer III, USN, commander, Military Sealift America’s fleet. Another is due out this year, with a third sched- Command (MSC); and Maj. Gen. Ann E. Dunwoody, USA, commanding general, Surface Deployment and Distribution uled to follow in 2006. Command (SDDC—formerly the Military Traffic Management Command), submitted a joint statement to the subcommittee March 10. Chaired by Sen. James Talent (R-Mo.), the That ship was far from the only new SIU-crewed vessel in hearing pertained to a mobility requirements study. 2004. Among other additions were the Liberty Eagle, Liberty Additionally, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta, Maritime Corp.’s eighth vessel, which transports food shipments U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow and U.S. Maritime overseas; the chemical tanker Charleston, which carries various Administrator Capt. William Schubert emphatically stated the chemicals between U.S. Gulf and East Coast ports; Alaska administration’s support for the U.S. Merchant Marine during Tanker Company’s newly built Alaskan Frontier and Alaskan the Maritime Trades Department executive board meeting in Explorer; and Matson’s new containership Maunawili. Hollywood, Fla. Additionally, construction continued on the first two Lewis Contracts, Benefits and Clark-class ships—T-AKE vessels that will be manned by members of the union’s Government Services Division. Even as health care benefits clearly became the top issue in CIVMARs also welcomed new jobs as the USNS Bridge trans- contracts across the country—for all unions—the SIU secured ferred from commissioned service to the U.S. Military Sealift agreement after agreement that maintained or established good, Command (MSC). affordable coverage along with other gains. New pacts were Adding a new twist to its role as part of the fourth arm of approved at Material Services Corporation, Allied Transdefense, the SIU gained jobs aboard a semi-submersible craft portation, Cape Fear Towing, USS Transport, Keystone Barge, under the direction of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. Bisso, Moran, Seabulk, and Crescent Towing. In a major maritime development, SIU-contracted operators The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) made two won bids for 11 LMSRs, including the seven Bob Hope ships and bold moves resulting in savings to the Plan and to participants four converted ships. Seafarers-contracted American Overseas while maintaining quality health insurance coverage levels. One Marine Corporation (AMSEA) will be the new operator of nine was an agreement with Prescription Solutions, the other a conLMSRs, including the seven Bob Hope-class ships and two con- tract with First Health Network. verted vessels. SIU-contracted 3PSC, LLC will operate two Benefits conference dates for 2005 were announced, and the other converted LMSRs. MSC announced the bid awards in early SHBP also selected one Seafarer and five SIU dependents for September. scholarships worth a total of $106,000. A protest of the awards delayed the turnover but was not The Plan contracted with new clinics in Charleston, S.C. and expected to change MSC’s original decisions in favor of Boston. AMSEA and 3PSC, respectively. In fact, the government recentThe NMU Welfare Plan merged into the SHBP. Benefits ly upheld the latter award, and a ruling on AMSEA’s contract remained the same, but consolidating their administration saved was expected as this issue of the LOG went to press. money. The Bop Hope ships are the USNS Benavidez, USNS Bob Shipboard and Port Security Hope, USNS Brittin, USNS Fisher, USNS Mendonca, USNS Pililaau and USNS Seay. AMSEA also will operate the USNS Shipboard and port security commanded enough attention to Shughart and USNS Yano, while 3PSC, LLC will operate the write a series of books, but among the most significant developUSNS Gordon and USNS Gilliland. ments were the July 1 implementations of the International Ship Seafarers also experienced upgrades in the form of replace- and Port Facility Security Code as well as the Maritime ment tonnage. Maersk Line, Limited replaced six older ships Transportation Security Act. The SIU remained an active affiliate of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, an organization that fights for workers’ rights around the globe. Among many other activities, SIU ITF inspectors recovered millions of dollars in combined back pay for crew members from the foreign-flag ships Olympia Explorer, Olympia Voyager, Taxiarchis Sierra, Sealight, SafMarine Douala, Alice, Kent Trader and Flinternoord. Rescues, Recognition The Seafarers-crewed Merlin rescued an officer adrift from a stricken vessel near Malta. MSC praised crew members from several SIU-crewed ships for limiting the damage caused by a fire aboard the USNS Shughart overseas. The Resolve received a U.S. Coast Guard award for rescuing two fishermen. SIU members aboard the Tyco Decisive assisted in the grim task of recovering bodies from a water-taxi tragedy that claimed five lives in Baltimore. Other News The industry welcomed long-awaited news that a tonnage tax had been enacted into law, likely helping provide a more level playing field for companies operating U.S.-flag fleets. The SIU joined with other unions in continuing to push for enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act, which protects workers’ rights to choose union representation. Union families provided a big turnout on Election Day in national, state and local elections. The U.S. Merchant Marine was included in the new National World War II Memorial, which officially opened May 29. Members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans lobbied for legislation that would provide monthly payments to mariners who sailed during World War II. The SIU’s Houston hall was refurbished, and a number of improvements also were made to the Paul Hall Center’s already first-rate simulator building. The SIU conducted elections for 27 union offices. In Memoriam The union mourned the loss of far too many individuals who contributed to its progress, including Manuel “Joe” Sigler, former patrolman, port representative and safety director (age 76); Michael E. Swayne, SIU trustee (69); George McCartney, retired vice president West Coast (72); Paul Warren, retired patrolman (91); Rick Reisman, longtime director of the Seafarers Addictions Rehabilitation Center (57); Roger Boschetti, retired patrolman and business agent (82); Peter Drews, retired patrolman (76); Major Ken Conklin, founder of the Paul Hall Center’s trainee program (86); Jim Malone, Philadelphia port agent (56); Martha Carr, co-director of the SHBP claims department (51); Victor Hanson, a maritime lawyer who assisted the union on a variety of legal matters (80); Ed Turner, retired executive vice president (82); Ike Williams, retired NMU port agent (71); Steve Edney, retired United Industrial Workers national director (87); and Keith Terpe, retired SIU of Puerto Rico president (80). The Pride of Aloha’s christening marked a milestone for the U.S.-flag deep sea cruise ship industry. Welcoming the occasion aboard the ship in Honolulu are Seafarers along with SIU President Michael Sacco (second from right), SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (right), SIU VP West Coast Nick Marrone (left) and Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan (third from left). � 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 2005 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES LT. GEN. HUGHEY, STRONG SUPPORTER OF U.S. MARINERS, BIDS FAREWELL TO MARINE CORPS AND U.S. TRANSCOM LT. GEN. DAIL APPOINTED DEPUTY COMMANDER OF KEY DEFENSE AGENCY TANKER ALASKAN EXPLORER CHRISTENED SIU ELECTION RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED MORE SHIPS ROTATE INTO MSP FLEET REPLACEMENT VESSELS GIVE FRESHER LOOK TO U.S.-FLAG FLEET SEAFARER AND RESERVIST APPROACHED BOTH JOBS WITH PRIDE, PATRIOTISM FLIGHT ATTENDANTS LAUNCH NATIONAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST CORPORATE GREED FILIPINO CREW OF FOC SHIP TO TESTIFY ON SAFETY VIOLATIONS PORTLAND HOSTS 2005 EDITION OF UNION INDUSTRIES SHOW SAN FRANCISCO HALL HOSTS HOLIDAY CELEBRATION RUNAWAY-FLAG VESSEL RUNS AGROUND, BREAKS UP NEAR ALASKA;S ALEUTIAN ISLANDS JOB GROWTH, SEALIFT EFFORTS, GOOD CONTRACTS HIGHLIGHT ANOTHER STRONG YEAR FOR 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 Digital Copies 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 01/01/2005 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. 67, No. 1 2005 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/8304fbe51a951f480dd5471b3d3aa0ef.pdf 11ccc0478a68bc6ef609da1efe091f17 PDF Text Text 26225_P001.qxd 1/28/2005 9:07 PM Page 1 New MSP Fleet Expands to 60 Vessels Volume 67, Number 2 Page 3 February 2005 : ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ ! U I ✩ ✩ S ✩ ✩ ✩ e ✩✩ ✩✩ h t ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ n ✩ ✩ o ✩✩ ✩✩ t ✩ ✩ n ✩ ✩ ✩✩ u ✩ ✩ o ✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ C ✩ ✩ ✩ n ✩✩ ✩ a C ✩✩ ✩ ✩ u ✩ o Y ✩✩ ✩ ✩✩ ✩ ✩ ✩ Seafarers Still Deliver in Operation Iraqi Freedom Seafarers continue to back U.S. troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom by delivering vital materiel at key locations in the Middle East. Dozens of SIUcrewed ships are engaged in OIF3, the latest sealift component of the war. Pictured here are Seafarers and troops aboard the Cape Island in Kuwait. They are (clockwise, from upper left) AB Alfred Martin; AB Mickey Earhart and a U.S. Navy master at arms; crew members and officers including GVA Shaun Castain, 3rd Mate Bobby Boone, AB Andy Martinez, Bosun Stephen Castle, Chief Cook Tracy Stewart and a Navy instructor participating in small arms practice; and GVA Abdo “Otto” Saleh, suiting up for hazmat training. Pages 6-8. The hospital ship USNS Mercy, crewed by members of the SIU’s Government Services Division, was one of 14 ships initially mobilized to help with relief following the devastating tsunami that struck coastal communities in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, India and other Indian Ocean nations. Pictured at right is some of the damage in Phuket. Page 2. Union, Seafarers-Crewed Ships Aid in Tsunami Relief Efforts SIU Election Results Page 3 Navy League President Notes RRF’s Value Page 4 Tax Tips for Mariners Pages 12-13 �Pg2,22,23.qxd 1/27/2005 4:49 PM Page 2 Union Donates for Tsunami Relief President’s Report More Job Growth Last month’s news from the Maritime Administration announcing the operating contract awards for the new U.S. Maritime Security Program was a great moment for our union. The extended, expanded MSP helps ensure job security for Seafarers for many years to come. Not only that, it increases the number of shipboard job opportunities available to SIU members. In the bigger picture, the new MSP is good for America. As anyone who truly understands the U.S. Merchant Marine will tell you, we are the nation’s fourth arm of defense. The United States Michael Sacco is best served by a strong U.S.-flag commercial fleet and by the dedicated, well-trained U.S. crews who man those vessels. The 10-year MSP that takes effect this fall is a vital step toward maintaining a capable American-flag fleet and a pool of reliable, well-trained U.S. mariners. As I said when the new MSP was signed into law a little over a year ago, there is plenty of credit to go around. In fact there are too many people and organizations to name here, but certainly I thank President Bush and his administration for not only recognizing the U.S. Merchant Marine’s importance, but also following through and delivering a 60-ship fleet under the new MSP. And I also thank you, the rank-and-file Seafarer. The support you’ve given me and the other SIU officials is gratifying and, more importantly, makes it easier to promote and protect the interests of all Seafarers. Along those same lines, your support of SPAD and the outstanding work you perform every day aboard ship are important parts of our recipe for success. The new, 60-ship MSP fleet is something we can all be proud of. Disaster and Aid Less than three weeks before the high of the MSP announcement, Seafarers joined with other people all over the world in sadly sharing the horror of the tsunami that devastated Asian and African countries right after Christmas, killing hundreds of thousands. I don’t know if any of us can fully comprehend a loss that great. In many ways it’s impossible to understand. And yet I also believe that the disaster’s aftermath once again has brought out the best in so many people, showing the good side of human nature and what we’re capable of when we pull together. Certainly U.S. unions and union members have stepped up to donate record amounts of money to help the victims. The SIU made a $10,000 donation, and SIU-crewed ships are aiding in relief efforts, as reported elsewhere on this page. As of mid-January, I was aware of at least one Seafarer who unfortunately lost all of his possessions to the tsunami but who thankfully was safely at sea at that time. We will pass along news of how the disaster has impacted other members as it becomes available. Meanwhile, if you have the means to donate to one of the many relief funds, I hope you will consider doing so. See the “How You Can Help” article on this page for more information. My heartfelt prayers go out to all the victims and their families. Crisis Continues From time to time in this space, I have written about the ongoing health care crisis in America. If it seems like I won’t get off the subject, there’s a good reason: This crisis is a major threat to working families nationwide. And it’s getting worse by the day. Right now about 45 million Americans have no health coverage at all. Those who have insurance in many cases are paying more and more to maintain their coverage. In other instances, people with insurance are paying more for reduced benefits. It is happening all over the country. This remains a giant problem, but the SIU is committed to helping solve it. We will continue working through the AFL-CIO to enact a fair, workable health care solution for all concerned. In addition to our efforts with the labor federation, health plans administrators from the U.S. maritime unions have met a half-dozen times over the past year and a half, sharing information and trying to find ways to contain costs while still providing good coverage. Those meetings are a step in the right direction as we continue what in many ways is literally a fight for our lives. Volume 67, Number 2 February 2005 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2005 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG SIU-Crewed Ships Mobilize for Humanitarian Mission The SIU is actively supporting humanitarian relief efforts for survivors of the Dec. 26 earthquake and resulting tsunami that devastated coastal communities in Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Indonesia and other Indian Ocean nations. The union last month donated $10,000 to the International Red Cross for use in the devastated region. In addition, more than 100 SIU members—including some from the SIU’s Government Services Division— crewed 13 Military Sealift Command vessels and one ship owned by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd). Collectively, these platforms have been directly involved in ferrying emergency personnel and a myri- This photo, taken by Seafarer Bob Stenehjem, shows some of the ad of supplies to the distressed region. devastation in Phuket, Thailand. Six of the 12 vessels that initially were involved in the relief missions— 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, Maj. Stephen W. Pless, Cpl. How You Can Help Louis J. Hauge Jr., Pfc. James Anderson Jr., 1st Lt. st Although the tsunami took place more than a Alex Bonnyman and USNS 1 Lt. Harry L. Martin— month ago, there remains much to be done to restore are Maritime Prepositioning Ships. Part of MSC’s the lives of the disaster’s survivors back to normal. In Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron Three, addition to the International Red Cross these vessels collectively were laden with enough (http://www.icrc.org/eng, mailing address International Committee of the Red Cross, equipment and supplies to support 15,000 Marines 19 avenue de la Paix, CH 1202 Geneva), those wishfor 30 days. The ships carried food, fuel, medical ing to make donations have many other options open supplies, construction and road building equipment, to them. electrical power generating equipment, airfield matThe AFL-CIO American Center for International ting and a Navy field hospital. Labor Solidarity (Solidarity Center) has established a The squadron also has 43 Reverse Osmosis Tsunami Relief Fund to which unions and individuals may donate. The center (www.solidaritycenter.org/) is Water Purification Units, each of which is capable a nonprofit organization that assists workers around of producing 600 gallons of potable water per hour the world who are struggling to build democratic and from sea water. Additionally, five of the ships are independent trade unions. Those interested in concapable of making 25,000 gallons of fresh water tributing to the relief fund should make out a check each day using the ships’ evaporators. The ships can marked Tsunami Relief, payable to Solidarity Center pump water from ship to shore from up to two miles Education Fund, and send it to: Tsunami Relief Fund, Solidarity Center, 1925 K Street, N.W., Suite 300, away using an Amphibious Bulk Liquid Transfer Washington, DC, 20006-1105. System of floating hoses. Another organization that is accepting donations is Two MSC fleet replenishment oilers—the USNS the U.S. Agency for International Development Tippecanoe and USNS John Ericsson—were divert(USAID). The USAID is the U.S. government agency ed to provide fuel to U.S. Navy ships in the tsunami responsible for economic and humanitarian assisrelief area. Two other supply ships—the combat tance around the world. Members of the agency work with a host of organizations to provide assistance to stores ship USNS San Jose and the fast combat supthe victims of the earthquake and tsunami. port ship USNS Rainier—were sent to the area to Those desiring to make donations should visit the provide fuel and other supplies to Navy ships in the center’s website at: www.usaid.gov/locations/theater and to activities ashore as needed. asia_near_east/tsunami/ngolist.html. A list of charities Two MSC oceanographic ships also were that are providing assistance to people affected by ordered into the affected area to conduct hydrothe earthquake and tsunamis can be found at this Continued on page 10 Vacationing Seafarer Lends Hand In Phuket Editor’s note: Seafarer Bob Stenehjem, who sails from the port of Tacoma, Wash., was on vacation in Thailand when the tsunami struck there. He sent an e-mail to friends describing his experience that was excerpted in a Seattle newspaper and also is reprinted here, with his permission. I had a very rewarding but very sad day. At the Patong hospital last night they said there were a lot of injured foreigners so I started to go there on my motorbike. But I passed the Phuket International Hospital and decided to pull in there to see if they needed any help. The lobby was chaos. I went up to a long table full of phones and people and asked what they needed. The people at the table looked overwhelmed. The lady asked what languages I spoke, and I told her a little Spanish, fairly good American Sign site. Donations can be made to either of them via mail, phone, or through their web sites. Language and English. She said sit here and answer phones. I had a list of 575 people who were injured, listed by country. I also had a list of hundreds missing, and there is a whole wall full of photos of entire families, people from all over the world who are missing and most likely dead. The list of the dead was at another table. So I answered the phone and looked up names of the people the callers were looking for. None of the people they were looking for were there, and I gave them numbers of other hospitals. I met four or five other volunteers at my table: a man from Germany, a Swiss woman, an English woman, a Swedish man. A man from the Kuwait consulate office in Bangkok and another from Bahrain’s were looking for anybody from their countries. They didn’t know where all the hospitals were, so I told them I was going to the Patong Hospital later and I would check the list of patients and their huge list of dead for any of their countryman. It turned out that there weren’t any at Patong, but there were about 65 unknown dead. The list of the dead included 160 names with countries listed. Two Americans, five Canadians, most Seafarer Bob Stenehjem pitched in after the tsunami, helping numerous victims in Phuket. from Europe and many Thais. After two hours at the Phuket International Hospital I was bored, as not many people were calling. Then I noticed a woman in her mid-30s who had been sitting with three kids in their teens. One daughter was in a wheelchair with a very bloody bandage on a large leg wound. The mother was pacing around, and I could tell she was freaking out. Then she came up to the table and sort of lost it. Screaming, she said she needed someone to change the bandages on her daughter’s leg. A hospital woman said the mother still had to deal with her consul. Then the mother Continued on page 10 February 2005 �26225_Pg3,5,10,15_17,19.qxd 1/28/2005 6:23 PM Page 3 SIU Gains 13 Vessels New Maritime Security Program Features 60 Ships The U.S. Maritime Administration last month announced the names of the vessels and operators for the new Maritime Security Program (MSP)—and the notice couldn’t have been better for the SIU. The union gains 13 additional ships under the new MSP, which runs from 20052016. Overall, the updated MSP fleet includes 60 vessels—an increase of 13 ships compared to the MSP which expires this fall. Each of the 13 additions to the MSP fleet is operated by an SIU-contracted company. The 47 Seafarers-crewed vessels already enrolled in the MSP have been renewed for the expanded, extended program. “This is a tremendous gain for the membership,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “Bringing 13 additional ships into our contracted fleet is fantastic news. It means new jobs and job security for Seafarers.” SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez said the new MSP as a whole “is a win-win situation. It improves our national defense capabilities and it obviously boosts the employment opportunities of Seafarers for at least the next 10 years.” The 13 new MSP slots are assigned to OSG Shipholding Group (three ships), Central Gulf (one), Fidelio (ARC) (four), Liberty Global Logistics (one), Lykes Lines (two), and Patriot (two). Overall, the awards are as follows, with the company name followed by the vessels: APL Marine Services, Ltd.—APL Korea, APL Philippines, APL Singapore, APL Thailand, President Adams, President Jackson, APL China, President Polk and President Truman. Central Gulf Lines, Inc.—Green Cove, Green Point, Green Lake and Hercules Leader. American Auto Carriers, Inc.—Liberty. Fidelio Limited Partnership—Patriot, Freedom, Takasago, Resolve, Otello and Aida. Farrell Lines Inc.—Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, Endeavor, Endurance and Enterprise. Liberty Global Logistics, LLC— Splendid Ace. Lykes Lines Limited, LLC—Lykes Navigator, Lykes Discoverer, Lykes Liberator, Lykes Motivator and Tmm Yucatan. Maersk Line, Limited—Maersk Missouri, Maersk Virginia, Maersk Georgia, Maersk Carolina, Sealand Achiever, Sealand Florida, Sealand Pride, Sealand Motivator, Sealand Commitment, Sealand Atlantic, Sealand Charger, Maersk Alabama, Sealand Lightning, Sealand Meteor, Maersk Arkansas, Sealand Intrepid, Sealand Comet, Sealand Performance and Sealand Quality. OSG Shipholding Group, Inc.— Overseas Joyce, Maersk Rapier, Maersk Regent and Maersk Richmond. Patriot Shipping, LLC—Industrial Challenger and Industrial Chief. Waterman Steamship Corporation— P&O Nedlloyd Vera Cruz, Atlantic Forest, Green Dale and P&O Nedlloyd Buenos Aires. The current MSP expires Sept. 30, 2005, with the new one beginning immediately thereafter. In announcing the awards, the Maritime Administration noted, “The MSP serves to maintain an active, privately owned, U.S.flag and U.S.-crewed liner fleet in international trade. This fleet also is available to support the Department of Defense sustainment in a contingency.” The program was established through the Maritime Security Act of 1996. It helps retain “a labor base of skilled American mariners 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 agency pointed out. Seafarers Approve Constitutional Amendments Committee Announces Election Results; Michael Sacco Is Reelected President The SIU’s tallying committee recently released its tabulation of the ballots cast by union members in the voting for national officers of the Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU as well as two constitutional amendments. Voting took place Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, 2004. Composed of 20 Seafarers (two members elected from each of the SIU’s 10 constitutional halls), the rank-and-file committee certified the reelection of Michael Sacco as president of the SIU; reelection of John Fay as the union’s executive vice president; and reelection of David Heindel as secretary-treasurer. Each of those candidates was unopposed. The tallying committee’s report will be submitted for approval by the membership at union meetings next month (March). The committee reported that each of the two proposed constitutional amendments was approved by overwhelming majorities. The amendments concerned eligibility requirements for running for union office, and the election of the credentials committee. Similarly, neither of the two contested races for office was close. The committee reported the election of the following officers, who will serve four-year terms (2005-2008): Michael Sacco, president; John Fay, executive vice president; David Heindel, secretarytreasurer; Augie Tellez, contracts and contract enforcement vice president; Joseph Soresi, Atlantic Coast vice president; Dean Corgey, Gulf Coast vice president; Nick Marrone, West Coast vice president; Thomas Orzechowski, Southern Region, Great Lakes and inland waters vice president; Kermett Mangram, Government Services and fishing industries vice president; George Tricker, assistant vice president in charge of contracts and contract enforcement; Nick Celona, assistant vice president in charge of the Atlantic Coast; Ambrose Cucinotta, assistant vice president in charge of the Gulf Coast; Don Anderson, assistant vice president in charge of the West Coast; Members of the tallying committee met last month at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. to tabulate ballots cast by union members. February 2005 Members of the tallying committee are pictured immediately after finishing their work last month at union headquarters, along with SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel (far right) and SIU Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta (standing second from left). Pictured from left to right are (front row) James Greenwood, Ernie Hoitt, Louella Sproul, David Merida, James Bening, (standing) John Cain, Cucinotta, Ed Tully, John Wozunk, Charlie Welsh, Don Graves, Eddie Hall, Marshall Turner, Eric Hurt, Roger Reinke, Terry Mouton, Paul Weil, Terry Smith, Michael Gallagher, Dawn Williams, Pat Farley and Heindel. James McGee, assistant vice president in charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and inland waters; Chester Wheeler, assistant vice president in charge of Government Services and fishing industries; Edward “Edd” Morris, Piney Point port agent; Robert Selzer, New York port agent; Joseph Mieluchowski, Philadelphia port agent; Georg Kenny, Baltimore port agent; Ed Kelly, Mobile port agent; Steve Judd, New Orleans port agent; Tony McQuay, Houston port agent; Vince Coss, San Francisco port agent; Becky Sleeper, St. Louis port agent; Don Thornton, Algonac port agent. The committee met during the week of Jan. 3 at the union’s headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. to receive the ballots from the bank where they were kept, count the votes in the contested races and for the amendments, and deter- mine the status of void or challenged ballots. (In accordance with Article XIII of the union’s constitution, unopposed candidates were considered elected to their respective positions once nominations closed and the membership approved the report of the credentials committee, which took place last fall.) In concluding the report, the committee wrote, “All of the members of the Committee wish to express their deep appreciation for the cooperation and assistance given to us by the Union’s legal department and its technical and clerical staff. Finally, the members of the Union Tallying Committee wish to congratulate the elected officers and jobholders. We extend our best wishes for the next four years. We hope that you will carry on the tradition of our Union and advance the strength of the maritime industry.” The committee elected as chairman Recertified Bosun John Cain, from the port of Houston. Cain said he was genuinely impressed with the committee’s diligence. “Everyone worked very hard throughout the week and no one complained, despite some long hours,” he stated. Also serving on the committee were Paul Weil and Donald Graves from Piney Point, James Greenwood and James Bening from Algonac, Ed Tully and Dawn Williams from Baltimore, Cain and Eddie Hall from Houston, and Terry Smith and Marshall Turner from Mobile. Rounding out the committee were Ernest Hoitt and David Merida from New Orleans, Charles Welsh and Terry Mouton from New York, John Wozunk and Pat Farley from Philadelphia, Louella Sproul and Roger Reinke from San Francisco, and Eric Hurt and Michael Gallagher from St. Louis. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed on Monday, Feb. 21, 2005 for the observance of Presidents Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. Seafarers LOG 3 �Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:05 PM Page 4 Paul Hall Center’s Eglinton Named to National Maritime Security Committee The U.S. Department of Homeland Security last month announced the appointment of individuals to serve on the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee. Bill Eglinton, director of training at the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, was among those named to the group. “On behalf of Secretary Ridge, I am delighted to welcome these advisors to our team,” said Admiral Thomas H. Collins, commandant of the Coast Guard. “We look forward to working with the committee to continue strengthening our efforts to protect our ports and waterways while keeping them open for commerce.” The advisory committee has been established to provide advice to the Department of Homeland Security via the U.S. Coast Guard on matters such as national maritime security strategy and policy, actions required to meet current and future security threats, international cooperation on security issues, and security concerns of the maritime transportation industry as mandated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. Members of the committee are: Eglinton, who has extensive experience in domestic and international forums pertaining to the training and certification of mariners; Christopher Louis Koch, president & CEO, World Shipping Council; Joseph H. Langjahr, vice president and general counsel, Foss Maritime Company; Thomas E. Thompson, executive vice president, International Council of Cruise Lines; and John C. Dragone, vice president, operating division, Maritrans Operating Company, L.P. Also named to the committee were Mary Frances Culnane, manager, San Francisco Bay Area Water Transit Authority; Basil Maher, president and chief operating officer, Maher Terminals; Charles Raymond, chairman, president, and CEO, Horizon Lines; Alice K. Johnson, senior supervisor, PPG Industries, Inc.; Timothy J. Scott, global director, emergency services and security, The Dow Chemical Company; Mark Witten, senior regulatory advisor, Gulf of Mexico Deepwater Business Unit, Chev- ronTexaco; and Robert R. Merhige, III, deputy executive director, Virginia Port Authority. Rounding out the group are Jeffery Wayne Monroe, director of ports and transportation, Portland, Maine; Lisa Himber, vice president, Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay; Wade M. Battles, managing director, Port of Houston Authority; John Hyde, security and compliance director, Maersk Sealand Inc.; James Stolpinski, president, Local 920, International Longshoremen’s Association; David Halstead, chief, Florida Domestic Security Preparedness, Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Theodore Louis Mar, chief, marine safety branch, California Department of Fish and Game; Bill Eglinton, director of training, Paul Hall Center and Victor Zaloom, professor and chair of industrial engineering and director, engineering graduate programs and Center for Ports and Waterways, Lamar University. Navy League President Praises Ready Reserve Force McNeill Sees Potential for Fleet’s Expanded Role as ‘National Asset’ Sheila M. McNeill, national president of the Navy League of the United States, offered strong support for the Ready Reserve Force (RRF) in a recent editorial. Writing in the Navy League’s monthly magazine, SEAPOWER, McNeill described the RRF as “a major element of our successes in recent conflicts.” She also suggested that the RRF “could have a broader role as a multipurpose national asset able to serve additional agencies with a variety of missions.” Created in 1976, the RRF is a key element of U.S. strategic sealift, according to the U.S. Maritime Administration. The 59vessel fleet “is specifically structured to transport Army and Marine Corps unit equipment and initial resupply for forces deploying anywhere in the world during the critical period before adequate numbers of commercially available ships can be marshaled,” the agency noted. In her column, McNeill said the RRF “is the nation’s premier sealift readiness program…. The successful operation of the RRF is a joint effort by government agencies and industry. The program is managed by the Maritime Administration to fulfill the requirements of the U.S. Transportation Command. The ships are operated by commercial companies and crewed by civilian merchant mariners. When activated, they fall under the operational control of the Military Sealift Command (MSC). MEBA, MM&P Announce Election Results The Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA) and the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P) separately announced late last year the results of elections of officers for their respective unions. MM&P reported that its members “elected incumbent Inter- 4 Seafarers LOG Sheila M. McNeill is national president of the Navy League of the United States. “That complex structure is no barrier to success for the RRF ships, which met or exceeded most operational goals during Iraqi Freedom,” McNeill continued. “The RRF in 2004 has met its goal of 100 percent on-time activation, for example, and exceeded the goal that 95 percent of ships be fully capable while working for the MSC. The RRF’s achievement: 99 percent.” She pointed out that the program is funded by the Navy and therefore faces “tremendous competition for Navy funds. That makes a multi-agency assessment all the more vital. The RRF was created long before 9/11 as a Defense Department resource. It comprises highly capable ships national President Tim Brown to a fifth term of office. The election, conducted by a 90-day mail ballot, concluded on Monday, Dec. 13 with the ballots counted that same day. All other incumbent MM&P officials were returned to serve another term of office.” MEBA announced that its members’ re-election of President Ron Davis is “the first re-election of a MEBA president in two decades…. All 14 candidates on Davis’ MEBATEAM II ticket also swept to victory following a 90day referendum.” worth billions of dollars. They could be used in a variety of innovative ways to improve the security of the United States during a terrorist alert, an actual attack or in the event of a natural disaster. For example, the Department of Homeland Security might utilize some as medical platforms for triage or emergency care should there be another attack or disaster on the scale of 9/11.” As an example, McNeill pointed out that the RRF includes 10 crane ships “with unique capabilities.” They could be used to augment Homeland Security efforts “to search suspect ships at sea or in a remote anchorage having no shoreside facilities. A crane ship and companion barge carrier could come alongside, offload some containers and move others, facilitating a rapid and effective search of the huge container ships that ply the world’s oceans.” She concluded, “The feasibility of this approach should be carefully assessed by the Maritime Administration and the departments of Defense and Homeland Security before the RRF is diminished further and its valuable assets are lost to the nation.” The Navy League is the self- described “only civilian organization dedicated to supporting the sea services – the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine.” McNeill is the first woman to serve as president of the organization, which was founded in 1902. She was elected in 2003 and has been a member since 1966. Her official bio notes that she has served “at every leadership level including president of the Camden-Kings Bay Council, Georgia state president and region president for the South Atlantic Coast Region. Most recently, McNeill served as a national vice president responsible for the organization’s legislative affairs activities. While serving in that position, she aggressively sought support on Capitol Hill and made educating congressional members about the sea services her top priority.” RRF vessels including the SIU-crewed Cape Texas (foreground) and Cape Taylor are good for America’s national and economic security. Seamen’s House 2004 Awards SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (center) presented the Prospect Park YMCA Seamen’s House 2004 Person of the Year award to Edward R. Morgan (right), president and CEO of E-Ships. Joining them at the Dec. 8 event in New York City is SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. E-Ships participates in the U.S. Maritime Security Program. The Seamen’s House is a charity that benefits mariners and retirees. February 2005 �Pg3,5,10,15_17,19.qxd 1/24/2005 8:47 PM Page 5 National Directive Addresses Port Security The administration last month released the long-awaited National Security Presidential Directive which addresses port security. According to the Congressional Information Bureau, the new plan provides a strategy designed to coordinate federal, state and local governmental efforts with those of the private sector ports aimed at securing container cargoes, while maintaining surveillance over U.S. territorial waters. The nine-page directive (titled Maritime Port Policy) mandates that the Department of Homeland Security develop—in coordination with key maritime industry stakeholders—“minimum” federal standards for maritime recovery operations, as well as “comprehensive” recovery standards for national infrastructure and a plan to complement those national preparedness goals and standards already set forth in a previous national security directive. According to sources within the Departments of Defense, State, Treasury, Interior, Commerce and Transportation, each also will have roles in the recovery standards initiative. The need for a policy regarding maritime recovery has been emphasized by industry leaders, who have said recently that they were still in the dark about who would be in charge at the ports in the event of a terrorist attack. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives on Jan. 4 approved the creation of a permanent standing Committee on Homeland Security. The move, described by some Washington insiders as the most sweeping reorganization of Congressional jurisdiction since 1947, follows the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that both the House and the Senate should create “a single, principal point of oversight and review for homeland security” across the federal government. While falling short of that sweeping recommendation—which would include all aspects of immigration, Coast Guard, FBI and intelligence—the change to the House Rules established a committee with primary jurisdiction over government-wide counterterrorism policy, and primary jurisdiction over the counterterrorism mission of the Department of Homeland Security. The new committee will have by far the most significant responsibility for homeland security policy of any committee in the House or Senate. House rules surrendering primary jurisdiction over homeland security to the new Homeland Security Committee on Jan. 4 were adopted by the House of Representatives. Rep. Christopher Cox (RCalif.), who served as chairman of the Select Committee on Homeland Security for the past two years, and as a member of the House Leadership for the past decade, is expected to chair the new committee Elsewhere, Kurt Nagle on Jan.3, while responding to recent news coverage about major management challenges facing the DHS, including the way the department has handled its Port Security Grants Program, said the criticism “misses the mark.” Nagle is president of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). Noting that the program’s biggest problem is a lack of money to assist American seaports in paying for critical security measures, Nagle said, “Like airports, protecting our seaports against terrorism must be a top priority and a shared responsibility between the federal government, local public ports and private industry. The U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (DCalif.) early last month introduced a bill before the 109th Congress to amend title 46, United States Code, and title II of the Social Security Act. The bill, H.R. 23, would provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the United States Merchant Marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II. Filner last year (Jan. 27, 2004) introduced the same legislation before the 108th Congress. That bill, numbered H.R. 3729 and titled the “Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2004,” had more than 150 cosponsors. The last major action taken on it came July 27 when the Veterans’ Affairs Committee asked for executive comment. No further action was taken on the bill before the 108th Congress adjourned last year, so Filner reintroduced it as H.R. 23 before the new Congress which convened last month. As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, H.R. 3729 among other things called for compensation of $1,000 per month for people in any service in harm’s way—including the U.S. Merchant Marine—during the period from Dec. 5, 1941 through Dec. 31, 1946, the same period as all other GI Bills. The bill also stipulated that any surviving wife of a qualified veteran also shall be eli- U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) U.S. Senator Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) U.S. Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) chairmanship of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Senator Ted Stevens (RAlaska), who did not face re-election last year, has been chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, leaving his six-year chairmanship of, but not his membership on, the Senate Appropriations Committee. Stevens has served in the Senate since his appointment in 1968. Drilling in the area was approved by the House of Representatives during the past two congressional sessions as part of a national energy bill, but the measure yielded to filibuster threats in the Senate. Last year the Senate fell short by two votes to pass a comprehensive energy bill including an ANWR provision. Proponents of safe drilling hope that with the new wave of freshman senators, any ANWR legislation will have an easier time of making it to the president’s desk. Policy Would Create Jobs February 2005 push to develop our vast oil resources in the Arctic Refuge in a way that leaves the environment pristine while stabilizing oil prices and enhancing our energy independence.” The senator continued, “I expect to receive instructions in the Budget Resolution to report ANWR language to the Budget Committee by early May. I will fight on the Senate floor to keep those instructions in the resolution and will fight again to defend our legislation in the budget reconciliation vote later this year. “I am pleased by the strong support for an energy bill expressed by the White House and the House of Representatives. I was pleased to see Speaker Dennis Hastert earlier today reaffirm the House’s commitment to delivering an energy bill the President this year. Energy will clearly be a priority and we have already begun serious discussions about how we will proceed,” Domenici concluded. Senator Lisa Murkowski (RAlaska), a member of Domenici’s committee, also put ANWR drilling at the top of her list after being sworn into office Jan. 4. U.S. Rep. Don Young (RAlaska) also was sworn into office Jan.4 after an election in which he faced no significant opposition. Young has served Alaska in the House since a special election in 1973 and now is the third highest-ranking Republican. In 2001, he gained the Continued on page 10 ‘Belated Thank You’ Legislation Reintroduced by U.S. Rep. Filner Safe Drilling in ANWR Still a Hot Topic in D.C. The likelihood of opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s (ANWR) coastal plain to oil drilling has improved in the wake of the 2004 Presidential Elections. Recent press reports and remarks by New Mexico Senator Pete Domenici indicate that the probability for the passage of prodrilling legislation is “looking better than ever.” As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, opening the 1002 Area of the coastal plain to responsible oil development is part of President Bush’s National Energy Plan. It is also a policy that has a very reasonable chance of being supported by a majority of Congress. Estimates vary, but opening the coastal plain to safe drilling potentially would create anywhere from 250,000 to more than 700,000 jobs, according to the pro-exploration coalition Arctic Power. Senator Domenici has identified drilling in the ANWR’s northeast corner as his first priority for the upcoming congressional session. Domenici is the top Republican with authority over energy matters. Almost immediately after being re-elected to his seat as chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee for the 109th Congress on Jan. 4, the senator issued a press release promoting his strategy for the 1.5 million-acre coastal plain. “This year will be a dynamic year for the energy committee,” he said. “We are going to make a federal government has mandated security enhancements for marine facilities, but has yet to adequately fund those mandates, creating huge financial burdens on ports that have both security and economic consequences.” Ports already are spending more than $3 billion annually on infrastructure improvements and operating expenses to keep pace U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.) gible to receive the same benefit as the veteran. In official remarks to fellow members of Congress in 2004, Filner noted, World War II Merchant Mariners suffered the second-highest casualty rate of any of the branches of services while they delivered troops, tanks, food, airplanes, fuel and other needed supplies to every theater of the war. Compared to the large number of men and women serving in World War II, the numbers of merchant mariners were small, but their chance of dying during service was extremely high. Enemy forces sank over 800 ships between 1941 and 1944 alone. Filner further pointed out mariners weren’t included in the GI Bill of Rights, which Congress enacted in 1945. “The merchant marine became the forgotten service,” he said. “The fact that merchant seamen had borne arms during wartime in the defense of their country did not seem to matter.” Many WWII mariners finally received veterans’ recognition in 1988, along with access to what Filner described as a “watereddown” GI Bill. It took another 10 years to extend the cutoff date for recognition of mariners as veterans so it matched the date utilized by the military. A member of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Filner observed, “While it is impossible to make up for over 40 years of unpaid benefits, I propose a bill that will acknowledge the service of the veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine and offer compensation for years and years of lost benefits. The average age of (World War II) merchant marine veterans is now 81. Many have outlived their savings. A monthly benefit to compensate for the loss of nearly a lifetime of ineligibility for the GI Bill would be of comfort and would provide some measure of security for veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine.” Seafarers LOG 5 �Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:06 PM Page 6 SEAFARERS SUPPORT OUR TROOPS aboard the cape ISLAND Seafarers aboard the Cape Island spent the fall and early winter supporting U.S. troops in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Operated by Crowley, the SIUcrewed vessel last fall departed Texas carrying Army materiel and made subsequent stops in Spain and Crete before offloading in Kuwait. The ship brought back some cargo from the Middle East to Texas by way of Richards Bay, South Africa. Thousands of SIU members have backed U.S. armed forces throughout the various phases of OIF. During the all-out combat phase, more than 7,000 American mariners sailed aboard hundreds of U.S.-flag ships in support of our troops. They executed what has been described by top government and military leaders as the most efficient sealift operation in history. That mission continues today, with dozens of U.S.-flag ships and several thousand mariners mobilized for OIF3. The Cape Island is part of the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF). The roll-on/roll-off vessel is 685 feet long and has a beam of 102 feet. It can travel at 18.7 knots. SIU members sailing aboard the Cape Island at various junctures last fall and this winter included Bosun Stephen Castle; ABs Mickey Earhart, Ed Plarisan, Fadhel Mohammed, Desta Gebrai, Robert Ellis, Fred Shannon, Clifton Favorite, Andy Martinez, Alfred Martin, Peter Bean and Barry Ford; QMEDs Allen Ward, Clarence Scott, Ronnie Day, Eric Viera and James Donohue; QEE Antoine Jennings; Electrician Robert Rush; GUDE James Lewis; GVAs Reynaldo Downing, Daniel Gamboa, Shaun Castain and Felix Garcia; Chief Steward William Simmons; Chief Cook Tracy Stewart; and SAs Scott Gardner, Abdulsalam Mohamed, Shabain Hamid and Rafael Borja. Special thanks to Third Mate Ed McDonnell for providing the photos on this page as well as those of the Cape Island on page 1. The SIU-crewed Cape Island is part of the Ready Reserve Force. Participating in a fire drill are (from left) SA Abdulsalam Mohamed, AB Peter Bean and Chief Cook Tracy Stewart. QMED James Donohue, QMED Ronnie Day 3rd Asst. Geoff Grossenbach, AB Mickey Earhart, QMED Eric Viera Above: AB Desta Gebrai, Electrician Robert Rush Right: SA Shabain Hamid Left: Bosun Stephen Castle SA Abdulsalam Mohamed, Chief Steward William Simmons, GUDE James Lewis Pictured in Texas is some of the materiel picked up and transported by the Cape Island. Right: AB Alfred Martin AB Clifton Favorite ABs Peter Bean and Ed Plarisan tend to the vessel in Kuwait. AB Andy Martinez Scrubbing the cargo holds are AB Andy Martinez (left) and GVA Shaun Castain. Chief Cook Tracy Stewart 6 Seafarers LOG February 2005 �Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:08 PM Page 7 SEAFARERS support our troops aboard the USNS WATKINS The USNS Watkins is one of the SIUcrewed ships that keeps the cargo moving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 3 (OIF3). The large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) vessel has just completed its 13th mission in the Middle East and is getting ready for the next voyage, according to Capt. Kurt Kleinschmidt, himself a former member of the Seafarers International Union. Operated by Maersk Line, Limited for the Military Sealift Command (MSC), the vessel stopped in Jacksonville, Fla. for supplies, training and a crew change before sailing to Savannah, Ga. and then to the Middle East. Bosun Henry Peterson, AB Manuel Davis, AB Greg Brunson and For Seafarers, OIF3 is the continuation of a AB Jesus Olbes understand the importance of their mission. patriotic duty that began with pre-war mobilizations for the all-out combat phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Bosun Henry Peterson and the crew aboard the USNS Watkins understand the importance of getting the cargo to U.S. military forces in Iraq. Both Bosun Peterson and AB Greg Brunson have completed five full rotations on board the vessel and enjoy working with Captain Kleinschmidt, who, they say, is very “crew-focused and crew oriented.” Capt. Kurt Kleinschmidt and AB Zack Sullivan Peterson noted he is keep busy in the days before departure. looking forward to the upcoming trip and is proud to play an important part in supporting the troops. Working with him in the deck department during the last voyage were Brunson, AB Zack Sullivan, AB Manuel Davis, AB Jesus H. Olbes, OS Nieves Nunez and OS Matthew Nunez. (Davis, who came aboard the LMSR program as an OS, has since upgraded at Piney Point and is now sailing as an AB.) In preparation for the voyage, the steward department was kept very busy, according to Chief Steward Robert Ramirez. Ramirez, along with SA Jose Clotter and SA Justino Martinez and Chief Cook Alisha Prucnal keep the chow line stocked at all times for the crew, supercargo and security teams. Rounding out the crew are members of the engine departWith decorations in place, the steward department: QMED/Electrician James Demouy, QMEDs Eldon ment is ready for the holidays. From the left are Palmer, Keith Kowaleski and Lloyd Marsh and Wiper Chief Cook Alisha Prucnal, SA Justino Martinez, Chief Steward Robert Ramirez and Christian Ladner. SA Jose Clotter. Like most of the other LMSRs, the USNS Watkins is named after a Medal of Honor recipient. Army Master Sgt. At left and below: The USNS Watkins was in Jacksonville, Fla. for approximately three weeks for supplies, training and a crew change. Travis E. Watkins (1920-1950) was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for his gallant leadership when an overwhelming enemy force broke through and isolated 30 men from his unit in Korea from Aug. 31 to Sept. 3, 1950. A non-combatant vessel, the USNS Watkins is the sixth in the Watson class of OS Nieves Nunez, LMSRs. Its roll-on/rollSA Justino Martinez off design makes it ideal for transporting helicopters, tanks and other wheeled and tracked military vehicles as well as combat service support gear. The ship has approximately 390,000 square feet of cargo carrying space. The USNS Watkins is 950 feet in length, has a beam of 105.8 feet and displaces approximately 62,000 long tons. The gas turbine-powered ship is able to sustain speeds of up to 24 knots. The photographs accompanying this article were taken by Capt. Michael F. Finnigan, an SIU hawsepiper. As captain aboard the USNS Pomeroy, Finnigan recently sent photos to the LOG from that vessel’s fifth trip in support of OIF (see October 2004 of the Seafarers LOG). Right: QMED Lloyd Marsh and 1st Asst. Engineer Baxter Hudson (AMO) chat about the upcoming trip. Seafarers working in the engine department aboard the RO/RO vessel include (from left) Electrician James Demouy, Wiper Christian Ladner and QMED Eldon Palmer. OS Matthew Nunez stands gangway watch aboard ship in Jacksonville. AB Manuel Davis and AB Jesus Olbes February 2005 Seafarers LOG 7 �Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:08 PM Page 8 SEAFARERS SUPPORT OUR TROOPS aboard the WESTWARD VENTURE The SIU-crewed Westward Venture recently loaded its cargo of military equipment and headed for Kuwait in support of the war effort in the Middle East. John Cooper, who sails as a DEU aboard the vessel, sent these photos to the LOG. The Westward Venture is one of five TOTE trailerDEU John Cooper (right) poses with the U.S. Navy security guards ships operated by Interocean Army cargo headed for Kuwait is lined up at the docks in Corpus Christi, Texas for loading onto the trailership. aboard the Westward Venture en route to Kuwait. Ugland Management. Military cargo takes up all the deck space on the ship. A trailer is loaded by crane onto the Westward Venture. Having reached its destination, the cargo is discharged in Kuwait. Holiday Festivities in The Port of Norfolk Above: Tosha Taylor, Joyce Calhoun and Darryl Jackson. Below: AB Thomas Morgan and his wife, Marie. AB Mike Warren (left) gets together with retired Bosun Bobby Riddick (center) and AB Bennie Spencer at the Norfolk holiday party. SIU VP Kermett Mangram (left) and Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny chat with some of the SIU members and their guests. Steward/Baker Army Joe Leake catered the holiday party. Christmas Day came a week early at the Norfolk, Va. hall, as more than 100 Seafarers, pensioners, family members and guests joined in on the festivities Dec. 18. The party was a time for rejoicing, reminiscing and enjoying a wonderful holiday meal, catered by Steward/Baker Army Joe Leake. Christmas Thanks to DEU John Cooper for sending the LOG the photos accompanying this feature. on the LNG Capricorn DEU John Cooper (left) poses with James Burke. Cooper sent these photos to the LOG. OMU Hugh S. Woods 8 Seafarers LOG The steward department on the LNG Capricorn really did themselves proud in preparing a mouth-watering holiday meal for their fellow crew members. From the left are Chief Steward Dana Cunningham, SA Tommy Cyrus, Chief Cook Udjang Nurdjaja, SA Enno Kok and SA Syed Murtaza. February 2005 �Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:09 PM Page 9 IMO Issues Updated ‘White List’ For STCW Convention Compliance The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee from Dec.1-10 conducted its 79th session at IMO headquarters in London. Algeria Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Australia Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belgium Belize Brazil Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Canada Cape Verde Chile China* Colombia Security issues and bulk carrier safety concerns dominated the crammed agenda. Among other items, a highlight of the session was the release of the updated “white list” of countries that have fulfilled requirements set forth in the provisions of the amended International Convention on Standards of Training, Certifi- Ghana Greece Honduras Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Ireland Islamic Republic of Iran Italy Israel Jamaica Japan Jordan Kiribati Kuwait Latvia Lebanon Liberia Comoros Côte d’Ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Democratic People.s Republic of Korea Denmark** Dominica Ecuador Egypt Estonia Ethiopia Fiji Finland France Georgia Germany Lithuania Luxembourg Madagascar Malaysia Maldives Malta Marshall Islands Mauritius Mexico Micronesia (Federated States of) Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Netherlands*** New Zealand**** Nigeria Norway Pakistan Panama Papua New Guinea Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar Republic of Korea Romania Russian Federation Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa Saudi Arabia Senegal Singapore Slovak Republic Slovenia Solomon Islands Notice Editor’s note: The following SAB action was put in place to help ensure sufficient crewing of SIU-contracted U.S. military support ships for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. SEAFARERS APPEALS BOARD 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 Action Number 426 Effective: December 9, 2004 The Seafarers Appeals Board acting under and pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Union and the various Contracted Employers, hereby takes the following action. WHEREAS, by prior action the Board has recognized the need for appropriate Shipping Rule adjustments to secure and maintain an adequate supply of qualified and trained personnel aboard various U.S. flagged fleets; and WHEREAS, the Union acknowledges the importance proper manning plays in the successful operation of these vessels; and WHEREAS, because of the recent military vessel activations the Shipping Rules need to be amended by allowing extended tours of duty for unlicensed personnel above entry rating to ensure that every unlicensed billet is filled. NOW THEREFORE, the Seafarers Appeals Board acting under and pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Union and various Contracted Employers hereby amends and enforces the Shipping Rules to provide for the following. AMEND Rule 5 A. (14) (a) quoted below, shall be modified by eliminating the maximum period of employment of one hundred twenty (120) days. “The following specified ratings enumerated in this subsection (a), possessing Class “A” seniority, upon completing a tour of duty aboard a specified vessel of no less, or as close to, seventy-five (75) days and no more, or as close to, one hundred twenty (120) days, shall be designated as having permanent status for such vessel and shall request a relief of no less, or as close to, thirty (30) and no more, or as close to, sixty (60) days depending on the vessels schedule of operations, upon the vessel’s arrival at a port in the Continental United States or Puerto Rico or other mutually agreed to port. Subsequent tours aboard the vessel for permanent personnel shall be between seventy-five (75) and one hundred twenty (120) days duration as agreed by the seaman and the company at time of their sign-on for each tour. Transportation expenses for the seaman requesting a relief and the seaman providing a relief shall be borne by the Company.” It is the intent of this amendment to allow for an unlimited amount of days allotted for tours of duty. The maximum sixty (60) days off will still be in effect. AMEND Rule 5 A. (14) (r) (2) and 5 A. (14) (t) (2) quoted below by eliminating the two-to-one time off ratio and maximum period of employment of one hundred twenty (120) days. “During the specific period of employment, February 2005 cation and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers. Countries appearing on the list have been found by the IMO to be fully and completely compliant with STCW stipulations. The IMO, however, advised maritime administrations, shipowners, ship operators and managers, ship masters and other parties concerned that not all countries appearing on the list provide their tours of duty shall be scheduled at approximately a two-to-one employment ratio with time on off no less, or as close to seventy-five (75) days and no more, or as close to one hundred twenty (120) days of employment between periods of time off of no less, or as close to thirty (30) days and no more, or as close to sixty days (60) of time off. Work schedules may be modified subject to the vessel’s operational necessities, and as mutually agreed to between the Union and the Company. Transportation expenses for the seaman requesting a relief and the seaman providing a relief shall be borne by the Company.” It is the intent of this amendment to allow for an unlimited amount of days allotted for tours of duty. The maximum sixty (60) days off will still be in effect. AMEND Rule 5 A. (14) (r) (4) and 5 A. (14) (t) (4) quoted below shall be eliminated. Rule 5 A. (14) (r) (4) “Seamen possessing Class “B” employment seniority employed above the Entry Level aboard tanker class vessels in the domestic trades upon mutual consent may request a relief of forty-five (45) days upon completion of no less than ninety (90) days employment.” Rule 5 A. (t) (4) “Seamen possessing Class “B” employment seniority employed above the Entry Level may request a relief of forty-five (45) days upon completion of no less than ninety (90) days of employment. Such relief will only be provided in a domestic port and subject to the vessels operational necessities.” It is the intent of this amendment to discontinue reliefs for seaman with “B” seniority employed above Entry Rating. AMEND Rule 10 A. “Special or Emergency Provisions” as quoted below shall be fully enforced. “During any period of emergency, unlicensed seamen possessing Class “B” or “C” seniority, who are in the Entry Rating Department and who have adequate seatime to make application for endorsement in Group II rating or ratings in the Deck or Engine Department and Group II ratings in the Steward Department, shall not be registered for shipping unless they make application for and expeditiously comply with the requisite rules to secure such Group II endorsement or endorsements in the Deck and Engine Departments and Group II ratings in the Steward Department in accordance with the training programs instituted at the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship.” The remainder of this section shall also remain in full force and effect. This SAB action shall remain in full force and effect until modified by future SAB action. complete seafarer training; some may only provide a limited range of schooling. The committee also pointed out that since the updated white list was not released until Dec. 10, mariners from some of the new countries on the list—for practical reasons—might not yet possess certificates with updated STCW endorsements. Countries on the update white list are as follows: South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Thailand Tonga Trinidad & Tobago Tunisia Turkey Tuvalu Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom***** United Republic of Tanzania United States of America Uruguay Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Yugoslavia *Includes: Hong Kong, China (Associate Member to the IMO) **Includes: Faroe Islands (Associate Member to the IMO) ***Includes: Netherlands Antilles & Aruba ****Includes: The Cook Islands *****Includes: Isle of Man, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar Top MarAd Official Resigns U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta last month announced the resignation of U.S. Maritime Administrator Capt. William G. Schubert, effective Feb. 12. The deputy administrator of the Maritime Administration, John Jamian, will assume the role of acting maritime administrator during the White House selection process for a new administrator. According to the Transportation Department, Schubert plans to pursue private-sector opportunities in his hometown, Houston. Mineta praised Schubert’s accomplishments and service to the nation during a three-year tenure. “Bill brought real-life maritime experiences directly to his job as administrator and he has been a tremendous asset to the department,” Mineta said. “He was a strong advocate of the nation’s vital maritime transportation system.” Schubert managed a largescale activation of the Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Force in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. He also negotiated a maritime agreement between the United States and China, Mineta added. SIU President Michael Sacco described Schubert as “a dedicated fighter for the U.S.-flag merchant fleet.” With the resignation of Capt. William Schubert (above) as head of the U.S. Maritime Administration, John Jamian (below) assumes the role of acting maritime administrator. Notice/Reminder Tankerman Assistant DL Endorsement Don’t let your tankerman assistant DL endorsement expire! If you sail on tankers, you may renew your tankerman assistant DL endorsement at a U.S. Coast Guard regional exam center (REC) by showing your discharges from a tanker (reflecting a year of sea service in the previous five years) and by showing a letter indicating your involvement in two loadings or discharges. If you haven’t sailed on tankers in the last five years, you must successfully complete a Coast Guard-approved tanker assistant DL course, such as the two-week curriculum offered at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in order to secure the tankerman assistant DL endorsement. Also, remember that in order to have the tankerman assistant DL endorsement noted on an STCW certificate, that endorsement must appear as current on the mariner’s z-card. Seafarers LOG 9 �Pg3,5,10,15_17,19.qxd 1/24/2005 8:49 PM Page 10 Port Security Addressed Runaway-Flag Grounding in Alaska Triggers Federal Investigation Continued from page 5 with rapidly increasing world trade. Without adequate federal help for security enhancements, Nagle said that ports will be forced to spend money on security instead of capital improvements, likely resulting in a system unable to handle the expected growth in trade volumes and causing enormous impacts on America’s economy. “Ensuring adequate security against terrorism is important for all ports, large and small,” remarked Nagle, reiterating his position that the problem is a matter of funding. Ports handle 95 percent of America’s overseas cargoes and serve as departure points for an estimated 10 million cruise passengers annually. They also help enable deployment of U.S. military vessels, personnel and cargo to support U.S. troops overseas. In another development, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in December issued a report stating that better planning is needed to develop and operate the maritime worker identification card program. The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) requires the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to issue a worker ID card that uses biometrics to control access to secure areas in ports and on ships. The program is being delayed, in large part because: Officials had difficulty obtaining timely approval to proceed with the prototype test; Extra time was required to identify data to be collected for a cost-benefit analysis; and Additional work was required to assess card technologies. The agency still lacks an approved comprehensive project plan and has yet to identify eligibility requirements for the ID card. In the congressional arena, several maritime security-related bills last month were introduced: H.R. 91, introduced by Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (RN.J.), would authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to first responders, and for other purposes. H.R. 163, sponsored by Rep. Juanita MillenderMcDonald (D-Calif.), would amend title 46 USC, to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to carry out an empty shipping container sealing pilot program to encourage shipping container handlers to seal empty boxes after they have unpacked them, and for other purposes. H.R. 173, also introduced by Millender-McDonald, is intended to prevent and respond to terrorism and crime at or through ports. Merck Voluntarily Withdraws VIOXX Based on new safety data from a three-year clinical study, Merck & Co., Inc., the manufacturer of VIOXX®, has elected to voluntarily withdraw this product from the U.S. and worldwide market. Results from the study show an increased risk for cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke in patients taking the drug compared to those taking a placebo. All dosage strengths and formulations of the drug are affected by this voluntary withdrawal. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which was informed of the decision along with physicians and pharmacists, recommends that patients who currently are taking VIOXX® contact their physicians to discuss discontinuing use of the product. A number of alternative medications are available and may be prescribed at that time. Merck has established a program to directly reimburse all patients for their unused VIOXX® tablets or oral suspension. Patients who return all or any portion of their prescription in its original container in accordance with the instructions from the National Notification Center will receive a full refund of the price paid as reflected on their pharmacy receipt. You may call the center at 1-800-805-9542. Upon calling, Merck will send you a return kit that will include a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope and instructions regarding how to send back your unused product. Additional information regarding the withdrawal of VIOXX® may be obtained from Merck at either 1-888-368-4699 or on the web at www.merck.com or www.vioxx.com. The Food and Drug Administration also has information available at 1-888-463-6332 or at www.fda.gov/cder. SIU Supports Tsunami Relief Continued from page 2 graphic surveys of the ocean bottom where the 9.0 magnitude earthquake occurred. The USNS Mary Sears and the USNS John McDonnell sailed from Sasebo, Japan. The San Diego-based hospital ship USNS Mercy—crewed by members of the SIU’s Government Services Division —set sail Jan. 5 for the devastated region. The ship’s hospital facility initially was staffed to support 250 patient beds; however, that number could be expanded up to 1,000 with additional medical staff, if necessary. Equipment and supplies were available on the vessel to treat a wide variety of patients from young children to the elderly. The Mercy has 12 10 Seafarers LOG operating rooms, but the focus of care for its tsunami mission was on patients suffering from illness or infection. Also participating in the relief effort was the MarAd-owned and SIU-crewed auxiliary crane ship Cornhusker State. A 610-foot long platform, the Cornhusker State is part of MarAd’s civiliancrewed Ready Reserve Force. As of press time for the Seafarers LOG, the unofficial death toll from the tsunami had surpassed more than 226,000. Various government agencies’ lists included death tolls of 166,320 in Indonesia, 38,000 in Sri Lanka, more than 5,300 in Thailand and 16,383 in India. There had been 137 deaths recorded in East Africa, 74 each in Malaysia and the Maldives, 59 in Burma and two in Bangladesh. A preliminary criminal investigation into the grounding last month of the cargo ship Selendang Ayu in Alaska has been launched by federal agents. According to The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, at least one FBI agent and two Coast Guard criminal investigators—with an assist from an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigator —are trying to determine whether criminal negligence contributed to the disaster, which resulted in six deaths and a major fuel oil spill. Salvage crews are on the lookout for engineroom records that still might be aboard the rear end of the vessel, which as of mid-January was grounded on rocks and being pounded by heavy seas. As reported earlier in the Seafarer’s LOG, the 72,000-ton runaway-flag bulk carrier, with crew members from India and the Philippines, on Dec. 8 was transporting grain to the Far East but also was carrying 470,000 gallons of its own fuel when the vessel ran aground. According to Coast Guard and news reports, the ship lost power Dec. 7, but its captain didn’t notify the U.S. Coast Guard for 13 hours. Owned by Singapore-based IMC Group, the Malaysian-flag ship drifted in 35-foot seas and gusting winds up to 60 miles per hour. Most of the crew members were rescued via helicopter, but during a subsequent attempt to lift the remaining mariners, the helicopter crashed. The three helicopter crew members and a 24-year-old cadet from the ship were rescued by another Coast Guard helicopter. Six mariners—none of whom was wearing a survival suit—were not found. The federal criminal investigation at hand is the third inquiry focused on this catastrophe. The National Transportation Safety Board is also is investigating the grounding, and the Coast Guard has appointed a board to investigate the helicopter crash. The Justice Department has prosecuted a number of foreign-flag cargo shipowners and officers in Alaska, Washington and Oregon for illegal dis- Unified Command photo This photo from Dec. 19 shows the bow and stern sections of the 378-foot runaway-flag freighter Selendang Ayu near Skan Bay. charge of oil. Several of the violations were brought to the attention of the Coast Guard or the Environmental Protection Agency by company whistle-blowers, and they involved attempts by shipowners to cover up oil discharges. Prosecutions of illegal oil discharges are based on the federal Clean Water Act, which can be enforced by EPA civil action and citizen lawsuits as well as criminal prosecution. Prosecution is reserved for severe cases, according to environmental organizations. The maximum penalty for a first conviction for negligence is a year in prison and a $25,000 fine for each day of the violation. Seafarer Helps in Phuket Continued from page 2 freaked out big time. So I got up and asked her to sit down with me and explain exactly what she needed. She said she was Swedish, her children were English and the whole family was washed out to sea about a twohour drive north of Phuket. They were staying on the beach in a bungalow that was sucked out to sea. Her husband had drowned; they found his body last night. They had only the clothes on their backs. She said the Swedish officials were telling her she had to deal with the English. Her daughter needed help, and nobody would give it. I calmed her down, got her some ice water and told her to sit with her kids. I told her I would do her yelling for her. There was an embassy phone list, and I called the English consulate and told them the story. They sent a very nice woman from the office in Bangkok. She was very helpful and said she would take care of all the passport issues for both countries. So that made my day right there. It was still so very sad, as her kids had the thousand-yard stare. In major shock. I went back to my table and looked at the patient list and wrote down room numbers to see what any of them needed. One room I visited had a woman lying in bed, a daughter all bandaged up on a cot and a son in a cast on another bed. They were from Norway, and it was the girl’s 13th birthday. I asked them where they had been. Kamala Bay north of Patong, walking on the beach, when they were slammed up on the rocks and then dragged out to sea. They still have not found their father. Mom started crying but neither child did. They looked numb. They have family members arriving tonight to take them home. I had seen a pizza place close by so I asked if they would like one. The birthday girl smiled. So I went and got them a big pizza and ate it with them. In the next room there were four people from Switzerland. Dad and mom were in their 70s, and their son and his wife were maybe in their 40s. The younger wife was hurt the worst. She had had surgery on her legs. Her husband was bandaged up and bruised, as were mom and dad. They were eating breakfast a block off Patong Beach when the first wave hit and shoved them through the restaurant into the street. Then they were dragged down the street when the wave went back out to sea. Then the big one came in. They were all split up, swimming and trying to grab onto anything. The older man grabbed something but was shocked by some electric wires. He still held on, and Mom grabbed him. Their children were slammed about a block down the street, banging into floating cars and motorbikes. The son saw a boat, jumped onto it and floated off. When the water receded they all found each other and carried the daughter down the street and waited for help. An American doctor drove up in a huge Jeep and took them to the hospital. I asked what they needed. All their passports and money were in a safe in their hotel room, which luckily was on the second floor. I told them I would go and check it out. I found the hotel, and it was in the major damage zone. There was a guard at the makeshift gate, several overturned cars on the grounds plus furniture, etc. Totally full of junk. I found out all the safes were put in one room with a guard in front. We called the hospital, and the Swiss family was very glad to know all their stuff was OK. At the Patong hospital there’s a huge tent set up with hundreds of phones to call anywhere in the world for free. A young couple from Germany came up to me and asked if I knew where they could help. They were pre-med students and had just flown in from Germany. They had not even found a room yet, and the first place they went was somewhere to help. I suggested Phuket International Hospital, as I had heard earlier they needed blood badly but didn’t have enough trained people to draw it. They said they could do that, so I got them the address and off they went. I guess disasters bring out the best in people, and I saw it all day. I saw 40 to 50 tourists making piles of broken-up furniture and destroyed boats. There are tourists on the streets collecting money and clothes. I fly out to Bangkok on Thursday. Now I almost wish I was staying, as these people in the hospitals were so glad just to talk with someone. I gave my card to most of them, and I think I have some e-mail friends for life. February 2005 �Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:09 PM Page 11 EDUCATION: What’s in It for Me? Let’s face it: The work in our industry is getting more complicated all the time. Just think about all the new things we’ve seen happen in the last few years . . . new Coast Guard regulations, including STCW requirements bigger and more sophisticated ships, boats, tugs and barges new requirements for ratings and licenses If you’re going to have job security, you’ve got to keep up with the industry! That’s what the Paul Hall Center is for—to give those of us working in the deck, engine and steward departments the skills needed to get ahead in our jobs and earn more money. T he Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md., is the largest training facility for unlicensed deep sea merchant seafarers and inland waterways boatmen in the United States. Its program includes: Unlicensed Apprentice Program. This curriculum provides men and women who have no maritime experience with the basic skills they will need to serve aboard U.S-flag ships or tugs and towboats. It builds manpower for our industry and helps mariners enjoy the benefits of union membership. 1 Upgrading. The Paul Hall Center has courses for every unlicensed rating in our industry, plus a course of study for those pursuing a license. The instructors at the school work with each 2 mariner as an individual, so every student learns what he or she needs to know to get ahead. Upgrading at the Paul Hall Center is an efficient way to help a seafarer get a better job, earn more money and have job security. Academic Education. It can be really difficult to pass a Coast Guard exam if you have trouble with reading or mathematics. The academic program at the Paul Hall Center helps students learn these skills. You can even earn a high school diploma or an associate of applied science degree. 3 Education is one way your union helps all Seafarers get a bigger piece of the pie—better jobs, more security, better pay. To find out which courses currently are scheduled at the Paul Hall Center, turn to page 21. February 2005 Seafarers LOG 11 �Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:36 PM Page 12 N Here are some of the changes that will take effect in 2004 and 2005 from the Working Families Tax Relief Act of 2004, and the American Job Creation Act of 2004: TUITION AND FEE DEDUCTION — Individual may be able to deduct up to $4,000 if adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is not more than $65,000 ($130,000 if married filing jointly), or deduct up to $2,000 if AGI is higher than that limit but not more than $80,000 ($160,000 if married filing jointly). CHILD TAX CREDIT — Taxpayers with a credit amount more than their tax could get a refund of the difference, up to 10 percent of the amount by which their 2004 taxable earned income exceeds $10,750. This percentage was raised to 15 percent for 2004, meaning a larger refund for many of these taxpayers. COMBAT PAY — Some military personnel receiving combat pay get larger tax credits because of two law changes. The new law counts excludable combat pay as income when figuring the Child Tax Credit and gives the taxpayer the option of counting or ignoring combat pay as income when figuring the Earned Income Tax Credit. Counting combat pay as income when calculating these credits does not change the exclusion of combat pay from taxable income. SALES TAX DEDUCTION — Taxpayers who itemize deductions will have a choice of claiming a state and local tax deduction for either sales or income taxes on their 2004 and 2005 returns. The IRS will provide optional tables for use in determining the deduction amount, relieving taxpayers of the need to save receipts throughout the year. Sales taxes paid on motor vehicles and boats may be added to the table amount, but only up to the amount paid at the general sales tax rate. Taxpayers will check a box on Schedule A, Itemized Deductions, to indicate whether their deduction is for sales or income taxes. CLEAN FUEL VEHICLE DEDUCTION — Federal tax law allows individuals to claim a deduction for the incremental cost of buying a motor vehicle that is propelled by a clean-burning fuel. The clean-burning fuel deduction is up to $2,000 for certified vehicles first put into service in 2004 and 2005. The one-time deduction must be taken in the year the vehicle is originally used. The IRS certified the Toyota Prius for model years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005. The IRS also previously certified the Honda Insight for model years 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and the Honda Civic Hybrid for model years 2003 and 2004. DEDUCTION FOR DISCRIMINATION SUIT COSTS — A new deduction is available for those who pay attorney’s fees and court costs in connection with discrimination suits. Taxpayers can take the new deduction whether they itemize or not. The deduction cannot exceed the amount included in income for the year on account of a judgment or settlement resulting from the discrimination claim. Generally, personal legal expenses are not deductible, but an employee who incurs legal expenses related to doing or keeping his job could deduct these expenses on Schedule A as a miscellaneous itemized deduction. However, under The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, an individual with legal fees and court costs arising from a discrimination suit may deduct the costs directly from income on the front of the tax return; this is known as an above-the-line deduction. EARNED INCOME CREDIT — The maximum amount of income taxpayer can earn and still get the credit has increased. You may be able to take the credit if: You have more than one qualifying child and you earned less than $34,458 ($35,458 if married filing jointly), You have one qualifying child and you earned less than T T P R 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 Individuals” 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. Also, you may access the IRS web site at www.irs.gov for forms, instructions and publications. Step 3. Fill in the return. F 2 $30,338 ($31,338 if married filing jointly), or You do not have a qualifying child and you earned less than $11,490 ($12,490 if married filing jointly). The maximum amount of investment income you can have and still get the earned income credit has increased to $2,650. STANDARD DEDUCTION AMOUNT INCREASED — The standard deduction for taxpayers who do not itemize deductions on Schedule A of Form 1040 is, in most cases, higher for 2004 than it was for 2003. The amount depends on your filing status, whether you are 65 or older or blind, and whether an exemption can be claimed for you by another taxpayer. The basic standard deduction amounts for 2004 are: Head of household — $7,150 Married taxpayers filing jointly and qualifying widow(er)s — $9,700 Married taxpayers filing separately — $4,850 Single — $4,850 EXEMPTION — The amount you can deduct for each exemption has increased from $3,050 in 2003 to $3,100 in 2004. You lose all or part of the benefit of your exemptions if your adjusted gross income is above a certain amount. The amount at which the phaseout begins depends on your filing status. For 2004, the phaseout begins at: $107,025 for married persons filing separately, $142,700 for single individuals, $178,350 for heads of household, and $214,050 for married persons filing jointly and qualifying widow(er)s with dependent children. INCOME LIMITS INCREASED FOR HOPE AND LIFETIME LEARNING CREDITS — For 2004, the amount of your HOPE or Lifetime Learning Credit is phased out (gradually reduced) if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is between $42,000 and $52,000 ($85,000 and $105,000 if you file a joint return). You cannot claim an education credit if your MAGI is $52,000 or more ($105,000 or more if you file a joint return). MODIFIED AGI LIMIT FOR TRADITIONAL IRA CONTRIBUTIONS INCREASED — For 2004, if you are covered by a retirement plan at work, your deduction for contributions to a traditional IRA will be reduced (phased out) if your modified adjusted gross income (AGI) is: More than $65,000 but less than $75,000 for a married couple filing a joint return or a qualifying widow(er), More than $45,000 but less than $55,000 for a single individual or head of household, or Less than $10,000 for a married individual filing a separate return. STUDENT LOAN INTEREST DEDUCTION — Final regulations, issued May 7, 2004, changed the rules for deducting student loan interest. The changes apply to interest due and paid after December 31, 1997, on qualified student loans. The 60-day safe harbor for disbursing loan proceeds used to pay qualified education expenses has been increased to 90 days before and 90 days after the academic period to which the expenses relate. The person legally obligated to make interest payments on a student loan may be able to deduct interest payments on that loan made by someone else (third party). MAILING TAX RETURN — IRS has changed the filing location for several areas. If you received an envelope with your tax package, please use it. Otherwise, see Where do you file? on the back cover of the filing instructions. 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 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. Payment also can be made by credit card. You may use American Express, Discover, Visa or Master cards. To pay by credit card, call the toll-free number 1-800-272-9829 or 1-729-1040 or visit websites www.officialpayments.com or www.pay1040.com. There is a fee charged based on the amount you are paying. 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 D This is the standard deduction chart for most people. If a taxpayer is 65 or older or blind, there are additional standard deductions ($950 for a married person or “spouse” or $1,200 for an unmarried person). Note that the personal exemption deduction is $3,100. Standard Deduction Filing Status Single. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,850 Married filing joint return or qualifying widow(er) with dependent children. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,700 Married filing separate return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,850 Head of household . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,150 12 Seafarers LOG cents to the next dollar. For example, $1.39 becomes $1 and $1.50 becomes $2. Fast Refund: Taxpayers are able to request direct deposit of their tax refunds by filling out lines 72b, 72c and 72d on their Form 1040. Line 72b is for the bank’s routing number. Line 72c indicates the type of account, and line 72d 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. A C A C Personal Exemption Amount: The deduction for each exemption—for the individual, his or her spouse and dependents has increased to $3,100 per person. In 2004, the exemption deduction for high income taxpayers may be reduced or eliminated if their adjusted gross income exceeds certain threshold amounts. A child cannot claim an exemption on his or her return or qualify for a higher education credit if the child’s parents claim a dependency exemption for their child. Standard Deduction Has Increased: The T S standard deduction, or dollar amount that reduces the amount that is taxed, has increased for most people (see box on this page). 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 2004, personal interest cannot be deducted. Personal interest includes interest on car loans, credit cards, personal loans and tax deficiencies. 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. Club 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 Percent of Adjusted Gross Income: These include investment advisory fees, trustee’s administrative fees, legal expenses that are paid to produce taxable income, unreimbursed employee expenses, safe deposit box rental and tax preparation fees. 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 cost. On the tax return d year, the IRS is accepting rate of 37.5 cents per mi ven in 2004. Parking fee added when using the sta If using actual expenses be available on all operati the vehicle, including i taxes, licenses, maintena ciation, gas, oil, tolls and In either the standard m actual cost method of expenses, accurate recor The IRS recommends ke diary listing all expense Only work-related expen by an employer can be cl Deducting Work-Rela Traveling: Workers in allowed a special rate on of $41 per day in the co $46 per day outside th Otherwise the IRS standa is generally $31. In some and in Hawaii and Alaska ferently. Travel expense can only be deducted if one’s work and if they h bursed from any other so There has been a rece (Johnson v. Comm. 1 where a merchant seama deduction for the full M court ruled that in situatio provided at no cost, the rate allowable as an item limited to $3 (in the con rates ranging from $1 to In lieu of these rates, to t receipts, a higher deducti allowed. Limit on Itemized Ded itemized deductions may viduals earning more tha eral adjusted gross inco married and filing separa Earned Income Cred earned income credit (E certain individuals who h and meet certain adjus thresholds. For tax year 2 does not have to have a be eligible for this credit i are met. Different cred T G General Information: 1-800-829-1040 may be called for general information. IRS staff answer questions 24 hours a day. Publications: Call 1-800-829-3676 to order current and prior year forms, instructions and publications. 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 February 2005 I p “ a a a P d to l a y h n S d I �Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:36 PM Page 13 are subject to income limitations. The phaseout of the credits begins for single taxpayers when modified AGI reaches $42,000, and completely phase out when modified AGI reaches $52,000. For joint filers, the phaseout range is $85,000 to $105,000. The HOPE and Lifetime Learning Credit are not available to taxpayers married filing separately. In 2004, the Lifetime Learning Credit will be $2,000. Student Loan Interest: Taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $2,500 of interest paid for qualified education expenses for oneself, spouse or dependents. The deduction is allowed in figuring adjusted gross income. Individual Retirement Accounts: ate or determining actual turn due April 15 of this epting a standard mileage er mile for all miles dring fees and tolls can be he standard mileage rate. enses, information must perating-related costs for ding interest, insurance, ntenance, repairs, deprels and parking. ard mileage rate or the od of determining car records should be kept. ds keeping a log book or penses related to travel. expenses not reimbursed be claimed. Related Meals When rs in transportation are te on the meal allowance the continental U.S. and de the continental U.S. standard meal allowance some locations it is $42, Alaska it is computed difpenses, including meals, ted if directly related to hey have not been reimher source. recent tax court case m. 115 TC210[2000]) eaman was denied a full full M & IE rates. The tuations where meals are t, the incidental expense n itemized deduction is he continental U.S.) and $1 to $53 in other areas. s, to the extent you have eduction amount may be d Deductions: In 2004, s may be limited for indire than $142,700 of fedincome (or $71,350 if eparately). Credit: A refundable dit (EIC) is available to who have earned income adjusted gross income year 2004, an individual ave a qualifying child to redit if certain conditions 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 $11,450 and no qualifying children—$390 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $30,338 and with 1 qualifying child—$2,604 maximum credit; taxpayers with income less than $34,450 and with 2 or more qualifying children—$4,300 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 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 1-800772-1213. It usually takes about two weeks to receive an SSN. Child Child Credit: In 2004, 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 $1,000 per child. The credit begins to phase out when modified Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) reaches $110,000 for joint filers, $75,000 for single taxpayers or $55,000 for married taxpayers filing separately. 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 January 1, 2002, 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. 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. These credits I e. - phone, the number “9” will repeat the topic and the number “2” will cancel the topic. To listen to a directory of topics after the introductory message finishes, dial 123. You can also check the status of your refund. This telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Personal Computer: Access the IRS’s internet web site at www.irs.gov to: download forms, instructions and publications; see answers to frequently asked tax questions; search publications online by topic or keyword; figure your withholding allowances using their W-4 calculator, check the status of your 2004 refund, send the IRS comments or requests for help via e-mail; and sign up to receive local and national tax news by e-mail. s e 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. n. r s e S s February 2005 Education IRAs—Taxpayers can contribute up to $2,000 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 Learning Credit is claimed. Roth IRAs—The maximum total yearly contribution that can be made by an individual to a Roth IRA is $3,000. 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 penalty also may not apply if you pay expenses related to the purchase of a home by a first-time homebuyer. Only $10,000 during the individual’s lifetime may be withdrawn without a penalty for this purpose. Also, the tax penalty does not apply to distributions for an individual’s disability, medical care, or to a beneficiary after death of the individual. T I 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 pay the Internal Revenue Service through credit cards, debit cards, charge cards, bank check or money order. R T K 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. Some records should be kept even longer. For example, keep property records (your home, stocks) as long as they are needed to figure the basis of property. 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 2004, 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. I T R 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. Canceled debts State income tax refunds Rents Repayments Royalties Unemployment benefits 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. I B R N 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 S M A T T Should Seafarers find themselves 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. 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. A E 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, 2005 to file his or her 2004 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. 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 until August 15, 2005, 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 toll-free number which is dedicated to tax form requests (800) 8293676. Also, the form is available from all main IRS branch offices and from the IRS web site at www.irs.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 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. P S I T Federal law prohibits employers from withholding state and local taxes from the wages of mariners 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, interstate 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 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. In 2000, President Clinton signed into law the bipartisan Transportation Worker Tax Fairness Act, a measure aimed at providing “equitable treatment with respect to state and local income taxes for certain individuals who perform duties on vessels.” The law, which took effect Nov. 9, 2000, stipulates that pilots and other mariners “who perform regularly assigned duties while engaged as a master, officer or crewman on a vessel operating on the navigable waters of more than one State” shall be subject to state income tax only in his or her residential 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. Seafarers LOG 13 �Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:10 PM Page 14 Kudos to Benavidez Galley Gang MATSON MOKIHANA — Chief Cook James Boss (photo above right) prepares meatloaf for lunch aboard the Matson Mokihana. In the left photo, he meets with other members of the steward department aboard the vessel: Chief Steward Patricia Geras (center) and ACU Sara Barahona. Around the Port of San Francisco A letter of appreciation was presented to the steward department on the SIU-crewed USNS Benavidez from the U.S. Navy personnel who sailed on board the ship to Bahrain. From the left are SA Sammy Ward, Chief Steward Lonnie W. Jones, Chief Cook John Noel and SA Joel Ramos. The crew members were cited for their “outstanding support, dedication and professionalism” and for their “cooperation, support and contribution to our team and mission. We appreciate the dedication of your department in keeping up the morale of our sailors. Thank you!” Jones, who sent this photo to the Seafarers LOG, said his department gave the Navy personnel and crew members a big cookout and was told that it was the best ever held aboard a ship. The USNS Benavidez was the last of the Bob Hope-class ships built at Avondale in New Orleans. Seafarers-contracted American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA) is the operator of the large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off (LMSR) vessel for the Military Sealift Command. HORIZON SPIRIT — Paul Hanley is chief electrician on the Horizon Spirit. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. MATSON MAUI — Working in the galley of the Matson Maui are (from left) Chief Steward Lovie Perez, ACU Nasser Ali and Chief Cook Glenn Taan. Scholarship Deadline Just Around Corner Two months remain until the April 15 deadline for receipt of scholarship applications from Seafarers as well as from their spouses and dependent children who wish to continue their education at the college level beginning in the fall of 2005. Three scholarships are being set aside for SIU members—one for $20,000 and two each for $6,000. Additionally, five grants will be awarded to SIU spouses and dependents, each in the amount of $20,000. Send away now for an application booklet (fill out and mail coupon below) or pick one up at any SIU hall. Time is running out to take advantage of this generous benefit for 2005 provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Get your application in today; you have nothing to lose! P lease send me the 2005 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 ________________________________________________________ This application is for: Self Dependent Mail this completed form to Scholarship Program, Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. 14 Seafarers LOG 2/05 Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. February 2005 �26225_Pg3,5,10,15_17,19.qxd 1/28/2005 6:24 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea March & April 2005 Membership Meetings DECEMBER 16, 2004 — JANUARY 15, 2005 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Totals Totals Totals All Departments Algonac ..................Friday: March 11, April 8 1 6 7 4 11 21 25 1 10 20 14 26 4 12 6 7 2 35 17 0 1 0 2 3 17 13 1 7 6 11 1 2 2 0 3 1 18 8 1 0 6 1 7 17 23 0 9 14 14 14 2 1 5 12 2 30 11 1 3 3 2 8 6 21 0 4 12 7 23 2 16 5 8 1 22 13 0 0 0 0 2 10 4 1 5 4 4 4 1 2 0 1 0 14 7 1 2 1 0 6 14 18 0 1 12 14 2 2 2 6 13 2 33 13 4 0 8 0 14 45 56 0 18 28 50 23 6 1 20 33 0 52 41 2 6 7 8 14 31 66 1 16 24 33 28 8 12 11 13 8 49 34 1 2 0 3 3 31 25 0 7 16 30 3 2 2 1 8 3 28 24 Baltimore ................Thursday: March 10, April 7 223 229 96 169 157 59 142 399 371 189 Norfolk ...................Thursday: March 10, April 7 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: March 9, April 6 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 0 5 0 5 9 21 0 5 9 12 4 2 0 3 15 1 9 8 0 1 2 1 3 11 17 0 5 3 10 11 2 4 4 7 2 21 4 2 0 1 1 2 7 8 0 2 1 10 6 2 1 1 3 0 5 4 1 0 4 0 5 7 16 0 3 6 3 6 1 3 0 6 1 6 3 1 1 2 1 3 11 14 0 2 7 6 9 1 4 1 6 2 13 9 0 0 1 1 0 5 5 0 1 0 3 0 1 0 2 3 0 2 3 0 0 3 0 0 5 14 0 3 5 6 2 1 1 3 10 0 10 2 2 0 5 1 12 19 34 0 11 17 21 9 5 2 10 19 0 19 18 1 1 6 1 4 13 39 0 5 3 16 17 5 5 4 6 3 36 17 2 0 1 0 2 10 16 0 3 5 12 9 1 1 0 8 1 6 9 111 108 56 71 93 27 65 204 182 86 0 0 0 2 5 12 17 1 9 11 19 7 3 4 2 22 1 16 24 1 0 0 1 1 3 16 0 5 4 4 13 1 2 3 3 1 5 10 0 0 1 0 1 3 4 0 0 0 2 3 0 1 0 1 0 1 3 0 0 2 1 6 11 10 1 5 4 10 6 1 5 1 11 1 11 18 1 0 0 2 2 4 12 0 3 8 2 4 1 0 1 3 0 2 6 0 0 0 0 0 4 4 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 3 7 6 0 2 4 3 4 1 2 1 5 0 10 6 1 0 2 1 17 21 33 0 11 16 29 13 5 2 3 41 1 33 33 2 0 1 0 4 6 22 0 5 4 6 19 1 4 4 6 1 7 11 0 0 1 1 2 3 7 0 1 2 7 7 0 0 1 2 0 7 6 155 73 20 104 51 13 54 262 103 47 0 0 0 0 5 1 2 0 0 4 4 1 0 0 2 3 0 6 1 1 1 8 0 5 15 17 0 6 13 21 7 0 10 3 16 0 13 5 2 2 1 3 8 20 17 0 1 12 21 15 2 50 0 6 0 15 12 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 0 0 0 2 0 4 10 9 0 1 5 14 5 0 12 3 6 0 6 3 1 0 0 3 0 11 8 0 0 4 6 9 0 14 0 4 0 7 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 5 6 1 1 8 11 1 0 0 2 6 0 10 1 3 2 7 2 11 28 28 1 14 14 51 14 0 8 7 23 2 31 13 8 5 2 0 15 27 32 0 4 22 60 19 4 45 0 15 3 33 39 29 141 187 12 80 69 0 61 259 333 518 551 359 356 381 168 261 926 915 655 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Piney Point .............Monday: March 7, April 4 2 0 8 1 13 15 21 0 13 23 20 13 3 1 16 18 1 35 20 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2005 Boston.....................Friday: March 11, April 8 Duluth .....................Wednesday: March 16, April 13 Guam ......................Thursday: March 24, April 21 Honolulu .................Friday: March 18, April 15 Houston ..................Monday: March 14, April 11 Jacksonville ............Thursday: March 10, April 7 Joliet .......................Thursday: March 17, April 14 Mobile ....................Wednesday: March 16, April 13 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: March 15, April 12 New York................Tuesday: March 8, April 5 Port Everglades.......Thursday: March 17, April 14 San Francisco .........Thursday: March 17, April 14 San Juan..................Thursday: March 10, April 7 St. Louis..................Friday: March 18, April 15 Tacoma ...................Friday: March 25, April 22 Wilmington ...............Monday: March 21, April 18 ................................. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals RUTH CLINTON Please contact Barbara Gaffney at 101 Myrtle Ave., Apt. 234, Staten Island, NY 10310-2052; or telephone (718) 727-4233. DAVID FOLEY Please contact Chris Lipnosky at (530) 587-4045. With Seafarers on the SBX SIU members are working aboard a semisubmersible craft known as the SBX—an abbreviation for sea-based XBand radar. These photos were taken last month along the Gulf Coast. At left, SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell (third from left) meets with QMED Chris Schneider of Anchorage, Alaska while the Seafarer works in a pipe tunnel on the platform. Schneider said that working on a vessel that boosts U.S. national security “makes me feel patriotic.” Below, Powell meets with (from left) Recertified Steward Paula Kaleikini, Chief Cook Theresa Ballard and OS Amber Michel while waiting to load provisions. Kaleikini noted, “I know this will be challenging and very different from what any of us have seen before, but we will tackle it with the energy and professionalism people expect from the SIU!” Seafarers LOG 15 �26225_Pg3,5,10,15_17,19.qxd 1/27/2005 4:41 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report DECEMBER 16, 2004 — JANUARY 15, 2005 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III Trip Reliefs REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 7 10 4 5 12 2 0 4 44 1 0 0 2 3 0 0 2 8 0 11 8 5 5 2 4 0 35 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 7 0 8 8 1 4 2 4 0 27 1 7 3 2 10 1 1 1 26 5 31 11 12 39 6 1 9 114 0 4 3 5 8 2 0 5 27 0 26 0 23 1 0 4 0 54 0 3 1 0 3 1 0 0 8 4 9 5 5 11 3 1 9 47 1 2 4 1 2 0 1 2 13 0 16 1 16 0 1 1 3 38 0 0 5 0 1 2 1 0 9 4 8 4 7 9 2 1 4 39 0 5 2 1 10 0 1 0 19 0 19 1 16 0 1 1 1 39 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 3 4 1 3 0 0 2 16 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 1 6 0 2 3 1 1 0 0 0 7 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 5 12 4 7 11 0 1 5 45 0 3 6 3 9 0 0 5 26 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 6 0 4 3 0 1 0 0 0 8 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 5 2 3 3 1 0 0 2 16 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 6 9 3 1 5 1 0 25 Port 3 4 3 1 0 1 0 0 12 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 3 10 0 1 5 1 0 20 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 76 18 67 83 17 55 43 200 59 131 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by George G. Jamison of New Park, Pa. It was taken in Buenos Aires, Argentina in November 1945. Brother Jamison (left), John Manen of Houston, Texas (center) and Dave Wagman of Red Lion, Pa. were part of the engine department crew on the SIU-crewed Liberty ship Stevenson Taylor. They signed on in Baltimore in June 1945 and had just delivered a load of Army supplies to Calcutta, India when World War II was declared over. The ship sailed to various ports before stopping in Buenos Aires, including Le Havre, France, and then to a shipyard in Cardiff, Wales. It wasn’t until February 1946 that the Stevenson Taylor finally made it to New York for a payoff; it had been nearly six months since any of the crew members had received mail. Brother Jamison last sailed aboard Bull Line’s SS Mae—from May 1949 until April 1955. He then left the sea for a shoreside job and put his SIU book in retirement in December 1956. Jamison still receives the LOG and says he looks forward to reading it each month. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. February 2005 �26225_Pg3,5,10,15_17,19.qxd 1/27/2005 4:40 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA JUAN AYALA, 70, hails from Puerto Rico. He joined the SIU in 1966 in New York, first sailing aboard the Summit. Brother Ayala worked in the deck department and in 2000 enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. His last ship was the Horizon Challenger. Brother Ayala still calls Puerto Rico home. DAVID BALLARD, 56, joined the Seafarers in 1968 in New York. Born in West Virginia, Brother Ballard upgraded his skills at the union’s affiliated school on numerous occasions. His first ship was the Anniston Victory; his last was the El Yunque. Brother Ballard was a member of the engine department and currently resides in St. Petersburg, Fla. ALPHONSO HOLLAND, 61, embarked on his career with the SIU in 1965 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Holland first sailed on the Ridgefield Victory as a member of the steward department. In 1990 he completed steward recertification training at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, Brother Holland shipped on the USNS Red Cloud. He continues to live in his native Virginia. FRED JENSEN, 65, became a Seafarer in 1963 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. The deck department member was born in Denmark and was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center, completing his bosun recertification training there in 1980. A resident of Alachua, Fla., he last worked on the ITB Mobile. ABDUL MOHAMED, 58, started his seafaring career in 1966 in Detroit, Mich. Brother Mohamed was born in Arabia and shipped in the steward department. His first ship was the Arizpa. Brother Mohamed improved his skills in 2000 at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His last ship was the Mahimahi, a Matson Navigation vessel. Brother Mohamed makes his home in Garden Grove, Calif. EMMETT NEATHERY, 59, began sailing with the SIU in 1966 in the port of Houston. Born in Kirkland, Wash., Brother February 2005 Neathery upgraded his skills at the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He worked in the engine department in both the deep sea and inland divisions. Before retiring, Brother Neathery shipped on the USNS Regulus. He lives in Reno, Nev. JAMES PORTER, 55, first donned the SIU colors in 1969 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Porter’s first trip to sea was on the Robin Gray. The deck department member completed bosun recertification training in 1996 in Piney Point, Md. The Georgia-born mariner’s most recent voyage was aboard the El Yunque. Brother Porter resides in Jacksonville, Fla. JOHN THOMAS, 64, was born in Pennsylvania and started his seafaring career in 1987 in the port of Honolulu. Brother Thomas, who worked in the engine department, enhanced his skills in 2000 at the Seafarers-affiliated school. His first vessel was the USNS Assertive; his last was the USNS Effective. Brother Thomas is a resident of Huntsville, Ala. PETROS TRIANTAFILOS, 64, joined the ranks of the SIU in 1969 in New York, initially sailing on the Western Clipper. Born in Greece, Brother Triantafilos worked in the engine department. He upgraded his skills in 1970 and again in 1974 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Triantafilos’ most recent voyage was aboard the Mariner. He continues to live in Greece. ROBERT TRIGG, 62, started sailing with the SIU in 1987 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Trigg sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions, first working aboard the USNS Lynch. The deck department member improved his skills in 2001 at the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Trigg was born in Louisiana and now resides in Ocean Springs, Miss. He last went to sea on the Sugar Island. INLAND ARTHUR KNUDSEN, 62, became a Seafarer in 1970 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Boatman Knudsen primarily shipped aboard vessels operated by McAllister Towing of Virginia. A native of New Jersey, he worked in the deck department. Boatman Knudsen upgraded his skills in 1985 at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He makes his home in Boca Raton, Fla. RICHARD McEVOY, 64, began his seafaring career in 1973 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Boatman McEvoy initially shipped on a Puget Sound vessel in the engine department. Born in Georgia, he upgraded often at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman McEvoy most recently sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation of Jacksonville. He lives in his native state. HERMAN MOONEY, 64, launched his SIU career in 1966 in the port of Baltimore. Boatman Mooney shipped primarily on Moran Towing of Maryland vessels. The engine department member enhanced his skills in 1985 at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Mooney was born in Baltimore, where he continues to reside. GEORGE MOSICH, 62, started shipping with the union in 1994 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Mosich worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing and Transportation vessels. The deck department member was born in San Pedro, Calif. and upgraded his skills on two occasions at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training. Boatman Mosich lives in his native state. GLENN NAUNDORF, 55, joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Naundorf shipped in the steward department. He attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. in 2000 and again in 2001. Prior to retiring, Boatman Naundorf worked on Maritrans Operating Co. vessels. MICHAEL SANDERS, 55, hails from Harlinton, Texas. Boatman Sanders joined the union in 1966 in the port of Houston after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He sailed in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Boatman Sanders was a member of the deck department, first shipping on G&H Towing Co. vessels. He enhanced his skills on three occasions at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Boatman Sanders resides in Overland Park, Kan. He last worked on the LNG Leo. GREAT LAKES ABDO ALQIRSH, 64, began sailing with the SIU in 1966 in Detroit, Mich. Brother Alqirsh was born in Arabia and worked in the steward department. He shipped primarily aboard American Steamship Co. vessels. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1947 SIU Organizational Director Paul Hall announced last week the signing of a closed shop contract with the American Eastern Steamship Corporation after a 60-day organizing campaign. “In making this announcement,” Hall said, “full credit should be given to the SIU volunteer organizers who sailed aboard American Eastern ships and made possible the signing of a contract for this new company. The fact that it took only 60 days to secure the agreement gives proof to another swell job of organizing done by the rank and file Seafarer.” 1967 LONNIE BROOKS, 64, was born in Michigan and joined the SIU in 1988 in Detroit. Brother Brooks first sailed aboard the J.A.W. Iglehart in the engine department. His last trip was on the Saint Clair. Brother Brooks calls Okeechobee, Fla. home. ATLANTIC FISHERMEN NICHOLAS PARISI, 61, Brother Parisi started his career with the Atlantic Fishermen’s Union, an affiliate of the SIU before it merged with the AGLIWD in 1981. Born in Massachusetts, he is a U.S. Army veteran and last worked aboard the St. Nicholas. Brother Parisi makes his home in Gloucester, Mass. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension and Trust, recently went on pension. Name Age EDP Beof, Antonio DeCosta, Edward Erese, Cesar Ford, Thomas Hawes, Philip Jetson, James Marshall, James Philpot, James 65 65 65 61 58 50 64 65 Jan. 1 Dec. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Jan. 1 Dec. 1 Oct. 1 Jan. 1 body set up to assure that maritime workers, faced with legal problems or charges threatening their personal liberties, are assured their fundamental American rights to counsel and other assistance. Robert A. Matthews, SIU vice president in charge of contracts and contract enforcement, has been selected chairman of the Defense League and offices have been established at One Hanson Place in Brooklyn, N.Y. This Month In SIU History Seafarers at regular monthly meetings in all constitutional ports enthusiastically voted to endorse and support the newly formed Maritime Defense League. In approving the purposes of the new organization, the membership called for maximum publicity in support of the League by all Seafarers. The new organization is a voluntary Brother Alqirsh is a resident of Dearborn, Mich. 1987 The U.S. Navy’s first active hospital ship in 13 years, the USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), departed San Diego on Friday, Feb. 27 for a fourmonth training and humanitarian mission to the republic of the Philippines. The purpose of the deployment is to train Navy personnel in the operation and support of the ship and its 1,000bed medical treatment facility during extended operations in a remote area. The medical team aboard the USNS Mercy during this deployment will include civilian and military personnel. The Mercy is one of two identical hospital ships being converted for the Navy. A second ship, the USNS Comfort, will be christened in May. Seafarers LOG 17 �Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/27/2005 8:32 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA ALBERT BIRT Pensioner Albert Birt, 84, passed away Nov. 8. Brother Birt joined the SIU in 1941 in Tampa, Fla. His first ship was the Alcoa Carrier. Born in Hampton, Fla., Brother Birt was a member of the deck department. His last voyage was on the Sand Captain. Brother Birt began collecting his pension in 1968. He made his home in Spring Hill, Fla. HERMAN BUTTS Brother Herman Butts, 47, died July 15. He began sailing with the SIU in 1970 in the port of Houston. Brother Butts was born in Mobile, Ala. He last worked in the engine department aboard the Seabulk Challenger. Brother Butts was a resident of Texas. CHESTER COCHRAN Pensioner Chester Cochran, 81, passed away Nov. 2. Brother Cochran joined the SIU in 1956 in Detroit, Mich. The engine department member was born in Smokemont, N.C. Brother Cochran shipped in both the Great Lakes and deep sea divisions. He lived in his native state and retired in 1979. LEO DERSTLER Pensioner Leo Derstler, 87, died Sept. 24. Brother Derstler was born in Pennsylvania and embarked on his seafaring career in 1945 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was the Robin Gray, where he worked in the deck department; his last ship was the Seattle. Brother Derstler started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1976. He called Columbia, Pa. home. DAVID DICKINSON Pensioner David Dickinson, 77, passed away Dec. 3. Brother Dickinson started shipping with the SIU in 1952 as a member of the deck department. Brother Dickinson most recently shipped on Waterman Steamship Corp.’s John Penn. He was born in Alabama and resided in Leakesville, Miss. Brother Dickinson retired in 1982. BENNIE DRUMGOOLE Pensioner Bennie Drumgoole, 69, passed away Nov. 25. Born in Pine Bluff, Ark., Brother Drumgoole joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed in the engine department primarily on Sea-Land Service vessels, including 18 Seafarers LOG the Adventurer and the Consumer. Brother Drumgoole was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He retired in 1997 and called Little Rock, Ark. home. LEWIS GLANVILLE Pensioner Lewis Glanville, 83, died August 30. Brother Glanville first donned the SIU colors in 1940 in the port of Baltimore. The Virginia-born mariner shipped as a member of the engine department. Brother Glanville originally sailed on the Steel Seafarer. Before retiring in 1980, he worked on the Montpelier Victory. Brother Glanville started receiving his pension in 1980 and made his home in Seaford, Del. DUDLEY GRANT Pensioner Dudley Grant, 77, passed away Oct. 4. Brother Grant was born in the West Indies. He became an SIU member in 1959 in New York, initially shipping on the Santa Magdelena in the steward department. His final trip to sea was aboard the President Chester B. Arthur. Brother Grant began collecting his retirement pay in 1993. San Francisco was his home. ARK HO Pensioner Ark Ho, 88, died Sept. 12. Brother Ho joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards in the port of San Francisco. He was born in China and called Los Angeles home. Brother Ho began receiving his pension in 1971. CLIFFORD PERREIRA Pensioner Clifford Perreira, 81, passed away Oct. 19. Brother Perreira started his seafaring career in 1959 in San Francisco, first working on the Arizpa. Born in Hawaii, he was a member of the deck department. Brother Perreira most recently went to sea aboard the Overseas Ohio. He resided in Sebastopol, Calif. and went on pension in 1994. SALEH SALEH Brother Saleh Saleh, 64, died Oct. 20. He began sailing with the Seafarers in 1992 in New York. Brother Saleh’s first vessel was the Samuel L. Cobb; his last was the Franklin J. Phillips. The steward department member was born in Yemen and lived there in the city of Sana’a. JAMES SINEY Pensioner James Siney, 84, passed away Sept. 5. Brother Siney embarked on his SIU career in 1958 in the port of Baltimore. He was born in Maryland and shipped as a member of the engine department. Brother Siney was a veteran of both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy. He started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1985 and called Redondo Beach, Calif. home. INLAND GEORGE BALLEW Pensioner George Ballew, 75, died Nov. 27. Born in Virginia, Boatman Ballew started his SIU career in 1959 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He was a member of the deck department. Boatman Ballew made his home in Hampton, Va. He retired in 1989. ROBERT HENDRIX Pensioner Robert Hendrix, 67, passed away Aug. 2. Boatman Hendrix began his seafaring career in 1968 in the port of Norfolk, Va. after serving in the U.S. Army. The steward department member, who was born in North Carolina, made his home in Portsmouth, Va. He went on pension in 1990. THOMAS PURSER Pensioner Thomas Purser, 79, died Sept. 26. Boatman Purser became a Seafarer in 1978 in the port of Mobile, Ala. The U.S. Air Force veteran was born in Mississippi. Boatman Purser shipped in the deck department. He began receiving his retirement stipends in 1990 and lived in his native state. ment. Brother Amaya initially went to sea aboard the African Star. Prior to retiring in 1970, he worked on the Argentina. Pensioner James Evans, 73, died Nov. 6. Brother Evans joined the NMU in 1967 in Philadelphia and worked in the steward department. He first sailed aboard the Sinclair Texas. Brother Evans was born in Philadelphia and went on pension in 1987. ALTON GARCIA ROBERT SINGLETON Pensioner Alton Garcia, 88, passed away Nov. 11. Brother Garcia became a member of the NMU in 1939, first shipping out of New York. His initial voyage was on the Clyde. Brother Garcia, who was born in Cuba, last sailed aboard the Brazil. He started receiving his retirement pay in 1970. Pensioner Robert Singleton, 81, passed away Nov. 17. A native of Alabama, Brother Singleton joined the NMU in 1943 initially working on the Dixiano. The engine department member was last employed aboard the Cibao. Brother Singleton went on pension in 1970. DAYMON GREGORY PETE STANDIFER Pensioner Daymon Gregory, 77, died Nov. 1. Brother Gregory joined the ranks of the NMU in 1944 in Boston. Born in West Virginia, he worked in the deck department. Brother Gregory’s first vessel was the Will Rogers; his last was the African Meteor. He began collecting his pension in 1965. Pensioner Pete Standifer, 80, died Nov. 17. Brother Standifer embarked on his seafaring career in 1946. He was born in Oklahoma and most recently worked on the Edgar M. Queeny. Brother Standifer started drawing his pension in 1985. ALFRED HAMPTON Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. GABRIEL ACEVEDO JOSE HERNANDEZ Pensioner Gabriel Acevedo, 91, died Nov. 24. Brother Acevedo was born in San Andres, Columbia and joined the SIU in 1945. His first ship was the Wilson’s Creek. Brother Acevedo was a member of the engine department, last sailing on the Santa Barbara. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1976. Pensioner Jose Hernandez, 83, died Oct. 20. Brother Hernandez started his NMU career in 1957, first sailing from New York aboard the Harpers Ferry. He was born in Puerto Rico and retired in 1982. Pensioner Jamie Amaya, 88, passed away Nov. 30. Brother Amaya joined the NMU in 1941. Born in Honduras, he shipped in the steward depart- JAMES RICHARDSON Pensioner James Richardson, 84, died Nov. 27. Brother Richardson was born in the West Indies and became an NMU member in 1947. His first voyage was on the George W. Kendall. Brother Richardson began receiving retirement compensation in 1984. A member of the engine department, he last shipped aboard the Gulf Trader. JAMES EVANS Pensioner Alfred Hampton, 80, passed away Oct. 21. Born in Louisiana, Brother Hampton launched his seafaring career in New Orleans. He first shipped on the John M. Morehead. Brother Hampton, who last sailed on the Nancy Lykes, started receiving stipends for his retirement in 1986. JAMIE AMAYA in 1978, Brother Matthews went to sea aboard the Keystoner. JOSEPH MATTHEWS Pensioner Joseph Matthews, 91, passed away Nov. 5. Brother Matthews began sailing with the NMU in 1945 from the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Pocahontas, where he worked in the steward department. Before retiring AMADOR VANGA Pensioner Amador Vanga, 92, passed away Oct. 23. Brother Vanga commenced his career with the NMU in 1965, initially sailing from New York. He was born in Puerto Rico and worked in the steward department. Brother Vanga’s final voyage was on the Atlantic. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. Name Age Amento, Anthony Arespe, Arnulfo Astillero, Ramon Bergland, Albert Betancourt, Mario Camalich, Giorgio Cooper, Martin Espinoza, Alberto Ewens, Cecil Foster, Jonathan Herrera, Antonio Holland, Willie Houghton, Edward King, Donald Lawrence, Gerald Mortley, Edward Olivares, Amadeo Peeler, Roy Proctor, Joseph Santiago, Luis Smith, James Sykes, Raymond Tarver, William Walker, Herman Walters, Paul White, John 76 82 78 78 91 75 72 98 80 92 89 80 84 73 80 85 63 84 76 82 83 85 82 79 78 80 DOD Oct. 31 Oct. 19 Oct. 19 Nov. 17 Nov. 19 Oct. 29 Nov. 2 Oct. 17 Oct. 25 July 01 Nov. 17 Nov. 5 Nov. 16 Nov. 10 Nov. 1 Nov. 3 Nov. 4 Sept. 1 Nov. 1 Nov. 7 Nov. 11 Aug. 18 Oct. 12 Nov. 5 Nov. 25 Nov. 6 February 2005 �26225_Pg3,5,10,15_17,19.qxd 1/27/2005 8:36 PM Page 19 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. EXPLORER (USSM), Nov. 21— Chairman Amado E. Abaniel, Secretary William R. Burdette, Educational Director Jimmy M. Robles, Engine Delegate Carlos M. Noriega, Steward Delegate Abdulla N. Jinah. Chairman announced arrival Nov. 27 in Los Angeles. He reported good trip and great food, thanks to steward department, and reminded crew members to separate bottles and cans from regular trash. He also asked departing mariners to leave keys in rooms for next person. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer stated $254 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Los Angeles; Tacoma, Wash. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), Nov. 26—Chairman Michael T. Sorensen, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Allen D. Parker, Deck Delegate Amante V. Gumiran, Engine Delegate J. Coleman, Steward Delegate Peter Schuetz. Chairman announced payoff Nov. 27 after arrival in Tacoma, Wash. Educational director urged everyone to keep an eye on their documents’ expiration dates and allow plenty of time for renewal process. Treasurer stated $557 in crew fund; $400 to be used for purchase of new refrigerators. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted in engine department. Request made for company to provide more movies on ship. Crew members said they all look forward to receiving new videos, as it’s one of the few recreational activities during the many months at sea. Crew reported current phone system inoperable at sea. Clarification requested on availability of overtime. Seafarers were asked to separate plastic items from regular trash and rewind and return movies after use. Suggestion made to improve dental plan and get a satellite system. Vote of thanks given to steward department for excellent Thanksgiving Day meals. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. INDUSTRIAL CHALLENGER (Pacific Gulf Marine), Nov. 21— Chairman Shawn Williams, Secretary Ngol T. Allen, Educational Director Earl F. Ebbert, Deck Delegate Wilbur Pantin, Engine Delegate Charlotte LeBlanc, Steward Delegate Gertrudis Arzu. Educational director encouraged all crew members to attend Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. because of new ISO and safety requirements and to improve their job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Adequate deck department crewing needed in part due to heavy amount of work required on ship at sea and in port. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Request made for drinking fountains and better e-mail system. INNOVATOR (USSM), Nov. 21— Chairman Steve R. Kastel, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Chris L. Earhart, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Steward Delegate Tammy M. Bingisser. Chairman reported good trip and thanked all departments for working well together. He praised Chief Cook Tammy Bingisser for outstanding meals. Secretary expressed gratitude to crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director reminded Seafarers to keep documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read president’s report from Seafarers LOG and discussed communications received from SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox. Suggestion made to increase money purchase pension plan and pension benefits and reduce time required for retirement. Next port: Los Angeles. LTC JOHN U.D. PAGE (Maersk Line), Nov. 24—Chairman Jeremiah J. Harrington, Secretary Abraham Mills, Educational Director Bobby L. Jones, Deck Delegate William Fielding, Engine Delegate Luis A. Soto Amadeo, Steward Delegate Angela Robertson. Chairman read various articles from November Seafarers LOG. He thanked everyone for working so hard while being away from family and friends during holidays. Educational director suggested crew to inform 1st asst. engineer about any electrical problems or repairs needed and be aware of expiration dates on documents needed for shipping. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to get additional help for SA and to improve retirement plan. Next port: Diego Garcia. LIBERATOR (USSM), Nov. 26— Chairman Daniel J. Teichman, Secretary Robert S. Davis, Educational Director Elwyn L. Ford, Engine Delegate Marc J. Poniatouski, Steward Delegate Andy N. Campollo. Chairman Time to Talk Union The union meeting aboard the Industrial Challenger was a time for everyone to ask questions and be heard. From the left are GUDE Charlotte LeBlanc, QMED/Electrician Earl Ebbert, AB Sherwin Frank and AB John Grayson. February 2005 advised Seafarers to read contract and be informed. Educational director urged members to check expiration dates on documents and start renewal process of MMDs at least 6 months in advance. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications received from headquarters regarding reflagging. Everyone encouraged to read LOG for information about union and maritime industry. Crew advised to ask questions at union meetings and be knowledgeable of their rights as Seafarers. Next port: Newark, N.J. MAJ. BERNARD F. FISHER (Sealift Inc.) Nov. 28—Chairman Reuben M. Brown, Secretary Walter R. Seals, Educational Director Troy L. Fleming, Deck Delegate Lorenzo Riddick, Engine Delegate Michael C. McNally, Steward Delegate Velonder L. Alford. Chairman announced payoff Nov. 30. Copies of company’s safety policies handed out to members as ship heads to Diego Garcia. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade whenever possible at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on weekly pay rate for ship’s committee and department delegates. All crew members now have room keys. Thanks given to crew for separating plastic items from regular trash. It was reported that email is now available on board ship. Next port: Diego Garcia. MIDNIGHT SUN (IUM), Nov. 28—Chairman Fadel Saleh, Secretary Scott A. Opsahl, Educational Director Christopher Cunningham, Deck Delegate Brent R. Johnson, Engine Delegate Dennis S. Adjetey, Steward Delegate Nasser S. Hasson. Chairman reminded crew to be aware of ice forming on deck. Those who requested a day off should wait until their reliefs show up before leaving vessel. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep messhall and lounge clean. He asked them to clean room and leave fresh linen for next person. Educational director encouraged members to enhance their skills at Paul Hall Center, contribute to SPAD for job security and check documents for expiration dates. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for fantastic Thanksgiving Day spread. Next ports: Anchorage, Alaska; Tacoma, Wash. USNS DAHL (Maersk Line), Nov. 27—Chairman Walter L. Jeffords, Secretary James H. McLeod, Educational Director Alexander A. Zharkoff. Chairman encouraged crew members to be current on their dues. He noted that LMSR/MSC contracts requires crew members to renew basic safety training (BST) every five years, regardless of Coast Guard rules. He thanked everyone for helping maintain safety record of ship (no accidents). Educational director talked about importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $1,138 in ship’s fund. Crew voted to have tshirts and hats made with Dahl logo to sell. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to the steward department for great meals, especially over Halloween and Thanksgiving Day holidays. Next ports: Savannah, Ga.; Souda Bay, Crete. VOYAGER (USSM), Nov. 21— Chairman Glenn R. Christianson, Secretary William P. McGee, Educational Director Samuel M. Addo, Deck Delegate Charles B. Collins, Steward Delegate Ruben Padilla. Chairman noted handrails missing in various locations on catwalk and advised other mariners to report items in need of repair. Secretary advised everyone that water problems have been solved. Educational director spoke about taking advantage of upgrading benefits at Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $500 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Several suggestions made regarding union’s prescription plan, vacation checks and increasing pension benefits. Members thanked steward department for great BBQs and meals. Next ports: Malaga, Spain; Gioia Tauro, Italy; Newark, N.J. DILIGENCE (Maritrans), Dec. 26—Chairman Ronald L. Paradise, Secretary Michael J. Wybo, Educational Director Shawn L. Clark. Deck Delegate Wilfredo G. Caidoy, Steward Delegate Bienvenido C. Badillo. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 26. in Tacoma, Wash. At that time ship go port side for removal of damaged gangway. He asked crew members to be considerate of others when washing clothes at night, especially those items with metal buckles or large snaps (they make a lot of noise). Secretary welcomed SIU trainees Linsey A. Knight and Danny L. Faidley aboard and to their first shipboard meeting. He talked about shipboard procedures for settling problems. Steward pro- Industrial Challenger Crew Gathers for Meeting Following a union meeting aboard the Industrial Challenger, Bosun Shawn Williams (right) looks over the minutes, which will be sent to the contracts department at headquarters. With him are ACU Gertrudis Arzu (left) and Steward/Baker Ngol Allen. Gramer, Educational Director Richard A. Huffman, Engine Delegate Patrick D. Carroll, Steward Delegate Harry J. Agatep. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 29 upon arrival in New Orleans, La. Ship will then load for Braintree, Mass., just south of Boston. He recommended cold weather gear for deck department members. Educational director emphasized importance of upgrading at Paul Hall Center and noted there are opportunities there for everyone. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman discussed SAB 926 regarding crew rotation during recent military ship crew-up. Suggestions made regarding next contract. Gratitude expressed to Steward Gramer and Chief Cook Agatep for delicious Christmas dinner. Thanks also given to SA Shantay Joquin for her festive decorations and Christmas spirit. Crew wished Conklin family all the best. Through his hard work and dedication, Ken Conklin touched the lives of many Seafarers. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Dec. 12—Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary James N. Brockington, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate Gavino A. Octaviano, Engine Delegate Cecilio A. Banga, Steward Delegate Alejo A. Fabia. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 18 upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. No shore leave will be given until ship clears customs and immigration. Secretary asked crew to return all videos prior to arrival in Tacoma and to clean room and provide fresh linen for relief personnel. Educational director advised members to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done and to Tacoma and Oakland shoregangs for assistance in port. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland; Honolulu; Guam. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), Dec. 19—Chairman Lance X. Zollner, Secretary Thomas M. vides repair list for any repairs needed. Educational director informed crew passport fees are free to seamen. Clarification from headquarters requested. Treasurer reported number of purchases since last meeting: gas for grill, sodas for BBQ, dart set, and surround-sound system. That leaves $589.45 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Memo from headquarters read and posted. Questions raised about new prescription program. Bosun thanked steward department for outstanding job. Next port: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), Dec. 2—Chairman Kenny A. Abrahamson, Secretary Charles D. Washington, Educational Director Paul D. Hanley, Deck Delegate David Garoutte, Engine Delegate Gordon L. Hiltbruner. Chairman informed crew new VCR and DVD player installed. Educational director reminded crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center whenever possible and keep all documents current. Treasurer stated $320 in video fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew thanked steward department for wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. ITB JACKSONVILLE (USS Transport), Dec. 5—Chairman John R. Lamprecht, Secretary Warren G. Lombard, Educational Director Stanley M. Sporna, Deck Delegate Abedan P. Lujan, Engine Delegate Hassin Asumari, Steward Delegate Brad E. Stephenson. Chairman discussed amount of ship’s stores brought aboard. Request made for status of new contract and pay increases. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on reimbursement for travel to ship. Suggestion made to reevaluate responsibilities of company and shore facilities to ensure crew members are able to leave premises and not be restricted to ship. Request made for new blankets and bottled water. Good camaraderie among crew was reported. Seafarers LOG 19 �Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:12 PM Page 20 A Brief History of The MSTS Know Your Rights Editor’s note: The Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) is the forerunner to today’s Military Sealift Command (MSC). This account of the organization was published in the Aug. 22, 1966 shipboard newsletter, “The Walker Report” aboard the USNS General Nelson M. Walker. In support of our nation’s defense outposts in the Arctic, the Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) has sealifted more than 5 million tons of cargo to the Far North since 1950. This special mission, called “Operation Sealift for Security,” began in 1950 and reached its peak during the 1955-57 operations when MSTS launched the most gigantic logistic assault upon the North polar region ever undertaken by land or aerial forces of any nation. Termed a logistic miracle by many, this polar “assault” was made to supply men and materials for the construction of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) radar system which, when completed, stretched across the entire Arctic fringe of North America. During the three-year polar assault, despite encountering the worst ice conditions ever recorded in the Arctic, MSTS sealifted more than 1 million tons of cargo and building equipment, plus 10 million barrels of petroleum products to the DEW Line sites. This victory over the hazards of wind, ice and fog would not have been possible without the benefit of eight years’ experience in polar logistics. MSTS began Arctic operations of a modest scale in 1950 when it began the “Seaborne Supply of the North East Command” (SUNEC) in the Labrador/Greenland areas. In 1951, over 50 MSTS-controlled ships in support of operation “Blue Jay” transported materials and personnel to build the Air Force Base at Thule, Greenland. Also at that time, the defense sites at Baffin Island and Labrador were established. Since that time, MSTS has The USNS General Nelson M. Walker had its own shipboard newsletter, from which the history of the MSTS is reprinted on this page. Built in 1945, the vessel transferred to the MSTS in 1950 with the outbreak of hostilities in Korea. Just last month, the retired ship was being towed to Texas for dismantling. been resupplying these bases annually. One of the smallest, yet one of the most interesting, phases of MSTS arctic operations is the resupply of the Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea. Each year, supplies are sealifted to the U.S. government’s sealing stations on barren St. George and St. Paul islands. The seal products returned to the States are worth more than the material carried to the Pribilofs. In 1957, the long-sought-after Northwest Passage became a reality. Since the 1500s, man has sought a practical deep-draft water passage across the top of North America. MSTS had to develop such a passage as a possible escape route for MSTS ships, which found an ice blockage across their normal route out of the Arctic. Under the direction of Vice Admiral John M. Will, USN, an MSTS task group in 1957 charted such a route at the top of North America’s mainland, through Bellot Strait and its approaches from the westward through Rae, James Ross and Franklin straits. In nine years, MSTS has succeeded in opening the Arctic to sealift on a previously unheard of scale. Through persistence, patience and sheer daring, MSTS military and civilian crews have “cracked” the Arctic. Throughout the DEW Line area, “impassable” uncharged, ice-choked backwaters have become well-traveled supply routes. Forbidding shore sites barbed with fast ice and honeycombs of rocks have become mass staging areas for successful overthe-beach operations around the clock. In 1958, the entire Arctic area in Northern Alaska and Western Canada was assigned as commercial shipping areas. Each year, thanks to the trail blazed by MSTS, commercial shipping is increasing its role in the Arctic resupply operations. Much of the credit for the success of the Arctic operations can be attributed to the joint cooperation of the military and civilian personnel who combined forces to get the job done. Their skill and courage in overcoming many challenging problems is a tribute to the organizations they represent. This includes the governments of the U.S. and Canada, the Navy, Army, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine and segments of private industry. The General Nelson M. Walker was first commissioned as the Admiral H.T. Mayo in 1945. The vessel transported troops between Marseilles, France and the U.S. and between Okinawa, Japan and the U.S. In October 1945, the vessel participated in the first of four “Magic Carpet” voyages to Tokyo and Manila carrying replacements for battle-weary veterans whom the vessel was to bring back home. The final voyages were completed in March 1946. It was renamed the General Nelson M. Walker and in 1965 was transferred to the Military Sea Transportation Service. The ship made five cruises from San Francisco to Japan, Okinawa and Vietnam. Following decommissioning and storage, the vessel was transferred to the Maritime Administration in 1970 and laid up in the James River (Va.) berthing area. Just last month, the retired ship left the James River for Brownsville, Texas, where it will be dismantled. Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to help 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 or e-mail corrections to kclements@seafarers.org HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone No.: ________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ Active SIU Pensioner Book No.: ________________ 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. 20 Seafarers LOG 2/05 FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. February 2005 �Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:13 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Steward Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through August 2005. 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. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning Feb. 7, 2005. Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion FOWT March 28 June 20 May 20 August 11 Marine Electrician April 18 June 13 QMED - Jr. Engineer June 20 September 8 Welding March 21 April 11 May 9 August 22 April 8 April 29 May 27 September 9 Course Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Course Able Seaman Safety Specialty Courses Date of Completion Start Date Date of Completion March 14 May 16 July 18 March 25 May 27 July 29 Fast Boat Rescue May 2 June 6 May 6 June 10 Government Vessels March 14 April 11 May 23 July 4 August 8 August 22 March 18 April 15 May 27 July 8 August 12 August 26 Course March 7 April 18 May 30 July 11 August 22 April 1 May 13 June 24 August 5 September 16 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) April 18 June 20 August 22 April 22 June 24 August 26 Bridge Resource Management (Unlimited) May 9 May 13 Celestial Navigation March 14 May 16 July 18 April 8 June 10 August 11 Medical Care Provider March 28 May 30 August 1 April 1 June 3 August 5 April 25 June 27 August 29 May 6 July 8 September 9 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* April 4 June 6 August 1 April 15 June 17 August 11 April 4 May 16 June 27 August 8 April 15 May 27 July 8 August 19 June 27 July 1 Radar April 4 June 6 August 8 April 13 June 15 August 17 Radar Renewal (1 day): April 25, June 27, August 29 GMDSS (Simulator) Advanced Fire Fighting* (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) Lifeboatman/Water Survival Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ 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 OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No 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? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ February 2005 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 2/05 Seafarers LOG 21 �Pg2,22,23.qxd 1/28/2005 6:22 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 657 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 657 (in alphabetical order) Fausto Aranda, Vincel Banks, Steven Cedres, Clifford Cronan, Wanda Davis, Aaron Dixon, Kenneth Fecher, Jeffery Griffin, Alexander Hill, Jason Jacobs, Edward Johnson, Timothy Littles, Ashley Lund, Michael Moerbeek, Billie Jo Munoz, Roy Nathan, Robert Noble, Garfield Persley Jr., Adam Ramey, Michael Rodriguez, Benny Samosan, William Sanchez, Scott Spillman, Ronald Westerfield and Ryan White. Able Seaman — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Dec. 3 are (in alphabetical order) Laurent Abad, Jeremy Abbott, Owen Gallagher, Melvin Gruelle, David Guthrie, Aidan Helt, Christopher Hodder, Forrest Hosier, Gregory Karr, Brian Manion, John Niday, Christopher Paul, Arthur Reeder, Arthur Rogers, Ramiro Rubio, Gregory Scott, Hector Serrano, Douglas Shores and Ben Skuban. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Completing this course Nov. 12 are (in alphabetical order) Seafarer Juan Bell and unlicensed apprentices Ernesto Girau, Joshua Lampke, Jeremy Martinez, Robert Oliveto, David Quade, Jamal Ricks, Steben Torres and Jervona Vorise. Their instructor, John Cronan, is at far left. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Completing the basic auxiliary plant operations course Dec. 12 are (in alphabetical order) upgraders Manuel Lata and Ryan Neathery and Phase III unlicensed apprentices Robin Bourgeois, Anthony Clark, Christopher Eide, Clark Howard, Richard Murray, Maurice Perry and Adam Soto. Their instructor, John Cronan, is third from left. Bridge Resource Management (BRM) — Graduating from the bridge resource management course Dec. 3 are (in alphabetical order) Jared Blavat, Ian Ferguson, Alexander Fyodorovykh, Donald McGraw, Jerry Sobieraj and Jerome Wong. At far left is Capt. Jack Russell. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, is third from left. FOWT — Graduates from the FOWT course Dec. 17 include (in alphabetical order) Damien Bautista, Dario Dizon, Kenneth Dyson, David Gulick Jr., Damien James, Peter Jensen, Yuriy Khitrenko, Joshua Kilbourn, Ryan Krom, Roger Nesbeth, Felix Osorio, Bruce Placido, Luis Roebuck, David Simpson, Curtis Tobey, Bruce Zarobell and William Zobel. Their instructor, Eric Malzkuhn, is second from left. Computer Lab Classes Instructor Rick Prucha (standing at far right in both photos) congratulates SIU members for their accomplishments in the computer lab. In the photo at left are (seated, from left) Chris Chikwere and Dan Marcus; standing is Abdulmoghni Said. In the photo at right are (seated, from left) Diane Lee House, William Knorr and David Guthrie; standing are Art Rogers, Mel Orville and Forrest Hoster. 22 Seafarers LOG February 2005 �Pg2,22,23.qxd 1/28/2005 6:22 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Junior Engineer — Galley Ops — Working their way up in the galley department are (from the left) Abdul Hamid, Ed White (instructor), Frances Dvoroznak, Mario Rochez and Arlene Ringler (instructor). Seafarers completing the junior engineer course Dec. 17 are (in alphabetical order) Christopher Bounds, Joie Flesner, Jeffrey McIntosh, Nicholas Murgolo, Ashley Nelson, Jason Powell, Marco Rodriquez, Joseph Sam, Christopher Schneider, Demetrius Simmons, Randy Slue, Charles Sneed and Paul Weil. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far right. Tanker Familiarization Assistant Cargo (DL) — Unlicensed trainees recently completing this course are (in no specific order) Mark Keblis, Ron Whitlow, Perry Schroff, Teresa Ward, Cheryl Lynch, Scott Spilman, Ben Clark, Timothy Bauer, Anthony Bartley, Jerome Prince, James Ruffin, Frank Lewis, Thia Banks, William Wilson, Stephen Morris, Jonathan Ives, Ron Westerfield and Huey Napier. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. STOS — Receiving their STOS certificates of completion Jan. 21 from instructor Stacey Harris (far left) are (in no specific order) Melvin Mitchell, Wlodzimierz Arendt, Russell Sawyer, Ryan Johnson, Martin Rogers, Matthew Flickinger, Allan Coloyan, Matt Musslewhite, Jeremy Williams, Luke Bradley, Robert Hall, Jim Williamson and Steven Reiber. Lifeboatman/Water Survival — With instructor Bernabe Pelingon (standTanker Familiarization Assistant Cargo (DL) — Another class of unlicensed trainees completing this course are Robert Morrison, Timothy Watson, Ali Saif, Tim Cullen, Frank Muellersman, Evan Werner, Brian Saba, Troy Davis, Joshua Smith, Andre Robinson, Samantha Murphy, Hector Ortiz, Ariel Lopez, Javier Ortiz, George Phillips, Kenneth Williams, Stephen Cooper, Tony Fury, Tony Beasley, Tedrick Blackstone and Paul Brown. Their instructor, Herb Walling, stands in the back at left. Specially Trained OS — Receiving their STOS certificates of completion Dec. 10 are (in alphabetical order) upgraders Marco Figueroa, Ronald Ramos and Abdulmoghni Said and Phase III unlicensed apprentices Michael Broadway, John Frey, William Hunt, Cleveland Lewis, Sean Mitchell, James Nickerson, Norman Rodriguez, Derek Rye, Martin Simmons and Nigel Williams. February 2005 ing second from right) are Jan. 21 graduates of the lifeboatman/water survival course. In alphabetical order of Kyle Bloom, David Desrosiers, Dana Fischer, Felix Garcia, Brian Gauntt, Carlos Gay, Richard Otto, Jonas Robinson, Saul Suarez, Dana Thomas and Rick Worthington. Training in Hawaii Crowd Management Training Class #1 — Many of the students completing this class also were in Class #1 of basic safety training. Above are (in no particular order) Tanya Lowe, Carlos Saflor, Arvilee Branch, William Kupa, Julie Fancois, Robyn Moors, Sherell Reis, Jonathan Williams, Dana Berney, Jacqueline Ortez, Kahainuk Lahens, Peter Winkley and Bobby Joe Harris. Seafarers LOG 23 �Pg4,6_9,11_14,18,20,21,24.qxd 1/24/2005 8:37 PM Page 24 February 2005 Volume 67, Number 2 O f T The U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) fleet continued its recent upgrade late last year as SIU members crewed up two newly reflagged containerships for Waterman Steamship Corp.: the P&O Nedlloyd Veracruz and the P&O Nedlloyd Buenos Aires (pictured at right in Houston). S — p A S T T f 1 a 1 1 — 1 S Recertified Steward Donna DeCesare Chief Pumpman Kenneth Spivey These photos were taken aboard the Puget Sound in October of last year when the ship—which formerly was part of the ATC fleet and was turned over to OSG—recrewed in the port of Orange, Texas. AB Harvey Ramos The captain and crew of the newly reflagged P&O Nedlloyd Buenos Aires pose for a group picture before sailing from the port of Houston. Chief Cook Cesar Avila and SA Faustino Castillo have no trouble finding their way around the galley of the Waterman containership. John Zepeda is the recertified bosun aboard the Puget Sound. Many Seafarers and family members volunteered to help serve the meal. SIU members, along with their families and guests, were treated to Thanksgiving dinner at the Houston hall Nov. 24, 2004. Twelve turkeys as well as ham and the traditional holiday trimmings were prepared by Seafarers to serve the nearly 150 attendees. The line was long—but it went quickly and was well worth the wait. Left: Retiree Ralph Moore helps with the preparations. Right: This is just one of the serving tables laden with delicious holiday fare. Patrolman Kevin Marchand (left) and Seafarer Randy Stevens carve the turkeys. Right: Included among those who joined in on the holiday feast are (from left) Joe Clark, Saundra Leonard, Francisco King, a guest and Richard Henry. When the Liberty Eagle held a recent payoff in the port of Houston, some of the crew posed for a group shot. They are Chief Cook Marcial Avila, GUDE Valerio Manaiza, Patrolman Michael Russo, GUDE Leonel Montes, QMED Stephen Treece, Steward/Baker Pablo Alvarez and departing Chief Cook Johnny Palencia. AB Thomas Corrales enjoys the dinner with his family. � 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 2005 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES UNION DONATES FOR TSUNAMI RELIEF VACATIONING SEAFARER LENDS HAND IN PHUKET SIU GAINS 13 VESSELS NEW MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM FEATURES 60 SHIPS SEAFARERS APPROVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS PAUL HALL CENTER’S EGLINTON NAMED TO NATIONAL MARITIME SECURITY COMMITTEE NAVY LEAGUE PRESIDENT PRAISES READY RESERVCE FORCE MEBA, MM&P ANNOUNCE ELECTION RESULTS NATIONAL DIRECTIVE ADDRESSES PORT SECURITY ‘BELATED THANK YOU’ LEGISLATION REINTRODUCED BY U.S. REP. FILNER SAFE DRILLING IN ANWR STILL A HOT TOPIC IN D.C. SEAFARERS SUPPORT OUR TROOPS ABOARD THE CAPE ISLAND RUNAWAY-FLAG GROUNDING IN ALASKA TRIGGERS FEDERAL INVESTIGATION A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MSTS HAPPENINGS IN HOUSTON Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 02/01/2005 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. 67, No. 2 2005 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/345c72f42e5aa8946acc26c9f4e3ed39.pdf 394536047ec204f72f80643273041c41 PDF Text Text 26668_P01,2,18,19.qxd 2/22/2005 2:52 PM Page 1 Volume 67, Number 3 March 2005 Targeting the Health Care Crisis… If Not Now, When? AND IF NOW, HOW? America’s health care crisis grows worse by the day. Already, 45 million Americans have no coverage—and an average of 6,000 more people per day join the ranks of the uninsured. The labor movement feels the effects along with everyone else—health care typically is the top issue these days in contract negotiations across the country. For a closer look at this key issue, along with some proposed solutions from the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department, see pages 10-11. Still Supporting Our Troops 2 NCL America Ship Set to Join SIU Fleet nd Page 2 New Jobs for CIVMARS Page 3 Snapshots of Holidays at Sea Pages 6, 7 The SIU-contracted Pride of America, NCL America’s second vessel, is on schedule for its maiden voyage in July. The ship will have a passenger capacity of more than 2,100. Page 3. �26668_P01,2,18,19 r1.qxd 2/18/2005 4:18 AM Page 2 President’s Report Supporting Our Troops Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom are the latest instances of SIU members sailing in support of U.S. armed forces, yet in many important ways this is nothing new. Our union was still in its infancy when World War II began—but that didn’t stop SIU members from answering their nation’s call. In fact, we felt the war’s impact long before Pearl Harbor: The SIU-crewed Robin Moor was sunk by a German submarine back in May 1941. Throughout the war, SIU members repeatedly sailed into harm’s way to deliver the goods for our Michael Sacco troops. As the late SIU historian John Bunker once put it, “There wasn’t a beachhead from Anzio to the Philippines, from Normandy to Okinawa, where SIU crews were not in the forefront of war.” Many paid the ultimate price. Overall, more than 1,200 SIU members lost their lives in the war. But no SIU ship was ever delayed for lack of a crew. We were ready then. We are ready now. In between, our members also answered the call during Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War and many more military and humanitarian missions. Today, our members are just as committed to their role as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. As Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom continue, I remain proud of our members’ patriotism, reliability and professionalism. Keep up the great work, brothers and sisters. Another Battle This month’s LOG devotes a lot of space to examining America’s health care crisis. I encourage all Seafarers and their families to take a few minutes and read the articles addressing medical coverage because this fight affects all of us. Nationwide, there’s just no way that workers and employers can continue bearing the brunt of soaring premiums along with the indirect costs stemming from tens of millions of uninsured Americans. It simply can’t continue at this pace. Something must be done to fix this problem. As usual, the labor movement is taking a leading role on behalf of America’s working families, offering solid ideas and real solutions. The true battle lies in turning those ideas into action by our government. This is a huge fight, but it’s nothing we can’t overcome during the long haul. When you look back at our union’s history, we’ve whipped even bigger obstacles that have threatened all of mankind. SIU’s Bright Future I again thank the membership for the support you’ve shown to this administration, most recently in our union elections that wrapped up at the end of last year. My energy remains focused on securing and maintaining good jobs for this membership, so it’s not often that I look back. Still, in taking just a few moments to consider what the SIU has accomplished in recent years, I find it extremely encouraging. We have increased our employment opportunities aboard military support ships and commercial ships. We helped spur the rebirth of the deep sea U.S.-flag cruise ship industry, which again boosted our number of jobs. We consistently negotiated good contracts. Whether they’re outright additions or replacement vessels, we have worked with our contracted companies to bring new, modern tonnage into our fleet. We also continued working with our affiliated training center in southern Maryland to ensure that Seafarers can get the courses they require when they need them, and to bring in new students through the apprentice and veterans programs. The Paul Hall Center sets the standard when it comes to maritime training, which naturally benefits students who take advantage of the classes offered there. We’ve done well in other areas, too, and it truly starts with your support and the great work you do aboard ship. The confidence you’ve shown in me and in the other officials is greatly appreciated. We will continue to earn that confidence. There will be challenges along the way, but I couldn’t be more optimistic about the SIU’s future. Volume 67, Number 3 March 2005 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2005 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG SIU Delivers in OIF3 Seafarers since late last year have been delivering goods to U.S. armed forces in the Middle East for Operation Iraqi Freedom 3 (OIF3). SIU-crewed vessels serving the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) and docked in ports along the country’s east, west and Gulf coasts in late November began mobilizing for this phase of the ongoing mission, while other SIU-crewed ships including prepositioning vessels simply continued their respective involvement. As of press time for the Seafarers LOG, 47 Seafarers-crewed MSC vessels had been activated for this phase. More than 700 SIU members signed up for duty during the activations. Just as during military support missions before and during the all-out combat phase of the war in Iraq and OIF2 along with missions in Afghanistan, Seafarers again are tasked to deliver materiel to U.S. armed forces in the Middle East. “SIU members are proud of our legacy as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense. They take it very personally,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco. “Our brothers and sisters repeatedly have sailed into harm’s way to support out troops during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. They also have sailed side by side with military security teams aboard our U.S.-flag ships. I have every confidence in their resolve and dedication.” The SIU-crewed vessels mobilized in support of OIF3 include: Cape Jacob, USNS Altair, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Denebola, USNS Pollux, USNS Stockham, Cape Inscription, Cape Intrepid, Cape Isabel, Cape Island, Cape Wrath, USNS Chesapeake, USNS Petersburg, Northern Lights, Westward Venture, Independence, Cape Ray, Cape Knox, Cape Kennedy, Cape Orlando, Cape Victory, Cape Vincent, USNS Dahl, USNS Pomeroy, USNS Red Cloud, USNS Sisler, USNS Soderman, USNS Watkins, USNS Watson, Cape Decision, Cape Diamond, Cape Domingo, Cape Edmont, Cape Ducato, Cape Horn, Cape Hudson, Cape Texas, Cape Trinity, USNS Brittan, USNS Benevidez, USNS Bob Hope, USNS Gordon, USNS Fisher, USNS Mendonca, USNS Seay, USNS Yano and the Cape Girardeau. More than 2,000 SIU members crewed 100-plus vessels in support of U.S. troops during the first phase of OIF. Dozens of SIU-crewed vessels remained active in the massive OIF2 resupply mission that commenced early last year. MSC reported that U.S.-flag ships carried heavy volumes of combat service support gear for forces working to steady Iraq. Overall, approximately 24 million square feet of cargo belonging to nine units in the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army and National Guard was moved by ship during OIF2. ITF Secures Back Pay for Crew The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) recently secured $347,000 in back pay plus repatriation for 43 crew members on a runaway-flag passenger and gaming vessel. SIU ITF Inspector Scott Brady handled the case on behalf of the multinational mariners from the St. Tropez, a Bahamian-flag ship based in Port Everglades, Fla. The back wages were secured in late January and early February from Florida-based shipowner Southern Navigation. Brady described the fight to obtain the wages as “long and intense,” but the company eventually agreed to the ITF’s demands. The SIU is an affiliate of the London-based ITF, a federation of more than 600 transport-worker Crew members from the St. Tropez received back pay and repatriation, thanks to the ITF. unions in 140 countries. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel serves as vice chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section. The federation utilizes more than 100 ITF inspectors in ports throughout the world. Those inspectors assist crew members on runaway-flag ships (also known as so-called flagof-convenience vessels) as well as other ships, monitoring the payment of wages and other social and employment conditions, and taking appropriate action. During the past 50 years the ITF’s maritime affiliates have developed a set of policies which seek to establish minimum acceptable standards applicable to mariners serving on runaway-flag vessels. Seafarers Still Sail for Tsunami Relief Although operations in Southeast Asia now are moving from the relief to reconstruction phase in the wake of the Dec. 26 earthquake and tsunami, many Seafarers sill are involved in the activities. As of Feb. 10, three Seafarerscrew ships from the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) continued to participate in the humanitarian operations following the now infamous natural disaster that devastated coastal communities in Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Indonesia and other Indian Ocean nations. Still providing assistance to survivors are Seafarers who crew the hospital ship USNS Mercy and a pair of combat stores vessels, the USNS San Jose and USNS Concord. As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, more than 100 SIU members—including some from the SIU’s Government Services Division—initially crewed 13 MSC vessels and one ship owned by the U.S. Maritime Administration in support of relief operations. The SIU in January donated $10,000 to the International Red Cross for use in the affected areas. In a related development, President Bush on Feb. 9 said he would ask Congress for $950 million for tsunami relief, nearly tripling U.S. aid pledged for victims of the monstrous seismic wave. According to a report by Cox News Service, the president’s latest proposal includes money to cover emergency relief efforts as well as funding to help rebuild bridges, roads, schools and housing destroyed in the natural disaster. SIU Elections Complete As reported last month, the SIU’s tallying committee has released its tabulation of the ballots cast by union members in the voting for national officers of the Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU as well as two constitutional amendments. Voting took place Nov. 1 to Dec. 31, 2004. Above, Recertified Steward Louella Sproul receives her ballot last November from SIU Port Agent Vince Coss in San Francisco. Composed of 20 Seafarers (two members elected from each of the SIU’s 10 constitutional halls), the rank-and-file committee certified the reelection of Michael Sacco as president of the SIU; reelection of John Fay as the union’s executive vice president; reelection of Augie Tellez as vice president of contracts and contract enforcement; and reelection of David Heindel as secretary-treasurer. The tallying committee’s report will be submitted for approval by the membership at union meetings this month (March). March 2005 �26668_P3,5,12cxs.qxd 2/17/2005 4:56 PM Page 3 Pride of America to Sail in July Seafarers Set to Start Crewing 2nd NCL America Ship When NCL America’s SIUcrewed Pride of Aloha began its maiden voyage last summer, it marked an historic occasion—the rebirth of the deep sea U.S.-flag cruise ship industry. Now, more good news is on the way as the company continues preparations for launching its second vessel, the Pride of America. Seafarers are expected to begin reporting to the vessel this month in anticipation of a July 2005 maiden voyage. “It’s the continuation of an incredible story and another example of job growth for our union,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “If you look at where the U.S.-flag deep sea cruise ship industry was after 911, and compare that to today, it’s really unbelievable.” NCL America also plans to launch a third SIU-crewed cruise ship—the Pride of Hawaii—in 2006. Meanwhile, Seafarers will fill the unlicensed positions aboard the Pride of America, which is undergoing some finishing touches in a German shipyard. The vessel is 921 feet long with a beam of The SIU-crewed Pride of America is scheduled to enter service this summer. 106 feet. It features 15 decks and will have a passenger capacity of more than 2,100. The vessel’s gross tonnage is 72,000. In promoting the new ship, NCL America described it as “a spectacular salute to the many regions of the United States with vibrant Stars & Stripes artwork on the hull. An Alaskan Gold CIVMARS See New Jobs 2 More ‘Lewis and Clark’ Ships Ordered The SIU’s Government Services Division welcomed the recent announcement that the U.S. Navy has exercised options to build two additional ships under the T-AKE program, a new class of combat logistics force ships. Members of the SIU’s Government Services Division will fill the unlicensed positions on the new ships, which form the “Lewis and Clark” class of vessels. Overall, the Navy has awarded contracts for eight new Lewis and Clark dry cargo/ammunition ships—with options for an additional four vessels. The vessels are being built at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) shipyard in San Diego. Construction on the first T-AKE, the USNS Lewis and Clark, began in September 2003. Delivery is scheduled for later this year. Construction started last fall on the second T-AKE (to be named the USNS Sacagawea), which is slated for delivery in 2006. The T-AKE is a dry cargo/ammunition ship that will be operated by the U.S. Military Sealift Command, providing logistic lift from sources of supply either in port or at sea. The ships will transfer cargo—ammunition, food, fuel, repair parts, and expendable supplies and other materiel—to ships and other naval forces at sea. The T-AKE is intended to substantially upgrade the Navy’s ability to maintain its forward-deployed forces, replacing aging T-AE ammunition ships and T-AFS combat stores ships that are nearing the end of their service lives. According to the shipyard, the new vessels will be 689 feet long with 105-foot beams and a design draft of slightly less than 30 feet. The ships will carry almost 7,000 metric tons of dry cargo and ammunition and 23,500 barrels of marine diesel fuel. They will have 40-year life expectancies. In addition to the eight T-AKEs, NASSCO is building three doublehull oil tankers for BP Shipping Company of Alaska. Two others—the Alaskan Frontier and Alaskan Explorer—already have been built and are crewed by SIU members. Rush Saloon, a New Orleansstyle Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge, a French restaurant inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and a Waikiki Bar are just a few of the great choices that include eight restaurants and 10 bars and lounges.” Like the Pride of Aloha, the newer ship will offer round-trip Hawaiian itineraries. However, the Pride of America also is scheduled to offer voyages with stops in New York, Miami, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Once NCL America’s plans are fully implemented, its U.S.flag ships are expected to generate more than $828 million in U.S. economic activity and 20,400 jobs, according to a study by one of the nation’s leading economic consultancies. Both the Paul Hall Center for SIU Members Applaud Job Growth in New MSP As word spread last month about the extended U.S. Maritime Security Program, SIU members said they are excited about the union gaining 13 vessels under the new MSP. “This means more SIU jobs for the future and it helps the defense of this country,” said Recertified Bosun Michael Presser. “It’s good to see that we’re getting more jobs and that Seafarers can and do contribute as part of the nation’s fourth arm of defense.” As previously reported, the U.S. Maritime Administration in January announced the names of the vessels and operators for the new MSP, which takes effect Oct. 1 and lasts for 10 years. The updated fleet contains 60 vessels —all of them under SIU contract. The new fleet consists of the 47 Seafarers-crewed vessels already enrolled in the original MSP (established by the Maritime Security Act of 1996) along with 13 newly contracted SIUcrewed ships. The operators for the 13 new MSP slots are Pacific-Gulf Marine (two ships), Interocean Ugland Management (four), OSG Shipholding Group (three), Central Gulf (one), Liberty Global Logistics (one) and Lykes Lines (two). A complete list of the ships and companies was printed in the February Seafarers LOG and is available on the union’s web site (www.seafarers.org). Meanwhile, SIU members understandably welcomed the MSP announcement. “It’s important to me, for sure,” said Carlos Grillasca, who is upgrading to AB. “It’s good for job security.” QMED Charles Sneed said the new MSP “is a great, great asset and it’ll provide more besides an increase in jobs. This will improve our overall status as part of the maritime community. The new additions allow us to cover more territory, you might say.” Mario Suazo, upgrading to AB, said the expanded MSP fleet “is good, it gives us job security Maritime Training and Education (located in Piney Point, Md.) and its affiliated Seafarers Training Center (located in Hawaii) are providing training for NCL America crews. Both facilities offer fire fighting and safety training; the Piney Point campus also provides departmental training for non-marine personnel. As previously reported, the curriculums are wide-ranging and include (among other topics) communication and diversity training, effective listening, team building, conflict resolution and stress management. Students take STCW Basic Safety Training and courses covering shipboard security, environmental responsibility and medical awareness. They also spend approximately one week in department-specific courses. The NCL America curriculums blend classroom instruction with hands-on training. An article in the Cruise Week newsletter last month that focused on the Piney Point training described the facilities as “surprisingly extensive,” the courses as “rigorous” and the students as “happy about what they were doing” at the school. for years to come.” John Cronan, an instructor at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education who also still sails as an electrician, stated, “It’s a great thing that we’re acquiring new ships and getting new jobs. I think it’s outstanding. Shipping was lean when I started (1983), so it’s refreshing to see that we’re gaining today.” The Maritime Administration describes the MSP as “a fundamental element of the U. S. maritime transportation system, providing an active, privately owned, U.S.-flag and U.S.-crewed liner fleet in international trade which is available to support Department of Defense sustainment in a contingency…. These vessels are modern, efficient and militarily useful commercial dry cargo vessels which can support national security requirements and maintain a competitive U.S.-flag presence in international commerce. The MSP helps retain a labor base of skilled American seafarers who are available to crew the U.S. government-owned strategic sealift as well as the U.S. commercial fleet, both in peace and war.” Benefits Conferences Begin in April Officials from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) will conduct benefits conferences in April at a number of SIU halls. All active members, pensioners and their spouses are invited to the sessions, which will provide an update on the latest happenings with the various Plans. The locations and dates are as follows: Piney Point (joint conference including Baltimore), April 4 (Monday); New York, April 5 (Tuesday); Philadelphia, April 6 (Wednesday); Norfolk, April March 2005 8 (Friday); Wilmington, April 18 (Monday); San Francisco, April 20 (Wednesday); Tacoma, April 22 (Friday); Houston, April 25 (Monday); New Orleans (joint conference including Mobile), April 26 (Tuesday); Jacksonville, April 28 (Thursday). Please note that the conferences in Piney Point, New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington and Tacoma will immediately follow the membership meetings at those halls. All other conferences will begin at 10:30 a.m. The Industrial Challenger, crewed by SIU members in all of the unlicensed positions, is part of the new 60-ship Maritime Security Program fleet. Seafarers LOG 3 �26668_P4_8,14,16,17,20.qxd 2/15/2005 6:27 PM Page 4 Longtime SIU Official Jim Martin Dies at 70 Jim Martin, a vice president of the Seafarers International Union of North America and former SIU port agent, died Feb. 4 at his home in Harvey, La. following a heart attack. He was 70. Martin also served as president of the Greater New Orleans Port Council of the Maritime Trades Department and as a vice president of the Louisiana State AFLCIO (an organization which inducted Martin into its hall of fame early last year). “He was a very dedicated union official who was born into the SIU,” said SIU President Michael Sacco. “He was wellrespected by the rank-and-file membership, especially as a leader in the towboat industry.” “He was a great individual and a very knowledgeable person,” remembered SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel, who knew Martin since childhood. “He organized most of the SIU tugs in the Gulf. He was a class guy and a strong family man.” SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez said Martin “was completely committed to the union and the membership. He was someone you could always count on, and he’ll definitely be missed.” SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey described Martin as “a guy you’d want with you if you had to go into a foxhole. We went through some real tough battles together and always came out just fine. Jimmy was a brilliant negotiator, a great strategist and a stand-up union guy.” SIU Assistant Vice President Jim McGee worked with Martin “on some inland beefs in the 1970s, and also later in New Orleans. He was a great man, outstanding. He stood up for union members and their rights.” SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd said Martin’s “experience and the way he conducted himself made the Seafarers name New Luedtke Contract Boosts Wages, Benefits Seafarers at SIU-contracted Luedtke Engineering Company have unanimously approved a new five-year labor agreement that includes significant gains. Negotiated and ratified in January, the new contract features improvements in wages as well as benefits. It covers the 21 Seafarers employed at Luedtke and lasts through the year 2009. Under terms of the pact, mariners will receive wage increases of 3 percent per year during each of the final four years of the agreement. Health benefits will be maintained at Plan Level G (the top level) and pensions will continue at the lop level. For the first time, the company will contribute to the Seafarers Money Purchase Plan for each employee. In addition, Seafarers will receive a 15 percent increase for subsistence. “It’s an excellent agreement with substantial increases,” noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. “Credit goes to both parties for negotiating a good, fair contract.” “Negotiations went very smoothly, although it took the better part of three weeks to finalize the particulars of the new agreement,” said SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. “Health benefits were a big issue, of course, and I know everyone was pleased to maintain their coverage.” In addition to Orzechowski, SIU Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak and SIU Representative Don Thornton represented the union during the negotiations. Luedtke is a dredging and marine construction business. Headquartered in Frankfort, Mich., the company has been under contract with the SIU for more than 30 years. something that everybody respected. There have been others who’ve accomplished that for us, but Jim was exceptional. He was a great friend and mentor. Anything we needed, Jim was there.” Recertified Bosun John Cain knew Martin for 20 years. “He loved his family and he loved the union,” Cain said. “He was a good all-around guy, a good union official. We’re really going to miss him.” During his time as a boatman, Martin sailed with Crescent Towing, Dixie Carriers and Capitol Towing. He held all towboat ratings. He came ashore in 1968 as a patrolman at the SIU hall in New Orleans. Martin also worked as an organizer for the union and later served at various times as a representative based in Norfolk, Va. and as port agent in St. Louis and SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) recently reached another safety milestone: more than three years without a lost time injury. According to the company, this covers more than 7 million “man hours” without a lost time injury, including all of the years 2002, 2003 and 2004. In a communication to the fleet earlier this year, ATC President Anil Mathur wrote, “Safety and environmental performance is not some distant philosophical challenge. It is a matter of protecting my own limbs, my body, my mates, and my environment. Our performance enables us to support our loved ones. Our strength does not come from the absence of challenge—it comes from our deep conviction that we have within us the ability and willingness to make ourselves bigger than the challenges we face.” While definitely not taken for granted, safety achievements are nothing new for ATC. Last year, The Seafarers Training Center in Honolulu recently completed a major safety equipment installation patterned after its affiliated Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, which is based in Piney Point, Md. The Hawaii facility’s main fire fighting and safety training tools (including those pictured above) essentially duplicate the ones at the Maryland school. Courses available at the Seafarers Training Center include STCW Basic Safety Training, water survival, basic and advanced fire fighting and more. Seafarers LOG New Orleans. He was elected a vice president of the SIUNA in 2002. A native of Algiers, La., Martin’s survivors include his wife, Mary Spencer Martin; two sons including Stephen Martin, who sails with the SIU; four daughters; 13 grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Alaska Tanker Company Reaches Safety Milestone Top-Notch Training Tools 4 SIUNA VP Jim Martin (left) last year was inducted into the Louisiana State AFL-CIO Hall of Fame. Celebrating the honor with Martin were (from left) SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd, SIU New Orleans Safety Director Chris Westbrook and SIU Representative James Brown. the Beaverton, Oregon-based company received two of the four Legacy Awards issued by the Western States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force. Also in 2004, ATC won a prestigious safety award issued by the U.S. Coast Guard—the William M. Benkert Environmental Award. The Coast Guard, in announcing the award, credited the company with maintaining “well-defined environmental policies and objectives with outstanding measurement tools. The company established performance contracts between owners, management, senior officers and the ship’s crew. These performance contracts identified clear and specific goals, measured trends and/or areas for improvement that allowed ATC to identify mitigation strategies to produce positive results. After ATC reached its most recent milestone, SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez noted, “One reason they are so successful is that they truly listen to their crews and to everyone else involved in the process of safe, productive operations. It goes back to one of the basic principles of why unions work— employees are more productive and more reliable when they have a real voice on the job. ATC President Anil Mathur congratulated the crew, officer and company personnel for their commitment to safety. “Seven million hours is a great achievement and I believe there’s plenty of credit to go around, from the Seafarers and officers who crew the ships to the company personnel.” In his note to the fleet, Mathur also credited all concerned and left them with encouragement for continued safety. “I know our hazards to be real and present,” he noted. “Our demonstrated skills and our constant vigilance are just as real and present and we will use these demonstrated skills to overcome the challenges we will encounter.” Alaska Tanker Company’s SIU-contracted fleet includes the Alaskan Frontier, pictured last year during sea trials in San Diego. March 2005 �26668_P3,5,12cxs.qxd 2/18/2005 7:13 PM Page 5 Budget, Bill Include Port Security Components The president’s proposed $2.5 trillion fiscal year 2006 budget, submitted to Congress Feb. 7, is intended to continue ensuring the security of the nation’s borders, ports and transportation systems with enhanced screening of goods and people through programs such as the new Screening Coordination and Operations Office; an increase for the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (USVISIT) system; additional radiological and nuclear inspection equipment; and expansion of the Container Security Initiative. According to the Congressional Information Bureau, the president’s 2006 financial plan also is aimed at enhancing enforcement, border and port security with increases to the Border Patrol; continued execution of the Arizona Border Control Initiative (ABCI); improvements to the Coast Guard; and new, threat-focused state and local assistance grants. Some officials from public seaports across the United States, however, have a different assessment of the chief executive’s proposed financial package and made their concerns known shortly after its release during the week of Feb. 7. Officials from the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) said port decision-makers are deeply concerned about the plan’s recommended elimination of the Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Grant Program by lumping it into a sweeping new program that combines the security infrastructure needs of seaports with those of trains, trucks, buses and other public transit. In addition, ports are concerned about the administration’s proposed budget, which some charge would significantly under-fund the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Civil Works program and needed deep-draft dredging projects. “Protecting America’s marine facilities from acts of terrorism must be a top administration priority and a shared responsibility between the ports, government and private industry,” said Kurt Nagle, president and CEO of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA). Port security-related highlights of the FY 2006 Budget include: An 8 percent increase in government-wide, non-defense homeland security spending over 2005. $3.6 billion for state and local first-responder grants and other assistance. Nearly seven billion dollars has been targeted for the Coast Guard, an 11.4 percent increase over the comparable 2005 level. This includes: $1.9 billion for the Coast Guard’s Port, Waterways, and Coastal Security mission, to fund a variety of high-priority initiatives like armed, high-speed boats in ports with liquefied natural gas terminals, further implementation of the Automatic Identification System to track sea-going vessels and enhance Maritime Domain Awareness, new weapons systems for the Coast Guard’s helicopter fleet, and implementation of the Common Operating Picture to enable Coast Guard assets to work better together. $966 million for the Coast Guard’s Deepwater acquisition Union Mourns Trustee Joe Cecire Joseph Cecire, who for many years chaired the SIU’s Board of Trustees, died Jan. 13 at New York University Hospital following complications from surgery. He was 81. “He was very conscientious and a great advocate for the U.S. Merchant Marine,” noted SIU President Michael Sacco. “He was definitely a sailor’s sailor,” said SIU Executive Vice President John Fay. “Even though he sailed captain, he knew the needs of the guys in the fo’c’sle. That’s why he was such a great trustee. He had a lot of feeling for the seaman.” Carolyn Gentile, counsel to the Seafarers Plans, knew Cecire from her earliest days working with the SIU. “He worked with us (through SIUcontracted companies) for many years. He was one of the nicest human beings and a real gentleman,” she recalled. Tony Naccarato, an official with SIU-contracted Marine Transport C and himself a Seafarers trustee, knew Cecire for 30 years. “People trusted him—both management and the unions,” Naccarato stated. “That’s saying something. He was a natural at it and his word was good. “What I remember about him is that he was a gentleman and he cared about the Seafarers,” he added. “He loved this busi- March 2005 Joe Cecire was a steadfast advocate for the U.S. Merchant Marine. ness and was a tireless worker for the American Merchant Marine.” Cecire graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and sailed as a captain with the American Maritime Officers, an affiliate of the Seafarers International Union of North America. At different times, he later worked as a representative for companies including (respectively) Robin Lines, MooreMcCormack Lines, Seahawk Management and Bay Ship Management. He became an alternate employer trustee in 1956 and a regular trustee in 1967. He was the head of trustees until retiring in mid-2000. Cecire lived in Westport, Conn. He was buried next to his late wife, Sarah, in Rockland Cemetery in Madison, Conn. project, which will fully recapitalize the agency’s fleet of major ships and aircraft while simultaneously implementing a sophisticated new Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) system. This is an increase of 33 percent over 2005 levels. $37 million for additional border patrol agents, $20 million to continue improving the sensor, communication and video surveillance capabilities along our borders, and $20 million for the acquisition and replacement of aging border patrol aircraft. A $5.4-million increase for the Container Security Initiative, which pre-screens cargo before it reaches America’s shores. $178 million in DHS for improved radiological and nuclear-screening equipment at our borders. An $8.2 million increase for the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) to support partnerships with some of the biggest American importers to improve cargo security. In the proposed FY 06 federal budget, the Port Security Grant Program, which Congress created after 9/11 to reimburse U.S. maritime facilities for pre-approved projects required by federal regulations to enhance national secu- rity, would be eliminated. In its place would be the newly created Targeted Infrastructure Protection program that would lump grant proposals from ports together with requests from a host of other transportation-related industries. Since 2002, the DHS Port Security Grant Program has provided much-needed support to address immediate security needs and assessments. But federal money allocated in the first four rounds of the program—about $565 million—accounted for only about one-sixth of what seaports identified as needs, while a fifth round of grants totaling $150 million has yet to be made available to ports. At the same time, the U.S. Coast Guard has estimated that ports would have to spend $5.4 billion over 10 years on mandated security enhancements. That’s on top of the more than $3 billion they already spend annually on infrastructure improvements and operations, maintenance and personnel expenses just to keep pace with burgeoning world trade. While airports receive most of the federal attention and funding for security and terrorism prevention, seaports—which support 4 million jobs and annually handle $2 trillion worth of cargo and more than 7 million cruise ship passengers—arguably remain largely under-funded at the federal level, according to the AAPA. In the legislative arena, U.S. Rep. Juanita MillenderMcDonald (D-Calif.) in early January reintroduced legislation—H.R. 478—which calls for a multi-year, steady stream funding mechanism for port security mandates. The measure is identical to H.R. 3712, introduced in January 2004. Basically, the bill (United States Seaport Multiyear Enhancement Act of 2005) provides for a five-year, $4 billion grant program and will put port funding on par with aviation security. Referred to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the measure is co-sponsored by U.S. Reps. Jane Harman (D-Calif.), Corrine Brown (D-Fla.), Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam) and Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.). Meanwhile, the United States is pressing for wider global adoption of new shipping rules it enforced after the Sept. 11 attacks and which it believes have deterred potential terrorists, a senior official said Jan. 18. “Terrorists are not just targeting the United States. They’re targeting globalization and the global economy,” said Keith Thomson, assistant commissioner in the Office of International Affairs at the Department of Continued on page 13 House Transportation Committee, Maritime Subcommittee Selected Seventy-five congressional representatives—41 Republicans and 34 Democrats—recently were selected to serve on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for the 109th Congressional Session. Chaired by U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), a strong backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine, the committee has jurisdiction over the Coast Guard and maritime transportation. It also helps oversee aviation; economic development, public buildings, and emergency management; railroads; highways, transit and pipelines; and water resources and environment. Subcommittees represent each of the Transportation and Infrastructure committee’s areas of authority. The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation deals with maritime safety, security, law enforcement, and defense. Additionally, the subcommittee exercises jurisdiction over various merchant marine matters. The jurisdiction of this subcommittee does not extend to matters directly related to national defense, which are handled by the Committee on Armed Services. U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (RN.J.) chairs the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. Also serving on that subcommittee are Republicans Howard Coble (N.C.), Wayne Gilchrest (Md.), Peter Hoekstra (Mich.), Rob Simmons (Conn.), Mario Diaz Balart (Fla.), David Reichert (Wash.), Connie Mack (Fla.), Luis Fortuno (P.R.), Charles Boustany Jr. (La.) and U.S. Government Photo Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) (right) last fall listens to testimony on the maritime environment including security and environmental safety. Also pictured is Subcommittee Staff Director John Rayfield. Don Young (Alaska). Democrats serving on the subcommittee are Ranking Member James Oberstar (Minn.), Bob Filner (Calif.), Corrine Brown (Fla.), Gene Taylor (Miss.), Juanita Millender-McDonald (Calif.), Michael Honda (Calif.), Anthony Weiner (N.Y.), Brian Higgins (N.Y.) and Brian Baird (Wash.). AMSEA Rated ‘Exceptional’ By Military Sealift Command SIU-contracted American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA) last month received an award fee notification from the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) for the fourth year of the fast sealift ship operation and maintenance contract. AMSEA received a score of “exceptional” from MSC in each of the five rating categories, according to a letter from the company. “This is the fourth evaluation we have received since award of this eight-ship contract to AMSEA and, likewise, it is the fourth consecutive year we have received exceptional ratings with the program,” AMSEA President Peter Lawrence noted in a letter to AMSEA employees. “These ratings prove, through our collective hard work and responsiveness to customer and end-user needs, that we have exceeded MSC’s contractual expectations in the operation and maintenance of these vital government assets.” Lawrence credited the “dedication and support” of all AMSEA personnel, “both ashore and afloat…. These ratings are the results of hard work, professionalism, and the total-team approach that we should all be proud of.” Seafarers LOG 5 �26668_P4_8,14,16,17,20.qxd 2/18/2005 7:18 PM Page 6 Celebrating the Holidays at Sea . . . . . . Thanksgiving Aboard the North Star Below: Ham, turkey, deviled eggs, cranberry sauce and all the trimmings were on the Thanksgiving Day menu. Specially prepared holiday meals aboard ship are always a morale booster, and this one was no exception. Crew members aboard the North Star were treated to a delicious traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner by members of the steward department (from left) SA George Gerssing, Steward Veronika Cardenas and Chief Cook Khaled Taffi. . . . Christmas Aboard the 1st Lt. Jack Lummus The 1st Lt. Jack Lummus, a roll-on/roll-off ship in the MSC fleet currently stationed in Guam/Saipan, is now on its way to the island nation of Sri Lanka to assist with relief efforts there following the tsunami disaster of last December. Chief Steward David Gibson notes that an MSC vessel like the Lummus must be ready at all times for any type of activation or operation. With its five passenger decks and 64 staterooms, the ship maintains a full complement in the steward department. One of the challenges of working in this department, according to Cook/Baker Brandon Maeda, is maintaining a high standard of sanitation, cleanliness and food quality. This can often be made more difficult with a full crew of 40 Helping make the holidays bright aboard the 1st Lt. Jack as well as 140 troops to feed while on special Lummus are (from left) SAs Ali Munasar, Reynaldo Baluyot operations, but the Lummus crew has done a great job. and Therese Pinaula. Maeda has been on the ship since the beginning of November and has participated in Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s holidays with the crew. (He also provided the photos from the Lummus appearing on this page.) He notes that he was Chief Steward David Gibson puts the finishing touches on the surprised scallop appetizers. by the variety of menu choices available on board the vessel, including a mixture of old favorites as well as some fusion of eastern and western cuisines. Vietnamese Pho (a hot noodle dish), Falafel (a middle eastern specialty), couscous and curried lamb with fresh pita bread, along with several different types of stir-fried entrees, are all prepared by Chief Cook Erik Loret. Others in the steward department include SAs Ali Munasar, Therese Pinaula, Francisco SA Francisco Martinez assists in the galley Martinez and Reynaldo preparations. Baluyot. 6 Seafarers LOG The 1st Lt. Jack Lummus is stationed in Guam/Saipan. The holiday meals “with all the trimmings and enough sugar and spice to satisfy even the biggest sweet-tooth” were a big hit with the crew. Maeda noted that “as we looked forward to the New Year and counted our many blessings, we were reminded once again of those in need as news flashes of the tsunami that rocked south Asia were shown on television.” Whether it’s military support or humanitarian aid, Maeda said, “whatever the challenge, the SIU steward department of the Lummus will get the job done!” Left: An assortment of appetizers and desserts helps start and end the meal in style. One of several Christmas turkeys is being carved by Chief Cook Erik Loret for the holiday meal. March 2005 �26668_P4_8,14,16,17,20.qxd 2/18/2005 7:20 PM Page 7 Celebrating the Holidays at Sea . . . . . . Christmas on the Overseas Marilyn . . . Christmas on the Chemical Explorer OMU Junius Williams Here are some photos of crew members aboard the SMT Chemical Explorer enjoying their festive holiday meal. Operated by Intrepid Ship Management, the SMT Chemical Explorer is a sophisticated chemical tanker, offering regular service between the U.S. Gulf Coast and the East and West coasts of the country as well as foreign runs. OMU Hilario Martinez and SA Fermin Velasquez Showing their holiday spirit, Chief Cook Isabel Miranda (left) and Chief Steward Tyler N. Laffitte prepare a delicious holiday meal (see menu above). Thanks to Brother Laffitte for sending these photos to the Seafarers LOG. Left: 2nd Mate Robert Sturges and 1st Engineer Dave Krym show their appreciation for the work done by the SIU galley gang to help brighten the holiday for all crew members on the Overseas Marilyn. 3rd Mate Jamie Hall and 3rd Engineer Ben Tague have nothing but praise for the delicious meal. AB Oscar Padilla (left) and AB Julio C. Arzu Enjoying the feast are (from left) Bosun Marvin Zimbro, OMU Michael Gay, AB Greg Jenkins, AB Johney August and DEU Anthony Burrell. March 2005 Seafarers LOG 7 �26668_P4_8,14,16,17,20.qxd 2/15/2005 6:28 PM Page 8 Left: While traveling through Bahrain in mid-December on his way back to Diego Garcia, Michael Thomas had this photo taken aboard a camel. Thomas is an SIU hawsepiper. LIBERTY SUN — The SIU-crewed Liberty Sun recently delivered the largest single load of food aid to Massawa, Eritrea since that country’s independence in 1991. Approximately 61,200 metric tons of U.S.-donated wheat, valued at $18 million, was on board. The shipment came to Eritrea as that nation suffers through its fourth consecutive year of drought and faces another crop failure. Marking the accomplishment are (from left) Steward Steve Dickson, Bosun Richard Barnes, U.S. Ambassador to Eritrea Mr. Scott H. DeLisi and his wife, Chief Cook Willie Toomer, AB Ben Picar, AB George Lubialuli and unlicensed apprentice Michael Moerbeek. Around the World With the SIU USNS CONCORD — Above: Crew members from the USNS Concord took a cab from the Navy Base in Guam to the SIU hall there in order to secure ballots for the SIU elections. With Port Agent Jeff Turkus (second from left) are Seafarers (from left) Ricardo Castillero, Robert Tombolini and K.P. “Spyder” Lord. SEALAND CHARGER — AB Eduardo Malabad sails aboard the Sealand Charger, one of the newer Maersk Line, Limited vessels that recently was transferred into the U.S. Maritime Security Program. USNS PAUL BUCK — At left, AB Jesse Natividad and GSU Adolphus Young are some of the more experienced members on the SIU-crewed USNS Paul Buck. Above, AB Stephen Gately assists during anchoring operations in Onsan, South Korea. The next run for the MSC-owned oil transporter is to supply fuel to the McMurdo Station in Antarctica during Operation Deep Freeze as a service to the National Science Foundation. SBX — These photos are of SIU crew members from the SBX platform in Brownsville, Texas, taken during a barbecue at the shipyard facility there. The crew is working on the semi-submersible craft known as the SBX (an abbreviation for sea-based X-Band radar) during the final phases of construction. They expect to move aboard soon and get ready for sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico. Left: At the barbecue are (from left) AB Mark Simpson, SA Bekki Szlosek and OS Chester Christensen. AB John Fain waits at the hotel for his ride to the shipyard. Above: From the left are SA Ashley Leano, SA Larinda Sawyer, Bosun Steve Medina and Asst. Cook Theresa Ballard. Left: From the left at the barbecue are a security guard for the SBX, OS Chester Christensen, AB Mark Simpson, SA Gene Hoehn and Recertified Steward Brenda Kamiya. 8 Seafarers LOG Chief Cook Eileen Lammers and SA Matthew Jenness get the grill ready. March 2005 �26668_P9cx.qxd 2/17/2005 5:29 PM Page 9 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea April & May 2005 Membership Meetings JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 15, 2005 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals 1 0 9 0 10 29 44 0 9 24 31 7 5 0 4 14 1 30 21 2 5 3 7 7 23 28 1 7 18 25 8 4 4 13 10 2 24 28 1 2 3 0 0 15 12 1 3 10 19 7 0 0 1 2 1 21 11 2 0 2 0 3 24 33 0 5 7 20 9 4 1 7 10 0 16 16 0 2 1 4 5 13 21 0 5 12 11 13 1 6 5 10 1 18 14 1 0 1 0 0 5 6 0 2 1 6 3 0 1 2 1 1 8 2 0 0 1 0 2 13 16 0 1 6 10 5 1 2 5 4 0 17 7 2 0 13 0 19 42 56 0 19 40 53 15 7 0 16 34 1 62 36 3 8 8 9 14 31 54 2 13 26 40 21 8 9 19 13 6 48 41 1 3 2 2 3 28 27 1 6 17 31 5 1 1 0 5 2 29 27 239 219 109 159 142 40 90 415 371 191 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Totals Totals Totals All Departments Baltimore ................Thursday: April 7, May 5 Boston.....................Friday: April 8, May 6 Duluth .....................Wednesday: April 13, May 11 Guam ......................Thursday: April 21, May 19 Honolulu .................Friday: April 15, May 13 Houston ..................Monday: April 11, May 9 Jacksonville ............Thursday: April 7, May 5 Joliet .......................Thursday: April 14, May 12 Mobile ....................Wednesday: April 13, May 11 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: April 12, May 10 New York................Tuesday: April 5, May 3 Norfolk ...................Thursday: April 7, May 5 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: April 6, May 4 0 0 1 1 2 3 4 1 1 1 4 1 0 0 2 2 1 4 4 0 0 2 0 7 10 9 0 3 5 9 4 3 0 5 5 0 12 4 1 0 3 1 3 6 12 1 1 1 5 6 1 1 3 4 3 13 6 1 0 0 0 2 2 7 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 2 4 4 0 1 0 3 6 1 0 3 1 1 11 3 2 0 5 1 10 14 48 0 11 17 18 6 3 3 7 22 0 18 14 0 2 5 2 6 14 35 0 6 5 12 16 6 3 4 11 1 37 11 1 0 2 1 2 9 10 0 3 4 13 6 1 1 1 7 2 7 9 Port Everglades.......Thursday: April 14, May 12 108 108 32 78 71 22 41 199 176 79 Tim Ryan is trying to get in touch with Bill Dolson and/or Scrap Iron. Please call Tim at (401) 596-9638. 0 0 4 1 12 21 19 0 1 10 19 7 2 0 0 24 0 26 29 0 0 1 1 7 3 14 0 3 2 6 12 0 1 1 7 1 2 7 0 0 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 3 3 5 0 2 1 0 0 4 5 1 0 1 1 11 10 17 0 3 4 11 3 4 1 0 16 0 18 21 0 0 0 0 2 1 10 0 1 3 4 7 0 3 2 2 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 5 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 6 0 0 0 6 1 2 1 1 8 0 7 8 0 0 5 1 14 27 29 0 10 19 33 14 2 1 2 44 1 34 36 2 0 2 1 8 8 20 0 5 2 7 21 1 1 2 9 1 6 15 0 0 1 1 1 3 8 0 1 2 7 7 0 2 1 2 0 4 7 175 68 27 122 40 11 44 272 111 47 0 0 0 0 8 4 5 0 0 3 2 0 0 1 1 2 0 6 2 1 3 4 2 10 9 20 0 9 3 39 7 1 2 2 9 2 17 6 2 6 2 1 8 10 20 0 2 4 24 11 1 20 0 11 1 20 14 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 3 3 1 0 0 1 1 0 5 0 1 0 3 0 3 15 11 0 4 5 19 7 1 3 2 11 0 7 4 0 1 1 0 0 6 6 0 0 1 3 5 0 34 0 1 1 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 7 8 0 1 7 9 0 0 1 2 5 0 9 3 2 5 7 3 14 16 30 1 15 11 55 10 0 5 6 17 3 34 10 4 8 2 1 21 27 34 0 3 22 58 21 4 31 0 21 1 33 30 34 146 157 17 96 71 0 65 244 321 556 541 325 376 349 144 175 951 902 638 STEWARD DEPARTMENT ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2005 Algonac ..................Friday: April 8, May 6 0 1 3 3 6 11 17 1 3 4 9 9 3 0 2 10 2 19 5 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Piney Point .............Monday: April 4, May 2 0 0 3 0 6 7 28 0 6 8 11 2 3 1 5 9 0 14 5 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs San Francisco .........Thursday: April 14, May 12 San Juan..................Thursday: April 7, May 5 St. Louis..................Friday: April 15, May 13 Tacoma ...................Friday: April 22, May 20 Wilmington ...............Monday: April 18, May 16 ................................. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals BILL DOLSON AND SCRAP IRON Correction In the February 2005 edition of the Seafarers LOG, the page 3 article containing the list of union officials elected for the term from 2005-2008 was incomplete. The complete list is as follows: Michael Sacco, president; John Fay, executive vice president; David Heindel, secretary-treasurer; Augie Tellez, contracts and contract enforcement vice president; Joseph Soresi, Atlantic Coast vice president; Dean Corgey, Gulf Coast vice president; Nick Marrone, West Coast vice president; Thomas Orzechowski, Southern Region, Great Lakes and inland waters vice president; Kermett Mangram, Government Services and fishing industries vice president; René Lioeanjie, vice president at large; Charles Stewart, vice president at large; George Tricker, assistant vice president in charge of contracts and contract enforcement; Nick Celona, assistant vice president in charge of the Atlantic Coast; Ambrose Cucinotta, assistant vice president in charge of the Gulf Coast; Don Anderson, assistant vice president in charge of the West Coast; James McGee, assistant vice president in charge of the Southern Region, Great Lakes and inland waters; Chester Wheeler, assistant vice president in charge of Government Services and fishing industries; Edward “Edd” Morris, Piney Point port agent; Robert Selzer, New York port agent; Joseph Mieluchowski, Philadelphia port agent; Georg Kenny, Baltimore port agent; Ed Kelly, Mobile port agent; Steve Judd, New Orleans port agent; Tony McQuay, Houston port agent; Vince Coss, San Francisco port agent; Becky Sleeper, St. Louis port agent; Don Thornton, Algonac port agent. Seafarers LOG 9 �26668_P10,11,13,15.qxd 2/18/2005 7:54 PM Page 10 Statisti U.S. Health Care A Closer Look SIU, Other Unions Keep Swinging, But It’s Often an Uphill Struggle A little more than one year ago, nearly 80,000 trade unionists— most of them members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)—either were on strike or were locked out in several states. The UFCW action lasted five months and was driven by bitter conflicts with management over proposed changes in the workers’ health insurance. The details varied from contract to contract, but in one representative case (a Kroger store in Charleston, W. Va.), workers struck in part because of a company proposal that either would have cut their health benefits or cost them up to $100 more per week—per worker—to maintain their current coverage. Since then, while there have been no other job actions involving similarly large numbers of workers, health care costs consistently have been a top issue in union contract negotiations all over the country. A quick check of last month’s headlines turned up the following: In St. Paul, Minn., dozens of United Auto Workers Local 763 members were locked out of their jobs at a parts distribution center, in part because of disputes over health benefits. In northern California, roughly 3,000 UFCW members tentatively reached an agreement with Save Mart Supermarkets, but not before protracted negotiations that often centered on health insurance. Union members said that if it hadn’t been for the strike a year ago, they likely still would be without a new contract. In the northeast, approximately 1,000 turnpike workers who are Teamsters were on the verge of their first strike (in the unit’s 50year history) because of stalled negotiations. Health coverage has been cited as the leading issue in the dispute. In New Jersey, 180 members of Teamsters Local 701 are striking against a waste management company because of proposed cuts in medical coverage. In New York City, 800 members of two Amalgamated Transit Union locals tentatively ended a 10-day walkout largely motivated by concerns about health benefits. In Philadelphia, an official from Transport Workers Union Local 234—which represents 5,000 members—has cautioned that contract negotiations which started in late January between the union and the region’s transit agency will be more difficult than those of 1998, when a 40-day strike occurred. Not surprisingly, health care coverage is a key subject in the current talks. Keep in mind, that’s just a sampling from January. Similar cases involving other unions took place throughout 2004. Meanwhile, the SIU and the Seafarers Plans continue to fight for affordable health care for SIU members and for all Americans. The union is involved in grassroots efforts through the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations as well as the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department. The SIU also is active in this fight through state labor federations and central labor councils. Additionally, as previously reported, officials from the Seafarers Plans have met with other maritime union plans administrators a half-dozen times during the past 18 months. Collectively, the plans administrators are writing a joint report that is expected to include recommendations to the union presidents for combating the high costs of health care while continuing to provide good benefits. An outside professional will review the report before it is finalized. “One intent of the meetings was simply to examine what other plans are doing to contain costs,” noted Bill Dennis, administrator of the Seafarers Plans. “In our own case, we have fought to maintain good coverage for Seafarers, in part by contracting with (respectively) Prescription Solutions and First Health Network. In the long run, the Plan expects both agreements to benefit participants as well as the Plan itself. “We are committed to taking the steps needed to ensure that the Plan can continue providing adequate coverage in situations where SIU members and their families need health care,” Dennis concluded. Further, both the SIU and the Seafarers Plans are examining the most efficient methods for collecting and reviewing membership input on medical coverage. This may include individual questionnaires that would be mailed to members’ homes as well as printed in the Seafarers LOG and posted on the union’s web site. Sources for these articles on health care included the following: AFL-CIO, Associated Press, Business Week, The Tennessean, The Dallas Morning News, The New York Times, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, The Sacramento Bee, and the New Jersey Home News Tribune. 10 Seafarers LOG MTD Resolution on Editor’s note: The executive board of the AFL-CI was scheduled to receive the following resolution Health Care When asked about the future, Americans invariably list health care as one of their main concerns. Little wonder. The United States spends more on it than any other country in the world, yet nearly 45 million of its citizens lack coverage. Absent some kind of meaningful government action, that figure is sure to rise even further over the next several years. Health care costs have been outpacing the rate of inflation by a factor of five. Even those Americans now covered are not secure. A growing number of employers are seeking to shift more costs onto workers in the form of higher premiums, deductibles and co-payments. Some are even seeking to eliminate that coverage altogether. According to a recent study put out by the Center for Studying Health System Change, premiums for employer-sponsored coverage increased nearly 13 percent in 2002 alone. Rising health care costs are only part of the problem. The refusal of companies like Wal-Mart to provide adequate coverage in sectors of the economy where coverage had been the norm is exacerbating the situation. As a result, emergency room visits form the sum and substance of whatever medical treatment many of their workers receive. As a practical matter, this means that state and federal governments have been effectively subsidizing companies like Wal-Mart to the tune of several thousand of dollars per worker. Companies that provide health care also must pick up the slack in the form of higher premiums. This must change. Legislation mandating Wal-Mart and companies like it to pay their fair share would help correct this problem. In a sector of the economy beset by uncertainty, drug costs are a particular concern. The prescription drug benefit plan enacted by the 108th Congress needs to be reformed to allow the states and the federal government to buy supplies from safe Canada and the United Kingdom in order to cut costs. Moreover, the generous tax cuts doled out to HMOs ia provide a f Similarl equate nur More than ted profess lives. The A make sure Finally, ensure imp Maritime T believe tha All A ingful acce State costs and h Qual health care All u work. The tives and ru of health c Cong Rights. March 2005 �26668_P10,11,13,15.qxd 2/18/2005 7:56 PM Page 11 tically Speaking, the System’s a Mess e: k A counselors believe that retiree benefits will be gone within a few decades. HEADLINE in Business Week earlier this year captured the state of American health care in just four words: “More Money, Less Care.” While there arguably is no way to quantify the struggles of the 45 million United States citizens who have no medical insurance, nor those of millions of others who are under-insured, statistics tell a big part of this story. Start with those 45 million uninsured individuals—and then add 6,000 more every day. That’s the current pace at which Americans are losing their coverage, which projects to more than 2 million people per year. Behind those staggering figures are constantly increasing insurance costs. From the spring of 2003 to the spring of 2004, employer-sponsored health care premiums for a family of four jumped by more than 11 percent, to just under $10,000. That wasn’t an anomaly—it was the fourth straight year of double-digit cost increases. Often, as noted in the headline, it’s a case of paying more for less. Credible estimates are forecasting that employees will see an increase of 14 percent in their share of their premiums this year, while their benefits will be reduced. n Health Care -CIO Maritime Trades Department ion at its meetings this month. should be reworked so that more money goes directly into benefits. The main problem with the bill was not its cost, but that so much money is being diverted into non-productive uses. As the debate over last year’s prescription drug benefits clearly showed, working families and their doctors need to be put on an equal footing with big HMOs and powerful insurance companies. That is why organized labor continues to support the adoption of a Patients’ Bill of Rights. It would protect Americans in private health plans, allow health care consumers a voice, protect health care workers from retaliations from their employees and allow doctors to de a full diagnosis. milarly, many experts have been pointing out that inade nurse staffing is jeopardizing quality patient care. than anything else, it is driving experienced, commitofessionals from the industry. Safe staffing can save The AFL-CIO and many of its affiliates are trying to sure that our hospitals are safer. nally, the AFL-CIO has issued a set of principles to e improved access to affordable, quality care. The ime Trades Department, AFL-CIO and its affiliates e that they offer the hope for a better future: All Americans deserve quality health care and meanaccess to insurance. State-based bulk drug purchasing plans can help lower and help the uninsured buy prescriptions. Quality measures and assurance controls can improve care, save lives and lower costs. All unions should bargain smarter for health care at Some of the results are predictable, with insurers foisting much of the increase on working families as well as retirees. Workers’ premiums have risen at least three times faster than earnings in the past four years. During that same span, Americans whose health-care costs are more than 25 percent of their annual income has jumped to 14 million. Since the year 2000, the overall expense of job-based health insurance has increased by nearly 60 percent, while the percentage of covered workers has dropped from 65 percent to 61 percent. Among those who still have coverage, only 24 percent don’t have to pay to carry single coverage. Even worse, only eight percent work for employers who pay the full cost of family coverage (meaning there’s no out-of-pocket cost to the worker simply to maintain the insurance benefit). Retirees literally are paying the price, too. For those younger than 65 and still receiving benefits from their former employers, their premiums jumped by 25 percent last year. Roughly one in 10 businesses has stopped offering health care coverage to retirees, with more predicted to follow. That latter figure is much worse when considering only the nation’s 1,000 largest employers— less than a third of them offer health coverage to retirees. Some financial Last month, a federal advisory board recommended a cut in Medicare payments promised to hospitals and a freeze in moneys pledged to home care agencies and nursing homes next year. Medicare covers more than 41 million elderly and disabled individuals. The program’s cost jumped by more than eight percent last year (to $300 billion) and is projected to grow by nearly one third from 2005-2007. Nationwide, health care expenses account for 15 percent of America’s gross domestic product (GDP). By some estimates, if the current rate of increase doesn’t change for the better, health care could cripple the U.S. economy by taking up 28 percent of the GDP in 25 years and nearly 50 percent by the middle of the century. The federal government should develop new incenand rules to require all employers to pay their fair share alth care coverage. Congress should immediately pass a Patients’ Bill of s. March 2005 Seafarers LOG 11 �26668_P3,5,12cxs.qxd 2/17/2005 4:57 PM Page 12 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 15, 2005 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 12 Seafarers LOG Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 6 6 4 8 15 0 0 3 42 2 1 3 1 4 0 0 2 13 0 3 5 4 1 2 3 0 18 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 3 7 3 2 9 1 1 0 26 2 3 1 2 4 0 0 0 12 0 2 5 4 1 3 2 0 17 1 5 4 3 6 2 1 0 22 7 28 14 15 41 5 1 11 122 0 4 5 3 5 2 0 5 24 0 25 0 21 2 0 5 0 53 1 5 1 0 1 1 0 1 10 4 13 7 8 12 2 1 11 58 1 1 4 2 1 0 1 1 11 0 18 1 16 0 1 0 2 38 0 1 3 0 2 0 0 0 6 3 5 7 11 8 1 1 5 41 0 5 2 1 15 0 0 0 23 0 19 1 14 0 1 0 1 36 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 7 5 3 3 8 1 0 3 30 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 2 5 0 6 3 1 1 1 2 0 14 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 6 3 3 0 5 2 0 0 19 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 2 6 0 2 3 0 1 1 2 0 9 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 1 4 6 6 0 0 1 22 0 0 0 1 5 0 0 1 7 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 5 Port 3 2 2 1 7 0 1 0 16 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 4 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 94 25 38 61 20 30 38 221 58 127 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Horace B. Rains of Houston, Texas. They were taken aboard a Liberty ship in Korea in 1952. In the top photo, Rains is second from right in the back row; in the other photo, he is in the front row on the right. Brother Rains joined the union in 1945 in the port of New Orleans, first sailing aboard Bloomfield Steamship Co. vessels, including the Neva West. Born in Kentucky, he served in the Army from 1953 to 1954. He completed the bosun recertification program at Piney Point in 1974. The Cove Liberty was his last ship before retiring in March 1991, but then, at age 77, he decided to return to active member status in 2004 to “support my union and serve my country.” He most recently sailed on the Seabulk Trader. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. March 2005 �26668_P3,9_13,15.qxd 2/18/2005 7:50 PM Page 13 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. DEEP SEA HAROLD BOONE, 70, began sailing with the SIU in 1980 in New Orleans. Brother Boone shipped as a member of the deck department in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He first sailed aboard a Dixie Carriers vessel. In 2001, Brother Boone upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he worked on the Cape Domingo. Brother Boone, who was born in Arkansas, makes his home in Slidell, La. INLAND RAYMOND BRUMBACK, 58, joined the SIU in 1980. Boatman Brumback shipped with Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville during his seafaring 2006 Budget Aims to Enhance Security of Nation’s Ports Continued from page 5 Homeland Security. “Collectively we must all do more to secure what goes into, and through, all ports of the world, and not just the United States.” Thomson made those remarks at a conference on maritime security in Berlin. Standards enacted by Washington since the attacks in 2001 include a rule requiring shippers to supply U.S. authorities with details of U.S.-bound cargoes a full 24 hours before the goods are loaded at a foreign port. The data are fed to a National Targeting Center in Virginia, which combs them for risk factors like vague cargo descriptions, suspiciouslooking transport routes, wrong addresses or dispatchers shipping to the United States for the first time. It can then ask the foreign port to investigate further. Thomson said Washington is in favor of all nations adopting the 24-hour rule, plus a common approach to risk management, information-sharing, inspections and fast-track processing for companies that meet “best practice” security standards. He said that an initial draft framework containing these elements had been broadly endorsed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in December and a revised draft should be ready for submission to the WCO council in June. Countries could begin signing up as soon as it is approved. Elsewhere, the ranking member of the House Homeland Security Committee recently said that reliable security and smooth commerce must go hand in hand. U.S. Rep. Don Young (RAlaska) said, “If we become so fail-safe it interferes with the flow of commerce—especially maritime and rail—the bad guys have won.” Young said the maritime and rail industries are ahead of the curve when it comes to security developments and says Congress should not micromanage that. “I have never seen a railroad or a shipping company that wants to have a terrorist act occur upon it,” Young said. “But as congressmen, I can tell you we like to tell you what to do and how to do it, when to do it, and where to do it. March 2005 And I don’t think we’re that expert in that field.” Young said commerce is “what keeps this nation growing. It’s what gives us the freedom. It’s what allows us to be leaders in the world.” In another development, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, in late January posed questions regarding port security when confirmation hearings commenced to consider Judge Michael Chertoff as the next head of the Department of Homeland Security. “This [port security] is an area that I do believe has not received the attention it deserves nor the funding that is needed,” Collins said. The senator pointed out that Maine’s ports, including New England’s largest port by tonnage, still have significant port security needs. She also relayed concerns expressed by the director of the port of Portland that there is not enough flexibility in the allocation of resources. “The Coast Guard, for example, has estimated that implementing the Maritime Transportation Security Act would cost $7.3 billion over 10 years,” Collins added. “Yet, in the current fiscal year, the Department of Homeland Security will distribute only $150 million in port security grants. That’s a huge gap.” Collins noted that she had recently visited the port of Los Angeles/Long Beach, which handles 43 percent of all the containers coming into the country. “Just a couple of days after I left, an alert crane operator spotted 32 Chinese nationals in two separate containers who had been smuggled into the country,” Collins said. “That really concerns me, because if the smugglers of the illegal aliens know to use the container system, then surely Al Qaida has identified that as a possible means of smuggling an Al Qaida cell into our country. And despite all the hightech cameras and other surveillance techniques and the department’s screening programs, none of those caught these illegal Chinese citizens. It was, in fact, an alert crane operator.” career. He upgraded his skills at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. in 2000, 2001 and again in 2004. Boatman Brumback was born in Ohio and sailed in the engine department. He is a resident of Sulphur, La. VIVIAN GAINES, 64, joined the SIU in 1993. Born in Arkansas, Sister Gaines sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Orgulf Transportation Co. She worked in the steward department and calls Tiline, Ky. home. GEORGE WASHINGTON JR., 62, became a Seafarer in 1995 in New Orleans. Boatman Washington worked primarily aboard Delta Queen Steamship Co. vessels in the steward department. He was born in New Orleans and continues to reside there. JULIAN WATLER, 65, donned the SIU colors in 1984 in New Orleans. Boatman Watler’s first ship was the Delta Queen and his most recent was the Mississippi Queen. He was born in New Orleans and sailed as a member of the engine department. Boatman Watler enhanced his skills in 1987 at the Seafarersaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He lives in his native state. NMU in 1964, initially shipping from the port of Norfolk, Va. The steward department member first sailed aboard the Pioneer Main. Prior to retiring, Brother Frei worked on the Chesapeake Bay. sailed on the Gloucesterman. The deck department member makes his home in Gloucester. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension and Trust, recently went on pension. ELY LEGASPI, 58, became an NMU member in 1979, first sailing from San Pedro, Calif. Born in the Philippines, Brother Legaspi sailed in the deck department. His last ship was the Tonsina. ANTHONY ARACRI, 71, began sailing with the NMU from New York. Brother Aracri most recently went to sea aboard the Cape Rise. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Aracri was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. ELMER EARL, 58, joined the NMU in 1979 in New York. Brother Earl’s first ship was the Pioneer Contractor. Born in Mobile, Ala., he was a member of the deck department. Brother Earl last sailed on the Fredericksburg. WARNIE WORTHY, 67, donned the NMU colors in 1963 in New York. Brother Worthy worked in the steward department, initially aboard the African Sun. He was born in North Carolina. His most recent voyage was on the Lykes Discoverer. LYN FREI, 62, was born in Florida. Brother Frei joined the Taking the Message to D.C. Members of the American Merchant Marine Veterans (AMMV) last month lobbied on Capitol Hill for legislation aimed at providing $1,000 per month to WWII mariners or their widows in lieu of benefits not received after the war. The bill (H.R. 23) also gives Social Security credit for time served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during WWII. Pictured from left to right are AMMV members Angelo D’Alessio, Jody Watson, K.C. O’Brien, Myron Boluch and Ian Allison. ATLANTIC FISHERMEN SALVATORE LOIACANO, 61, joined the Atlantic Fishermen’s Union in Gloucester, Mass. before it merged with the SIU in 1981. Brother Loiacano last Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1944 Despite the continuing menace of German Uboat packs and continued sinking of American merchant vessels on their dangerous trips to supply the allied armies, the Maritime War Emergency Board decided to slash bonuses for merchant seamen. After assurances to the contrary from Capt. E. Macauley, representative of the Maritime Commission and the War Shipping Administration, the Board decided to slash the extra pay for men working ships in dangerous waters. Seafarers aboard ship had objected to the proposed cuts by letter and telegram, citing the fact that U.S. Navy crews working aboard their vessels were still given extra pay for the voyages, but the MWEB voted on March 14 to reduce the existing rates. begins next month at all SIU and MC&S union halls. Results of the [vote] will be announced in June…. If the merger takes place, it will represent a giant step forward in the consolidation of some of the SIUNA’s seagoing affiliates into one larger, stronger unit. Such a move would provide stronger job security and wider job opportunities for all members. 1991 As the United Nations Security Council moves closer towards approving a resolution that will officially end the war in the Persian Gulf, American ships and American seamen continue to deliver the goods—but this time the materiel is about to be brought home. The amount of equipment shipped to the Middle East has been staggering. Under the auspices of the Military Sealift Command, the Department of Defense agency responsible for coordinating the waterborne carriage of supplies for the American armed forces, more than 3 million short tons of dry cargo has gone by ship to support Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. The MSC reports that some 180 ships are assisting in the sealift effort. This Month In SIU History 1978 Voting on the proposed merger of the SIU’s Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District and the Marine Cooks and Stewards Union Seafarers LOG 13 �26668_P4_8,14,16,17,20.qxd 2/17/2005 5:35 PM Page 14 Final Departures DEEP SEA LOUIS BRIANT JR. Pensioner Louis Briant Jr., 86, died Dec. 8. Brother Briant began his SIU profession in 1944 in New Orleans. He first shipped in the engine department aboard the Del Sud. Brother Briant, who was born in Louisiana, last sailed on Waterman Steamship’s G. Walton. He lived in Metairie, La. and went on pension in 1976. ALBERT COALE JR. Pensioner Albert Coale Jr., 55, passed away Oct. 30. Born in Alabama, Brother Coale started his seafaring career in 1968, first sailing aboard the Fairisle. His last trip was on the Atlantic Forest. Brother Coale worked in the steward department and began receiving his pension in 2003. He resided in his native state. YUNG GUM Pensioner Yung Gum, 81, died Oct. 13. Brother Gum joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. He was born in China and resided in San Francisco. Brother Gum started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1977. ALVINA HAIL Pensioner Alvina Hail, 97, passed away Sept. 27. Sister Hail began her seafaring career with the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. Born in New York, she shipped as a member of the steward department. Sister Hail, who went on pension in 1968, lived in Sausalito, Calif. JOAQUIN MILLER Pensioner Joaquin Miller, 74, died Nov. 10. He joined the SIU in 1957 in the port of San Francisco. The engine department member was born in Massachusetts and called Las Vegas home. Prior to retiring in 1994, Brother Miller worked on the Innovator. RAYMOND SATO Pensioner Raymond Sato, 80, passed away Oct. 26. Brother Sato launched his seafaring career with the MC&S in 1959. The U.S. Army veteran worked primarily aboard Matson Navigation vessels such as the Maui and Lurline. Born in Hawaii, Brother Sato was a member of the steward department. He began receiving his pension in 1986 and made his home in Honolulu. RAY SIMS Pensioner Ray Sims, 70, died Oct. 19. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Brother Sims joined the SIU in 1969. He shipped in the engine department, last sailing on the Overseas 14 Seafarers LOG Juneau. Brother Sims was born in Tennessee and lived in San Francisco. He began collecting his retirement pay in 1999. FRANK SMITH Pensioner Frank Smith, 76, passed away Oct. 10. Brother Smith first donned the SIU colors in 1947 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first voyage was aboard a vessel operated by Delta Steamship Lines. Brother Smith, who was born in Virginia, worked in the deck department. He last sailed on the Leader. Brother Smith lived in his native state and went on pension in 1988. STANDISH WOODELL Pensioner Standish Woodell, 83, died Nov. 9. Brother Woodell started his SIU career in 1943 in New York. Born in West Virginia, he first went to sea aboard the Steel Navigator. Brother Woodell was a member of the engine department. Prior to retiring in 1985, he worked on the Santa Mariana. Brother Woodell called Sacramento, Calif. home. LAWRENCE WRIGHT Pensioner Lawrence Wright, 54, passed away Nov. 13. Brother Wright began shipping with the SIU in 1967, initially aboard the Coeur d’Alene Victory. The engine department member, who was born in Mobile, Ala., lived in New Orleans. His last ship was the Seabulk Challenge. Brother Wright began collecting his pension in 1998. INLAND WILLIAM DELESLINE Pensioner William Delesline, 81, died Nov. 17. Boatman Delesline embarked on his SIU profession in 1951 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first shipped in the deep sea division on the Robin Kettering. Boatman Delesline was born in Florida and shipped as a steward department member. He resided in Williamsburg, Va. and started collecting compensation for his retirement in 1989. JOHN LINDWALL Pensioner John Lindwall, 64, passed away Nov. 15. He joined the union in 1973 in the port of Philadelphia after serving in the U.S. Navy. Boatman Lindwall was born in Philadelphia and lived in Maine. He began receiving his retirement stipends in 2002. GREAT LAKES ROBERT BERTRAND Pensioner Robert Bertrand, 75, died Dec. 15. He joined the SIU in 1977 in the port of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Brother Bertrand worked primarily on vessels owned by Inland Lakes Management such as the Alpena and J.B. Ford. He shipped in the steward department and went on pension in 1994. Brother Bertrand was born in Detroit and lived in Inverness, Fla. ABDO FOTAIH Pensioner Abdo Fotaih, 64, passed away Nov. 18. A native of Yemen, he started his seafaring career in 1970 in Detroit. Brother Fotaih initially sailed with Michigan Tankers as a member of the deck department. His last trip was aboard an American Steamship vessel. Brother Fotaih retired in 2001 and made his home in Sanaa, Yemen. JOSEPH KELLY Pensioner Joseph Kelly, 58, died Nov. 17. He began his seafaring career in 1964 in Chicago. Brother Kelly shipped on American Steamship’s American Mariner throughout his career. He was born in Rogers City, Mich. and worked as a member of the deck department. Brother Kelly was a resident of Green Cove Springs, Fla. and started collecting his retirement pay in 1999. WILLIAM SLEPKO THOMAS HODGES JORGE PIRES Pensioner Thomas Hodges, 77, passed away Nov. 7. Born in Virginia, Brother Hodges embarked on his seafaring career in 1946 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He first went to sea on the Frederic Remington. Brother Hodges last worked aboard the Delaware. He began receiving his retirement pay in 1968. Pensioner Jorge Pires, 90, passed away July 30. Brother Pires was born in Portugal and began his career with the NMU in 1945 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first vessel was the David G. Farragut, where he worked as a member of the deck department. Brother Pires last sailed aboard the Brazil. He started collecting his pension in 1966. DOMINGO MALDONADO Pensioner Domingo Maldonado, 89, died Nov. 14. Brother Maldonado became an NMU member in 1937. Shipping out of the port of Baltimore, Md., his initial voyage was on the Dixiano. Brother Maldonado was born in Ponce, P.R. He worked as a member of the steward department. A pensioner since 1979, he last sailed aboard the Gulf Banker. ALBERT SABIO Pensioner Albert Sabio, 88, died Nov. 15. Brother Sabio first sailed for the NMU in 1943 from the port of New Orleans. Born in Honduras, his initial voyage was on the Caloria. A member of the deck department, Brother Sabio last shipped aboard the Pioneer Minx. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1970. Editor’s Note: In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU brothers, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. Name Age D.O.D. Biega, Manuel 93 Oct. 17 Clayton, Carver 76 Dec. 9 Cruz, Estanislo 92 Dec. 1 Cruze, John 79 July 5 Frank, Richard 67 Dec. 2 Gatling, Robert 76 Dec. 5 Jeffords, Orvel 77 Nov. 25 Jones, Truly 86 May 21 Krane, Arthur 80 July 17 Layne, Clyde 76 Sept. 22 Loy, George 88 Aug.7 McCurdy, Robert 72 Dec. 6 Mixon, Howard 77 Oct. 30 Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. Nunez Cacho, Cornelius 86 Dec. 18 Odell, Edward 76 Nov. 15 Petro, Joseph 77 Nov. 27 Pettersson, Everet 86 Nov. 30 MANUEL DIAZ Reyes, Rafael 83 Nov. 15 Pensioner Manuel Diaz, 87, passed away Dec. 4. Brother Diaz joined the NMU in 1945 in New York. The Puerto Rico-born mariner worked in the engine department. Brother Diaz’s first ship was the Cape Spencer; his last was the Santa Ana. He went on pension in 1964. Reyes, Ramon 83 Oct. 6 Salvage, Thomas 68 Nov. 27 Short, Carl 77 Nov. 6 Stone, Knealand 88 Aug. 26 Storts, John 95 July 1 Taylor, Jimmie 77 Oct. 4 Teeple, Arnold 83 Aug. 4 Tims, Bob 78 Nov. 3 Toth, John 80 Oct. 8 Wilson, Edward 81 Nov. 22 Pensioner William Slepko, 74, passed away Oct. 28. Born in Poland, Brother Slepko joined the union in Cleveland in 1973. His first voyage was on the C. Trader, where he worked in the engine department. Before retiring in 1995, Brother Slepko shipped on the Indiana Harbor. He called Tucson, Ariz. home. ALVARIS DUFFIS Pensioner Alvaris Duffis, 87, died Aug. 10. Brother Duffis began sailing with the NMU in New York. His first ship was the African Grove. The engine department member was born in Colombia. Prior to retiring in 1984, he worked on the Export Aide. “I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar.” —Alfred Lord Tennyson Crossing the Bar March 2005 �26668_P3,9_13,15.qxd 2/18/2005 7:49 PM Page 15 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. COMET (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 26—Chairman Paul S. Wills, Secretary Christopher B. Amigable, Educational Director Dimarko L. Shoulders, Deck Delegate Feliciano M. Gimutao, Steward Delegate Jimmy L. Williams. Chairman announced vessel’s arrival Dec. 28 in Long Beach, Calif. Educational director encouraged crew to take advantage of upgrading courses offered at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communications from headquarters read and discussed. Request made for new mattresses and fans in crew cabins as well as number of items for galley. Vote of thanks to chief cook for excellent meals and steward department for great job. CONSTELLATION (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 12—Chairman Boyce E. Wilson, Educational Director Roger D. Phillips, Deck Delegate Edward E. Jaynes. Chairman notified crew of request from boarding patrolman to have passports, discharge papers and z-cards ready at time of relief. Educational director spoke about opportunities available for mariners to enhance their skills at Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer stated $200 available in ship’s fund; he will use funds to purchase DVD player when vessel arrives in Lake Charles, La. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read and discussed president’s report from Seafarers LOG. Requests made for new carpet and draperies in crew quarters. Crew also asked for new mattresses in staterooms and new grill for galley. ENDURANCE (USSM), Dec. 12 —Chairman Mathew J. Bevak, Secretary Rolando M. Lopez, Educational Director Donnell C. Tagant, Deck Delegate Dennis A. Hurley, Engine Delegate Teddie H. Carter, Steward Delegate Carlito S. Navano. Chairman thanked all departments for smooth sailing and enjoyable voyage. Secretary expressed gratitude to crew for helping keep food areas clean. Educational director advised everyone to be sure shipping documents are kept current and suggested everyone take advantage of opportunities available at Piney Point school. He also encouraged them to contribute to SPAD. No beefs reported; disputed OT noted in deck department. Crew members sent their condolences to family of Ken Conklin. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. INNOVATOR (USSM), Dec. 19— Chairman Mark S. Lance, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Richard G. Williams, Deck Delegate James D. Morgan, Steward Delegate Tammy M. Bingisser. Chairman reported no news on USSM transfer to Maersk Line Ltd. He wished Jose Bayani good luck on new job after many years aboard the Innovator. Secretary thanked crew for outstanding job this trip. Educational director reminded crew members that Paul Hall Center is always open for upgrading and training. He also recom- March 2005 mended they keep all necessary shipping documents current. Treasurer reported $315.53 in entertainment fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication from headquarters regarding recent SAB action read and discussed. Suggestion made to raise salaries of patrolmen, port agents and secretaries. Everyone asked to notify bosun if shower leaks. Vote of thanks given to steward department for delicious food and clean ship. Next port: Los Angeles. LIBERTY SEA (Liberty Maritime), Dec. 5—Chairman Daniel Laitinen Jr., Secretary Fausto D. Aranda, Educational Director Steven A. Lombardi, Deck Delegate William D. Leachman, Steward Delegate Joel P. Crow. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 11 upon arrival in New Orleans. He thanked crew for safe trip and for keeping rooms neat. Secretary expressed gratitude to mariners for helping keep ship clean and stated it was a pleasure working with them. Educational director stressed importance of making sure all necessary shipping documents are up to date and advised everyone to allow plenty of time—at least six months—for renewal process. He urged crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs reported; some disputed OT noted in engine department. Crew gave thanks for new washing machine. LIBERTY SUN (Liberty Maritime), Dec. 12. Chairman Richard E. Barnes, Secretary Steven M. Dickson, Engine Delegate Hector A. Guity, Steward Delegate Willie Toomer. Chairman reported company to send checks to crew members for travel. Educational director reminded everyone about educational opportunities available at Piney Point facility and about need to keep all paperwork and documents up to date. Treasurer stated $600 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks given to unlicensed apprentices for job well done and to steward department for great meals and service. Suggestion made to increase orders of stores. Next port: San Lorenzo, Argentina. MAERSK MISSOURI (Maersk Line Limited), Dec. 19—Chairman Eddy E. Stwaeard, Secretary Billy Gigante, Educational Director Brian Sengelaub, Deck Delegate Terry N. Arbuah, Engine Delegate Terry J. Mouton. Chairman announced payoff upon arrival Dec. 24 in Newark, N.J. and thanked all departments for pleasant voyage. Secretary thanked crew for helping maintain clean ship. Educational director reminded mariners to pay attention to task at hand and make safety a number-one priority. He thanked crew for outstanding professionalism and performance. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on changing watch hours. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food, especially on Thanksgiving Day. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Newark. MAJ. BERNARD F. FISHER (Sealift), Dec. 26—Chairman Reuben M. Brown, Secretary Walter R. Seals, Educational Director Troy L. Fleming, Deck Delegate Lorenzo Riddick, Engine Delegate Michael C. McNally, Steward Delegate Velonder L. Alford. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 31 in Diego Garcia, where the ship will remain. He reminded crew that safety policies and ship’s company policies are to be followed at all times. Educational director asked crew to check out upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department given vote of thanks for outstanding holiday meal. Request made for new furniture in crew lounge and new galley equipment, including coffee machine, cooking utensils and pots and pans. NORTH STAR (Interocean Ugland Management), Dec. 12— Chairman John O. Glenn, Secretary Veronika K. Cardenas, Educational Director Daniel P. Mitchell. Chairman announced payoff Dec. 15 in Tacoma, Wash. Crew members will get the day off. He reminded Seafarers of importance of contributing to SPAD. Secretary urged everyone to make sure all MMDs are current. Educational director spoke about the educational facilities available at Piney Point and encouraged everyone to use and enjoy them. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding length of contract and increasing pension benefits. Crew requested access to computer and e-mail. Vote of thanks given to steward department for delicious Thanksgiving feast. USNS HENSON (Horizon Lines), Dec. 17—Chairman Arthur W. Cross, Secretary Henry E. Manning, Educational Director Sharon Sylvia, Deck Delegate Brian Robison, Steward Delegate Melvin Thomas. Chairman warned crew members that relief might be slow to arrive due to war. He also informed them someone from Horizon would visit vessel to talk to them Jan. 3 or 4. Educational director advised mariners to check out what upgrading classes Piney Point has to offer. Treasurer stated $356.68 in ship’s fund. DVD player has been purchased. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Engine delegate praised deck department for fine job painting ship’s doors. CHEMICAL EXPLORER (Intrepid Ship Management), Jan. 2—Chairman Richard Wilson, Secretary Christina A. Mateer, Deck Delegate Timothy J. Jackson, Engine Delegate Anjwar D. Brooks, Steward Delegate Santiago Amaya. Chairman read and discussed recent SAB action. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated ship’s fund contained enough to pay monthly satellite bill. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding increasing vacation benefit. Special thanks given to steward department for wonderful Christmas meal. Next ports: Texas City, Houston and Galveston, Texas. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), Jan. 2—Chairman Lawrence Kunc, Secretary Paul Sullivan, Educational Director Thomas M. Flynn, Deck Delegate Evan J. Bradley, Engine Delegate Gregory L. Howard, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Secretary reported new crew washing machine to be installed following arrival in Oakland, Calif.; new juice machine on order. Educational director discussed courses offered at Paul Hall Center and advised crew members to enhance skills whenever possible, including small arms course. Treasurer said holiday spread was “most amazing spread ever on ship,” thanks to steward department. No beefs reported; disputed OT noted in engine department. Recommendation made to reduce time required for pension benefits. HORIZON SPRIT (Horizon Lines), Jan. 6—Chairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo C. Ombec, Educational Director Paul D. Hanley, Deck elected union officials. Captain promised new recliner chairs in crew staterooms. Next ports: Newark, N.J.; Houston. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Limited), Jan. 9—Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh E. Wildermuth, Educational Director Randy D. Clark, Deck Delegate Timothy D. Girard, Engine Delegate James R. Oling. Chairman reported smooth trip and announced payoff Jan. 17 in Newark, N.J. He asked departing crew to clean rooms and leave keys for next person. Secretary thanked mariners for cooperation in help- Crewing up the SBX Seafarers continue working aboard the semi-submersible SBX (an acronym for sea-based X-Band radar), one of the newest additions to the SIU-crewed fleet. Above, crew members recently load provisions in Brownsville, Texas. Among those pictured are OS Chris Christensen, AB John Fain, OS Marc Simpson, Bosun Greg Anderson and OS Amber Michel. Below, the vessel’s construction is nearly complete. Delegate Michael Penkwitz. Chairman reported good crew and thanked everyone for following safety procedures. Educational director urged seafarers to upgrade at Paul Hall Center, check expiration dates on documents and donate to SPAD. He also recommended crew members bring family to Piney Point school for summer vacation. Bosun stated $243 in video fund; he’ll buy new movies next trip. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone expressed gratitude to steward department for excellent Christmas and New Year’s dinners, including everything from roast pig and Beef Wellington to stuffed crabs and freshly baked cakes and cookies. Next ports: Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam; Hong Kong; Tacoma, Wash. LIBERATOR (USSM), Jan. 6— Chairman Daniel J. Teichman, Secretary Robert S. Davis, Educational Director Elwyn L. Ford, Deck Delegate Edwin D. Fuller, Engine Delegate Theodore Wallace. Chairman thanked steward department for fine meals, especially over holidays. Educational director reminded crew members to keep documents current and allow time for renewal process. He also advised them to check out class schedule for upgrading classes at Piney Point. Memo regarding SAB action read to crew. Congratulations offered to newly ing keep vessel clean. Educational director stressed need to allow plenty of time when renewing zcards. Treasurer stated $1,998 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed gratitude for receipt of new dryer and refrigerators. Suggestion made reduce time needed to receive pension benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food and service. PETERSBURG (Interocean Ugland Management), Jan. 5— Chairman James T. Martin, Secretary Wendy G. Fearing, Educational Director James D. Murphy, Deck Delegate Noel R. Camacho, Engine Delegate Roderick T. Frazier, Steward Delegate Marcus J. Nicholas. Chairman expressed gratitude to steward department for job well done. Secretary thanked crew members for help in maintaining house and messhall. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to take advantage of classes available at Paul Hall Center and keep all documents current. Treasurer stated $384 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Guam Port Agent Jeff Turkus updated crew on new SIU-contracted ships and that contract extensions are temporarily allowed due to high volume of F.O.S. ships. He also informed them that, under certain conditions, merchant mariners do not have to pay fees when renewing passports. Seafarers LOG 15 �26668_P4_8,14,16,17,20.qxd 2/17/2005 5:37 PM Page 16 Letter 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.) To Mariners Considering Retirement To all mariners, young and old, who may be considering retirement, allow me, as a mariner, to recommend Snug Harbor on Nelson Bay at Sea Level, N.C. I am a retired chief engineer who worked my way up through the ranks beginning as a wiper with the Moore-McCormack lines. I not only sailed on several of their ships, but was a member of their new construction program. We built six constellation class cargo ships and four rollon/roll-off jobs at Pascagoula, Miss. My wife, Millie, sailed as a gift shop operator on the SS United States, the SS Santa Paula and the SS President Wilson. While on the SS Brasil, she served as a waitress, which is where we met in 1959. My wife and I moved into a three-room suite at Snug Harbor in June 2002. Our suite consists of a bedroom with a full bath, living room, kitchenette and private patio. We have ample storage in the three closets located inside our suite. The Harbor provides residents with an extra storage unit for spare items such as luggage, off season clothing, etc. Three excellent meals are served daily in one of the most elegant dining rooms in the area. A full-scale activities calendar is designed to keep the residents young at heart. Some of the activities offered include bingo, musical entertainment, lounge parties, a book club, horse races, card games, etc. The gaming room contains two full-size pool tables and room for additional activities. We look forward to “happy hour” each week, when they serve hors d’oeuvres and light refreshments and provide musical entertainment. Holidays are recognized, with special decorations for everyone to enjoy. Snug Harbor allows mariners who are married to bring their spouses. Some of the spouses are seafaring folks; however, a majority of them are not. Snug Harbor maintains a fully staffed health care center for those needing special care. An out-patient clinic, staffed by a nurse, provides care for the residents in the independent living wing. The assisted living wing provides its residents with around-the-clock nursing staff and certified nursing assistants to help all residents with their individual needs. Millie and I have been at the Harbor for more than two years and find living here safe, relaxing, comfortable and pleasant. We both recommend Snug Harbor as a great retirement facility, free from the worries of home maintenance, personal safety, private home living and home ownership. Family and friends are always free to visit and are grandly welcomed. Robert Durham Snug Harbor For additional information about Snug Harbor, contact: Alice Powell Snug Harbor P.O. Box 150 Sea Level, NC 28577 or call (252) 225-4411. Their website is located at: www.snugharborhome.com While the flag flew at half-mast at 1300 hours on Dec. 12, 2004, the crew of the Sea-Land Liberty gathered to remember Edwin Parsley and pay tribute to his final voyage. Brother Parsley, who sailed deep sea in the steward department, died Oct. 4, 2004 at the age of 79. Before retiring, he last sailed in 1983 aboard the same vessel. Prior to casting his ashes into the sea (above right), Capt. Donald Laverdure, the ship’s master (above left), delivered the eulogy, which included the reading of Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem “Crossing the Bar” and Capt. John H. Maxwell’s “Psalm of a Mariner.” HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. 16 Seafarers LOG FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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: Burial at Sea for Brother Parsley IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE Know Your Rights SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a fulltime college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 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. March 2005 �26668_P4_8,14,16,17,20.qxd 2/15/2005 6:28 PM Page 17 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Steward Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through September 2005. 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. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning March 7, 2005. Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion FOWT June 20 September 19 August 11 November 11 Marine Electrician April 18 June 13 QMED - Jr. Engineer June 20 September 8 Welding April 11 May 9 August 22 September 19 April 29 May 27 September 9 October 7 Course Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion April 18 May 30 July 11 August 22 May 13 June 24 August 5 September 16 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) April 18 June 20 August 22 April 22 June 24 August 26 Bridge Resource Management (Unlimited) May 9 July 11 September 12 May 13 July 15 September 16 Celestial Navigation May 16 July 18 September 19 Course Able Seaman GMDSS (Simulator) Safety Specialty Courses Start Date Date of Completion May 16 July 18 September 19 May 27 July 29 September 30 Fast Boat Rescue May 2 June 6 May 6 June 10 Government Vessels June 10 August 11 October 14 April 11 May 23 July 4 August 8 August 22 September 26 April 15 May 27 July 8 August 12 August 26 September 30 Medical Care Provider May 30 August 1 June 3 August 5 April 25 June 27 August 29 May 6 July 8 September 9 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* April 4 May 16 June 27 August 8 September 19 April 15 May 27 July 8 August 19 September 30 April 4 June 6 August 1 September 26 April 15 June 17 August 11 October 7 June 27 October 17 July 1 October 21 April 4 June 6 August 8 April 13 June 15 August 17 Course Advanced Fire Fighting* (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) Lifeboatman/Water Survival Radar Radar Renewal (1 day): (*must have basic fire fighting) 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. April 25, June 27, August 29 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Tankerman (PIC) Barge* Date of Birth ______________________ 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 OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No 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? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Yes Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ March 2005 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 3/05 Seafarers LOG 17 �26668_P01,2,18,19 r1.qxd 2/18/2005 4:19 AM Page 18 Paul Hall Center Classes Able Seaman— Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 658 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 658 (in alphabetical order) Calvin Andrews Jr., Hannah Cain, Christopher Cox, Timothy Eide, Michael Esterheld, Brandon Granger, Terry Hester, Steven Hurden, Timothy Johnson Jr., Brian Joyner, Perry King, William Markeson, Timothy Rieman, Anthony Roca, Patrick Ryan, Luis Segui Gonzalez, Jon Silveira and William Simms. Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending Feb. 18 are (in no specific order) Rick Worthington, Saul Suarez, David Derosiers, Richard Otto, Carlos Grillasca Gay, Jonas Robinson, Kevin Johnson, Kyle Bloom, Dana Fischer, Joshua Robinson, Brett Younginger, Richard Wiltison, Christopher Czarske, Damian Spedale, Patrice Williams, Mario Suazo, Donald Moss, Larry Tribby, Damar Shaw, Tyrone Brown and Steven Kuithe. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Completing this course Feb. 25 are (in alphabetical order) Seafarers Donald Bishop, Leocadio Colon, Robert Crosby and Cynthia Harris and unlicensed apprentices Saif Ali, Anthony Bartley, Timothy Bauer Jr., Benjamin Clark, Timothy Cullen, Troy Davis, Frank Lewis, Stephen Morris III, Frank Muellersman, Scott Spilman, Evan Werner, Ronald Westerfield and William Wilson. Government Vessels — Upgrading students in the government vessels class ending Feb. 11 include (in no specific order) Teresa Ward, Joshua Smith, Thia Banks, Tony Fury, Hector Ortiz, Samantha Murphy, Jerome Prince, Kenneth Williams, Paul Brown, Perry Schroff, James Ruffin, Tim Watson, Jonathan Ives, Robert Morrison, Felsher Beasley, Mark Keblis, Huey Napier, Stephen Cooper, Ron Whitlow, Brian Saba and Ariel Lopez. Their instructor, Greg Thompson, is at far right. Any student who has registered for a class and finds—for whatever reason— that he or she cannot attend, please inform the admissions department so that another student may take that place. — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (far right) are Radar — The five Seafarers completing the radar course Feb. 9 are Welding Seafarers who completed the welding course Feb. 4. They are (in (in alphabetical order) Randy Diaz, Basil D’Souze, Eric Kjellberg, alphabetical order) Charles Davis, Dennis Martin, Bruce Park, Michael DeGutenberg Poitevien and Shelby Rankin. Their instructor, Mike Presser, Edward Thompson, Mike Voda and Jacob Walling. Smith, is at far right. Upgrrade at the Pa aul Hall Centerr Chief Cook — Working their way up in the galley department are Jose Clotter (left) and Connie Tarplin (right). In the center is John Dobson, one of the school’s chef instructors. Deck, Engine and Steward Departments 18 Seafarers LOG March 2005 �26668_P01,2,18,19 r1.qxd 2/18/2005 4:21 AM Page 19 Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Safety Training Water Survival — Feb. 4 graduates of the water survival class include NCL crew members (in alphabetical order) Timothy Baker, Danielle Banks, David Ceballos, Rebecca Crook, Leea Crosgrove, Steele Devela, Dana Distefano, Greg Draper, Joseph Duffy and Tiare Onekea. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is at far right. STCW — Alaska fishermen who recently completed Basic Safety Training are (in alphabetical order) Wlozimierz Arendt, Luke Bradley, Allan Coloyan, Sean Dameron, Matthew Flickinger, Robert Hall, Ryan Johnson, Melvin Mitchell, Matthew Musslewhite, Steven Reiber, Martin Rogers, Russell Sawyer, Jeremy Williams and James Williamson. STCW — NCL: Training in Hawaii Lambert DeJesa, Jose Dossantos, Dale Gaddy, Roy Garretson, Maria Ghamarian, Cornelius Hall, Trevyn Hiemann, Stacey Ivey and Teri Johnson. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Basic Safety Training and Crowd Management — Class 2: Marc Siciliani, Trevyn Hiemann, Antonio Branco, Jodi Deprey, Nathan Morrow, Vanessa Culver, Jose Abreu, Jamison McIntyre, Elvis Ruiz, Catalina Carmona, Andrew Taylor, Stephen Lundquist, Gary Sutton and Grant Yates. STCW — NCL: Thomas Johnston, Anna Junkins, Edward Karkenny, Stille Keohokapu, Brian Landon, Luis Marez Jr., Christopher McCord Jr., Elias Melendez, Blake Moore, Jeffrey Reel, Stephanie Ross, Noah Rothfeder, Leilua Salima, James Sopel, James Spear, Robert Stanberry, Sterling Townes, Lawrence Ward and James Youmans II. Lifeboat — Class 1: Damon Woods, Emory Costanios, Scott Long, Lindsay Rudell, Mark de la Rosa, Allison Perlmutter, Ernest Nunes, Matthew Olsen, Matthew Kole, Cody Espaniola and their instructor, Joe Curtis. Basic Safety Training and Crowd Management — Class 3: Erwin Haumea, Trevor Maigret, Debra Wigham, Scott Hadell, Paula Braxton, Isagani Zabala, Grace Simon, Michael Wigham, Patricia Mathews-Malczon and Kari Jo Stilwell. March 2005 STCW — NCL, Jan. 28: Hector Perez, Nicholas Profeta, Leonardo Ramirez, Brad Redford, St. Elmo Riley, Scott Salazar, Cara Schachtel, Graydon Southard, Connie Sudo, Edward Tello, Adam Templeton, Ryan Tong, Bernie Villegas, Erwin Villegas, Michael Villegas, Kathleen Watson, Pamela Wood, Terron Wood and Margaret Young. Seafarers LOG 19 �26668_P4_8,14,16,17,20.qxd 2/17/2005 5:38 PM Page 20 Volume 67, Number 3 March 2005 Attention Seafarers: Boost Your Industry.. Conntribute to SPAD.. Left: DEU Jesse Parente (left) and DEU Seddick Ali work aboard the John J. Boland. The Great Lakes Towing tug Wyoming is docked at the SIU union hall in Algonac, Mich. In the pilothouse of the passenger ferry Mackinac Express is Capt. Keith Dufton. The Mackinac Express was at the Arnold Transit Co. dock in Mackinaw, Mich. SA Ahmed Kaid John J. Boland e h t n o k r o W t A s e k a L Great Second Cook Kathryn Hansen frosts a chocolate cake aboard American Steamship Co.’s John J. Boland. OS Abdul Ghaleb John J. Boland AB Lucian Gravelle John J. Boland The Buffalo docks in Marysville, Mich. The Great Lakes Towing tug Virginia assists in the port of Milwaukee, Wis. Deckhand Ron Halberg Corsair James Sorenson is the captain aboard the Arnold Transit Co. freight ferry Corsair, which was docked at Mackinac Island, Mich. � 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 2003 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU DELIVERS IN OIF3 ITF SECURES BACK PAY FOR CREW SEAFARERS STILL SAIL FOR TSUNAMI RELIEF PRIDE OF AMERICA TO SAIL IN JULY CIVMARS SEE NEW JOBS SIU MEMBERS APPLAUD JOB GROWTH IN NEW MSP LONGTIME SIU OFFICIAL JIM MARTIN DIES AT 70 ALASKA TANKER COMPANY REACHES SAFETY MILESTONE NEW LUEDTKE CONTRACT BOOSTS WAGES, BENEFITS BUDGET, BILL INCLUDE PORT SECURITY COMPONENTS HOUSE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE, MARITIME SUBCOMMITTEE SELECTED UNION MOURNS TRUSTEE JOE CECIRE AMSEA RATED ‘EXCEPTIONAL’ BY MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND U.S. HEALTH CARE: A CLOSER LOOK SIU, OTHER UNIONS KEEP SWINGING, BUT IT’S OFTEN AN UPHILL STRUGGLE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 03/01/2005 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. 67, No. 3 2005 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/f25376ddad7d805eddff4a740845d5d4.pdf 45484e4d7ab3c6d8347c8163c4330f67 PDF Text Text 26893_P01.qxd 3/24/2005 5:49 PM Page 1 Volume 67, Number 4 April 2005 MTD Speakers’ Message: U.S. Merchant Marine More Vital than Ever The U.S. Merchant Marine remains a crucial part of America’s national and economic security, according to representatives from the administration, Congress, the military and the labor movement who spoke at the recent meetings of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO executive board in Las Vegas. Those speakers included (left photo, from left) AFL-CIO President John Sweeney, being welcomed by MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco; U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta (above, left), and Gen. John Handy (right), commander, U.S. Transportation Command. Pages 3, 8, 9. Seafarers Crew Up LMSRs SIU members last month crewed up the USNS Shughart in Norfolk, Va., signaling the start of turnover of nine military support ships to SIU-contracted American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA). Below (from left), AB Mark Marcus and Recertified Bosun Mike Presser inspect a First Aid station on the Shughart. Page 3. Car Carrier Christened The SIU last month welcomed new shipboard jobs when the car carrier Jean Anne was christened in San Diego. The vessel is owned by Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines, a joint venture between The Pasha Group and Strong Vessel Operators. Page 2. ANWR Update Page 4 Snapshots from Pride of Aloha Pages 12-13 �26893_P2,4,6,12,13.qxd 3/28/2005 6:02 PM Page 2 President’s Report Federation Solidarity When I opened the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO executive board meeting in late February, I emphasized the many things that are good about unions and organized labor as a whole. It’s an important message—one that I share with you here in the hopes of setting the record straight when it comes to proposals that are being made to restructure parts of the AFL-CIO, the national federation of trade unions. First of all, I support AFL-CIO President John Michael Sacco Sweeney, along with Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka and Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson. I believe in their leadership and their integrity. They have done a good job on behalf of America’s working families and the federation’s member unions, including the SIU. No one claims that we don’t have room for improvement within organized labor. That’s true of any association, really. But at times like this, I strongly believe that we must stick together and work together for progress. On many fronts, union members and other workers are facing enormous challenges. Our solidarity is one of our greatest resources. The individual unions within the AFL-CIO may not agree on every issue, but I believe we share plenty of common ground and we’re all pulling in the same direction. We’re working to improve. We’re examining ways to become more efficient. We’re all speaking up and we’re all being heard. In our own industry, we know firsthand the value of solidarity. The waterfront battles between the SIU and the NMU were legendary … and costly. Since we’ve come together as one union, we have grown and become stronger. With that in mind, let’s not lose sight of the many great things about the labor movement, and what we’re capable of when we work together. As I mentioned at the MTD meetings, the things that have always made unions worthwhile are still true today. Unions give workers a real voice on the job. We stand up to protect the rights of our members and their families. We give back to our communities. And you better believe we answer the call. And as President Sweeney stated at those same MTD meetings, “Unity is our greatest asset. That does not mean we should avoid debate, but there can be no real solution that undermines the unity of working people.” When you get right down to it, labor’s essential goals haven’t changed. At some point you may have read or heard the words of Samuel Gompers, the first president of the old American Federation of Labor. His memorable answer to the question of what labor wants included “more schoolhouses and less jails, more books and less arsenals, more learning and less vice, more constant work and less crime, more leisure and less greed, more justice and less revenge, more of the opportunities to cultivate our better natures.” That’s still what unions are all about—improving the lives of members and their families. As the federation works through this period of self-examination, it’s important to also keep an eye on our original—and ongoing—goals. Recognition for Mariners I encourage all Seafarers to read about the MTD meetings in this issue of the LOG. In particular, I call your attention to the many kind words that were said about the U.S. Merchant Marine. It’s always encouraging to know that others understand and appreciate the importance of our role as America’s fourth arm of defense. But when that appreciation comes from high-ranking officials from the military, the administration, Congress and the labor movement, it’s especially uplifting. You have played an exceptional role in helping earn such a good reputation for the entire U.S. Merchant Marine. You deserve the credit, and I know you’ll keep up the good work. Volume 67, Number 4 April 2005 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2005 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG New Car Carrier Jean Anne Joins SIU-Contracted Fleet Seafarers will crew all unlicensed positions aboard the new car carrier Jean Anne, which was built to serve in the Jones Act trades between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. Owned by The Pasha Group of Corte Madera, Calif., and operated by Interocean Ugland Management, the vessel was christened March 21 in the port of San Diego’s National City Marine Terminal. “This is a new addition to the The SIU-contracted Jean Anne has 10 decks and weighs 13,000 deadweight tons. The ship can transport 3,000 vehicles plus other rolling stock, household goods and containers. SIU-contracted fleet, and as always I’m completely confident in the dedication and professionalism of the Seafarers who will sail aboard her,” said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, who attended the christening along with SIU Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone. “After five years of hard work, Pasha Hawaii is eager to announce the christening and inaugural voyage of the Jean Anne,” George Pasha IV, president of Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines, told reporters days before the christening. “The Jean Anne exceeded everyone’s expectations during sea trials…. The Jean Anne is a reflection of the hard work and determination on the part of many people, and we look forward to her ably serving the Hawaii trade for many years to come.” Designed and built to transport more than 3,000 American-sized vehicles and other rolling stock from the West Coast to the Hawaiian Islands, the Jean Anne has a 579-foot roll-on/roll-off platform and can travel at speeds approaching 20 knots. Its stern ramp is capable of handling up to 100 tons as vehicles are driven on and off. The vessel will make stops in Honolulu; Kahului, Maui; Hilo; and Nawiliwili, Kauai, which will reduce about a week of shipping time for the neighbor islands, according to Pasha. The ship was built by Halter Marine at its Pascagoula, Miss. facility. Matson Orders 2 More Ships From Kvaerner Philadelphia Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Co. on Feb. 24 announced plans to purchase two more ships from Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc. The vessels are part of a planned $365 million investment in ship, container and terminal assets that will be used to launch a new Guam and China service. The new service is scheduled to start in February 2006. The new vessels will be similar in capacity, speed and operating efficiency to Matson’s Seafarers-crewed MV Manukai and MV Maunawili. Both were built by Kvaerner Philadelphia; they entered service in 2003 and 2004, respectively. According to Matson, the new builds are expected to be delivered and placed in service by July 2005 and June 2006 at an estimated combined cost of $315 million. The company has the option to time charter these vessels in lieu of purchasing them. It also will have a right-of-firstrefusal with the shipyard for up to four other containerships of similar design that are deliverable before June 2010. The company also noted that both new ships by mid-2006 will be deployed in an integrated weekly West Coast-HawaiiGuam-China service together with three of the company’s most efficient diesel-powered containerships. The planned routing will The third ship under construction at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, the Manulani, is a Philadelphia Class CV2600 containership under contract with Matson. Last month, the ship was floated in preparation for its final outfitting prior to delivery. include port calls at Long Beach, Honolulu, Guam and two ports in China. “These new ships, coupled with our other two new KPSI vessels, will ensure that Matson continues to provide Hawaii with efficient, dependable ocean transportation services for decades to come,” said James Andrasick, Matson president and CEO. Matson in recent years has been modernizing its fleet, retiring older steam-powered vessels to improve fuel and operating efficiencies. With the addition of the two newest ships, the average age of Matson’s active container- ship fleet will be a relatively young 14 years. “Matson is very satisfied with the performance of the first two KPSI-built vessels that are now part of the company’s Hawaii service,” added Andrasick. “We are confident that these additional two KPSI ships will further enhance the overall quality and operating efficiencies of the Matson fleet.” Matson provides ocean transportation, intermodal and logistics services in U.S. domestic markets. Matson is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. of Honolulu. April 2005 �Pg3,8_11,14,16_18,21_24.qxd 3/28/2005 6:05 PM Page 3 ‘We Are a Maritime Nation’ MTD Speakers Affirm Need for Strong U.S. Fleet The U.S. Merchant Marine remains a good about the labor movement are still vital part of America’s national and eco- good today. Unions do more good for more nomic security, according to representa- working families than any other organizatives from Congress, the administration, tions out there.” the military and the labor movement who Addressing the executive board were spoke Feb. 24-25 at the meetings of the (in order of appearance) Gen. John Handy, Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO commander, U.S. Transportation Comexecutive board in Las Vegas. mand; John Jamian, acting administrator, Additionally, the guest speakers as well U.S. Maritime Administration; U.S. Rep. as MTD President Michael Sacco, who Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.); Steven Blust, also serves as president of the SIU, cov- chairman, Federal maritime commission; ered other important topics including the U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.); health care crisis, the right Sheila McNeill, president, to organize, support for U.S. Navy League of the United See pages 8 and troops, port security, doStates; AFL-CIO President mestic shipbuilding, fair John Sweeney; U.S. Trans9 for full covertrade, potential reforms portation Secretary Norman within the AFL-CIO and Mineta; U.S. Rep. Norm age of the MTD more. Dicks (D-Wash.); U.S. Rep. executive board The MTD includes 29 Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.); international unions and U.S. Rep. William meetings. (including the SIU) and 24 Jefferson (D-La.). port maritime councils in Secretary Mineta stated, the United States and Canada representing “We are a maritime nation, and the marapproximately 6.5 million working men itime industry is essential to our economic and women. strength, to our productivity and to the creSacco opened the meetings by remind- ation of American jobs.” ing audience members about some of the Board members approved 16 policy labor movement’s key accomplishments. statements addressing issues and programs He noted that despite current challenges including the Employee Free Choice Act, faced by organized labor, “The bottom line the U.S. Maritime Security Program is that the things that have always been (MSP), port-generated air pollution, chas- MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (right in both photos) welcomes U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta (left) and Gen. John Handy, commander of TRANSCOM, to the MTD executive board meetings in Las Vegas. Secretary Mineta, General Handy and other speakers noted that America’s national security is enhanced by maintaining a strong U.S. Merchant Marine. sis safety, support for Miami’s truck drivers, the right to collective bargaining, and other labor and maritime topics. Several of the speakers pointed out union members continue playing important roles in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. As President Sacco observed, “During the past three years, at least 20,000 union members have been called up as reservists in the war in Iraq. At the same time, more than 4,000 members of our maritime unions have loaded and transported materiel to support our troops in the Persian Gulf. “No matter our individual feelings about the political aspects of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I know that all of you join me in supporting our troops and particularly supporting our union brothers and sisters who are serving overseas.” Secretary Mineta, President Sweeney and the Congressional representatives all conveyed strong support for the MSP and for other laws that promote a vibrant U.S.flag fleet. More College Credits Approved For Paul Hall Center Courses American Council on Education Okays 24 Classes Students who complete certain classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education may receive college credits, thanks to a recent successful evaluation by the American Council on Education (ACE). The council recently approved 24 Paul Hall Center courses for college credits—by far the largest number of classes approved at once by ACE for the Piney Point, Md.-based school. “This review benefits all of our students by providing increased educational opportunities,” noted Paul Hall Center Director of Training Bill Eglinton. ACE reviewed courses offered in the unlicensed apprentice program as well as classes for mariners sailing in the deck, engine and steward departments, respectively. For the past 30 years the Paul Hall Center has utilized the benefits provided by the ACE College Credit Recommendation Service. Generally, this involves having ACE assess new or rewritten curriculums at the school as they become available. In December 2004, a team of four “content experts,” selected from college faculty, reviewed three courses in the steward department program. Then in January, five college professors reviewed 21 additional courses during a two-day evaluation at the Paul Hall Center. As a result of these ACE reviews, the school has reapproved or added about 85 possible credits to its instructional program. For most of these courses, ACE determined that the training is comparable to college-level coursework and has made college credit recommendations accordingly. Continued on page 6 Seafarers Continue Crewing Up LMSRs SIU Climbs Aboard Shughart; More to Follow Seafarers last month crewed up the USNS Shughart in Norfolk, Va., signaling the start of the turnover of nine military support ships to SIU-contracted American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA). As previously reported, AMSEA last fall was awarded an operating agreement for nine large, medium-speed, roll-on/ roll-off vessels (LMSRs), including the Shughart. Transfer of the operation had been delayed because of protests by the previous operator. However, the protest to the Government Accountability Office was withdrawn, and the Shughart signaled the start of the turnover that is expected to be completed no later AB Emanuel Wabe mans the Shughart’s gangway. Recertified Steward Bobby Brown recently signed on aboard the USNS Shughart. OMU Melvin Grayson enjoys another hearty meal on board the USNS Shughart. April 2005 Pictured at the Paul Hall Center earlier this year following the ACE review are (from left) Bill Eglinton, the center’s director of training; Lois Stephenson, curriculum development, Paul Hall Center; Dr. George DeSain, Western Carolina University; Don Nolan, vice president, Paul Hall Center; Dr. Ronald Johnson, Old Dominion University; Dr. Celeste Sichenze, Northern Virginia Community College; Dr. James R. Sherrard, Three Rivers Community Technical College; Captain Lee A. Kincaid, American Council on Education; and Edward Fitzgerald, academic coordinator, Paul Hall Center. than early this summer. Seafarers already are sailing aboard two other LMRS—the USNS Gordon and USNS Gilliland—whose separate contract award to 3PSC, LLC was announced at the same time as AMSEA’s. “Since the awards were first delivered by the Military Sealift Command (MSC), the union expected all along that SIU members would man these ships,” noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. “That’s exactly what’s happening, and it means additional jobs for the SIU.” AMSEA will operate the seven Bob Hope-class ships and two converted vessels. The Bop Hope ships are the USNS Benavidez, USNS Bob Hope, USNS Brittin, USNS Fisher, USNS Mendonca, USNS Pililaau and USNS Seay. The converted ships are the USNS Shughart and USNS Yano. Both AMSEA’s and 3PSC’s operating agreements in effect are four years apiece. Officially they are four one-year agreements renewable each year. The Seay and the Mendonca tentatively are slated for turnover this month, followed by the Yano, Bob Hope and Fisher in May, and the Benavidez, Brittin and Pililaau in June. The turnover may be moved up. The Bob Hope ships were built at Avondale in New Orleans, with delivery dates ranging from 1998 to 2003. The Shughart and Yano were converted at NASSCO in San Diego, while the Gordon and Gilliland were converted at Newport News (Va.) Shipbuilding. The converted vessels formerly were containerships; all were delivered to MSC by late 1997. MSC cites two key missions— prepositioning and surge sealift— for its LMSRs, including eight Seafarers-crewed Watson-class vessels. The ships vary in length from about 900 feet to approximately 950 feet. Seafarers LOG 3 �26893_P2,4,6,12,13.qxd 3/28/2005 6:07 PM Page 4 Safety Training Pays Off For Seafarers on Kenai Safety training and professionalism paid off for Seafarers and officers aboard the tanker Kenai as they quickly extinguished a shipboard fire while the vessel was tied up at the Valdez (Alaska) Marine Terminal. No one was injured in the Jan. 22 incident, which began when a backup diesel generator ignited. “The crew reacted phenomenally well,” said Captain Richard Holman, master of the Kenai. “You couldn’t ask for a better bunch of people to work with.” Bosun Alvin Martin said the fire “was in a potentially bad spot, but everybody mustered on time, suited up and was ready. Everybody was right there. What impressed me was that we had guys who were volunteering to take care of it. It wasn’t like anyone had to say, ‘You go.’ People were really willing.” Every indication is that the fire essentially was unavoidable and that no one was at fault. SIU members sailing on the Alaska Tanker Company vessel at that time were Bosun Martin; ABs Woodrow Brown, Ramon Guimba, Joshua Kirk, Robert Odmark, Estella Synder and Edward Boyd; QMED/Pumpman Odilio Evora; 2nd Pumpman Orlando Guzman; Engine Utilities Romualdas Videika and Criseldo Espinosa; DEUs Emmanuel Bayani and Edward Tanaka; Steward/Baker Dorothy Odoms; Chief Cook Self Salvation; SA Nagi Saeed; and Unlicensed Apprentice Courtney Sacks. Fourteen of those 17 Seafarers have completed at least one safety course at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, based in Piney Point, Md. All of them took part in regular shipboard safety drills on the Kenai. The bosun said the training and drills “definitely” played a big part in the mariners’ efficient response. “We do so many drills out there, we know what we can do and can’t do,” Martin stated. “In this case, we knew right away it was something we could handle. We were in touch with the bridge, and we had a (written) fire plan on board, which was a great assistance. “For that final decision to use the CO2, we just wanted to make sure that when we did it, everything was safe and everything would work,” he added. “It was textbook—kind of like when you go to a fire fighting school and they light off a fire.” The ship had just finished discharging its ballast water and hadn’t started cargo operations Health Care Still a Hot Topic In Negotiations, Job Actions The rising costs of medical benefits remained a prime subject in union contract negotiations and job actions across the nation last month. A small sampling: In Marietta, Ga., 2,800 members of International Association of Machinists Local 709 in mid-March ended a weeklong strike. Their new contract calls for wage increases and a signing bonus but also increases health care and retirement insurance premiums, according to news reports. In Westchester County, N.Y., more than 550 bus drivers who are members of the Transit Workers Union went on strike early last month. The company is demanding that the drivers increase the amount they pay for coverage and health care. Press accounts reported that members already have agreed to boost the amount they pay each week to maintain their premium and also to increase their co-payments for prescription drugs and doctor visits. In Detroit, members of the United Auto Workers were bracing for a possible request by General Motors Corp. to reopen the existing contract covering the workers. A local UAW official told a Detroit newspaper that the union believes its members will be asked to pay more for their health insurance. Last year, the company reportedly spent $5.2 billion on health 4 Seafarers LOG insurance. That figure is expected to jump to $5.6 billion this year. In Collinsville, Ill., the unions representing the town’s police force and civilian workers have asked for mediation to resolve contracts that expired as far back as December 2003. Once again, the rising costs of health care are considered a main point of contention in the effort to secure new contracts. The police officers already share the costs of their coverage. As previously reported, in terms of coverage and cost, the state of American health care is worsening by the day. The labor movement has been an active but hardly isolated voice in pointing out that the health care crisis threatens to crush the U.S. national economy if solutions aren’t applied. According to the most recent estimates, 45 million Americans have no health insurance whatsoever, while on average 6,000 more Americans lose their coverage every day. The costs of insurance premiums alone have increased by double digits every year for the last four years, to say nothing of the expense of actual medical care. Less than a quarter of those Americans who have insurance don’t have to pay out-of-pocket costs simply to carry the coverage. Among those people, only 8 percent don’t have to pay for dependent coverage. when a power failure provided the first indication of trouble. Holman noted that the fire quickly was identified and the alarm was sounded as smoke began coming out of an engine room vent on the starboard side. The ship’s emergency response team was suited up and ready in about five minutes. A local fire fighting crew arrived but basically stayed on the perimeter and served as consultants. Holman said the mariners quickly realized that the fire was “too overwhelming” to initially combat with portable equipment. They then sealed the 15-by-15foot room where the fire was located and used the fixed CO2 system, followed by portable extinguishers. “We attacked the fire in teams of two,” recalled the captain. “There was no apprehension on anyone’s part. They entered the space and extinguished the remaining fire, changed out their equipment and did a great job.” The local firemen complimented the Kenai mariners afterward, noting their focus and proper handling of the equipment. “It’s good to hear that from an outside source,” said Holman. Martin has sailed for 30 years and never had faced a shipboard fire. He said that his confidence in his fellow crew members was reflected in a calm feeling not only during the emergency, but afterward. “If you’ve ever had a close call when you’re driving—you barely avoid being in an accident—you know that your adrenaline really starts pumping right after that, as you’re replaying it in your mind” Martin said. “I didn’t have that feeling at all (on the ship) because I knew from the beginning it was something we could handle.” Senate Votes in Favor Of ANWR Exploration The U.S. Senate last month voted by 51-49 to retain language in the Fiscal Year 2006 Budget Resolution calling for oil and gas exploration in the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The mid-March vote made front-page news across the country, though additional legislative hurdles must be cleared before ANWR exploration becomes a reality. The Senate’s Budget Resolution now must be reconciled with the House version (which also passed last month). Then, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the House Resources Committee must approve measures spelling out details for ANWR development. According to news reports, it may take seven to 10 years before oil begins flowing from the Coastal Plain. Nevertheless, the Senate vote was welcomed by the administration and by pro-exploration groups including the SIU and other unions. “The SIU strongly believes that safe exploration of ANWR’s Coastal Plain will create good jobs for Americans and also lessen our nation’s dependence on foreign oil,” said Terry Turner, the union’s political director. “The case for safely opening ANWR is extremely strong, and our union supports energy policies that boost America’s national and economic security.” A week before the vote, citing The Coastal Plain is a relatively small part of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, as illustrated in this map from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. potential domestic job growth and increased economic independence for America, officers and representatives from several trade unions (including the SIU) reaffirmed their support of energy policies that promote those goals. U.S. Interior Secretary Gale Norton met with officials from the SIU, Carpenters, Iron Workers, Laborers, Operating Engineers, Teamsters and United Association unions as well as from the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department. They discussed ANWR and other energy-related issues that impact America’s working families. Vincent Giblin, general president of the Operating Engineers, stated, “We in the Operating Engineers support a diverse ener- Benefits Conferences Begin in April Officials from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) will conduct benefits conferences in April at a number of SIU halls. All active members, pensioners and their spouses are invited to the sessions, which will provide an update on the latest happenings with the various Plans. The locations and dates are as follows: Piney Point (joint conference including Baltimore), April 4 (Monday); New York, April 5 (Tuesday); Philadelphia, April 6 (Wednesday); Norfolk, April 8 (Friday); Wilmington, April 18 (Monday); San Francisco, April 20 (Wednesday); Tacoma, April 22 (Friday); Houston, April 25 (Monday); New Orleans (joint conference including Mobile), April 26 (Tuesday); Jacksonville, April 28 (Thursday). Please note that the conferences in Piney Point, New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington and Tacoma will immediately follow the membership meetings at those halls. All other conferences will begin at 10:30 a.m. gy bill in order to strengthen America’s energy options, including oil and gas development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Such legislation would have tremendous potential job growth for Operating Engineers.” According to Arctic Power, a non-profit coalition that favors safe exploration of ANWR, opening the Coastal Plain would create at least 250,000 jobs and possibly as many as 735,000. That’s despite the fact that only 2,000 acres within ANWR’s 19.6 million acres would be considered for exploration. (A typical U.S. airport generally would be about five times larger than the proposed exploration area.) The Interior Department estimates that the Coastal Plain may contain up to 16 billion barrels of recoverable oil, easily making that area America’s most likely location for substantial oil and gas discovery. Following the March 16 vote, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico) stated, “I recognize that the vote today is the first of several votes this year regarding ANWR. I will continue working toward the opportunity to develop our greatest onshore oil reserve.” According to government estimates, oil companies would be able to pump nearly 1 million barrels a day from the refuge. The U.S. uses about 7 billion barrels of oil per year. April 2005 �26893_P5,7,15,19,20.qxd 3/28/2005 6:09 PM Page 5 Union Speaks Out About Towing Vessel Inspections In the recently enacted Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004, the Congress directed the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to add towing vessels to the list of craft subject to inspections, and to consider establishing a safety management system appropriate for towing vessels. The USCG, during a series of meetings held recently in selected cities around the country, sought public and industry involvement as they considered how to proceed. SIU Vice President Great Lakes Thomas Orzechowski on Feb. 17 attended one of the public meetings in St. Louis. During that gathering, Orzechowski presented the SIU’s position on the towing vessel inspection issue. “We were the only labor body to make an appearance and make a statement,” Orzechowski said. “About 99 percent of those who attended the meeting represented shipowners and other components of the maritime industry besides labor.” In part, Orzechowski told those assembled, “First and foremost, the SIU welcomes this legislative mandate that has been characterized as the most significant federal action affecting the towing industry since 1972, when towboat operations were required to be licensed. If implemented as intended by Congress, the SIU believes that the inspection requirement will go a long way in improving overall safety on tugs and tows on the inland rivers and coastal waterways. “The SIU unalterably disagrees with the interpretation of the law by many in the towing industry and perhaps, the Coast Guard itself, that the establish- ment of a safety management system will satisfy the requirement for towing vessels inspections. Although we support the establishment of safety management systems for the towing industry as a supplement to vessel inspections, the SIU believes that such a system will not meet Congressional intent and spirit of the law. “This position was recently validated by Representative James Oberstar (D-Minn.), ranking member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in a trade magazine interview, as he rendered his belief that the inspection of towing vessels will have to meet the same legal standards that govern inspections of other classes of vessels. In fact, he stated ‘in bringing towing vessels under inspection, Congress made no changes to the scope or type of inspection required.’ Further, as reported in the publication, according to the congressman, by law, either the Coast Guard or a classification society with inspection authority will have to inspect towing vessels to ensure compliance and issue a five-year certification of inspection … and in between these inspections, the Coast Guard could oversee a safety management system to make certain repairs and maintenance work are conducted properly.” He continued, “The SIU contends that the level of safety for our members working on uninspected towing vessels must be elevated to the same level found on inspected vessels of comparable size and horsepower. This will certainly occur as all towing vessels begin a physical inspection process. Senator Trent Lott Chairs Maritime Subcommittee U.S. Senator Trent Lott (RMiss.) in early February was appointed chairman of the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee under the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. The Surface Transportation Subcommittee has the most extensive jurisdiction of any of the Commerce Committee’s 10 subcommittees with authority over automobiles, trucks, railroads, Amtrak, maritime and ports, driver safety, transportation of hazardous materials, pipelines and transportation research. Lott, who chaired the Aviation Subcommittee in the 108th Congress, said that he welcomed the responsibility of overseeing improvements in the administration of highway, rail and maritime transportation and safety. “One of our first priorities will be the reauthorization of the trucking and automobile safety titles in the overdue highway bill,” Lott said. “It’s vital that these programs have the stability April 2005 Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss.) of being renewed in a multi-year reauthorization so that the states can get to work on their implementation.” The senator said the subcommittee also would be looking at freight rail and railroad safety issues early in this Congress. “Port security also continues to be an issue, and we want to make certain that our ports aren’t vulnerable,” he noted. “The SIU will be submitting detailed comments to the docket on this most important issue. We look forward to working with the Coast Guard and the towing vessel industry to develop meaningful, safety-oriented towing vessel inspection regulations that will meet Congressional intent, the needs of the industry and enhance the health and workplace safety of our mariners.” Issues that are of specific concern to the USCG, and for which input was requested, include: Towing vessels of a certain size (300 or more gross registered tons) are already inspected vessels and are subject to a variety of existing requirements. Should the USCG use any of these existing standards (or standards for other types of inspected vessels) for incorporation into the new regulations regarding the inspection of towing vessels? If so, which regulations or standards should be incorporated into these new regulations? Title 46, United States Code, specifies the items covered with regard to inspected vessels including lifesaving, firefighting, hull, propulsion equipment, machinery and vessel equipment. However, the legislation that added towing vessels to the list of inspected vessels, authorized that the USCG may prescribe different standards for towing vessels than for other types of inspected vessels. What, if any, different standards should be considered with regard to inspected towing vessel requirements from other inspected vessels? Towing vessels vary widely in terms of size, horsepower, areas of operation, and type of operation. Under what circumstances, if any, should a towing vessel be exempt from the requirements as an inspected vessel? Should existing towing vessels be given time to implement requirements, be “grandfathered” altogether from them, or should this practice vary from require- SIU VP Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski ment to requirement? Should existing towing vessels be treated differently from towing vessels yet to be built? The same act that requires inspection of towing vessels authorizes the USCG to develop a safety management system appropriate for the towing vessels. If such a system is developed, should its use be required for all inspected towing vessels? Examples of existing safety management systems include the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. If a safety management system is used, what elements should be included in such a system? New National Maritime Security Group Analyzes Port, Shipboard Safety The National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (NMSAC) from March 3-4 conducted its first meeting in Alexandria, Va. The conference partly served as a get-acquainted forum for the newly created body’s 20 charter members, including Bill Eglinton, director of training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Several top officials from Department of Homeland Security agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard also were in attendance. A series of briefings then took center stage. Presentations were given on the Commercial Operations Advisory Committee, Sector Coordinating Councils, and credentials. The status of the nation’s ports, towing issues to include towing vessel inspections, and probable agendas for future International Maritime Organization meetings also were addressed. Several noteworthy facts surfaced during the presentations involving U.S. ports: There are 3, 500 different port facilities in the United States. An estimated 9,500 American-flag vessels (inspected and uninspected) utilize these ports annually. Some 8,000 foreign-flag vessels also enter and exit these same ports on a yearly basis. These ports account for about $750 billion to the U.S. economy each year Once each of the gathering’s agenda topics had been ad- USCG photo by PA1 Mike Hvozda The Coast Guard cutter Hawser steams up the East River near lower Manhattan during a Homeland Security patrol last month. dressed, the committee decided to form the following four working groups: credentialing, communications, immigration and consistency The DHS in January established the NMSAC under the U.S. Coast Guard. Its mission is to provide advice to the DHS via the Coast Guard on matters such as national maritime security strategy and policy, actions required to meet current and future security threats, international cooperation on security issues, and security concerns of the maritime transportation industry as mandated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. USCG photo by PA3 Prentice Danner Petty Officer Frederick Leland and his K-9 counterpart Asia search a tanker vessel for explosives in the Port of Long Beach, Calif. on Feb. 23. Seafarers LOG 5 �26893_P2,4,6,12,13.qxd 3/24/2005 3:40 PM Page 6 USNS Roy Wheat Crew Donates to Marine Charity Crew members and officers from the Seafarers-contracted USNS Roy Wheat recently donated money to a non-profit group benefiting the families of wounded U.S. Marines. The crew donated $1,000 in honor of the ship’s namesake to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, a non-profit organization that “provides grants to the families of wounded Marines and Sailors who are struggling to make ends meet while helping their injured loved one recover,” the U.S. Military Sealift Command reported. The USNS Wheat is one of MSC’s 16 civilian-crewed, noncombatant Maritime Prepositioning Ships that boost combat readiness by strategically prepositioning U.S. Marine Corps combat cargo and equipment at sea. The SIU-crewed ship is named for Lance Cpl. Roy M. Wheat, who received the Medal of Honor for sacrificing his life to save the lives of two of his fellow Marines while serving in Vietnam. The 864-foot ship is operated by Keystone Shipping Co. for MSC. The crew received a $1,000 cash award from Keystone for conducting accidentfree operations throughout the past year. Instead of purchasing items such as exercise equipment and books to improve the quality of life aboard ship, the Wheat’s 31 mariners voted unanimously to donate the cash award to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. MSC quoted the ship’s captain as expressing “a certain kinship with the Marines we serve.” The decision to donate to the Marine Corps fund was reached while the vessel was in a shipyard in Mobile, Ala., according to the company. Those participating in the decision included the following SIU members: Bosun Charlie Haggins, Electrician Frank Michalski, Storekeeper Anthony Simon, Demac Renee Vasquez and Steward Emmanuel Zephyr. MFOW Announces Election Results The Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers Association (MFOW) recently announced the results of its election for officers. Anthony Poplawski ran unopposed for the office of president, the union reported. He succeeds Henry “Whitey” Disley, who retired following more Anthony Poplawski is the than 30 years in office. Poplawski and the other newly new president of the MFOW. elected officials began a two-year term of office on March 15. The election ended on Feb. 2 and is subject to membership ratification. The MFOW also announced that William O’Brien is the union’s new vice president. He defeated two other candidates. Like Disley, former MFOW Vice President Robert Iwata retired and did not seek reelection. The MFOW is affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America. The SIU-crewed USNS Roy Wheat is part of the Military Sealift Command’s fleet of prepositioning ships. College Credits Approved for PHC Continued from page 3 The Paul Hall Center’s Academic Department reported that eight credits (total) were recommended for five of the unlicensed apprentice courses. The steward department courses reviewed were the Advanced Galley Operations and Chief Steward classes that resulted in the recommendation of 10 additional credits in that department. The Galley Operations and Certified Chief Cook programs were reviewed in 2001. Chef John Hetmanski, an instructor at the school, expressed his pleasure that now all of the courses in the steward department have ACE credit approval and can provide new educational opportunities for members of the department. In the deck department, 19 credits were approved, 10 of which are new. The deck department courses reviewed were Tanker (PIC) Barge (DL), Specially Trained Ordinary Seaman, AB/Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch, and Bridge Resource Management (Unlimited) and Celestial Navigation. Added to the growing list of courses approved by ACE are Fundamentals of Navigation, ECDIS and Tanker Person-inCharge Deep Sea (DL). For many of these courses the review committee recommended credits in Job Well Done on USNS Pomeroy An aerial view of the Paul Hall Center, where college credit is offered for completion of certain classes. Maritime Operations and Technologies. For the engine department a total of 45 credits were recommended for the FOWT, Junior Engineer, Marine Refrigeration Technician, Marine Refrigeration Containers Maintenance, Machinist, Chief Electrician and Marine Electrician courses. Likewise, the review committee recommended that many of these courses receive lower-level college credit in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Marine Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology or Industrial Maintenance Technology. It has long been the policy of ACE that learning outside the classroom can be measured for college credit. Since 1945, ACE’s Military Evaluation Program has assessed formal military courses in terms of academic credit. In 1974, the College Credit Recommendation Service was created to evaluate learning in business and industry settings. The Paul Hall Center called upon ACE in those early years to begin evaluating its courses in order to provide additional educational and training opportunities for its students and to verify the quality of the courses offered to the mariners. Since this initial collaboration with ACE, the College Credit Recommendation Service has saved mariners thousands of dollars in college tuition as students have submitted their course work from the Paul Hall Center to meet college course requirements. Colleges and universities have also been well-served by the program, because qualified adults from the workforce have been motivated to complete their postsecondary education knowing that their previous studies and life experiences can convert into college credits. It is important to note that each college or university determines which of the courses approved by ACE will be accepted toward a certificate or a degree. Students planning to use their Paul Hall Center courses for credit, or wanting information on how ACE-recommended credits could assist them with their continuing education, should contact the Academic Department at the Paul Hall Center prior to submitting their transcript. Any students who have already received transcripts from the center may also want to check with the Academic Department to see if the recent reviews have added additional credits to their transcripts. The school may be reached at (301) 994-0010. Pensioners Get Direct Deposit The master aboard the USNS Pomeroy last month commended SIU members for their work aboard the ship in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “The crew did an outstanding job operating the vessel from the start of cargo operations in Kuwait until the completion of the download operations in Corpus Christi, Texas,” Captain Mike Finnigan noted. After the mission, “lots of crew were looking forward to heading to Piney Point for training and upgrading of their Coast Guard endorsements.” Pictured aboard the vessel are ABs Adrian Jones, Mark Hummel, Miles Janecka, Samuel Morgan and Sacarias Suazo; OSs Isaac Diaz and Asaad Al-Waseem; Storekeeper Christopher Maye; QMED/Electrician John Bouton; Steward/Baker Javier Delosreyes; Chief Cook Toni Johnson; SA Beverly Stevens; and SIU Patrolman Michael Russo. 6 Seafarers LOG The Seafarers Pension Plan last month announced that the Plan’s trustees have authorized implementation of a direct deposit program for SIU pensioners. According to a letter from Seafarers Plans Administrator Bill Dennis to SIU pensioners that was scheduled to be mailed March 28, for those who sign up for the direct deposit program, “Your benefit would be automatically deposited to either your checking or savings account on the last business day of the month prior to the month that you are being paid for, thus guaranteeing that your pension would be available when it is due. We plan to implement this program effective with the June pension payment.” The letter included an enrollment form which also will be available on the SIU web site (www.seafarers.org). The direct deposit program is set up only for banks located in the United States and Puerto Rico. April 2005 �26893_P5,7,15,19,20.qxd 3/28/2005 6:10 PM Page 7 Officials from ITF, U.S. Gov’t Review Treatment of Mariners ITF Inspector Credits Agencies for ‘Joint Effort’ Four individuals from the international maritime labor community and officials from several U.S. government agencies recently met to discuss circumstances surrounding the 2004 detention of 13 Filipino seamen and the allegations which subsequently were levied. SIU International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Inspector Enrico Esopa and fellow ITF Seafarers’ Section colleagues George A. Quick, Jeff Engels and Dwayne Boudreaux on March 2 converged on the Office of the Judge Advocate General at headquarters, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), to converse with officials from the Department of State, Department of Justice, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the USCG about alleged misconduct on the part of the U.S. during the aforementioned incident and what could be done to prevent future occurrences of such episodes. The 13 Filipino crew members last year were detained as material witnesses in a criminal proceeding involving the discharge of oil at sea. They were prohibited from leaving the United States for five months, but were not adequately provided for by U.S. authorities and were reduced to living on charity furnished by the port community in Los Angeles/ Long Beach. Among other issues, four main areas were discussed during the ITF/U.S. Government agency meeting: Security pacts – When shipowners and crew members are charged with crimes, the usual procedure is to release the ship following the investigation and once enough financial assets have been posted as security to cover potential fines or expenses. The terms of such agreements should specify the obligations of the shipowner as well as the circumstances under which the U.S. government will be permitted to take action against the financial assets of the company. In the situation at hand, the agreement only required the shipowner to provide for the crew members until November 2004. When the case was delayed beyond that date, the owner abandoned the crew. It was agreed during the meeting that future security agreements will be negotiated that provide for reasonable lodging, meals, medical care and continuation of normal wages and benefits until the end of legal proceedings and the repatriation of seafarers. No time limits will be instituted, and the responsible ITF coordinator will be included in the discussions for negotiation of security agreements. Protection from retaliation – The ITF was concerned that crew members who cooperate during criminal investigations against shipowners might be blackballed and denied future employment through agencies in their home countries. It was agreed that security pacts should have provisions against retaliation by the shipowners or their agents. Security agreements only can be enforced while financial assets are posted in the United States. These controls are no longer in effect when criminal proceedings are concluded. Since criminal proceedings end with the entering of a plea agreement to the courts, it was agreed that the plea agreements will incorporate the non-retaliation clause to bring them under court jurisdiction. Proper method of arrest – The ITF faction objected to the procedures employed against crew members who are material witnesses. The federation representatives described the use of armed force and handcuffs to remove peaceful mariners from a vessel as “unwarranted and excessive.” The government response was that such procedures were in place primarily for the safety of arresting officers. Arresting officers do not want to be placed in the position of having to decide who may or may not represent a threat to them. Consideration now is being given to a more appropriate procedure for voluntary surrender. Expediting the proceedings – Members of the ITF group pointed out that their primary goal was the timely release of crew members and their return to their vessel or repatriation. They also questioned whether it was necessary to detain mariners when their testimony could be preserved by deposition. The government response was that they are hampered by procedural rules and defense attorneys’ tactics that slow down the system, among other delays. All parties concerned agreed that each agency would benefit from continuing communications through forums such as their meeting. Perhaps Esopa spoke for everyone involved when he noted, “It was a good joint effort. We got a lot of things out in the open. It was a first-rate meeting, and the government deserves credit for being so open to our suggestions.” As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, the Filipino crew members in question on Sept. 14 were detained by the USCG when their runaway-flag vessel, the cargo ship MV Katerina, was boarded and impounded. In addition to finding a host of violations relating to living conditions aboard the ship, officials discovered that the vessel’s oil sludge filter had been disabled and that the captain, chief engineer and second engineer had ordered the crew to dump oil waste and sewage overboard and conceal it from Coast Guard inspectors. One of the ship’s officers allegedly threatened crew members with bodily harm if they cooperated with the Coast Guard. When their vessel was impounded, the crew initially lived in a Holiday Inn in San Pedro, Calif. The shipowner stopped paying the hotel bill before Thanksgiving, so the crew in mid-December was sleeping on the floor of a charity group’s offices in Long Beach. They had no work permits, so they were not allowed to hold jobs. Report Takes Hard Look At Port Vulnerability The United States is using technology, intelligence, international cooperation and other resources in an effort to thwart a potential terrorist nuclear attack on its seaports. Despite these efforts, according to a Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report for Congress authored by Jonathan Medalia, the country’s ability to detect a bomb appears limited. Given this state of affairs, Medalia noted in “Terrorist Nuclear Attacks on Seaports: Threat and Response,” a terrorist nuclear attack on a U.S. seaport could cause local devastation and affect the global economy. Medalia is a specialist in National Defense in the CRS’s Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Division. Terrorists might obtain a bomb in several ways, the report said. Each method, however, poses difficulties for the U.S, the report noted. Already, terrorists have tried April 2005 to obtain weapons of mass destruction (WMD)—chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons. While it would probably be more difficult for terrorists to obtain or produce a nuclear weapon than other WMDs, Medalia warned that an attack on ports using a nuclear weapon warrants consideration because in some ways it would have more significant end result. According to the report, a terrorist Hiroshima-sized nuclear bomb exploded in a port would destroy buildings out to a mile or two; ignite fires, especially in a port that handled petroleum and chemicals; spread fallout over many square miles; disrupt commerce and kill many people. Medalia noted that many ports are located in major U.S. cities. A 10- to 20-kiloton weapon detonated in a major seaport would kill 50,000 to 1 million people. Further, the explosion would result in Meanwhile federal prosecutors forced DST Shipping Co., the ship’s operator, to post a $500,000 bond to ensure that it would respond to any future federal subpoenas and to pay for the crew’s lodging while the vessel was made seaworthy. Once upgrades were effected on the Katerina, however, it sailed away and the company reneged on its promise to pay the hotel bill. Since the crew had agreed to cooperate with federal prosecutors in their case against the vessel’s officers and had no place to stay, the government intervened. The one option that the U.S. government had at the time, according to a U.S. Attorney office spokesperson in Los Angeles, was to arrest them, detain them as material witnesses and place them in the care of the U.S. government. U.S. marshals consequently took them into custody. They later were released to a charitable group which arranged for their housing and subsistence until the completion of the trial. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Jan. 31 lodged a protest against the American authorities for their treatment of the crewmen prior to the trial. Published reports quote DFA spokesman Gilbert Asuque as saying that the 13 Filipino crew- men were handcuffed and shackled with leg irons after being subpoenaed as material witnesses for the criminal case by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California. “These are not defense witnesses. These are government witnesses. They invited these people and they still cuffed them. They should show them some courtesy,” Asuque was quoted as saying during a radio interview. “The Attorney General’s Office said this is standard procedure during criminal cases. We are protesting this,” he said, adding that the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. has sent a note to the U.S. Department of State on the ill treatment. In a related development, Ioannis Kallikis, of Athens, Greece, captain of the MV Katerina on Feb. 16 pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles to charges that he obstructed justice by advising other crew members to destroy and conceal from USGC inspectors incriminating telexes relating to the use of bypass pipes on the vessel. The bypass pipe had been used to illegally discharge oil into the Pacific Ocean. Illegally discharging oil into the ocean can harm fish and other aquatic life. Junior Engineer Program Graduates 1st Female Students The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education’s junior engineer program that leads to receiving U.S. Coast Guard endorsements for junior engineer and deck engineer has graduated its first two female mariners. Lisa A. Harewood (left) of Brooklyn, N.Y. and Sharon D. Gilliam of Virginia Beach, Va. completed the 12-week course late last month. Gilliam is a member of the union’s Government Services Division. The class has been taught twice a year since its approval by the Coast Guard in 2002. During that time, 64 mariners have successfully completed the training. The program consists of four courses: auxiliary plant maintenance; basic electricity; basic refrigeration and HVAC; and basic propulsion systems maintenance. The junior engineer program is a prerequisite for all advanced engine department courses. direct property damage of $50 to $500 billion, plus $100 to $200 billion in losses because of trade disruption and indirect costs ranging from $300 billion to $1.2 trillion. Medalia suggested that there are many ways through which terrorists could attempt to smuggle a bomb into a U.S. port. One method would be via containers—metal boxes which can be moved between a tractor-trailer, a rail car or vessel. These boxes normally are 8 feet wide by 8-1/2 feet high by 20 or 40 feet long. Some 9 million of these containers enter the United States per year laden with global cargo. Sheer numbers alone also make containers potential couriers to terrorists. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agents screen data for all containers and reportedly inspect about 6 percent of them. These containers could hold a nuclear weapon, giving credibility to the proposition—held by many—that ports and containers are vulnerable. The report quotes an unidentified FBI official as stating, “The intelligence that we have certainly points to the ports as a key vulnerability of the United States and of a key interest to certain terrorist groups….” CBP Commissioner Robert Bonner believes an attack using a nuclear bomb in a container would halt container shipments, leading to “devastating” consequences for the global economy. …” People can, however, find ways to minimize economic problems, the report said. The main approach to reducing vulnerability to a terrorist nuclear attack is defense in depth, the report noted, using multiple methods to detect and stop a weapon. It would be harder to evade several methods than one. In addition, such an approach seeks to push detection and interdiction far from U.S. shores. While there are a great many national and international U.S.-led programs already on line and in operation, the report concluded that three main issues are at the forefront for Congress with respect to thwarting a nuclear attack: safeguarding foreign nuclear material, mitigating economic effects of an attack, and allocating funds between ports and other potential targets. Seafarers LOG 7 �Pg3,8_11,14,16_18,21_24.qxd 3/23/2005 5:16 PM Page 8 Merchant Marine’s Vital Role In National, Economic Security Spelled Out by MTD Speakers The U.S. Merchant Marine received overwhelming support from high-ranking representatives of the military, Congress and the administration during the recent meetings of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO executive board in Las Vegas. Offering their solid backing of maritime labor were U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta; Gen. John Handy, commander, U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM); U.S. Reps. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.), Norm Dicks (D-Wash.) and William Jefferson (D-La.); Acting U.S. Maritime Administrator John Jamian; Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Steven Blust; and Navy League of the United States President Sheila McNeill. MTD President Michael Sacco chaired the meetings, which took place Feb. 24-25. He described the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role as the nation’s fourth arm of defense, and talked about the efforts of U.S. citizen seafarers in U.S. Rep. Norm Dicks (D-Wash.) Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and in tsunami relief actions. “As many of you know, during the past three years, at least 20,000 union members have been called up as reservists in the war in Iraq,” Sacco observed. “At the same time, more than 4,000 members of our maritime unions have loaded and transported materiel to support our troops in the Persian Gulf. No matter our individual feelings about the political aspects of Operation Iraqi Freedom, I know that all of you join me in supporting our troops and particularly supporting our union brothers and sisters who are serving overseas.” Secretary Mineta noted, “We are a maritime nation. And the maritime industry is essential to our economic strength, to our productivity, and to the creation of American jobs.” He pointed out that the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) “supports the war on terror by giving us the wherewithal Navy League of the United States President Sheila McNeill MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (right in each photo) welcomes guest speakers to the executive board meetings: U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta; Gen. John Handy, commander, TRANSCOM; and U.S. Rep. William Jefferson (D-La.). to carry equipment and supplies to those charged with defending our freedom and expanding liberty. This program is one more important measure of the maritime industry’s vital importance to our economic and national security, and our commitment to addressing its needs.” Mineta further pointed out that the MSP fleet later this year will expand to 60 ships from its current level of 47. “When the new MSP begins on October 1 of this year, it will bring greater opportunities and more jobs for U.S. citizens,” he said. General Handy thanked everyone involved in the maritime industry for their efforts in supporting the movement of materiel in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He cited the vast amount of cargo moved during the past three-plus years for those missions: 2.2 million people since October 2001 and almost 4.6 million short tons by sea, not counting 57.1 million barrels of fuel. Handy described the country’s union maritime workers as “incredible Americans” and said that they “stand tall and make you proud as Americans. We couldn’t do it without the incredible support of the nation’s unions.” He noted that 85 percent of the tonnage moved by TRANSCOM goes by sea. “The contribution of our commercial partners and the people you represent is dramatic. We don’t get these jobs done without that very strong tie.” The general further pointed out that the carrying capacity of one LMSR is equivalent to 420 C-17 airlifts. “That is incredible capability, and I wish every single American could understand and appreciate what this nation can do when we team together. But we can’t rest on those laurels. We need to modernize our shipping. We need to modernize our airlift capability.” Berkley said the nation’s cabotage laws are “true national security. I am a supporter of the Jones Act, and I support the Maritime Security Program Fleet.” Dicks echoed those senti- ments, saying that the MSP “is the biggest bargain the government has. This is insurance that saves the government billions of dollars that would be required to build and maintain those ships.” Continued on page 20 U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.) Paul Hall Center’s VSO Class 1st with MarAd Certification, Secretary Mineta Announces During his remarks to the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO executive board, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta delivered big news concerning the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The secretary announced that the Paul Hall Center’s vessel security officer (VSO) course is the first such curriculum approved by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd). He then congratulated SIU President Michael Sacco, the union and the Piney Point, Md.based school for the distinction. The VSO course may be useful for unlicensed and licensed mariners alike, because a ship’s master may designate any crew member to be in charge of vessel security. “This was a great team effort on the part of the instructors, administrators and others,” noted Paul Hall Center Curriculum Development Coordinator Lois Stephenson. “It demonstrated a truly coordinated push by the school, the union and its contracted companies on a matter of great importance to the entire industry: vessel security and related 8 Seafarers LOG mariner training.” The Paul Hall Center’s VSO curriculum consists of 12.5 hours of instruction. According to the school, students who successfully complete the class should be able to undertake the duties and responsibilities of a Ship Security Officer as defined in Section A/12.2 of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Among several others, those duties may include handling regular security inspections of the ship to ensure that appropriate security measures are maintained; maintaining and supervising the implementation of the ship security plan; coordinating the security aspects of the handling of cargo and ship’s stores with other shipboard personnel and with the relevant port facility security officers; proposing modifications to the ship security plan; and reporting to the company security officer any deficiencies and non-conformities identified during internal audits, periodic reviews, security inspections and verifications of compliance and implementing any corrective actions. School personnel noted that efforts to attain U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta (left) presents MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco with a certificate noting government certification of the Paul Hall Center’s vessel security officer course. the needed certification dated to late 2003, when the center’s curriculum development department was tasked with working out a VSO course to meet the industry’s needs. While awaiting finalization of the government approval process, the Paul Hall Center moved forward with the VSO training beginning last year. To date, approximately 200 students have completed the class, both at the Paul Hall Center and at their respective workplaces. That includes mariners from both the deep sea and inland divisions. U.S. Maritime Administrator John Jamian Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Steven Blust April 2005 �Pg3,8_11,14,16_18,21_24.qxd 3/23/2005 5:35 PM Page 9 Freedom to Unionize Must Be Protected Several speakers at the MTD executive board meetings examined key issues facing the labor movement, with special emphasis by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney on the critical need to protect workers’ rights to join a union. Sweeney, MTD President Michael Sacco, U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.) and U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) addressed important topics affecting America’s working families that the federation, its member unions (including the SIU) and pro-worker legislators are tackling. The board also passed a resolution supporting the Employee Free Choice Act—legislation designed to end discrimination against workers who try to organize. Additionally, Sacco and Sweeney offered comments on potential restructuring within the AFL-CIO, the national federation of unions. Sacco, who also serves as president of the SIU, praised the work done by Sweeney and described him as a “great role model for a labor leader. He’s done a tremendous job. Through his leadership and his team, we will continue to move along and do what we must do to protect the job security of our people.” “At a time like this, I think it’s important to remember the many great things about the labor movement, and what we’re capable of when we work together,” Sacco added. As just one recent example, he pointed to organized labor’s united efforts aiding tsunami victims, including the establishment of a relief fund through the Center for International Solidarity and the mobilization of aid workers. Further, he noted that members of the SIU and other maritime unions sailed more than a dozen ships into the disaster area. They carried food, fuel, medical supplies, construction and roadbuilding equipment, power generators and more. “That type of giving and caring—that type of unselfishness and dedication—reflect what the labor movement is all about,” Sacco added. “The bottom line is that the things that have always been good about the labor movement are still good today. Unions do more good for more working families than any other organizations out there.” Sweeney said that workers “need unions now more than ever, and millions would join unions if given a fair chance. That’s a fact. But our unions are struggling to help new workers organize, as more and more jobs are shipped overseas—as employers continue to use an endless variety of legal and illegal tactics to fight us. And as the NLRB (National Labor Relations Board) helps them by eroding the protections of the law.” He added that organized labor needs “a strong, coordinated April 2005 AFL-CIO President John Sweeney campaign to restore the freedom of every worker to organize a union and gain a voice at work.” He touched on internal challenges in the movement and the various proposals that have been submitted to restructure the federation. “We all agree on the need and the urgency to change and to grow…. Unity is our greatest asset. That does not mean we should avoid debate, but there can be no real solution that undermines the unity of working people.” MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco greets U.S. Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif.) at the executive board meetings. Sanchez reminded audience members about the labor movement’s many key accomplishments throughout its history. She noted that unions won the eighthour work day, overtime pay, the 40-hour work week, pension plans, health care plans and the Family Medical and Leave Act. “Labor did that for all American workers, whether they were in a union or not,” she stated. “Each of these ideas of labor collectively working together … were an important piece of mak- ing the standard of living of Americans something that every country envied.” Sanchez was one of several speakers who expressed deep distress over the national health care crisis, pointing out that it is a long-term problem. Additionally, she cited concerns regarding government workers losing their collective bargaining rights under the guise of homeland security. She further suggested that the danger extended well beyond those individuals U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) losing their rights: “Where our government workers go, so goes the private sector.” Thompson emphasized the need for unions to continue organizing new members and pledged his ongoing support to America’s working families. He noted that he has a 100 percent voting record for labor, despite representing part of a socalled right-to-work state. “I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for organized labor,” he said. MTD Board Tackles Key Issues The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, consists of 29 international unions (including the SIU) and 24 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing approximately 6.5 million working men and women. The MTD executive board met Feb. 2425 in Las Vegas, where board members and guests addressed numerous issues of importance to the U.S. Merchant Marine and to all working families. The articles on this page and page 8 are based on remarks and policy statements presented at the meetings. Seafarers LOG 9 �Pg3,8_11,14,16_18,21_24.qxd 3/28/2005 6:44 PM Page 10 Activities Around the Port of Houston Following a meeting on the G&H tug Denia are (from left) Roy Lindley Jr., Charles Barnes, Bradley Albrecht and Forrest Albrecht. Crew members from the Denia and the Manta join forces for a group photo. They include William Ulch, William Ulch Jr., Michael Zepeda, Jacques Mouttet and Jack Gonzalez. In photo at right, Houston Patrolman Michael Russo is surrounded by crew members from the Global Patriot (above) after holding a shipboard meeting aboard the DynMarine vessel. The Global Patriot is the former Buffalo Soldier. When Houston Safety Director Kevin Marchand (right) serviced the USNS Pomeroy in Beaumont, Texas recently, he met up with an old friend, John Kolodziej. The two used to be roommates years ago and are best of friends, even though they had not seen each other in a long time. Kolodziej has come a long way in a short period of time, notes Marchand, by working hard and upgrading at every opportunity. Now he is sailing as a bosun and enjoying life at sea. After meeting with the Houston patrolman, crew members aboard the Charleston gather for a group photo (above right). At left are Steward/Baker Charles Roland (left) and ACU Gamal Asaad. Right: Leoncio Gonzalez, who sails from the port of Houston, just boarded the Lykes Navigator, where he will be the chief cook. These four photos of crew members were taken aboard Sealift’s Wilson. The photo above left was shot on the gangway in Lake Charles, La. before setting sail for Galveston. The others were taken in Galveston following a visit by Safety Director Kevin Marchand. The freighter makes runs to Africa, primarily loaded with grain, but sometimes also is called upon to carry containers. Members of the steward department on the vessel include GSTU Ricardo Arauz, Steward/Baker Arturo Rodriguez, Chief Cook Lizzie Robinson and GSTU Teodoro Flores. The deck department includes OS Melvin Mitchell, AB Miles Souders, AB Christopher Hodder, OMU Antonio Myrick, Bosun Andrew Jones and STOS Angel Manlunas. G&H Towing in Galveston has just taken delivery of a new Z-drive tug, the William M. The tug actually is owned by McAllister Towing but currently is under lease to G&H until their new ones come come out of the yard. G&H Towing is building two new Z-drive tugs for use in the Houston harbor area. 10 Seafarers LOG April 2005 �Pg3,8_11,14,16_18,21_24.qxd 3/23/2005 7:13 PM Page 11 Happy Holidays at Sea . . . . . . Aboard the Alaskan Frontier The holidays aboard the SIU-crewed Alaskan Frontier were all the merrier with help from the galley gang. From the left are Chief Cook Saleh Ahmed, Steward/Baker Greg Lynch and SA Welington Furment. As the year 2004 came to an end, crew members aboard the Alaskan Frontier were the first to celebrate the holidays on the newly built tanker. Chief Cook Saleh Ahmed considers himself lucky to be among the first to help celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s on the state-of-the-art double-hull oil tanker, commanded by Capt. Richard Beza. He also believes the delicious holidays meals presented to the crew couldn’t have been such a success without the help of Steward/Baker Greg Lynch, Chief Steward John Huyett and the able assistance of SA Welington Furment. The Alaskan Frontier is the first of four Alaska-class double-hull oiler tankers being built for BP Oil Shipping Co., USA and was delivered last August. The environmentally friendly tanker is operated by SIUcontracted Alaska Tanker Company. The Alaskan Frontier and the other tankers in the Alaska Class allow maximum flexibility for oil deliveries from Alaska to West Coast ports, including BP refineries in Los Angeles, Calif., and Cherry Point, Wash. . . . Aboard the PFC Eugene A. Obregon Pre-positioning ships like the SIU-crewed Obregon are chartered by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) and carry ammunition, supplies and military vehicles. They are stationed in areas of the world where there is the potential for conflict or a crisis requiring rapid availability of military equipment. As on other ships that are at sea over the holidays, steward department members try especially hard to make the occasions cheerful and festive and with lots of good food, as is evidenced by a copy of the Christmas menu below. Assistant Cook/Utility Chris D’Andrea prepares a plate for one crew member while Chief Cook Jessie Burnett makes up another order. Left: Bosun Bernard “Hutch” Hutcherson enjoys the Christmas dinner with ABs Bill Kratsas, Jason Farr and Angelo Acosta. Chief Steward Patrick Helton applies an egg wash to one of two horns o’plenty before it goes into the oven. It will later be used as a centerpiece for the dessert table. SA Erin Davis stands ready to replenish items on the dessert table as needed. SA Rene Alfaro looks over the salad bar that he and the chief steward put together. The twin turkeys are almost ready, according to Chief Cook Jessie Burnett. April 2005 The assortment of items in the salad bar alone seems to be enough for a meal. Seafarers LOG 11 �26893_P2,4,6,12,13.qxd 3/28/2005 7:22 PM Page 12 Darin Heine Marie Acosta, upholsterer Ryan Arisumi, assistant maître d’ Monica Pratt, senior stateroom steward Kari Moore, restaurant hostess Erwin Villegas at pool barbecue Steven Soltysik, assistant carpenter The “Aloha Spirit” is alive and well aboard the SIU-c Aloha. Taken earlier this year aboard the NCL Amer sailed on one of its seven-day cruises around the Ha these photos show some of the reasons for the ship’s s Whether’s it’s keeping the engines going, the cabins guests well fed and happy—the Seafarers aboard this v of the best trained in their field and have truly helped flag deep sea cruise ship industry a new beginning. Now, more good news is on the way as the com preparations for the launching of the Pride of America and the Pride of Hawaii in 2006. There may be so among the ships, but what remains constant is the positi tude of the Seafarers who make each voyage a safe an Matthew Meehan, assistant waiter Antonio Dayrit The crew galley gang 12 Seafarers LOG Vacuuming hotel deck 5 Yolanda Freeman, stateroom stewardess Deborah Figue April 2005 �26893_P2,4,6,12,13.qxd 3/28/2005 7:24 PM Page 13 Crystal Johnson, junior waitress during a passenger drill Margaret “Maggie” Young, head steward room supervisor The muster leaders: Lisa Robertson, restaurant and Shannon Murphy, cruise staff Jaylin Allen, utility hotel Ernesto Lomboy, AB watch The bakeshop SIU-crewed Pride of America vessel as it e Hawaiian Islands, p’s success. bins spotless or the this vessel are some lped give the U.S.company continues erica later this year, e some differences positive, can-do attie and happy one. The reception crew John Menley, 2nd baker Nikkee Pan Figueroa, Nikkee Pan, Pamela “Sunshine” Woods, Crystal Johnson April 2005 Robert Murray, deck steward/bar department Pacific Heights galley gang Seafarers LOG 13 �Pg3,8_11,14,16_18,21_24.qxd 3/23/2005 8:11 PM Page 14 In and Around the Mobile Hall B eginning with the expansion of the cotton trade in the 1800s, the port of Mobile has been a major participant in America's waterborne commerce and has contributed to the region's and the nation's economic well being. Depicted in these photos is some of the recent SIU activity around that port. AB Stephen Thompson and his wife, Joyce, look over a copy of the latest Seafarers LOG on a recent visit to the Mobile union hall. PFC EUGENE A. OBREGON — Gathered around a table during the shipboard meeting are (from left) AB Thomas Ward, Bosun Charlie Frisella, AB Michael Long, AB Cleveland West and QMED Mahmoud Khalil. CARIBE PIONEER — Mate Sonny Nguyen (left), OS Steve Kuithe (center) and Cook Ron Gibbs complete another voyage on the Caribe Pioneer, which hauls railroad tanker cars between Mobile and Ponce, P.R. Remembering a Brother MANHATTAN ISLAND — From the left are Floyd Phillips, Nathan Eldridge, Ed Mancke and Daryl Stewart. PFC EUGENE A. OBREGON — Galley gang members on the Obregon include SA Erin Davis, Chief Cook Jessie Burnett, Steward Patrick Helton, ACU Marian Chacon and SA Rene Alfaro. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Robert G. Haller of Williamstown, N.J. kneels in prayer for his late brother Charles “Chuck” William Haller at the U.S. Armed Forces burial grounds in Williamstown on Christmas day. With him is the American flag used in Chuck’s burial services. Chuck Haller was a member of the SIU from 1970 until his death in February 2000. He sailed in the engine department. His younger brother Robert also sails as an engine department member. MANHATTAN ISLAND — Carl Sanderson (left) is the mate aboard the Manhattan Island; Fenton Whitlow is the captain. Membership Approves Tally Comittee Report During the March membership meetings, Seafarers approved the report of the rank-and-file tallying committee, which detailed the results of the recently concluded SIU general election. As constitutionally provided, the union tallying committee did not count the votes for those 25 candidates who were unopposed for any office or job, and such candidates were considered elected. The positions include: Michael Sacco, president John Fay, executive vice president David Heindel, secretary-treasurer Joseph Soresi, vice president Atlantic Coast Dean Corgey, vice president Gulf Coast Nicholas Marrone, vice president West Coast Thomas Orzechowski, vice president Great Lakes and Inland Waters Kermett Mangram, vice president Government Services René Lioeanjie, vice president at large Charles Stewart, vice president at large George Tricker, assistant vice president contracts Nick Celona, assistant vice president Atlantic Coast Ambrose Cucinotta, assistant vice president Gulf Coast Don Anderson, assistant vice president West Coast James McGee, assistant vice president Southern Region, Great Lakes and Inland Waters Chester Wheeler, assistant vice president Government Services Edward Morris, Piney Point port agent Robert Selzer, New York port agent 14 Seafarers LOG Joseph Mieluchowski, Philadelphia port agent Edward Kelly Jr., Mobile port agent Stephen Judd, New Orleans port agent Anthony McQuay, Houston port agent Vincent Coss, San Francisco port agent Rebecca Sleeper, St Louis port agent Donald Thornton, Detroit-Algonac port agent. The report noted that there were two or more candidates in each of the following two races for office: vice president contracts and Baltimore port agent. In those respective elections, the committee reported the following results from eligible votes cast: Vice president contracts—Augustin Tellez received 86 percent of eligible votes cast; Carl Sands received 14 percent. Baltimore port agent—Georg Kenny received 81 percent of eligible votes cast; Michael Murphy received 19 percent. The committee also reported that the membership approved each of the two proposed constitutional amendments appearing on the ballot. In order, the amendments pertained to amending Article XII, qualifications for officers, assistant vice president, headquarters representatives, port agents and other elective jobs and amending the first sentence of Article XIII regarding the election of a credentials committee. The proposed amendments were approved with the majority of eligible votes accounting for 86 and 89 percent, respectively. As reported in previous issues of the Seafarers LOG, voting took place via secret ballot from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31, 2004. The tallying committee was composed of 20 Seafarers (two members elected from each of the SIU’s 10 constitutional halls). Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. April 2005 �26893_P5,7,15,19,20.qxd 3/24/2005 4:26 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea May & June 2005 Membership Meetings FEBRUARY 16 — MARCH 15, 2005 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT 1 0 4 1 3 23 23 0 9 14 28 6 4 1 9 18 0 36 18 2 4 7 7 9 23 31 0 8 12 18 19 1 25 12 8 9 28 12 0 5 1 3 1 23 11 1 2 12 11 6 3 0 1 9 1 13 8 2 0 6 0 10 10 17 0 11 9 16 7 2 1 10 10 0 26 23 0 5 7 7 8 13 12 1 8 11 10 12 4 11 3 3 9 15 16 0 3 1 1 3 7 3 1 1 2 0 1 0 0 0 4 1 8 6 1 0 1 0 3 9 13 0 5 5 12 6 1 0 1 5 0 13 10 1 0 11 1 10 50 56 0 15 40 54 10 8 1 11 36 1 61 27 5 7 7 8 14 37 53 1 11 23 35 21 4 16 26 16 5 57 32 0 5 2 3 1 36 30 1 6 23 35 10 4 1 1 9 1 29 20 198 235 111 160 155 42 85 393 378 217 Port ENGINE DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 5 1 4 11 10 1 8 9 8 12 2 0 3 6 0 6 6 0 0 0 3 8 4 16 1 4 14 13 8 3 2 4 5 0 11 14 2 0 0 0 0 5 9 0 1 2 5 2 0 0 1 1 1 6 6 0 0 2 0 5 9 20 1 3 8 5 5 0 0 4 11 0 11 8 0 0 0 1 5 4 13 0 5 5 6 8 1 2 2 5 0 17 8 0 0 0 1 0 4 5 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 5 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 4 0 1 3 9 1 1 0 0 2 0 9 3 2 0 9 1 9 13 33 0 14 16 20 11 5 1 4 17 0 12 8 0 1 3 4 9 12 30 1 5 13 20 15 5 2 6 9 1 27 15 3 0 2 0 3 6 12 0 4 4 13 6 1 1 2 4 2 8 8 Totals 92 110 41 92 82 23 35 175 178 79 1 0 1 0 7 15 15 0 3 8 13 10 1 4 1 22 1 10 16 0 0 3 1 4 3 22 1 5 4 6 11 2 3 2 3 1 6 8 0 0 1 0 0 2 4 0 0 1 1 6 0 1 0 1 0 4 4 0 0 0 0 9 12 7 0 3 5 14 10 2 0 1 16 0 12 9 0 0 0 0 3 1 10 0 1 0 4 13 1 1 3 1 0 2 6 0 0 1 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 5 0 1 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 2 2 7 0 0 2 7 4 0 1 2 3 0 1 3 1 0 5 1 10 27 35 0 7 18 30 13 1 5 2 44 2 30 40 1 0 4 2 8 8 30 1 9 6 7 17 2 3 1 9 2 10 15 0 0 1 0 1 5 5 0 0 3 4 5 0 2 1 2 0 7 9 128 85 25 100 46 16 34 271 135 45 0 0 0 0 2 2 3 0 1 2 7 0 0 0 3 2 0 5 1 0 1 4 4 5 13 13 0 7 5 22 11 0 20 0 9 1 16 5 2 8 0 3 8 17 17 0 2 7 21 8 0 20 2 6 1 15 10 0 0 0 0 3 4 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 1 0 2 2 2 4 8 0 2 1 12 4 0 5 0 11 1 13 0 0 0 0 0 7 5 5 0 1 2 0 11 0 31 2 3 2 10 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 4 7 0 1 7 10 0 0 0 4 4 0 10 4 0 5 9 4 14 21 31 0 17 12 55 14 0 18 3 15 2 29 12 6 15 2 4 15 29 37 0 3 19 60 14 3 17 0 19 0 26 25 28 136 147 18 68 83 0 62 261 294 446 566 324 370 351 164 154 901 952 635 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Totals All Departments Algonac ..................Friday: May 6, June 10 Baltimore ................Thursday: May 5, June 9 Boston.....................Friday: May 6, June 10 Duluth .....................Wednesday: May 11, June 15 Guam ......................Thursday: May 19, June 23 Honolulu .................Friday: May 13, June 17 Houston ..................Monday: May 9, June 13 Jacksonville ............Thursday: May 5, June 9 Joliet .......................Thursday: May 12, June 16 Mobile ....................Wednesday: May 11, June 15 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: May 10, June 14 New York ...............Tuesday: May 3, June 7 Norfolk ...................Thursday: May 5, June 9 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: May 4, June 8 Port Everglades ......Thursday: May 12, June 16 San Francisco .........Thursday: May 12, June 16 San Juan..................Thursday: May 5, June 9 St. Louis .................Friday: May 13, June 17 Tacoma ...................Friday: May 20, June 24 Wilmington ...............Monday: May 16, June 20 ................................. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. With Seafarers on the Cape Orlando STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Piney Point .............Monday: May 2, June 6 ENTRY DEPARTMENT SIU San Francisco Port Agent Vince Coss (left in both photos above) recently met with crew members (top) on the Cape Orlando in San Francisco. The Cape Orlando (below) is a roll-on/roll-off vessel that is part of the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF). In photo directly above, Coss greets Capt. Frank Johnston, Western Region director for the U.S. Maritime Administration. *“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 2005 Seafarers LOG 15 �Pg3,8_11,14,16_18,21_24.qxd 3/23/2005 8:22 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report FEBRUARY 16 — MARCH 15, 2005 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 12 9 5 3 9 2 0 6 46 3 4 4 3 6 0 0 2 22 0 2 4 3 6 1 1 1 18 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 8 11 4 5 13 0 0 5 46 1 2 4 0 4 0 0 2 13 0 3 5 2 6 1 1 1 19 2 3 7 2 5 0 1 1 21 10 32 14 13 39 7 1 8 124 2 5 4 5 7 1 0 5 29 0 23 0 19 2 0 5 0 49 1 1 3 1 1 1 0 1 9 3 15 7 8 11 2 1 10 57 0 1 6 2 1 0 1 1 12 0 16 2 15 0 1 0 2 36 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 3 6 8 6 11 2 1 5 42 1 5 4 1 15 0 0 1 27 0 17 1 15 0 1 0 0 34 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 4 0 1 7 0 0 3 18 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 1 5 0 0 4 1 1 1 0 1 8 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 2 0 1 6 0 0 3 16 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 4 0 0 3 1 1 1 0 2 8 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 9 3 3 0 5 1 0 3 24 1 0 3 1 4 0 0 1 10 0 3 0 2 3 0 0 0 8 Port 8 5 3 5 3 0 0 2 26 0 0 0 2 5 0 0 0 7 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 5 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 88 37 34 88 24 32 32 223 68 119 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Arthur K. Johannessen of Stavanger, Norway. It was taken in the early ’70s aboard the SS Mariposa on a 13-day voyage to Alaska. He is the third from the right in the second row. Brother Johannessen joined the union in San Francisco, sailing as a room steward and waiter. He notes that Matson Line’s Lurline was his first ship. “It was like a home to me,” he stated in a note accompanying the photo. “We always had the same crew, and we got along so well. I miss them all.” He returned to his native Norway after the ship was sold and ran a mink farm until he took a well-deserved retirement. Now 80 years of age and in good health, Brother Johannessen sends his warmest greetings to all his friends. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. April 2005 �Pg3,8_11,14,16_18,21_24.qxd 3/24/2005 5:26 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA JAMES DAVIS, 55, began his Seafaring career in 1967 in New York. Brother Davis, who was born in Virginia, first went to sea aboard the Petrochem. The deck department member was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Davis most recently shipped on the Achiever. He is a resident of his native state. KASSEM SALEH, 61, joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1967 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Saleh shipped as a member of the steward department in both the Great Lakes and deep sea divisions. He first sailed aboard American Steamship’s Reiss Brothers. Born in Arabia, Brother Saleh enhanced his skills at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. in 2000. He makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. THOR WAAGSBO, 61, joined the SIU in 1967 in Wilmington, Calif., first sailing aboard the Penn Carrier. Brother Waagsbo worked as a member of the deck department and upgraded on two occasions in Piney Point, Md. His last voyage was on the Defender. Born in New Orleans, Brother Waagsbo now resides in Seattle, Wash. SAMUEL WOOTEN, 66, embarked on his SIU career in 1988 in the port of Honolulu. Brother Wooten’s first voyage was aboard the USNS Triumph. The deck department member was born in Louisiana and attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in 2004. He last sailed on the Developer and calls League City, Texas home. INLAND ELTON ADAMS, 62, was born in Texas. Boatman Adams began his seafaring career in 1963 in Port Arthur. He first shipped aboard the Seabulk Tanker in the deck department. Boatman Adams lives in his native state. April 2005 ROBERT AUGUST SR., 65, joined the Seafarers in 1978 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Boatman August was a member of the deck department and upgraded his skills numerous times at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He worked primarily aboard vessels owned by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville. Boatman August, who was born in Georgia, now makes his home in Titusville, Fla. LARRY BELCHER, 64, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1987. Boatman Belcher worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation vessels. The Texas-born mariner shipped in the deck department. Boatman Belcher upgraded his skills in 2000 and 2001 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He resides in Runge, Texas. DAVID BREUNING, 62, is a native of Colorado and joined the SIU in 1977 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Boatman Breuning first sailed in the deck department of an Allied Transportation vessel. He upgraded frequently at the Paul Hall Center. Boatman Breuning is a resident of Long Beach, Calif. He last sailed aboard a vessel operated by Crowley Towing & Transportation of Wilmington. JOHN BUNTING III, 56, began sailing with the SIU in 1989. Boatman Bunting worked as a member of the deck department aboard Crowley vessels. Born in Philadelphia, he now calls Franklinville, N.J. home. ROBERT DOUGLAS, 61, became a member of the SIU in 1969 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Douglas worked in the deck department and sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Interstate Oil Transportation Co. He was born in New Jersey, which is where he continues to live. JAMES HOPPER, 65, launched his seafaring profession in 1981 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Boatman Hopper was born in New York. He first shipped on the Padre Island in the engine department. He most recently went to sea aboard the Sugar Island. Boatman Hopper makes his home in Troy, Pa. GERALD LABOVE, 62, started his career with the SIU in 1986 in the port of Houston. Boatman LaBove was born in Texas and worked in the deck department. He sailed primarily aboard tugs operated by Moran Towing of Texas. Boatman LaBove is a resident of Sabine Pass, Texas. ROY LOFTON, 62, was born in Mississippi. Boatman Lofton joined the union in 1964 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He was initially employed by Dravo Basic Materials Co., where he worked in the deck department. Boatman Lofton lives in Alabama and last sailed aboard the Martin Marietta. Boatman Wells was born in Texas and enhanced his skills frequently at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His last ship was the USNS Altair. Boatman Wells calls Nederland, Texas home. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension and Trust, recently went on pension. EMILIO FLORES, 65, joined the NMU in 1969, initially shipping out of the port of Philadelphia. Brother Flores was born in San Juan and worked as a member of the engine department. His first ship was the Gulf Crest; his last was the American Puritan. Name Age EDP Barbo, Ronald 66 Feb. 1 Harris, Larry 55 March 1 Sanbula, Warren 57 March 1 Trotman, Stephen 59 Jan. 1 WILLIAM SMITH JR., 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1969 from the port of Houston. Boatman Smith first shipped with G&H Towing Co. He attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in 2000, 2001 and again in 2004. Born in Texas, Boatman Smith was a member of the deck department. His last trip to sea was on a Crowley Towing & Transportation of Jacksonville vessel. Boatman Smith resides in Bellaire, Texas. STEVE WELLS, 57, became a Seafarer in 1973 in the port of Houston. Boatman Wells first sailed on the Puget Sound. The deck department member shipped in both the inland and deep sea divisions during his career. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1939 After a strike of less than one week’s duration, the SIU reached agreement with the Peninsula and Occidental Steamship Company. The agreement provided for a complete closed shop and all hiring to be done through the union hall. In addition to wage increases, the agreement established the payment of overtime for all work performed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and holidays both at sea and in port, including the standing of regular watches. Cuba and Florida where Cuban MIGs attacked the American shrimp boat Ala with rockets and machine guns on February 20. Seafarer Jack Nelson, an AB, took pictures of the attack from the deck, which he handed over to U.S. intelligence sources when the ship docked in Miami. 1992 Persian Gulf sealift operations, which at one point included 205 dry cargo ships and 22 tankers, ended in midApril when the last vessel carrying U.S. military equipment was redeployed from Ad Dammam, Saudi Arabia, the Military Sealift Command announced recently. That ended a process which began in August 1990, immediately after Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. Since then, more than 15 million tons of cargo and fuel were transported to and from the Middle East aboard U.S.-flag vessels—many of them crewed by SIU members—including Ready Reserve Force (RRF) ships, MSC-contracted vessels and privately owned commercial ships. This Month In SIU History 1963 The SIU-manned Floridian became the first American merchant ship fired on by Cuban MIG jet airplanes when she was attacked last Thursday, March 28, by two Russian-built aircraft about 50 miles north of Cuba. The jets first circled the ship for 20 minutes before opening up with their machine guns. The attack came in the same waters between Seafarers LOG 17 �Pg3,8_11,14,16_18,21_24.qxd 3/24/2005 5:37 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA GEORGE ANNIS Pensioner George Annis, 74, passed away Oct. 24. Brother Annis began his seafaring career in 1953 in the port of Mobile, Ala. after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He first shipped on the Salem Maritime in the deck department. Brother Annis was born in Philadelphia. His final trip to sea was aboard the Sea-Land Producer. A pensioner since 1988, he lived in Kenner, La. LEONARD BARTLETT Pensioner Leonard Bartlett, 77, died Dec. 26. Brother Bartlett was born in Alabama. He joined the SIU in 1955 in the port of Houston. Brother Bartlett was a member of the deck department in both the inland and deep sea divisions. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he last sailed aboard the Rover. Brother Bartlett resided in his native state and went on pension in 1999. MICHAEL DROST Brother Michael Drost, 36, passed away Nov. 8. He first donned the SIU colors in 1999, initially sailing on the Global Sentinel. Brother Drost was born in San Diego, Calif. and shipped as a member of the engine department. His most recent voyage was aboard the Beaver State. Brother Drost made his home in Shelton, Wash. ELTON HAMATY Pensioner Elton Hamaty, 88, died Dec. 14. Brother Hamaty joined the union in 1944 in New York. The U.S. Army veteran initially worked aboard the Cornhusker State in the deck department. His last voyage was aboard the cable ship Long Lines. Brother Hamaty became a pensioner in 1982. Born in Poplar Bluff, Mo., he resided in Norfolk, Va. JOHN KELLEY JR. Pensioner John Kelley Jr., 56, passed away Dec. 31. Brother Kelley embarked on his career with the SIU in 1969 in New York. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a native of Boston. Brother Kelley initially worked on the Eagle Voyager, where he shipped in the deck department. His final expedition was aboard the Horizon Reliance. Brother Kelley called Puyallup, Wash. home. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 2004. MIKE OHANNESIAN Pensioner Mike Ohannesian, 78, died July 8. Brother Ohannesian joined the SIU in 1947 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the 18 Seafarers LOG Alcoa Planter, where he worked in the deck department. Brother Ohannesian was born in Michigan and lived in Long Beach, Calif. Prior to retiring in 1991, he sailed on board the Explorer. EDWIN PARSLEY Pensioner Edwin Parsley, 78, passed away Oct. 4. Brother Parsley started his seafaring career in 1947 after serving in the U.S. Navy. He shipped in both the steward and deck departments. Brother Parsley’s initial trip to sea was aboard a Doric Shipping vessel; his last was on the Liberator. Born in Indiana, Brother Parsley retired in 1983 and made his home in Blue Eye, Mo. ALBERT REEVES Pensioner Albert Reeves, 79, died Oct. 11. Brother Reeves launched his SIU career in 1966 in the port of Houston. The U.S. Navy veteran was born in Alabama and worked in the steward department. Brother Reeves first went to sea aboard the Alice Brown; his last voyage was on the Duchess. Brother Reeves, who went on pension in 1995, was a resident of Houston. STANLEY SCHUYLER JAMES SOTO Brother James Soto, 54, died Oct. 22. He began his seafaring career in 1979 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Soto was a member of the engine department. His first voyage was on the Overseas Aleutian. Brother Soto’s most recent trip to sea was aboard the Allegiance. Born in San Pedro, Calif., he called Sandpoint, Idaho home. LIONEL STROUT Pensioner Lionel Strout, 83, passed away Nov. 13. Brother Strout became a member of the SIU in 1967 in the port of Mobile, Ala. His first ship was Waterman Steamship Corp.’s Iberville; his last was the Courier. Brother Strout was born in Maine and worked in the steward department. The U.S. Air Force veteran went on pension in 1986. He made his home in Selma, Ala. TEOFILO TORRES Pensioner Teofilo Torres, 86, died Sept. 27. Brother Torres joined the SIU in 1943 in New York. The Puerto Rico-born mariner sailed in the engine department. Brother Torres began collecting retirement stipends in 1968. He called Fajardo, P.R. home. Pensioner Stanley Schuyler, 88, passed away Oct. 7. Brother Schuyler joined the union in 1950 in New York. He first sailed on a vessel owned by Transport Commercial. Brother Schuyler was a U.S. Army veteran and shipped in the steward department. He was born in Portland, Ore. and resided in Palm Beach, Fla. Brother Schuyler began receiving his retirement pay in 1978. His last ship was the Houston. KIRK VANSCOY SUNG SHU BEN WEINBERG Pensioner Sung Shu, 76, died Dec. 30. Brother Shu began his career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1970 in the port of San Francisco. Born in China, he first worked aboard Delta Lines’ Venezuela. Brother Shu’s last ship was the Kainalu. A pensioner since 1994, he called San Francisco home. RONALD SIMS Brother Ronald Sims, 68, passed away Nov. 23. He joined the MC&S in 1972 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Sims was born in Nome, Alaska and resided in Bellingham, Wash. Brother Kirk Vanscoy, 58, passed away Dec. 13. Born in Oakland, Calif., he embarked on his seafaring career in 1978 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Vanscoy initially went to sea aboard the Santa Mercedes. The steward department member last shipped on the Liberator. Brother Vanscoy made his home in Livermore, Calif. Pensioner Ben Weinberg, 95, died July 17. Born in New York, Brother Weinberg joined the union in 1953. He initially sailed aboard the Santa Venetia in the deck department. Brother Weinberg’s final trip was on the Gateway. He retired in 1977 and called Winnetka, Calif. home. ing with the SIU in 1960 after serving in the U.S. Navy. He shipped in the deck department. Boatman Davis was born in Maryland. Before retiring in 1985, he worked aboard an American Towing & Transport vessel. Boatman Davis was a resident of Berlin, Md. WALLACE DELUCA Pensioner Wallace Deluca, 82, passed away Dec. 20. A U.S. Navy veteran, Boatman Deluca was born in Philadelphia. He began his career in 1975 and went on pension in 1983. Boatman Deluca resided in Damon, Texas. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. RANDELL ANDERSON Pensioner Randell Anderson, 60, passed away Dec. 23. Brother Anderson became an NMU member in 1973. Sailing from Galveston, Texas, his first ship was the Marine Dow-Chemical. Brother Anderson was born in Texas City, Texas. A pensioner since 1996, he last sailed aboard the Margaret Lykes. JUAN ARROYO Pensioner Juan Arroyo, 84, died Dec. 13. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Arroyo began his seafaring career in 1953 in the port of New York. His initial trip to sea was on the Ranger, where he worked in the engine department. Before retiring in 1980, Brother Arroyo sailed in the steward department aboard the Austral Ensign. WILLIAM COOK INLAND Pensioner William Cook, 78, passed away Dec. 22. Brother Cook joined the NMU in 1945 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He was a native of South Carolina and first went to sea on the James Ellwood Jones. Brother Cook’s last voyage was aboard the Ticonderoga. He started collecting his pension in 1972. BRIAN ARNOLIE YOA LOONG Boatman Brian Arnolie, 31, passed away July 27. Born in Louisiana, he joined the SIU in 1993 in New Orleans. Boatman Arnolie shipped aboard Delta Queen Steamship vessels during his career with the union. He resided in his native state. Pensioner Yoa Loong, 93, died Dec. 15. Brother Loong embarked on his NMU profession in 1950. He first shipped from Newport News, Va. aboard the Clarksville. Brother KENNETH DAVIS Pensioner Kenneth Davis, 79, died Dec. 18. Boatman Davis started sail- Loong was born in China and last sailed on the Argosy. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1978. FRANK MARRERO Pensioner Frank Marrero, 80, passed away Jan. 17. Brother Marrero donned the NMU colors in 1945 in New Orleans. His first trip was on the Frank Lever. Brother Marrero worked as a member of the steward department, most recently aboard the Zoella Lykes. He went on pension in 1986. JOHN SHUKIS Pensioner John Shukis, 74, died Dec. 20. Brother Shukis joined the union in 1945 in Seattle. His maiden voyage was aboard the Zoella Lykes. Brother Shukis was born in Centralia, Wash. He began collecting his retirement pay in 1995. Editor’s Note: In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU brothers, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. NAME AGE Baldacchin, Lawrence 84 Blyden, David 84 Boatner, Raymond 68 Brown, Austin 93 Brown, James 68 Caron, Leo 77 Carr, James 74 Chaplain, Dennis 70 Concepcion, Juan 87 Dickerson, Russell 85 DoAmaral, Oseas 92 Duran, Juan 85 Escobar, Nick 94 Estrada, Sancho 82 Forbes, Samuel 89 Frilot, Raymond 77 Gajate, Michael 74 Glenn, Henry 81 Harris, Henry 71 Jacobson, Ray 92 Johnson, Oscar 84 Ledbetter, Paul 79 Litrico, Adriano 80 Martin, Clifford 76 Martin, Gilbert 72 Matlba, Bynun 79 Mazier, Alejandro 82 McElhaney, Gaston 78 Medina, Alfredo 81 Palhao, Domingos 88 Pickens, Maxine 95 Pineda, Juan 84 Robles, Julio 75 Shima, Wilfred 85 Sorapuru, Joseph 82 Steptoe, Jessie 65 Turnbull, Esmond 75 Vlasak, Gustav 85 Waterman, Ervin 82 Woodson, Larkin 81 DOD Dec. 19 Sept. 8 Jan. 18 Jan. 25 Dec. 29 Dec. 13 Dec. 6 Nov. 22 Jan. 25 Dec. 20 Dec. 19 Dec. 18 Jan. 15 Dec. 8 Jan. 26 Dec. 5 Jan. 15 Dec. 14 Oct. 2 Jan. 29 Dec. 27 Jan. 12 Dec. 4 Dec. 31 Nov. 11 Jan. 13 Nov. 22 Jan. 22 Dec. 2 Jan. 22 Dec. 18 Dec. 6 Dec. 22 Dec. 25 Nov. 23 Jan. 20 Jan. 13 Dec. 30 Dec. 21 Oct. 29 April 2005 �26893_P5,7,15,19,20.qxd 3/28/2005 7:26 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occassion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the uniion’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 publicatiion. CAPE JACOB (American Overseas Marine), Jan. 28— Chairman Robert W. Johnson, Secretary Anthony L. Curran, Educational Director Matthew P. Ditullio. Chairman talked about vacation pay, how it is calculated and how to apply for it. He announced new e-mail procedures posted on bulletin board in messhall and benefit booklets available to all. Seafarers were asked to return VHS movies in timely manner. Treasurer stated $200 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made to raise pension benefits. Bosun asked for diligence in separating trash from plastic items, and thanked steward department for creative menus and great food. ITB PHILADELPHIA (USS Transport), Jan. 31—Chairman William K. Barrett, Secretary Justo R. Lacavo, Educational Director Daniel N. Daligcon, Deck Delegate John N. Favero, Engine Delegate Hussein M. Mohamed, Steward Delegate Ali A. Muther. Chairman informed crew of relief situation during war time. He encouraged mariners to read Seafarers LOG to stay up-todate on issues affecting maritime industry. Secretary thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean. Educational director urged crew members to attend upgrading classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase vacation pay and benefits. Request made to get satellite system aboard ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great meals. MOTIVATOR (USSM), Jan. 16— Chairman Charles H. Foley, Secretary Anthony J. Houston, Educational Director Oswald N. Bermeo, Deck Delegate Arvid E. Friberg, Steward Delegate Marjorie Mack. Chairmen led discussion on protections that need to be provided by company. Educational director advised crew to look into opportunities available at Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. and contribute to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested more information on pension plan. Moment of silence held in memory of departed brothers and sisters, including “the brave U.S. military in Iraq.” PERFORMANCE (USSM), Jan. 27—Chairman Felsher Beasley, Secretary Glenn Williams, Educational Director Morris A. Jeff, Deck Delegate Timothy K. O’Brien, Engine Delegate Lionel Taylor. Chairman requested clarification on penalty meal hours as well as on vacation benefits. Secretary read and discussed communication from headquarters pertaining to SAB actions. Treasurer noted $1,100 in ship’s fund; crew members voted to purchase weight-lifting equipment. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made for Paul Hall Center to offer advanced electronics course for those who work on state-of-the-art digital equipment currently aboard some vessels. April 2005 Request made for new head cleaner for VHS player. Crew members were reminded to clean rooms and put away personal belongings before leaving vessel. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (Sulphur Carriers), Jan. 30— Chairman Neftali Santana, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Alfred G. Lane. Secretary asked departing crew members to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. Educational director encouraged everyone to enhance their skills whenever possible at Piney Point facility. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested improvements to medical and dental plans as well as to vacation benefits and contract. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Tampa, Fla. TONSINA (ATC), Jan. 16— Chairman Christopher J. Kicey, Secretary Kenneth P. Mitchell, Educational Director Anthony R. Hulsey. Chairman announced payoff Jan. 18. He thanked crew for working hard through the holidays and reminded them to contribute to SPAD for job security. Secretary thanked everyone for working well together. Educational director advised members to renew shipping documents early and read Seafarers LOG to stay informed of changes in industry,including new document requirements. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on payment of overweight charges on baggage when joining and leaving vessel. Suggestion made to reduce number of days required for full retirement benefits. Next ports: Long Beach, Calif. and Cherry Point, Wash. DEVELOPER (USSM), Feb. 13 —Chairman Joseph Caruso, Secretary Randy A. Stephens, Educational Director Jorge N. Fernandez, Engine Delegate Charles H. Kennedy, Steward Delegate Obencio M. Espinoza. Chairman discussed new safety and security rules for vessel and reported on ship’s schedule for coming months. Secretary informed crew that he has all applications (vacation, health, etc.). In addition, he urged everyone to check document expiration dates and renew if needed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun explained procedures for written resolutions. Chairman thanked all unlicensed mariners on board for great job during voyage. Next ports: Malaga Spain; Port Said, Egypt; Ningbo, China; Los Angeles. EXPRESS (USSM), Feb. 20— Chairman Trawn D. Gooch, Secretary Frederick L. Saffo, Educational Director Robert J. McMurray, Deck Delegate Konstantinos Prokovas, Engine Delegate James F. Sieger, Steward Delegate Sonia N. Felix. Educational director spoke about courses available at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer spoke about distribution of ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested clarification on possible re-flagging of vessel. Special thanks given to steward department. Next port: New Jersey. HORIZON ANCHORAGE (Horizon Lines), Feb. 6—Chairman Daniel W. Seagle, Secretary Amanda F. Suncin, Educational Director William Pinkham, Deck Delegate Christopher Fairfax, Engine Delegate John R. Day, Steward Delegate Thomas M. Kelly. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 7 with arrival Feb. 9 in Tacoma, Wash. Secretary encouraged everyone to check out educational opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. Educational director advised crew members to check expiration dates on z-cards and start renewal process early if necessary. Treasurer noted $200 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew would like satellite TV on all SIU-crewed vessels and internet service in each room. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Feb. 20—Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary James N. Brockington, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate Gavino A. Octaviano, Engine Delegate Gualberto M. Salaria, Steward Delegate Ely R. Hermano. Chairman announced arrival Feb. 25 in Tacoma, Wash. and requested port agent meet them next day. He asked that everyone turn in videos to proper lockers before leaving. Secretary notified mariners of captain’s sanitary inspection scheduled for Feb. 23. Educational director reminded all mariners about upgrading opportunities available in Piney Point, Md. and suggested they check to see that all shipping documents are current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Thanks to steward department for good food and upkeep of house. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), Feb. 10—Chairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo C. Ombec, Educational Director Paul D. Hanley, Deck Delegate Michael Penkwitz, Engine Delegate Thomas V. Hastings. Chairman announced expected arrival Feb. 12 in Oakland, Calif. and thanked crew for following safety procedures. Secretary informed crew members there would be one tray of condiments on a table that would be changed often; only salt and pepper to be placed on each table. Educational director encouraged members to upgrade skills at Piney Point facility. He also suggested everyone check documents to be sure they have not expired. Bosun currently holding crew fund of $273 (which will be used to purchase new movies in Tacoma) and ship’s fund of $1,405. Movie locker will be locked while in port. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was thanked for great job and delicious food, especially freshly baked goodies. Next ports: Oakland; Honolulu; Guam. MAERSK ALABAMA (Maersk Line Limited), Feb. 7—Chairman Romeo L. Lugtu, Secretary Marvin T. St. George, Educational Director Tesfaye Gebregziabher, Deck Delegate Chad B. Chivrell, Engine Delegate Enrique Martinez, Steward Delegate Hamdi H. Hussein. Chairman asked departing crew members to clean rooms and empty trash before leaving ship. Educational director advised crew to upgrade at Piney Point and keep documents current; renew early, if necessary. Treasurer stated $61 in ship’s fund. Beef noted in steward department regarding room sanitary; no other beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on seniority status aboard Maersk Line’s vessels in all departments. New full-size dryer needed in laundry room. Steward department requested new oven and grill for galley. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food and service. Next port: Kuwait. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited), Feb. 13—Chairman Norman G. Tourtellot, Secretary James H. Rider, Educational Director Kevin M. Cooper, Deck Delegate Abdul Q. Gharama, Engine Delegate Sjamsidar Madjidii, Steward Delegate Chairman Kenneth A. Abrahamson, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director Joseph M. Stanford, Deck Delegate Thomas S. Skubinna, Engine Delegate Jose Irigoyen, Steward Delegate Caezer R. Mercado. Chairman reported new ship schedule and reminded seafarers that company contract will be up for bid in June 2005. He announced payoff March 5 in San Diego, Calif. Secretary advised crew of 15-man military security force coming aboard in Long Beach, Calif. on or about Feb. 22. Educational director stressed importance of making sure all nec- Seafarers, Officials Welcomed Seafarers-contracted 3PSC, LLC recently hosted a dinner for crew members of the USNS Gilliland along with SIU officials in Norfolk, Va. Above, SIU Port Agent Georg Kenny (right) chats with (from left) Chief Steward Jose Guzman and Chief Cook Frank Washington. Below, SIU VP Government Services Kermett Mangram (right) and Kenny are pictured with 3PSC VP Susan King. The Gilliland is a large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ship (LMSR) that is part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command fleet. Cecilio Suarez. Chairman asked crew to keep non-crew members out of mess hall while in Bombay. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to raise pension benefits. Replacement locks needed for broken crew doors. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Newark, N.J.; Malaga, Spain. P&O NEDLLOYD VERA CRUZ (Waterman Steamship Corp.), Feb. 4— Chairman Henry J. Gable, Secretary Charles E. Curley, Educational Director Jan Morawski, Engine Delegate Alton P. Hickman Jr. Chairman announced Feb. 6 payoff in Houston. He asked everyone to clean rooms before leaving vessel. Secretary reported SIU crew just completed second month-long trip to South America since ship was reflagged Dec. 6. Educational director suggested everyone take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at Seafarers affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs reported; disputed OT noted in deck department. Crew requested that shipping cards show rating and dates for each job. New equipment requested includes toaster, ice machine, soda machine, microwave oven and new mattresses. Next port: Houston. RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Shipholding), Feb. 11— essary shipping documents are current and allowing plenty of time for renewals. Treasurer stated $175 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to improve medical and vacation benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Manchester and Ferndale, Wash; Long Beach, Calif. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk), Feb. 20—Chairman Christopher J. Kicey, Secretary Alan W. Bartley, Educational Director Salome Castro, Deck Delegate Modesto Y. Rabena Jr., Engine Delegate Ole J. Olsen, Steward Delegate Evelina Barnes. Chairman reviewed ship’s itinerary, including arrival in Anacortes, Wash. Feb. 21. Secretary asked for everyone’s assistance in keeping ship clean. Educational director advised Seafarers not to let documents expire or they eventually would have to retake all exams. He encouraged everyone to contribute to SPAD and explained how vital it is for the union to fight for jobs and job security. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew requested union check with company about purchasing new mattresses and ice machine. Clarification requested pertaining to seniority on Seabulk vessels. Next ports: Anacortes and Point Wells, Wash.; Valdez and Kenai, Alaska. Seafarers LOG 19 �26893_P5,7,15,19,20.qxd 3/24/2005 6:14 PM Page 20 Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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. MTD Speakers Spell Out Role of Merchant Marine Continued from page 8 He also stated that the Ready Reserve Force is “an important part of our capability” and the Jones Act “remains the cornerstone of our maritime policy. I consider the Jones Act non-negotiable…. We have to have a strong merchant marine.” Jefferson noted that he is a longtime supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine and believes in “protecting and enhancing the U.S. fleet and providing needed jobs and security for hard-working Americans, for U.S. citizen merchant mariners.” He pointed out that in the port of New Orleans, he sees firsthand the economic importance of the maritime industry. It accounts for $42 billion and 100,000 jobs in and around the region. Jefferson said the tonnage tax which was signed into law last year is of “critical importance” to the industry. He noted that it will benefit U.S.-flag vessel owners and their employees. He was a leading proponent of the legislation. Jamian said that through the years since World War II, some people forgot the history lessons that taught us the great value of the U.S. Merchant Marine. However, that began to change for the better during the first Persian Gulf War. “Today, the importance of these mariners—represented by these labor organizations here in the room—is being reinforced every day in the war in Iraq. More than 8,000 mariners and thousands of longshoremen at our ports have made certain that equipment and supplies for our armed forces in the field arrive safely, where they are needed and when they are needed.” He pointed out that the tragedy of September 11 also underscored the importance of maintaining a viable U.S. fleet. “I believe that we must have a strong U.S. Merchant Marine, crewed by Americans loyal to our nation’s interests, as they have always been, and ready to serve as they have always been.” Jamian called the MSP, the Jones Act and cargo preference laws “the fundamental triad of our nation’s maritime policies,” and said that those programs are “proven essentials” which are critical to U.S. national and economic security. Blust discussed the U.S. Merchant Marine’s history of supporting America’s national defense, from the country’s earli- est days to the present. “The maritime trades are essential to helping support our country and guarantee our freedom. I thank all of you for your patriotic efforts,” he said. McNeill noted, “The Navy League mission strongly supports the longstanding U.S. policy that a viable U.S. maritime industry is a critical part of our national defense and economic security. You can make the case that a viable U.S. maritime capability is more critical today than ever, in this uncertain world of global terrorism. “The rationale for maintaining a commercial fleet under U.S. flag has always been grounded first and foremost in national security.” She added, “The work of the maritime trades is a critical part of this nation’s industrial capacity. Without you, our troops would not have the means to get to the fight, or the equipment and supplies to win when they get there.” She also stressed the need to keep ships on the cutting edge of technology, and praised U.S. mariners for their roles in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom as well as tsunami relief. Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to help 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 or e-mail corrections to kclements@seafarers.org HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone No.: ________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ Active SIU Pensioner Book No.: ________________ 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. 20 Seafarers LOG 4/05 TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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. April 2005 �Pg3,8_11,14,16_18,21_24.qxd 3/23/2005 8:23 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Steward Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of this year. 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. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning March 21, 2005. Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion FOWT June 20 September 19 August 11 November 11 QMED - Jr. Engineer June 20 September 8 Welding May 9 August 22 September 19 October 24 October 31 May 27 September 9 October 7 November 11 November 18 Course Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion May 30 July 11 August 22 October 3 November 14 June 24 August 5 September 16 October 28 December 9 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) June 20 August 22 October 24 June 24 August 26 October 28 Bridge Resource Management (Unlimited) May 9 July 11 September 12 November 14 May 13 July 15 September 16 November 18 Celestial Navigation May 16 July 18 September 19 November 21 June 10 August 11 October 14 December 16 June 27 August 29 October 31 July 8 September 9 November 11 May 16 June 27 August 8 September 19 October 21 May 27 July 8 August 19 September 30 November 11 Navigation Fundamentals October 24 November 4 Radar June 6 August 8 October 10 June 15 August 17 October 19 Radar Renewal (1 day): June 27, August 29, October 31 Course Able Seaman GMDSS (Simulator) Lifeboatman/Water Survival Safety Specialty Courses Date of Completion May 16 July 18 September 19 May 27 July 29 September 30 Fast Boat Rescue May 2 June 6 May 6 June 10 Government Vessels May 23 July 4 August 8 August 22 September 26 October 31 November 14 May 27 July 8 August 12 August 26 September 30 November 4 November 18 Medical Care Provider May 30 August 1 October 3 June 3 August 5 October 7 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* June 6 August 1 September 26 June 17 August 11 October 7 June 27 October 17 July 1 October 21 Advanced Fire Fighting* (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Start Date Course Date of Birth ______________________ 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 OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No 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? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ April 2005 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 4/05 Seafarers LOG 21 �Pg3,8_11,14,16_18,21_24.qxd 3/23/2005 8:46 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Completing this course Feb. 18 are (in no specific order) Richard Green, Eric Kjellberg, Stephen Berschger, Gerald Butler Jr., Craig Burmeister, Kamin Raji, Curtis Jackson, Charles Clausen Jr., Clay Brown, Tecumseh Williams, Martin Buck, Carl Motley, Charles Petterson, William Riggs, Jeffrey Coble and Cecilio Johnson. Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far right. Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 659 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 6597 (in alphabetical order) Heather Bushey, Francis Gallagher Jr., Richard Gonzalez, Travis Kirkland, Kathy Lakoduk, Nicole Las, James Mahoney, Ian Manthey, Carlos McPherson, Kendrick Mincey, Kevin Moore, Kyle Parson, Karberto Ramos, Randon Robinson, Michael Sherman, Justin Sleator, Nelson Smith, Ignacio Tanguma, Jermeka Williams and Jacob Wilson. ARPA — The six Seafarers completing the ARPA course Feb. 18 are (in alphabetical order) Randy Diaz, Basil D’Souza, John Henry, Steven Kroner, De Gutenberg Poitevien and Shelby Rankin. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far left. Machinist — With instructor Steve Haver (right) are students who completed the machinist course March 11. From the left are Charles Sneed, Rahul Bagchi and Quincy Wilson. Government Vessels — Upgrading students in the government vessels class ending March 4 include (in no specific order) Miguel Pizarro, Craig Burmeister, Frank Vogler, Gerald Butler Jr., Patrice Williams, Brook Bowers, David Grasso, Saul Suarez, Godofredo Rufo, Jonas Roninson, Eugene Granthan, David Desrosiers, Kim Gardner, Dana Fischer, Richard Otto, Kyle Bloom, Shelby Rankin, Robert Mensching, Richard Green, Martin Buck, Mario Suazo and Zein Achmad. FOWT — Graduates from the FOWT course March 4 include (in alphabetical order) Adam Begleiter, Jorge Bodden, David Brewster, Nicholas Collins, Jess Cooper, Jeffrey Cornett, Jerome Culbreth, Michael Evans, Jim Farmer, Bryan Field, Loy Frye, Orlando Herrera, Demarco Holt, Gilbert Johnson, Brian Leach, Tomas Merel, Orlando Pabon, Jomar Rodriguez, Michael Sanchez, Dominic Whitty and Brett Wilson. Their instructor, Eric Malzkuhn, is second from right. Computer Lab Classes Instructor Rick Prucha congratulates students for their accomplishments in the computer lab. In the photo at left are Prucha with Kim Gardner and her son, Julien Shelling. In the photo at right are (seated, from left) Elston Yu-Mateo and Darlene Steede. Prucha is standing behind them. Congratulations to all for a job well done. 22 Seafarers LOG Above, Prucha stands with Nasser H. Ahmed, who completed the Excel course. April 2005 �Pg3,8_11,14,16_18,21_24.qxd 3/23/2005 9:09 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes STOS — Small Arms Training — March 4 was graduation day for those in the small arms training class. They are (in alphabetical order) Saif Ali, Thia Banks, Tedrick Blackstone, Timothy Cullen, Latonia Fury Jr., Mark Keblis, Jerome Prince, Perry Schroff, Scott Spilman, Teresa Ward, Evan Werner and Kenneth Williams. Their instructor, Robbie Springer, is at far left. Receiving their STOS certificates of completion Feb. 25 from instructor Stacey Harris (in hooded parka) are (in no specific order) Kenneth Williams, James Ruffin, Ronald Whitlow, Timothy Watson, Hector Ortiz, Jerome Prince, Muguel Pizarro, Brian Saba, Teresa Ward, Perry Schroff and Joshua Smith. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — NCL, Feb. 18: Dana Anderson, Justin Brown, Robert Daniel II, Jonathan Dubin, Patrick Ehrich, Neil Gerken, Charlotte Greco, Debra Huffman, Lester Jerome, Dennis Kiander, Andrew Moore, Ryan Moore, Lyn Paxman, William Peerson, Maria Sandoval, Robert Schultz, Kyle Siegel, Donald Springfield, Bryan Tranthan, Derek Baron, Benjamin Grier and Adam Martidale. STOS — A second group of students received their STOS certificates of completion Feb. 25. They are (in no specific order) Robert Morrison, Thia Banks, Felsher Beasley, Paul Brown, Ariel Lopez, Stephen Cooper, Tony Fury, Danie Anderson, Muguel Pizarro, James Ruffin, Teresa Ward, Tim Watson, Kenneth Williams and Ronald Whitlow. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is fourth from right. STCW — March 4: Ali Alzokari, Noel Corrales, Wilma Diaz, Timothy Hall, Michael Jarvi, Hussein Jinah, Gerald Karl, John Kelly, John Klein, Troy Larick, Henry Peterson, Eissa Saleh, Youssof Saleh and Daniel Tennant. Tankerman (PIC) Barge — Completing the tankerman (PIC) barge course Feb. 25 are (in no specific order) Douglas Crawford, Thomas Henderson, Ronald Freitas, Russell Horton, Sunday Nwankwo, Russell Hudson, Jerry Karl, Daniel Tennant and Michael Voda. Their instructor, Mitch Oakley, is at far right. Chief Cook — Working their way up in the galley department with instructor John Dobson (left), are Darlene Steede and Robert Borro. STCW-Crowd Management — NCL, March 4: Jim Cruz, Jason Cruz, Sharon Crowe, Betty-Jo Dau, Carl Collett, Shanna Bank, Sunshine Gruber, Troy Larick, Wilma Diaz, Timothy Hall, Annelyn Bautista, Marcos Gomez, Damarco Bailey, Timothy Lambrecht, John Del Mundo, Nicanor Dechico and Henry Davis III. Not pictured is Raquel Collins. April 2005 Seafarers LOG 23 �Pg3,8_11,14,16_18,21_24.qxd 3/24/2005 7:49 AM Page 24 April 2005 Volume 67, Number 4 S a y t e S eafarers aboard the USNS Paul Buck earlier this year completed a successful voyage that was anything but run-of-the-mill. The SIU-crewed vessel delivered gasoline, diesel and jet fuel to McMurdo’s U.S. station, a scientific research facility located in Antarctica. The annual resupply mission (which includes a separate delivery of food and other stores), known as Operation Deep Freeze, takes Seafarers to Earth’s coldest, windiest location—but that doesn’t stop crew members from not only doing the job, but doing it well. “The crew of the Buck was one of the finest I’ve had the pleasure of working with,” stated Bosun Phil Corl, who submitted the photos on this page. “The camaraderie and professionalism of every member of the crew made the voyage not only bearable but a pleasure.” Seafarers sailing aboard the Paul Buck during the resupply mission included Corl, ABs Dio Bermudez, Albert Wambach, Carlos Burroughs and Carlos Machado Gomez, QMEDs Joseph Benavente and Orlando Pajarillo, Pumpman Micah Miller, DEUs Romero Jomoc and Terry Linyear, Chief Steward Norman Jackson, Chief Cook Nathalie Norie, GSUs Adolphus Young and Ahmed Hussain and s a Y d u -tt -d d c s t b a n w a t Unlicensed Apprentice John Yi. “I am, and you can be very proud of these people,” Bosun Corl noted. “They represented themselves and the union at the highest standard. We all delivered the goods.” The USNS Paul Buck is operated by Seafarers-contracted Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. SIU member Dio Bermudez mans the wheel during his first trip as an AB. Bosun Phil Corl credited Bermudez for making extra effort to practice steering throughout much of the mission. ‘Deep Freeze’ Data McMurdo Station is Earth’s southernmost ground accessible by ship Annual resupply mission only is possible in January and February, due to weather considerations Seafarers typically deliver fuel, food and other stores to the base Incredible Scenery Ice cutters assist larger ships to and from McMurdo Bosun Phil Corl Seafarers from the USNS Paul Buck earned praise from MSC for their efforts in Operation Deep Freeze. Pictured near the vessel in Antarctica early this year are (kneeling, from left) QMED Joseph Benavente, AB Dio Bermudez, (standing, from left) Unlicensed Apprentice John Yi, AB Albert Wambach, AB Carlos Burroughs, Steward Norman Jackson, AB Carlos Machado Gomez, GSU Adolphus Young, DEU Romero Jomoc, GSU Ahmed Hussain, Chief Cook Nathalie Norie, Pumpman Micah Miller, QMED Orlando Pajarillo and Bosun Philip Corl. i Pumpman Micah Miller is pictured with Beaufort Island in the background. Unlicensed Apprentice John Yi made his first trip aboard the Paul Buck during Operation Deep Freeze. After the voyage, a communication from the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) praised the crew for its “superlative performance during the recent Operation Deep Freeze polar resupply mission. Operating in severe weather conditions, both ship and crew demonstrated the finest professionalism in providing critical logistical support to the men and women at McMurdo Station. “Your responsiveness and spirited cooperation with the three assist ice breaker vessels was most noteworthy and key to the success of this mission,” the MSC letter continued. “Bravo Zulu and thank you for your superb effort.” McMurdo Station (above right) opened in 1955 and is built on volcanic rock at the southern end of Ross Island, which measures 45 miles by 45 miles. It houses anywhere from 1,100 scientists and support personnel to roughly 250 people (from February to late October). The four photos (left and right) show some of the sights seen daily from aboard and around the vessel. It’s not quite walking on water, but Seafarers take advantage of the chance to “go ashore” on the frozen ocean water near McMurdo Station. U.S. National Science Foundation manages the U.S. Antarctic Program and coordinates research at the base Antarctic Program’s goals include understanding the Antarctic and its associated ecosystems and using Antarctica’s unique features for scientific research that cannot be done as well elsewhere � 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. 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Title A name given to the resource April 2005 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES NEW CAR CARRIER JEAN ANNE JOINS SIU-CONTRACTED FLEET MATSON ORDERS 2 MORE SHIPS FROM KYAERNER PHILADELPHIA ‘WE ARE A MARITIME NATION’ MTD SPEAKERS AFFIRM NEED FOR STRONG U.S. FLEET MORE COLLEGE CREDITS APPROVED FOR PAUL HALL CENTER COURSES AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EDUCATIONS OKAYS 24 CLASSES SEAFARERS CONTINUE CREWING UP LMSRS SAFETY TRAINING PAYS OFF FOR SEAFARERS ON KENAI SENATE VOTES IN FAVOR OF ANWR EXPLORATION HEALTH CARE STILL A HOT TOPIC IN NEGOTIATIONS, JOB ACTIONS UNION SPEAKS OUT ABOUT TOWING VESSEL INSPECTIONS NEW NATIONAL MARITIME SECURITY GROUP ANALYZES PORT, SHIPBOARD SAFETY SENATOR TRENT LOTT CHAIRS MARITIME SUBCOMMITTEE USNS ROY WHEAT CREW DONATES TO MARINE CHARITY MFOW ANNOUNCES ELECTION RESULTS OFFICIALS FROM ITF, U.S. GOV’T REVIEW TREATMENT OF MARINERS ITF INSPECTOR CREDITS AGENCIES FOR ‘JOINT EFFORT’ REPORT TAKES HARD LOOK AT PORT VULNERATBILITY MERCHANT MARINE’S VITAL ROLE IN NATIONAL, ECONOMIC SECURITY SPELLED OUT BY MTD SPEAKERS PAUL HALL CENTER’S VSO CLASS 1ST WITH MARAD CERTIFICAITON, SECRETARY MINETA ANNOUNCES FREEDOM TO UNIONIZE MUST BE PROTECTED ACTIVITIES AROUND THE PORT OF HOUSTON THE WINNING SMILES ABOARD NCL AMERICA’S PRIDE OF ALOHA SEAFARERS STAY COOL UNDER PRESSURE, DELIVER IN OPERATION DEEP FREEZE Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 04/01/2005 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. 67, No. 4 2005 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/311eac21c9bedfbbdd6a9befc57603d7.pdf df4a948eb19e6c901ce4d11029201b74 PDF Text Text 27541_Pg1,2,9cx.qxd 4/25/2005 3:34 PM Page 1 Volume 67, Number 5 May 2005 10 perfect 10 Tankers Ordered! Seafarers Will Sail Aboard New Double-Hulled Ships Photo by Michael Eraña In a major maritime development, SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group last month announced that it will operate 10 tankers scheduled for construction at the Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard. A ceremony (pictured above) took place April 14 at the shipyard. The photo illustration at right depicts the new “Veteran Class” tankers. Page 3. Inspectors Bring 7 Ships Under ITF Agreement LMSR Turnover Continues Alaskan Explorer Delivered The SIU-contracted tanker Alaskan Explorer (above) recently was delivered to BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. Operated by Alaska Tanker Company, the vessel is the second of four Alaska-class double-hull oil tankers being built in San Diego for BP. Page 3. International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) inspectors from the SIU and the International Longshoremen’s Association recently helped bring seven Panamanian-flag vessels under ITF contract. Above, Inspector Scott Brady (front, leaning forward) is pictured with happy mariners aboard one of those vessels, the containership Sumida. Page 2. Car Carrier Jean Anne Completes 1st Voyage Seafarers-contracted American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA) in mid-April began operating two more LMSRs and was scheduled to take control of two others either late in the month or in early May. SIU members climbed aboard the USNS Seay and USNS Mendonca in Philadelphia. Previously, Seafarers crewed up the USNS Shughart (above) in Norfolk, Va. Pictured on the Shughart are Bosun Dave Marks (left) and STOS John Frey. Page 8. Recertified Stewards Speak from the Heart Page 4 Seafarers Participate in Benefits Conferences Page 7 Pages 12-13 �27541_Pg1,2,9cx.qxd 4/23/2005 7:36 AM Page 2 Pride of America Nears Completion President’s Report Future Looks Bright Last month’s announcement that 10 state-of-the-art tankers will be built for SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group isn’t just another good story. It is a huge boost to the future of our union and our industry. As you know, I’ve always been an optimist about the SIU and the whole U.S. Merchant Marine, not to mention American shipbuilding. OSG’s commitment to the Jones Act trade is a tremendous signal for our bright future. Michael Sacco In fact, from my view, our future has never looked better. While the order for 10 tankers in the U.S.-flag commercial sector is tremendously important, it’s not the only recent reason for confidence in the SIU. Along the East and Gulf coasts, Seafarers are crewing up newly contracted military support ships operated by AMSEA. Out West, SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company just took delivery of another double-hulled tanker, the second in a series of four new builds. And, Seafarers recently climbed the gangway of a brand new car carrier operated by Interocean Ugland Management. Overseas, final preparations are being made aboard the Pride of America, the second U.S.-flag cruise ship in NCL America’s fleet. The ship will be christened next month in New York—with an SIU crew on board. Later this year, the new Maritime Security Program goes into effect. The new MSP calls for 60 U.S.-flag ships, 13 more than in the old program. It is a legislative mandate that ensures the U.S. flag will fly on deep sea commercial ships for at least the next 10 years. Closer to home, our affiliated school in Piney Point, the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, continues providing top-notch instruction for all of its students, whether they are new to our industry or they’re upgrading for the third or fourth time. The Paul Hall Center is every bit as good as advertised—a world-class maritime training facility that helps turn out professional, reliable, dedicated seafarers. My outlook for our future has always been positive. With so much evidence supporting that point of view, I’m more hopeful than ever about the months and years ahead—and more determined than ever to protect and grow the jobs and job security of this membership. There are those who never would have believed that anyone would order 10 new U.S.-flag tankers from an American shipyard. I’m one who believes that the new OSG ships are just the beginning. Maritime Day Our industry observes National Maritime Day this month, and the SIU as always will be active in ceremonies honoring the mariners who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving as part of our country’s fourth arm of defense. The tributes and memorials hit close to home—thousands of SIU and NMU members gave their lives in World War II. Thousands more have sailed in harm’s way during Korea and Vietnam, during the Persian Gulf War, during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, and any other time we’ve been called upon. The legacy of the U.S. Merchant Marine is one of bravery and reliability. On May 22, or whenever you attend a National Maritime Day ceremony, please remember the courageous souls who gave their all for our freedom. Volume 67, Number 5 Seafarers Report Aboard Ship for Training Seafarers already have reported aboard the Pride of America to begin training on the ship, which currently is undergoing finishing touches in a German shipyard. The NCL America vessel is the first new U.S.-flagged cruise ship in almost 50 years. (The Pride of Aloha, which began its maiden voyage last summer, was the former Bahamian-flagged Norwegian Sky, which reflagged U.S. on June 7, 2004). Sea trials are scheduled this month, and NCL America will take delivery of the Pride of America on June 6. Christening ceremonies will take place in New York later in the month and then in July the vessel will cruise out of San Francisco to begin year-round, seven-night cruises around the Hawaiian Islands. The new ship will carry a “Best of America” theme inside and out. From bow to stern, the SIU-crewed Pride of America salutes the many regions of the United States. Vibrant artwork of stars and stripes adorns the hull, and every inch of the vessel’s décor is dedicated to the places America loves. An Alaskan Gold Rush Saloon, a New Orleansstyle Mardi Gras Cabaret Lounge, a French restaurant inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and a Waikiki Bar are just a few of the great choices that include eight restaurants and 10 bars and lounges. The Pride of America is a truly modern ship, offering state-of- The SIU-crewed Pride of America, lying along the outfitting pier at a German shipyard, will begin sea trials on May 22 prior to being delivered to NCL America on June 6. the-art digital technology in each stateroom to allow guests to customize their cruise experience in the comfort and privacy of their own cabins. NCL’s new ship also has the line’s first family suites, each with balcony, living room and a private bedroom. The vessel is 921 feel long with a beam of 106 feet. It features 15 decks and will have a passenger capacity of more than 2,100. Next year, NCL America plans to launch a third SIU-crewed cruise ship—the Pride of Hawaii. Once this third vessel has been added to the fleet, NCL America’s U.S.-flag ships are expected to generate more than $828 million in U.S. economic activity and 20,400 jobs, according to a study by one of the nation’s leading Inspectors Bring 7 Ships Under ITF Agreement International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) inspectors from the SIU and the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) recently helped bring seven Panamanian-flag vessels under ITF contract. SIU ITF Inspectors Scott Brady and Tony Sacco along with ILA ITF Inspector Hans Saurenmann also secured more than $27,000 in back pay for crew members aboard the containership Sumida, part of the fleet owned by Tokyo-based Miyazaki Sangyo Kaiun Co., Ltd. “The ITF had been working for quite a while to get these ships under federation contract, so this is a very welcome development,” said Brady. “It’s obviously good news for the mariners.” The Sumida case began in late March, when Sacco met with Filipino crew members aboard the runaway-flag vessel in Savannah, Ga. He issued the shipowner a warning letter for not having an ITF contract in place and alerted other federation officials. Subsequently, Brady and Saurenmann boarded the Sumida in Miami, where they finalized the contract. At the insistence of Sacco, Brady, Saurenmann and SIU ITF East Coast Coordinator Ricky Esopa, the company agreed to make the pact retroactive to Jan. 1, thereby creating back wages of $27,000, which immediately was paid. “The crew was very happy and grateful,” Brady recalled. The SIU is affiliated with the May 2005 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2005 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG SIU ITF inspectors in April helped bring the Sumida and six other vessels under federation contract. economic consultancies. Seafarers who are filling the unlicensed positions aboard the NCL America vessels are being trained at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. and at its affiliated Seafarers Training Center in Hawaii. These facilities offer a number of curriculums, including fire fighting and safety training. In addition to the on-thejob shipboard training now taking place in Germany, mock passenger cabins have been reproduced in their entirety at the Paul Hall Center. The replica cabins are identical in shape and size—and with the same furniture and amenities—as the ones aboard the cruise liner and are helping train housekeepers on specific job aspects of efficient cleaning. ITF, a federation of more than 600 transport-worker unions in 140 countries. SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel is vice chair of the ITF’s Seafarers’ Section, which brings together seafaring unions from every continent. It determines ITF policy regarding the campaign to end so-called flags of convenience (FOC) and to eliminate substandard working conditions on such vessels. A flag-of-convenience or runway-flag ship is one that flies the flag of a country other than the country of ownership. Cheap registration fees, low or no taxes and freedom to employ cheap labor typically are among the main motivating factors behind a shipowner’s decision to flag out. In describing the ITF campaign against runaway flags, the federation noted that it believes there should be a “genuine link between the real owner of a vessel and the flag the vessel flies, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). There is no genuine link in the case of FOC registries…. Some of these registers have poor safety and training standards, and place no restriction on the nationality of the crew. Sometimes, because of language differences, seafarers are not able to communicate effectively with each other, putting safety and the efficient operation of the ship at risk. In many cases these flags are not even run from the country concerned.” May 2005 �2541p3,5,12,13,15.qxd 4/22/2005 8:59 PM Page 3 10 Tankers Ordered SIU-Contracted Overseas Shipholding Group to Operate Vessels For the U.S. maritime industry and the SIU in particular, announcements don’t come much bigger than the one made April 14 at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard involving SIUcontracted Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG). With former President Bill Clinton delivering the keynote address, the unionized shipyard revealed that it has signed a $1 billion agreement to build 10 double-hulled tankers that will be operated by OSG. The contract includes options to build two additional tankers. In the U.S. commercial shipbuilding sector, Kvaerner Philadelphia’s announcement apparently is without modern precedent. The company said the fiveyear construction plan is “believed to be the largest of its kind in American commercial shipbuilding.” SIU President Michael Sacco said the order for the 10 U.S.flag vessels “is fantastic for our entire industry. This is a huge step toward ensuring a strong future for the SIU and for the U.S. Merchant Marine as a whole. “It’s also good news for U.S. national and economic security,” he added. “These ships will help ensure that well-trained, loyal, U.S. citizen mariners remain available to serve as the fourth arm of defense in support of our troops and our country.” Each of the environmentally sound “Veteran Class” tankers will be 600 feet long and capable of transporting 330,000 barrels of petroleum products. The vessels will have a deadweight tonnage of 46,000 apiece. The first ship tentatively is scheduled for delivery in 2006; the last in 2010. The vessels are expected to operate in the Jones Act trade. Mariners aren’t the only ones who undoubtedly welcomed the announcement. Kvaerner Philadelphia officials estimated that the order will keep 800 shipyard workers employed for at least the next five years. Additionally, the construction is expected to help create 6,000 related jobs in the Philadelphia region. The elaborate shipyard ceremony drew more than 1,000 people including shipyard workers, customers and others. Clinton, a strong supporter of the U.S. maritime industry throughout both his terms as president, was credited by Kvaerner Philadelphia as playing an important role in the successful, bi-partisan, public-private partnership that set the stage for the shipyard’s revitalization. “I never lost faith in the American shipbuilding industry and neither did so many of our public servants, workers and private businesses,” he told the crowd. “I salute the men and women of Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard for showing all of us once again that it is possible to achieve great things even in the face of seemingly impossible odds. Today’s announcement is good news for the workers here, for America’s maritime industry and for the environment.” Kjell Rokke, Kvaerner’s owner, credited the unionized shipyard workers with helping make the company successful. “I am proud to be able to show how well the people at the yard have stood up to the challenge of turning this (former) Navy yard into the most competitive yard in the Jones Act market,” he said. Other speakers at the ceremony included Pennsylvania Gov- Photo by Michael Eraña Morten Arntzen, president and CEO of SIU-contracted OSG (seated, left) and Kjell Inge Rokke, main shareholder of Kvaerner ASA perform the ceremonial contract signing April 14 in Philadelphia. Looking on are (standing, from left) Leif-Arne Langoy, president and CEO of Aker ASA; Captain Bob Johnston, OSG; Dave Meehan, president and CEO of KPSI; Edward G. Rendell, governor of Pennsylvania; John Graykowski, legal counsel to KPSI (partially hidden); former President Bill Clinton; and John F. Street, mayor of Philadelphia. ernor Ed Rendell, U.S. Rep. Curt Weldon (R-Pa.), Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street and other local, state, and federal govern- ment officials who came together under a red, white and blue banner that read, “Building the Future.” New Tanker Delivered Alaskan Explorer Boosts SIU Job Growth The SIU-contracted tanker Alaskan Explorer recently was delivered to BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. The vessel is the second of four Alaska-class double-hull oil tankers being built in San Diego for BP. The third ship is scheduled for delivery in late 2005 and the fourth ship in 2006. The first in the group, the Alaskan Frontier entered service last year. It is operated by SIUcontracted Alaska Tanker Co., as will be the case with its sister ships. Each vessel is 941 feet long, with a beam of 164 feet and a capacity of 1.3 million barrels of oil. In announcing the Alaskan Explorer’s delivery in midMarch, the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) described the Alaska-class vessels as “the most environmentally friendly oil tankers ever built. Their double-hull construction has been designed for a life of 35 years and their deck structure has a life of 50 years, a robust configuration that will per- The Alaskan Explorer is the newest addition to the SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company fleet. form at peak efficiency for decades in the rigors of the Gulf of Alaska’s waters. The dieselelectric propulsion system, with redundant engines, shafts and screws, significantly increases reliability and reduces air emissions and maintenance downtime. The ships use seawater instead of oil to cool and lubricate their propeller shafts, eliminating the possibility of accidental oil leaks. Their cargo piping, normally installed on the deck, is run inside the cargo tanks, to reduce the risk This artist’s conception of the Kvaerner Philadelphia tankers reflects the vessels’ 600-foot length and 46,000 deadweight tonnage. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, May 30, 2005 for the observance of Memorial Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. May 2005 Rendell noted, “Kvaerner Philadelphia stands as a model to the rest of America of how you can transform a former military base into a successful major employer and economic engine that benefits not just one region, but an entire nation.” Morten Arntzen, president and CEO of Overseas Shipholding Group, stated, “The tenship program is OSG’s first giant step to building a world-class U.S. flag shipping business.” The ceremony also included the announcement of the formation of American Shipping, Inc. as part of Kvaerner’s corporate structure. American Shipping will charter the new tankers to domestic customers, including major oil and chemical producers and suppliers. Brad Mulholland, former president of Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company, is the CEO of the new subsidiary. He said the new ships will be among the most efficient tankers ever built. Construction continues in San Diego on two more Alaska-class tankers that will be crewed by Seafarers. of small spills.” The new tonnage brings additional benefits besides modern, safe equipment. When the ship was christened late last year, SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez pointed out that the Alaska-class tankers “strengthen the U.S.-flag fleet. They help maintain a pool of well-trained, loyal, reliable U.S. citizen mariners who are available to sail on military support ships for our national defense.” Alaska Tanker Company, based in Beaverton, Ore., began operating in 1999. The company has earned numerous safety awards for its operation of SIUcrewed vessels which primarily sail between Alaska and the West Coast, delivering Alaska North Slope crude oil to refineries. BP is the single, global brand formed by the combination of the former British Petroleum, Amoco Corporation, Atlantic Richfield (ARCO) and Burmah Castrol. Seafarers LOG 3 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/19/2005 12:48 PM Page 4 Car Carrier Brings More New Jobs SIU-Crewed Jean Anne Makes Maiden Voyage to Hawaii The SIU-crewed car carrier Jean Anne made its maiden voyage in late March, departing from San Diego and heading for stops in Hawaii. Christened March 21 in San Diego, the 579-foot vessel signifies new jobs for Seafarers. It is operated by Interocean Ugland Management for Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines and will sail regularly between the West Coast and Hawaii. SIU representatives from the union hall in Wilmington, Calif. met with crew members aboard the Jean Anne before and after the initial voyage, and found the Seafarers in good spirits. They described the ship as immaculate. As previously reported, the Jean Anne, with 387,000 square feet of deck space, can carry more than 3,000 vehicles and other rolling stock. The ship can travel at speeds approaching 20 knots, and its stern ramp is capable of handling up to 100 tons as vehicles are driven on and off. Built at Halter Marine in Pascagoula, Miss., the vessel has a beam of 102 feet, a 28-foot draft and deadweight metric tonnage of 13,000. It features 10 decks, three of which may be hoisted. The ship’s regular stops will include Honolulu; Kahului, Maui; Hilo; and Nawiliwili, Kauai. According to news reports, From left, OS Kevin Johnson, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez and AB Robert Huff celebrate the christening. DaimlerChrysler has inked an agreement with Pasha Hawaii Transport Lines to move approximately 20,000 vehicles per year aboard the Jean Anne. Contracts also reportedly are in place to transport other brands of vehicles, including Honda and Porsche. Media reports further indicated that the company hopes to add a second vessel within three years. On its first trip, the Jean Anne carried more than 2,200 cars along with trucks, boats and more. A Hawaii newspaper described it as the largest single shipment ever of vehicles from the U.S. mainland to Honolulu. SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez (third from right) is pictured with Seafarers and officers from the Jean Anne, including AB Robert Huff, AB Bill Cooley, Bosun Dan Davenport, AB Tom Johnson, OS Rick Jones and 2nd Mate Jamie Beadnell. The SIU’s newest contracted car carrier can transport more than 3,000 vehicles. Dozens of Seafarers-Crewed Ships Still Sailing in Support of Troops The SIU-crewed Jean Anne entered service in late March, following its christening in San Diego. Seafarers continue to support U.S. armed forces by delivering an array of goods to servicemen and women in the Middle East for the latest sealift component of Operation Iraqi Freedom, known as OIF3. SIU members since late last year have been backing the Bosuns’ Meeting Held in Algonac The port of Algonac was the site of a Feb. 16 meeting between American Steamship Company (ASC) representatives and SIU bosuns working aboard ASC vessels. The joint meeting was designed to keep bosuns updated on all issues, including training at the Paul Hall Center and contract questions as well as other items needing clarification. Seated at the conference table in the top photo are (from left) Seafarers Joel Lechel, David Barber Sr., Scott Gallagher, Jeff Eckhart, Al Brzezinski and Michael Keogh, ASC Representatives Mary Banks, Kathy Elinski, Noel Bassett, Jerry Welsch, Kevin McMonagle, Keith Collignon, Tom Anderson and Laurie Montante, and Seafarers William Mulcahy, Ron Bochek, Mike Schaff, Charles Neigebauer and Tim Burke. In the smaller photo are (seated, from left) SIU Representative Don Thornton, Algonac Port Agent Todd Brdak, SIU VP Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski and Joliet Safety Director Chad Partridge. 4 Seafarers LOG newest phase on the war by trans- Cape Vincent USNS Dahl, USNS porting food, supplies and muni- Pomeroy, USNS Red Cloud, tions to U.S. troops in the Middle USNS Sisler, USNS Soderman, East for OIF3. SIU-crewed ves- USNS Watkins, USNS Watson, sels serving the U.S. Military Cape Domingo, Cape Ducato, Sealift Command (MSC) and Cape Horn, Cape Hudson, Cape docked in ports along the coun- Texas, Cape Trinity, USNS try’s east, west and Gulf coasts in Brittin, USNS Benevidez, USNS late November began mobilizing Bob Hope, USNS Fisher, USNS for this stage of the ongoing mis- Mendonca and the USNS sion. Meanwhile, other SIU- Pililau. crewed ships including preposiThousands of SIU members tioning vessels continued their crewed 100-plus vessels in suprespective involvement. port of U.S. troops during the first As of press time for this edi- phase of OIF. Dozens of SIUtion of the Seafarers LOG, 37 crewed vessels remained active in Seafarers-crewed MSC vessels the massive OIF2 resupply misstill were sailing for OIF3—10 sion that commenced early last fewer vessels than last month at year. MSC reported that U.S.-flag about the same time. More than ships carried heavy volumes of 600 SIU members currently are combat service support gear for crewing these ships. In excess of forces working to steady Iraq. 700 SIU members signed up for Overall, approximately 24 milduty during the initial activations. lion square feet of cargo belongJust as during military support ing to nine units in the U.S. missions before and during the Marine Corps, U.S. Army and all-out combat phase of the war in National Guard was moved by Iraq and OIF2 along with misship during OIF2. sions in Afghanistan, Seafarers again are tasked to deliver materiel to U.S. armed forces in the Middle East. The SIU-crewed vessels currently mobilized in support of OIF3 include: Cape Jacob, USNS Altair, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Capella, USNS Stockham, Cape Intrepid, Cape Island, Cape Wrath, USNS Chesapeake, USNS SIU-crewed ships have delivered the Petersburg, Westward goods for U.S. troops throughout Venture, Cape Knox, Cape Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Kennedy, Cape Victory, Freedom. May 2005 �2541p3,5,12,13,15.qxd 4/22/2005 9:00 PM Page 5 Maersk Wins Contract to Operate 6 Vessels In a move that helps preserve job security for Seafarers, SIUcontracted Maersk Line, Limited recently was awarded an operating agreement from the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) for six vessels. MSC awarded a one-year agreement with options that could bring the contract’s total length to more than four years. As part of the pact, Maersk will continue to operate and maintain four ocean surveillance ships and two missile range instrumentation ships. The ocean surveillance ships—the USNS Effective, USNS Impeccable, USNS Loyal and USNS Victorious—work directly with the U.S. Navy fleets to listen for undersea threats. The range instrumentation ships—the USNS Invincible and USNS Observation Island—support the U.S. Air Force by serving as seaborne platforms for radar systems. Both types of vessels are part NTSB Report Spotlights Weight Standards In Water Taxi Tragedy The U.S. Coast Guard soon may revise the system it uses to calculate the maximum occupant weight capacity for private water taxis, the result of recent recommendations by the National Safety Transportation Board (NTSB). The suggested modifications stem from a 2004 incident that involved a private water taxi in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. As previously reported in the Seafarers LOG, the Lady D, a 36foot, two-ton pontoon boat on March 6 of last year capsized in a fast-moving storm while carrying 25 passengers. Local rescuers quickly pulled most of the passengers to safety but couldn’t find five of them. Ten days later, with assistance from SIU members aboard the Tyco Decisive, the missing bodies were recovered. The remains of the last three victims almost certainly would not have been found and recovered without sophisticated equipment donated by Tyco and another private company for the grim recovery mission. According to the Baltimore Sun, the operators of the Lady D prior to leaving dockside properly had complied with the passenger limit set by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). The problem was that the USCG had established the number of passengers too high when granting the Lady D its certificate of inspection. The agency had relied on outdated estimates of average passenger weight, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. It had used a 1960s-era estimate that an average passenger weighs 140 pounds when it certified the boat’s stability. “The Lady D’s certificate of inspection (COI) stipulated a maximum 25-person capacity, based on the results of a simplified stability proof test weight of 3,500 pounds and the 140pound-per-person allowance,” stated a Dec. 20, 2004 NTSB Safety Recommendation package which was sent to the USCG. “The accident voyage carried a total of 25 persons (14 men, 8 women and 3 children), consistent with the COI. However, the Safety Board determined that the average occupant weight (figuring the children’s weight) was actually 168.4 pounds, 28.4 pounds per person above the May 2005 weight standard. This resulted in an actual total occupancy weight of over 4,200 pounds, 700 pounds above the vessel’s stability proof test weight of 3,500 pounds.” According to the NTSB, the USCG Office of Compliance in October 2004 issued a policy letter to the Officers-In-Charge, Marine Inspection, for evaluating the stability and subdivision requirements of small passenger vessels inspected under 46 CFR, Subchapter T. Included in this guidance was a job aid to which USCG inspectors could refer when calculating stability proof tests for pontoon vessels that operate on protected waters. “The job aid reinforced existing weight allowances” according to the NTSB recommendation package, stating that for testing purposes, the weight per passenger equals 160 pounds, “except when passenger loads consists of men, women and children,” in which case a weight per passenger of 140 pounds “may be used.” In the opinion of the NTSB, if the Lady D were operational today and had been certified for carrying passenger loads consisting of men, women and children, the 140 pound weight allowance for passengers would remain unchanged. The NTSB articulated its concern that the USCG is not using a realistic average occupant weight in calculating the number of people that can be safely carried on pontoon vessels. Besides the significantly higher average weights found on the Lady D accident voyage, the NTSB cited government reports which show Americans of all ages are a great deal heavier today than when the complete rewrite of 46 CFR Part 179 (“Subdivision, Damage Stability, and Watertight Integrity”) was distributed in September 1960. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report issued in October 2004 concluded that in the United States “average weight has increased dramatically in the last 40 years with the greatest increase seen in adults.” According to the CDC report, average adult weights have increased by nearly 25 percent in the last 40 years. Based on the CDC report, as well as recently updated operator of MSC’s Special Mission Program. “Special mission ships provide operating platforms and services for unique U.S. military and federal government missions,” the agency noted in announcing the contract award. “These specialized services include oceanographic and hydrographic surveys, underwater surveillance, missile flight data collection and tracking, acoustic survey and submarine support.” weight and balance program guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in which the agency increased its average adult passenger weight from 160 to 170 pounds, the NTSB found the USCG standards suspect. “The Coast Guard’s current 140-pound-per-person weight allowances for operations on protected waters with a mix of men, women, and children does not reflect actual loading conditions,” the NTSB said in its recommendation package to the USCG. “This weight allowance is not supported by recent data from the CDC and is not consistent with the FAA’s 2004 update to its weight and balance guidance. Further the Coast Guard’s weight allowance significantly underestimates the total occupant weight on the accident voyage— using the 140-pound standards, the occupant load (over 4,200 pounds) on the Lady D accident voyage was equivalent to 30 people.” After noting that vessels operated in an overloaded condition are at higher capsize risk, the NTSB pointed out to the USCG that increasing the average weight used to calculate maximum occupant capacity is one avenue through which more accurate vessel loads could be reflected. On the other hand, the board suggested, the weight of persons allowed on board could be limited to the weight resulting from the vessel’s simplified stability proof test. Painting a load reference line on the vessel’s pontoons that could be used to limit the occupant weight, or summing people’s actual weights as they boarded the vessels were suggested as ways to guard against overloads. The NTSB’s final report on the Lady-D incident is expected to be released later this year. The USNS Impeccable will continue to be crewed by Seafarers, along with five other vessels covered in a new contract awarded by MSC to Maersk Line, Limited. Seafarers-Crewed Stockham Commended by U.S. Navy The Seafarers-crewed USNS Stockham, operated by American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA), recently received a citation commending the crew members and officers for their roles in assisting a nuclear submarine after it ran aground south of Guam. The submarine USS San Francisco had been conducting submerged operations and was headed to Australia for a port visit when it grounded in January. One of the San Francisco’s crew members died and 23 others were injured. The Stockham and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter subsequently escorted the submarine to safety. In the commendation to the Stockham, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral A.J. Johnson cited the crew’s “outstanding performance of duties while serving as rescue platform during the emergency response to the grounding … from 8 to 10 January 2005. Demonstrating exceptional readiness, the officers and crew of the USNS GYSGT Fred W. Stockham prepared the ship to sortie in support of rescue operations in less than four hours. Through meticu- Mariners Included In National Moment Of Remembrance Editor’s note: Acting Maritime Administrator John Jamian last month sent the following letter to officials in the maritime industry, including the presidents of the U.S. maritime unions: As Acting Maritime Administrator, I encourage you to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance, taking one minute at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, to remember the sacrifices of America’s fallen, from the Revolutionary War to the present. This honors not only members of the Armed Services, but also the U.S. Merchant Marine and other civilians whose devotion has preserved and defended our heritage of freedom. lous attention to detail and unwavering professionalism, the crew safety and expeditiously loaded additional rescue assets to include two 11-meter rigid hull inflatable boats, a sea, air and land medical team, and while getting underway, two HH-60H helicopters…. “Demonstrating the exceptional engineering readiness of Stockham to respond to the mission at hand, the ship made best speed to rendezvous with San Francisco, arriving just after dawn and covering the 350 nautical miles in less than 14 hours. The crew quickly launched the two helicopters to insert muchneeded medical assistance to the damaged submarine. “Additionally, flight deck personnel professionally supported the numerous attempts to evacuate a critically injured submariner, and the crew effortlessly readied the rigid hull inflatable boats for launching should they be needed. “Your quick response, fast transit and the assets you carried on board provided great comfort to the crew of the submarine....” The observance is sponsored by the White House Commission on Remembrance, a bipartisan, independent executive branch agency. I will be directing the ships of the Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Force to dress ship on that day and to ring eight bells at 3:00 p.m. local time, wherever they are in the world. I will also be encouraging them to send an e-mail to the Commission, with a picture if possible, at commission@remember.gov. I encourage all U.S.-flag ships and all gatherings of members of the maritime industry to take appropriate steps to participate in the National Moment of Remembrance. We are grateful to the brave men and women who have served this great country so bravely to ensure the many freedoms we enjoy every day. Sincerely, John Jamian Acting Maritime Administrator Seafarers LOG 5 �27541p6.17.22.23.qxd 4/21/2005 8:26 AM Page 6 CIVMARS Mobilize for Earthquake Victims A pair of Seafarers-crewed vessels in late March was ordered to divert from humanitarian relief operations in one overseas location, weigh anchors and steam to another area to perform the same type of mission. The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy and MSC combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls were directed to get underway from East Timor to Nias Island, Indonesia, March 30 to provide disaster relief and humanitarian assistance following the 8.7 magnitude earthquake off the west coast of northern Sumatra March 28. The vessels are crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division. An additional 175 U.S. Navy medical and support personnel along with 40 non-governmental (NGO) personnel have been requested to augment the ships’ combined crew of 337 U.S. Navy and NGO personnel and 65 MSC civil service mariners. The MSC combat stores ship USNS San Jose, which was en route to Guam after supporting humanitarian assistance operations in the region since Jan. 6, also was directed to Nias Island. Four MH-60S Knighthawk helicopters from Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 5 detachments embarked on board the Niagara Falls and San Jose are being used to transport relief sup- plies and patients in need of medical care to and from the Mercy. The MSC oiler USNS Tippecanoe also is on hand to provide supply replenishment support to MSC ships in the area. “The civilian mariners aboard Mercy, as well as those aboard Niagara Falls, San Jose and Tippecanoe, are continuing their support of Mercy’s onboard medical treatment facility and of the medical staff gearing up to treat the patients in Nias that await them,” said the Mercy’s master, Capt. Michael Leahy. The Mercy and Niagara Falls were in East Timor as part of a humanitarian aid mission being conducted as the hospital ship was en route back to its San Diego home when both ships were ordered to move toward Nias. During the Mercy’s two-day visit to East Timor, the ship’s medical staff saw more than 1,800 patients. At a prior fourday stop in Alor, Indonesia, the Mercy’s medical team saw more than 6,200 patients. The Mercy on Jan. 5 sailed from San Diego in response to the Dec. 26 tsunami that struck Southeast Asia. Operating off the coast of Banda Aceh from Feb. 6 to March 16, the Mercy’s medical staff treated more than 9,500 patients ashore and afloat, performing 19,512 medical procedures including more than 285 surgical and operating room The USNS Niagara Falls (left) and the USNS Mercy sailed to provide disaster relief and humanitarian assistance following the recent earthquake off the west coast of northern Sumatra. cases. “We are returning to Sumatra to help our friends and neighbors in the Pacific in any way that we can.” said Capt. Mark Llewellyn, MC, USN, commanding officer of the Mercy’s medical treatment facility. “From our first time in Sumatra doing tsunami relief, we feel connected to the wonderful people of Indonesia. We learned many things from our first trip here. One is that earthquakes and tsunamis can damage buildings and injure the body, but they cannot destroy the spirit of a community.” The Mercy is one of two hospital ships in the U.S. Navy. The other is the USNS Comfort, also crewed by members of the SIU’s Government Services Division. MSC operates more than 120 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, chart ocean bottoms, conduct undersea surveillance, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military equipment and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces. Alaskans Complete AB Course Citizens from 49th State Find Opportunities at Paul Hall Center Six students from Alaska recently completed the AB course at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training, located in Piney Point, Md. Four of those students— Orlando Caro, David F. Osterback, Nelton Rodriguez and Gary Santos—are graduates of the center’s unlicensed apprentice program. The other two, Francis J. Burke and Douglas F. Perry Jr., came to the school via a program for displaced fishermen. The AB course 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. Additionally, as this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press, 10 more Alaskans were reporting to the Paul Hall Center for STCW Basic Safety Training. As previously reported, both the Paul Hall Center and the state of Alaska, in conjunction with the SIU and its contracted employers, help provide residents of America’s northernmost state with the chance to begin careers in the U.S. Merchant Marine. In the late 1990s, the union started working with Alaska’s congressional delegation, the governor’s office and local officials to offer Alaska citizens an avenue to join the unlicensed apprentice program offered at the Paul Hall Center. More recently, the union and school partnered with Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski and his administration to recruit and train dislocated workers from Clockwise from above left: Nelton Rodriguez graduated from the apprentice program and later upgraded to AB; David Osterback takes the wheel, under direction of Instructor Bernabe Pelingon; Douglas Perry Jr. and Francis Burke receive instruction from Bernabe Pelingon. 6 Seafarers LOG Pictured from left to right are Alaskan upgraders Orlando Caro, David F. Osterback, Nelton Rodriguez, Gary Santos, Francis J. Burke and Douglas F. Perry Jr. Alaska for jobs in the merchant marine through a Ketchikanbased nonprofit agency called SEA Link. A separate Anchorage-based program has helped Alaskans gain employment on riding gangs aboard SIU-contracted Alaska Tanker Company vessels taking North Slope crude to refineries on the West Coast. Student Gary Santos (left) and Instructor Bernabe Pelingon discuss knot-tying. Left: Orlando Caro and Instructor Larry Malone utilize the crane simulator. May 2005 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/19/2005 12:51 PM Page 7 Stewards Convey Passion About Their Union And Their Work As the newest graduates of the Paul Hall Center’s recertified steward program shared their experiences with fellow Seafarers at the April membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., it became increasingly obvious that each of them has found a home with the SIU. Typically, graduation speeches from recertified stewards and bosuns include personal insights about different aspects of union membership and life as a mariner. Last month was no exception, as the stewards encouraged unlicensed apprentices who attended the meeting and also thanked fellow members and SIU officials for keeping the union strong. Completing the four-week recertification course were Jim Battista, Florencia Farquhar, Fernando Guity, Jose Guzman, Tommy Kleine, Mary Lou Smith, Steve Valencia and Donald Williams. The class is considered the top steward-department curriculum available at the Paul Hall Center. “The thing that keeps us doing our jobs is to do a little more than expected every day and take pride in our work,” noted Battista, who joined the union in Piney Point in 1999. “I always encourage new recruitment and upgrading to all parties with interest. It is a great career and a huge opportunity to be part of a great American tradition.” He added a welcome to new union members who are in training for jobs aboard NCL America cruise ships. “NCL America is part of this growing union, an addition to our family,” Battista stated. “The more ships we have, the more jobs we have.” Guzman was born in Honduras and first shipped in 1979, aboard foreign-flag vessels. “I joined the best maritime union on the globe, which is the SIU, in 1990 in Houston,” he recalled. “Since then, my life has changed for the better. I give thanks to the SIU officers and staff of this school for the good jobs they are doing.” With an unprecedented emphasis throughout the industry on shipboard security, small arms training is more valuable than ever. At right, taking aim on the range are Tommy Kleine and Florencia Farquhar, under the guidance of Instructor Stanley Boothe. Above, Donald Williams does the same. May 2005 Speaking to the apprentices, Guzman said, “Study hard, use the school, work hard and work as a team. When you’re on a ship, listen to your supervisors and we’ll have answers for you.” Williams jokingly told the membership that he was so happy to graduate, he was tempted to break-dance. Turning serious, he said, “I thank our officials and the school—you’ve been great to me and helped me. I don’t know where I’d be without you. I’ve been doing this job for 25 years and loved every year. You can’t find better friends. This is our family.” Farquhar offered similar sentiments, recalling that her introduction to the union in 1990 and subsequent first voyage aboard the Long Lines laid the foundation for “a stable future for my family.” She advised the apprentices to “work hard, achieve your life’s goals and enjoy.” Guity said the SIU “changed my life 180 degrees. I will always thank this organization for making me the person I am today. And in our president’s famous words, it’s all about jobs, jobs, jobs. Well, we’ve got jobs. Thank you, (SIU President) Mike Sacco.” Guity, who joined the union in 1992, also thanked the Paul Hall Center instructors and staff “for helping me and so many others. This is a great school for those who want to get ahead in life.” Smith joined the SIU in 1992 in Honolulu. She said she feels a bond with the union’s officials, symbolized during a mid-1990s rally for the United Farm Workers in California. “We were trying to help them organize strawberry pickers,” Smith remembered. “Midway through the march, I looked up and Mike Sacco was on my left. I was proud to see him do that, and I know our officials are with us all the way.” Kleine said that, like his classmates, he learned a lot during the course and looked forward to “sharing the knowledge acquired with members on ships.” Recertified stewards and SIU officials are pictured at the Paul Hall Center following last month’s membership meeting. Standing left to right are SIU VP Joseph Soresi; Seafarers Jim Battista, Jose Guzman and Fernando Guity; SIU President Michael Sacco; Jessica Farquhar and her mother, Seafarer Florencia Farquhar; Seafarers Tommy Kleine, Steve Valencia and Mary Lou Smith; Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan; Seafarer Donald Williams; and SIU VP Augie Tellez. He took particular interest in the SIU’s political efforts, “learning about the union’s role in Washington and how as union members we can help create a positive image. I now see how much work is involved in putting me on a ship.” Kleine, who signed on with the SIU in 1983 in Honolulu, also urged fellow members to “let your port agent know you’re willing to help when needed, whether it’s a political campaign or a community project. “I have trust in the union and I’m proud to be a member. I loved it from the minute I walked on to the Independence.” Valencia started his maritime career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards, which merged into the SIU in 1978. He expressed “profound appreciation” to Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan and the school’s staff. He encouraged fellow Seafarers to contribute to the union’s voluntary political action fund (SPAD). Lastly, he told President Sacco, “Through your tireless commitment to this membership, you’ve made the SIU Number 1.” Like most Paul Hall Center courses, steward recertification blends hands-on training with classroom instruction. Topics and training components include communications, computer lab, first aid and CPR, fire fighting, small arms training, sanitation, international maritime conventions and more. Students also met with representatives of the union’s contracts and communications departments, respectively, as well as with representatives from the Seafarers Plans. Sampling their work are Jose Guzman (left) and Jim Battista. Steve Valencia (left) and Tommy Kleine both said the recertification course will help them do a better job aboard ship. Florencia Farquhar enjoys participating in the chili cook-off. Mary Lou Smith and Fernando Guity concentrate in the galley. Seafarers LOG 7 �2541p8,14,16,19.qxd 4/21/2005 8:47 AM Page 8 LMSR Changeover Continues Seafarers-contracted American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA) in mid-April began operating two more LMSRs and was scheduled to take control of two others either late in the month or in early May. SIU members climbed aboard the USNS Seay and USNS Mendonca in Philadelphia. Previously, Seafarers crewed up the USNS Shughart in Norfolk, Va. The USNS Benavidez and USNS Bob Hope were scheduled for changeover in Violet, La. between late April and early this month. The other four ships that are part of this contract award from the U.S. Military Sealift Command—the USNS Yano, USNS Fisher, USNS Brittin and USNS Pililaau—are slated for turnover throughout June. LMSR stands for large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off vessel. The aforementioned ships are among 19 such vessels operated by MSC, including 15 new builds and four converted vessels. MSC’s acquisition of those ships resulted from a federally ordered study by the Joint Chiefs of Staff following the Persian Gulf War. The study pointed out America’s urgent need for greater sealift capacity to carry military equipment and supplies during wartime and other national contingencies. According to MSC, all of the LMSRs “have been prime movers of U.S. military equipment during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.” Chief Steward Earl Castain USNS Shughart Chief Cook Anna Alexander USNS Shughart Right: Bosun Dave Marks (left) and STOS John Frey USNS Shughart AB Michael Proveaux USNS Shughart QMED John Hoskins is part of the crew aboard the USNS Shughart, one of nine LMSRs under contract to AMSEA. Pollution Cases Yield Record Fine, Prison Time One of the world’s largest container shipping lines, along with the chairman and owner of a prominent American-based ocean transportation company recently were disciplined in separate federal cases involving the deliberate dumping of oil pollutants into the ocean from ships. In the first litigation, Evergreen International on April 1 in Los Angeles pleaded guilty to secretly dumping waste oil from one of its container ships. Under the terms of a plea agreement, the company will pay $25 million in fines, the largest-ever amount for a case involving deliberate vessel pollution. Evergreen also pleaded guilty to felony charges brought in Los Angeles; Newark, N.J.; Portland, Ore.; Seattle; and Charleston, S.C. The other case involved Rick Dean Stickle, the chairman and owner of Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based Sabine Transportation Company. Stickle on April 1 was sentenced to 33 months in prison after being found guilty of ordering the illegal dumping of 440 tons of oil-contaminated grain into the ocean from the SS Juneau, a Sabine tanker. He also was found guilty of the obstruction of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and Department of Agriculture. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Alan S. Gold in Miami, Fla. Judge Gold also imposed a $60,000 criminal fine on Stickle. Evergreen Pleads Guilty Evergreen pleaded guilty to 24 felony counts and one misdemeanor—five counts from each federal district involved in the case—for concealing the deliberate, illegal discharge of waste oil and for a negligent discharge in the Columbia River. The charges included making false statements, obstruction of USCG inspections, failing to maintain an accurate Oil Record Book, and one negligent violation of the Clean Water Act relating to the discharge in the Columbia River. Following the guilty pleas, U.S. District Judge Terry J. Hatter, Jr. ordered the company to pay $25 million to be divided equally among the five judicial districts involved. 8 Seafarers LOG Of this amount, $10 million will be directed to environmental community service projects in each district. “The deliberate and purposeful pollution of our oceans and America’s waterways must be met with strict enforcement,” said Deputy Attorney General James Comey. “This penalty has secured justice against Evergreen and provided a victory for all Americans who enjoy and respect our environment.” Engine room operations on board large oceangoing vessels generate large amounts of waste oil. International and U.S. law prohibit the discharge of waste oil without treatment by an oil water separator—a required pollution prevention device. The law also requires all overboard discharges be recorded in an Oil Record Book, a required log which is regularly inspected by the USCG. In May 2001, the USCG discovered Evergreen was using bypass pipes aboard their ships to illegally discharge waste oil into the ocean without treating it in an oil-water separator. The discharge of oil and other toxic petroleum-related wastes can cause significant harm to marine life. The investigation of Evergreen ships and companies began in March 2001 after the discovery of some 500 gallons of oil in the Columbia River near Kalama, Wash. Through vessel traffic reports and oil samples, the USCG traced the spill to the Ever Group, a container vessel managed by Evergreen Marine (Taiwan) Ltd., which had negligently discharged the oil. On May 14, 2001, the Washington State Department of Ecology (WDOE) discovered a bypass pipe used by crew members on another Evergreen vessel, called the Ever Given, to illegally discharge waste oil into the ocean. The violations on these two vessels led the USCG to conduct “Priority One” inspections of other vessels owned, operated or affiliated with Evergreen in various United States ports. The federal investigation, conducted with the assistance of the WDOE as well as the EPA’s Criminal Investigations Division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, revealed that at least seven Evergreen ships (Ever Group, Ever Given, Ever Dainty, Ever Refine, Ever Gleeful, Ever Laurel and Ever Reward) regularly and routinely used bypass equipment to discharge oily waste and sludge oil while circumventing required pollution prevention equipment and concealing the discharges in fictitious logs which it knew were inspected regularly by the USCG. In a factual statement filed by the court, Evergreen admitted that it knew the fictitious logs were regularly inspected by the USCG. During a 3½ year period, Evergreen discharged waste oil and sludge through bypass equipment and without the use of required pollution prevention equipment from certain ships, with the knowledge that this pollution violated international law. “Evergreen illegally discharged waste oil and then attempted to conceal its actions, thereby compounding its crimes,” said Thomas V. Skinner, EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “This guilty plea sends a clear and strong message to shipping companies: they will pay a heavy price if they intentionally violate our nation’s environmental laws.” Four related Evergreen companies—– Evergreen Marine (Taiwan), Evergreen America, Greencompass Marine, S.A., and Evergreen International, S.A.—will be bound by a detailed Environmental Compliance Plan to prevent future violations as a condition of probation. Under the terms of the proposed plan, Evergreen will need to secure every overboard valve and flange with numbered tags and make other hardware changes to make bypassing more difficult. The compliance plan also requires that Evergreen ships visiting the United States be audited by an outside firm which will be reviewed by a special court appointed monitor. Chairman Sentenced A U.S. District Court in Miami on April 1 passed sentence on Sabine Chairman and CEO Stickle, according to the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Stickle received jail time and a criminal fine following a five-week jury trial. The government’s investigation began when the SS Juneau arrived in Portland, Ore., following an overseas voyage. Crew members alerted USCG personnel that a diesel oil leak in one of the Juneau’s main cargo tanks was discovered while the humanitarian shipment of grain was being off-loaded in Bangladesh in December 1998. Approximately 440 metric tons of wheat became saturated with the oil and was rejected by Bengali authorities. During the following month, while the ship was in Singapore, company officials and vessel officers discussed various ways of off-loading the cargo legally, but this option was ultimately rejected by Stickle as too expensive, according to the evidence introduced during the trial. Instead, Stickle and other company officials intentionally misled USCG officers in Singapore and Portland by failing to disclose the true nature of the contaminated residue and seeking authorization to discharge the residue at sea by mischaracterizing the waste’s true nature. Although concealed from the USCG at the time, Stickle and other Sabine executives had decided to retai 15 Bulgarian nationals to board the SS Juneau in Singapore and directly discharge the contaminated wheat into the ocean during the return voyage to the United States. During the first week of February 1999, the crew members of the SS Juneau dumped the 440 tons of diesel-saturated wheat directly into the South China Sea and lied to USCG officials and agents for Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere (CARE) to hide the illegal dumping. Sabine Transportation previously pleaded guilty to violations of the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships and paid a $2 million criminal fine. Stickle was the chairman of Sabine and owner of all of the company’s ships and more than 10 other related companies. Four others have been convicted in related prosecutions, including Michael R. Reeve, a former president of Sabine. May 2005 �27541_Pg1,2,9cx.qxd 4/25/2005 3:38 PM Page 9 At Sea . . . Left: Representatives from the administration, Congress, the military and the labor movement were present at the recent meetings of the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO executive board in Las Vegas. With SIU VP Augie Tellez (left) is Lt. Col. Scott Lofreddo, aide-de-camp to the commander, TRANSCOM (Army). Brother Michael Drost made his final voyage Dec. 16, 2004 when his ashes were scattered upon the waters by Chief Mate Daniel Todd. Officers and crew members from the Midnight Sun were in attendance at the burial service, which was conducted by Capt. Dan Severion and SA Thomas Curley and included prayers and a poem. The ship’s whistle sounded three prolonged blasts as the ashes were spread into the ocean at latitude 52-24 north and longitude 123-40 west. Drost, who joined the SIU in 1999 and worked in the engine department, died Nov. 8, 2004 at the age of 37. . . . And Ashore . . . Left: SIU boatmen at Crescent Towing in Alabama recently completed security awareness training provided by the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. The course was conducted at Crescent facilities in Mobile. Among those taking the class and pictured at left were Deckhand David Bender, Deckhand Patrick McKibbon, Deckhand Steve Woods, Captain Ronnie Walker, Deckhand Paul Roach, Engineer Roy Saranthus Sr. and Captain Chris Walker. . . . With the SIU Recertified Steward Luis Escobar (left) and Samuel Johnson hold the catch of the day aboard the Brenton Reef as the vessel continues on a coastwise run. Aboard the Cleveland, GSU Alfonso Hernandez (right) cuts the cake celebrating his 70th birthday. The vessel was in Monrovia, Liberia on that February day. Sharing in the festivities (below) are some of his shipmates, including Chief Steward Miguel E. Vinca (who sent these photos to the LOG) and GSU Ehab Ghali. March 11 was membership meeting day in the port of Algonac. Houston Patrolman Michael Russo recently visited with crew members on some of the vessels in the area. In the photo at left, he is flanked by Deckhand Gus Leday II and QM Jason Lee aboard the Seabulk tug Goliath. Above, Russo (right) is present at the payoff on the Brenton Reef. In the photo at right, he poses on board the Crowley Mariner with Chief Engineer Gary Avery and AB Darrel Koonce. May 2005 Seafarers LOG 9 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/19/2005 1:13 PM Page 10 Mealtime Aboard The Seabulk Arctic As the SIU-crewed Seabulk Arctic makes regular calls at refineries along the coasts of Alaska, Hawaii and Washington, mealtimes are always a welcome respite from all the hard work—and Recertified Steward Alan Bartley and Chief Cook Evelina Barnes and their steward department crew do not disappoint. Owned and operated by Seabulk International Inc., the 601-foot double-hull vessel has a capacity of 342,000 barrels of crude oil and other petroleum products. Seven grades of cargo can be loaded or discharged simultaneously, and the system is capable of a complete vessel discharge in 20 hours. Formerly known as the HMI Cape Lookout Shoals, the Seabulk Arctic operates under the Jones Act, the 1920 cabotage law that protects U.S. national and economic security by stipulating that domestic waterborne commerce take place on vessels owned, built, flagged and manned in the U.S. The photos of crew members appearing on this page were sent to the LOG by Chief Pumpman Salome Castro. GVA Rolando Alonzo Chief Pumpman Salome Castro AB Christopher Nichols Right: OMU Ole Olesen AB Victor Kistanov AB Modesto Rabena Recertified Steward Alan Bartley Chief Cook Evelina Barnes AB George Lubialuli AB Toribio Valentin Right: Bosun Juan Castillo (left) and an unidentified person with the catch of the day. Left: Wiper Fathi Almuraisi 10 Seafarers LOG May 2005 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/19/2005 1:19 PM Page 11 Labor Briefs Bill Would Stop Currency Manipulation The U.S. government must stop China’s illegal currency manipulation, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka said April 7 at a Capitol Hill press conference in support of the Chinese Currency Act of 2005. Chinese currency manipulation has led to record U.S. trade deficits with China and contributes to the loss of millions of U.S. manufacturing jobs, according to the AFL-CIO. The bipartisan bill, introduced by U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) and Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) with 14 co-sponsors, would define currency manipulation as a violation of existing U.S. trade laws and World Trade Organization rules. For 10 years, China has artificially pegged its currency at about 8.28 yuan to one U.S. dollar rather than letting the international financial markets set the exchange rate, Trumka noted. Such undervaluing of its currency gives China an unfair advantage in the international marketplace and the ability to undercut U.S. manufacturing by exporting, on a large scale, products that previously were produced in America. NJ Law Bans Offshoring By a 68-5 vote, the New Jersey state assembly approved legislation on March 14 banning the offshoring of state jobs, the Washington Alliance of Technology Workers (WashTech), a Communications Workers local for information technology professionals, reports. The legislation previously passed the state senate. WashTech, which represents some information technology workers in the Garden State, lobbied hard for the legislation after state officials first disclosed, several years ago, that a firm hired to handle communications with low-income aid recipients had offshored the work to India. Under pressure that decision was reversed, with the work being transferred back to New Jersey—but WashTech wanted to make sure it did not happen again. “More successes are possible if we can get more people involved and taking action,” the union said in a prepared statement. “If we have a few hundred people in each state committed to improving the laws for tech workers, bills like the one in New Jersey can pass in other states.” Negotiations Are a Hit Unlicensed Apprentices Train Aboard the Pride of Aloha After their initial 12-week curriculum at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md.—in which they focus on maritime organization, basic seamanship, emergency action and social responsibility—unlicensed apprentices then move on to the second phase of their instruction. During this 12week session, they focus their training on ship operations and maintenance while working on an actual vessel. The students serve in each of the different departments aboard ship and maintain a journal of their activities. For some students in unlicensed trainee classes 658 and 659, Phase II found them aboard the SIU-crewed Pride of Aloha as it made its weekly trips around the Hawaiian islands. According to Jon Silveira, a member of class 658, his fellow classmates all did a great job aboard the NCL America cruise ship. Silveira, who is from Taunton, Mass., has since returned to the Paul Hall Center to complete the third phase of the program, which includes specialized department-specific training. He sent the Seafarers LOG the three photos appearing on this page that contain himself and his shipmates. Press Associates recently reported that when it comes to putting one’s union bargaining expertise to good use, Communications Workers District 2 Organizing Coordinator Richard Verlander has a tale to tell. Apparently, talks hit a wall between labor—the player agents for his son, pitcher Justin Verlander—and management, also known as the Detroit Tigers. So the senior Verlander, whose son was the team’s top draft pick in 2004, stepped in, to Tiger management’s surprise. Verlander drew on his negotiating experience, including years as Local 2201 president, to break the logjam. He said that when impasse looms, “It’s time for the parties to reach out personally. If (CWA President) Morty Bahr can call the CEO” in bargaining over a telecommunications contract, then “I can call the Tigers.” So he did. The results: a five-year contract befitting Justin, with a healthy bonus and union membership in the Major League Baseball Players Association. Justin is a right-handed pitcher who played for Old Dominion University in Virginia. He has a 99-mph fastball and was the second overall pick in last year’s draft. New Reports Added to ‘Paywatch’ Site Excessive CEO pay enriches corporate executives at the expense of working families’ retirement savings, according to new reports on the Executive Paywatch website, www.paywatch.org, unveiled last month by the AFL-CIO. As part of a growing movement to reform executive pay, the website provides case studies on companies that rewarded CEOs with huge pay packages last year. It gives visitors tools to pressure companies to reform out-of-control CEO pay. According to The New York Times, average CEO pay increased 12 percent in 2004 while the pay of workers increased 3.6 percent. Last year, the average CEO of a major corporation received $9.84 million in total compensation. “We have seen a tremendous amount of interest among workers in holding CEOs and their boards accountable,” said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka. “They are rightfully outraged when they learn about jawdropping executive compensation packages. It’s time to put the brakes on runaway CEO pay.” This year, union-sponsored pension plans have submitted over 140 shareholder resolutions on CEO pay reform. Working in the butcher shop requires sharp skills, as Steven Hurden finds out during his rotation in the steward department. Receiving shipboard training aboard the Pride of Aloha are members of unlicensed apprentice class 658. From the left are Calvin Andrews, Anthony Roca, Terry Hester and Jon Silveira. Remembering Maida Springer-K Kemp Longtime civil and human rights activist Maida Springer-Kemp died March 29 in Pittsburgh at age 94. A member of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (now UNITE-HERE), she was the first African American woman to represent the U.S. union movement internationally, promoting freedom of association in Asia, Africa and Latin America. She was instrumental in creating an international labor program at Harvard University and establishing needlework training schools in East Africa. In her honor, the Garment Workers established the Maida SpringerKemp Fund, which supports the needlework schools, provides scholarships for workers’ children and gives women financial aid to start home-based enterprises. To make a tax-deductible contribution to the fund, send a check payable to Solidarity Center Education Fund, to the Solidarity Center, Attn: Lourdes Kistler, 1925 K St., N.W., Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006-1105. Write “Maida Springer-Kemp” in the memo line of the check. “Along with A. Phillip Randolph, she was a pioneer in supporting the development of trade unions in Africa,” noted AFL-CIO President John Sweeney. “In the 1960s, she helped unite southern black and white workers, and in the 1970s she was vice president of the National Council of Negro Women. As an organizer and activist working for women, civil rights, labor and humanitarian causes, Kemp was a tireless voice for social justice. Working families will greatly miss her.” May 2005 Participating in the weekly lifeboat and safety drills is part of the instruction for crew members and passengers alike. From the left are Kyle Parson, Jon Silveira and Karberto Ramos. Parson and Ramos are unlicensed apprentices from class 659. Seafarers LOG 11 �2541p3,5,12,13,15.qxd 4/23/2005 7:49 AM Page 12 NEW YORK PHILADELPHIA Seafarers John Chapin (left) and Paul Hart attend the conference in Philadelphia. Family members were encouraged to attend the meetings. At the Philadelphia hall, Ellen Murphy (raising hand), wife of member James Murphy (to Ellen’s left, wearing glasses), addresses the panel. SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez Recertified Bosun Greg White asks a question at the Norfolk hall. SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel SIU President Michael Sacco discusses the nationwide escalation of health care costs. QMED William Watterson (light shirt, standing with arms folded) is one of approximately 200 people who attended the conference in Norfolk. Seafarer Dave Vega was part of a strong turnout in Piney Point. Steward/Baker Joe Carrello makes a point at the conference in Norfolk. 12 Seafarers LOG At the Norfolk hall, Pensioner Ernest Binkley inquires about retiree benefits. May 2005 �2541p3,5,12,13,15.qxd 4/23/2005 7:49 AM Page 13 NORFOLK Hundreds of Seafarers, pensioners and their families last month turned out for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) conferences in Piney Point, Philadelphia, Brooklyn and Norfolk. Additional conferences were scheduled for late April (too late for this edition of the LOG) in Wilmington, San Francisco, Tacoma, Houston, New Orleans and Jacksonville. During the meetings, Plans spokespersons announced and reviewed adjustments approved by the trustees to the costs of various SHBP coverages. The details, most prominently including deductibles and co-payments, also are spelled out in a letter that was scheduled to be mailed by May 1 to individual SHBP participants. Unlike for most people with health insurance—not to mention the more than 45 million Americans with no coverage whatsoever—there still is no out-ofpocket cost for Seafarers to simply maintain their coverage through the SHBP. Further, nationwide, eligible Seafarers are in a small minority who don’t have to pay all or part of the premiums for dependent coverage. A sizeable portion of the conferences PINEY POINT Addressing SHBP participants and guests in Piney Point, Md. are (from left) Carolyn Gentile, counsel to the Seafarers Plans; Matt Castrovinci and Basil Castrovinci, actuaries for the Plans; and Colleen Baker, representative from First Health Network. consisted of question-and-answer sessions between Seafarers, pensioners and their families and the SHBP panelists. The latter group included Carolyn Gentile, counsel to the Seafarers Plans; Bill Dennis, Plans administrator; Basil Castrovinci and Matt Castrovinci, actuaries for the Plans; and Colleen Baker, representative from First Health Network. SIU officials also participated in the conferences, including President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President John Fay, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, Vice President Government Services Kermett Mangram and Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi. During the early moments of the first conference, which took place April 4 at the Paul Hall Center, Gentile stated that the current challenges faced by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan are nothing short of a fight for survival. She also reviewed the Plan’s history, which dates to 1950. Throughout that conference and the others, participants examined the Plan’s current structure and how it operates; discussed the health care crisis from a national perspective; and talked about the importance of being “educated consumers” when it comes to health insurance. One point that resonated with rankand-file members is that the root of the problem is “cost shifting”—health care providers trying to compensate for covering the uninsured. The SHBP, for example, recently has flagged hospital bills that attempted to charge the Plan $14,000 for four bottles of water, and another that attempted to charge $400,000 for a $43,000 pacemaker. Similarly, the SHBP is battling against annual double-digit increases in the cost for health care, including prescription drugs, which are rising by 20 percent each year. The Plan’s costs have increased 65 percent during the current standard contracts. “We also work with other union health plans, and those plans face the same problems,” stated Basil Castrovinci. “The Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan has fought off the rising costs longer than most.” Pictured from left to right are Pensioner George Thompson (Norfolk), Seafarer Mike Kirby (Piney Point), AB Donald Hood and GUDE Fred Spencer (Norfolk) and Seafarer Nick Conway (Philadelphia). Recertified Steward Bud Marchman, pictured in Norfolk, is among hundreds of Seafarers who participated in last month’s initial conferences. May 2005 Taking part in the Norfolk conference are (from left) Pensioners Lindsey Rhoades and Larry Combs, QMED Taylor Clear and AB/QMED Jim Buckowski. SA Avis Hawkins arrives at the Norfolk conference. Seafarers LOG 13 �2541p8,14,16,19.qxd 4/21/2005 8:49 AM Page 14 Statements Sent to SMPPP Participants The mailing of annual statements from the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP) to Plan participants was completed last month, according to SMPPP Administrator Bill Dennis. Based on year-end reports received from Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, SMPPP investment manager, the Plan continues to perform well despite ongoing market volatility. Interest earned on the accounts during 2004 was 6.5 percent; the total amount in all accounts was more than $27.4 million. The SMPPP originated in 1996, as the SIU successfully negotiated the new benefit into the standard freightship and tanker agreements. The SMPPP subsequently has been included in other SIU contracts. 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 may make voluntary contributions to their respective accounts through a Vacation Plan deduction. The SMPPP is completely separate from a member’s defined benefit pension. Under the SMPPP, a Seafarer is immediately vested from the first day money is received on his or her behalf. Unlike the Seafarers Pension Plan, there is no minimum amount of seatime needed to receive the money from an SMPPP account. Seafarers can collect the funds from their SMPPP account when they reach retirement age, become totally and permanently disabled, or leave the industry. Widows/widowers may collect the funds in the event of their spouse’s death. The annual statements include the following information: Member’s name, address and Social Security number (which is also the participant’s account number); Statement date; The opening balance for 2004 (which was the year-end 2003 closing balance); Interest earned and administrative expenses charged; Any payouts made to the member in 2004; and The closing balance for 2004 (which will appear as the opening balance on next year’s annual statement). NMU PENSION & WELFARE PLAN NMU VACATION PLAN Trustee, Administration and Summary of Material Modifications for the Year 2004 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES – Co-Chairmen NMU Pension & Welfare Plan and NMU Vacation Plan EMPLOYER TRUSTEES UNION TRUSTEES Thomas Murphy, President Marine Personnel & Provisioning Inc. 1083 N. Collier Blvd, PMB #387 Marco Island, FL 34145 (941) 393-0435 René Lioeanjie, Vice President-at-Large Seafarers International Union of N.A. AGLIWD/NMU 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-1878 AMENDMENTS & OTHER ITEMS NMU Pension Plan, Annuity Plan and 401(k) Plan: During 2004, the Board of Trustees adopted several amendments of significant importance to the membership and the Plans. Generally the amendments: 1. Clarified that a full-time officer or employee of the Union after March 31, 1988 is considered to be in Covered Employment, however, such full-time officer or employee is not eligible for the accrual of Pension Credits. 2. Provided the addition of the phrase, “or successor plan,” to the appropriate sections where the NMU Welfare Plan is indicated. 3. Provided an actuarial increase for delayed pensions. 4. Provided the addition of a new subsection (D) to Section 16.7 which states that an Eligible Employee shall be credited with Vesting Service Credit on or after January 1, 2001 for any employment with an employer who is a signatory to a collective bargaining agreement with the Seafarer’s International Union. 5. Provided for a 2 percent increase at December 31, 2004 for Participants active in 2005. 6. Amended the language in Section 18.4, Return to Covered Employment, to read, “Covered by a collective Bargaining agreement with the Union.” NMU Welfare Plan: During 2004, the Board of Trustees adopted several amendments of significant importance to the membership and the Plans. Generally the amendments: 1. Amended the amount of time for an eligible Employee who becomes unfit for sea duty to be on Disability. The NMU Welfare Plan merged into the SIU Health and Benefits Plan/Level N effective June 1, 2004. NMU Vacation Plan: There were no changes in plan benefits in 2004. ADMINISTRATOR William J. Dennis NMU Benefit Plans 360 West 31rd Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10001-2727 14 Seafarers LOG CIVMAR Briefs CMPI 610 Update The union has received many questions concerning CMPI 610 negotiations. As previously reported, as part of the negotiation process the union submitted extensive questions to MSC at the end of November 2004. Since that time, the union has contacted MSC on several occasions requesting the status of the responses to these questions. Union representatives have been told that MSC is working on these responses. No further information about a response date was provided by MSC representatives. Credit Reports As background checks for merchant mariner documents and jobs aboard military and privately contracted vessels become more detailed and specific, it is important to know what information centralized reporting companies have collected about one’s work, medical and insurance history. This information is also crucial to ensure that one hasn’t become a victim of identity theft. Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 everyone is entitled to get a credit report free of charge once a year. Additionally, individuals are entitled to specialty consumer reporting agency reports. These reports are available free of charge once a year. The three major credit reporting companies are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Under the law these companies are required to allow individuals through central source to get credit reports. The telephone number to request your reports is 1-877-322-8228. The web site is www.AnnualCreditReport.com. In addition to one’s credit reports, an individual also may obtain information from the MIB Group, which collects medical information. According to the MIB Group web site, their “records include medical conditions represented by one or more of about 230 codes. Conditions most commonly reported include: height and weight, blood pressure, ECG readings, and laboratory test results if, and only if, these facts are considered significant to health or longevity. There are only a few non-medical codes relating to information that could impact health or longevity including: an adverse driving record, participation in hazardous sports, or aviation activity.” The organization also notes that it will not have a person’s record if he or she hasn’t applied for individually underwritten life, health, or disability insurance during the preceding seven years. MIB records may be requested at www.mib.com or by calling 1-866692-6901. For a report containing one’s insurance history, contact ChoicePoint at www.choicetrust.com or call 1-866-312-8076. SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. May 2005 �2541p3,5,12,13,15.qxd 4/22/2005 8:57 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea June & July 2005 Membership Meetings MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2005 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Totals 6 3 6 6 4 18 37 2 10 18 25 17 4 7 6 9 5 32 23 1 3 2 2 1 21 20 2 4 10 14 8 2 1 0 1 4 21 11 0 0 7 0 6 21 18 0 7 18 25 3 3 0 5 17 0 26 15 2 2 4 1 8 19 21 0 2 11 12 8 2 16 4 8 5 27 15 0 0 0 1 1 10 5 0 3 5 5 4 0 1 0 2 0 10 6 1 0 1 0 3 10 16 0 4 6 9 6 1 1 2 10 1 20 16 2 0 10 4 13 46 60 0 15 30 49 24 8 1 9 36 2 52 34 8 7 7 11 6 31 62 2 18 24 42 30 6 8 24 15 5 44 35 1 7 4 3 1 36 34 3 6 25 35 14 5 1 2 7 5 33 18 230 238 128 171 167 53 107 395 385 240 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 1 2 6 10 13 0 8 5 13 7 2 3 0 12 2 10 11 0 3 6 2 4 12 20 0 5 8 10 12 2 2 6 7 3 19 8 2 1 0 0 1 7 12 1 1 4 10 4 0 2 0 1 0 4 5 1 0 6 1 5 5 15 0 4 8 9 4 1 2 2 7 0 11 3 0 2 1 2 3 8 7 0 3 5 4 10 4 0 0 4 0 16 6 1 0 1 0 0 5 2 0 1 1 2 3 0 1 0 2 1 2 4 0 0 1 0 2 3 8 0 1 7 5 1 2 1 1 4 0 7 2 0 0 3 2 9 17 28 0 16 13 22 16 5 2 3 16 2 10 15 0 2 7 4 10 16 35 1 5 17 23 18 2 3 10 9 3 25 15 3 1 1 0 3 7 19 1 2 6 16 3 0 1 2 2 1 8 7 105 129 55 84 75 26 45 179 205 83 0 0 2 1 13 13 12 0 4 5 18 13 4 5 3 27 2 17 21 1 0 3 0 5 5 15 0 3 4 9 12 2 1 5 5 0 5 8 1 0 0 0 1 4 7 0 0 1 3 4 0 1 0 0 1 3 2 1 0 2 0 6 6 13 0 3 4 11 8 1 1 2 20 1 11 10 0 0 1 0 4 2 11 0 2 4 3 8 1 0 1 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 1 0 6 4 3 0 2 5 6 4 1 0 2 9 0 5 8 0 0 5 2 14 31 29 0 4 14 32 16 3 6 2 45 2 29 45 1 0 6 2 10 9 30 1 9 4 13 20 3 3 6 10 0 11 17 1 0 0 0 1 7 8 0 0 4 4 5 0 2 1 1 1 6 8 160 83 28 100 45 10 56 279 155 49 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 0 4 5 3 0 1 2 5 0 0 0 1 4 0 5 4 3 1 3 2 12 18 15 1 3 9 30 14 1 6 2 13 0 17 6 1 3 3 2 7 20 18 1 1 10 34 18 2 19 2 10 0 20 11 0 0 0 0 1 5 2 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 6 2 0 2 4 0 3 4 11 0 3 3 16 7 0 9 0 9 1 10 2 0 3 0 0 2 3 5 0 0 0 5 2 0 13 0 3 0 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 4 7 0 2 6 11 0 0 0 4 5 0 6 4 3 2 4 6 19 29 27 1 13 14 60 17 1 14 3 18 1 29 13 5 12 5 6 15 35 43 1 3 20 69 28 3 18 3 20 0 36 25 34 156 182 22 84 46 0 61 274 347 529 606 393 377 371 135 208 914 1019 719 *“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 2005 Piney Point .............Monday: June 6 ................................Tuesday: July 5* ............................................(*change created by Independence Day holiday) 1 0 6 3 13 24 27 0 10 16 25 18 4 0 6 23 1 29 24 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs Algonac ..................Friday: June 10, July 8 Baltimore ................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Boston.....................Friday: June 10, July 8 Duluth .....................Wednesday: June 15, July 13 Guam ......................Thursday: June 23, July 21 Honolulu .................Friday: June 17, July 15 Houston ..................Monday: June 13, July 11 Jacksonville ............Thursday: June 9, July 7 Joliet .......................Thursday: June 16, July 14 Mobile ....................Wednesday: June 15, July 13 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: June 14, July 12 New York................Tuesday: June 7, July 5 Norfolk ...................Thursday: June 9, July 7 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: June 8, July 6 Port Everglades.......Thursday: June 16, July 14 San Francisco .........Thursday: June 16, July 14 San Juan..................Thursday: June 9, July 7 St. Louis..................Friday: June 17, July 15 Tacoma ...................Friday: June 24, July 22 Wilmington ...............Monday: June 20, July 18 ................................. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals CHARLES NEIGEBAUER Please contact your stepson Trevor at: TrevorNeigebauer@aol.com Coast Guard Regional Examination Centers 800 E. Diamond Boulevard Suite 3-227 Anchorage, AK 99515 Phone: (907) 271-6736 Claude Pepper Federal Bldg. 51 S.W. 1st Ave., 6th Floor Miami, FL 33130-1608 Phone: (305) 536-6548/6874 40 South Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202-4022 Phone: (410) 962-5132 9820 Lake Forest Boulevard Suite P New Orleans, LA 70127-3077 Phone: (504) 240-7300 455 Commercial Street Boston, MA 02109-1045 Phone: (617) 223-3040 Battery Park Building 1 South Street New York, NY 10004-1466 Phone: (212) 668-7492 196 Tradd Street Charleston, SC 29401-1899 Phone: (843) 720-3250 433 Ala Moana Boulevard Honolulu, HI 96813-4909 Phone: (808) 522-8264 8876 Gulf Freeway, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77017-6595 Phone: (713) 948-3350 2760 Sherwood Lane, Suite 2A Juneau, AK 99801-8545 Phone: (907) 463-2458 6767 N. Basin Avenue Portland, OR 97217-3992 Phone: (503) 240-9346 915 Second Ave., Room 194 Seattle, WA 98174-1067 Phone: (206) 217-6115 Oakland Federal Building North Tower 1301 Clay Street, Room 180N Oakland, CA 94612-5200 Phone: (510) 637-1124 Fax: (510) 637-1126 E-mail: recsfbay@d11.uscg.mil 1001 S. Seaside Avenue Building. 20 San Pedro, CA 90731-0208 Phone: (310) 732-2080 1222 Spruce Street Suite 8.104E St. Louis, MO 63103-2835 Phone: (314) 539-3091 200 Jefferson Ave., Suite 1302 Memphis, TN 38103 Phone: (901) 544-3297 420 Madison Ave., Suite 700 Toledo, OH 43604 Phone: (419) 418-6010 Seafarers LOG 15 �2541p8,14,16,19.qxd 4/22/2005 8:31 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report MARCH 16 — APRIL 15, 2005 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 5 5 2 4 7 0 1 5 29 0 4 2 0 1 0 0 1 8 0 2 0 4 2 1 1 2 12 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 3 13 4 2 13 0 0 4 39 0 1 2 1 3 0 0 1 8 0 3 0 0 2 1 0 2 8 1 4 2 2 1 0 0 1 11 12 24 12 14 31 6 2 9 110 2 7 3 5 5 1 0 4 27 0 17 0 22 2 0 6 0 47 0 1 2 0 3 0 1 2 9 7 13 6 8 8 2 1 6 51 1 1 7 2 4 0 0 1 16 0 11 2 13 1 1 1 0 29 1 1 3 0 2 1 0 2 10 4 6 9 5 16 2 1 5 48 1 4 4 0 14 0 0 1 24 0 11 2 15 0 1 2 0 31 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 9 5 1 2 4 1 0 2 24 1 0 1 0 5 0 0 2 9 0 1 1 3 4 0 2 0 11 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 8 2 0 7 1 0 4 26 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 3 0 2 1 1 4 0 1 0 9 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 1 2 3 1 7 0 0 2 16 1 1 1 0 5 0 0 1 9 0 1 1 0 4 0 2 1 9 Port 0 2 2 2 4 2 0 2 14 1 2 1 1 8 0 0 1 14 0 2 0 0 4 0 0 1 7 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 69 26 32 79 25 24 30 209 67 107 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Emogene B. Schrum of Lincolnton, N.C. She is the widow of Recertified Bosun Ray E. Schrum, who died April 13, 2003 at the age of 74. The pictures were taken in Calcutta, India in 1966. At far right is Schrum with Bob Harwell, who took the opportunity to see the sights of Calcutta during their time in port aboard the SS Transeastern. The other photo is of a shark, caught during that nearly year-long voyage. Brother Schrum started his SIU career in 1947 in Miami, Fla. He initially shipped aboard Moore-McCormack Lines’ Robin Gray. Brother Schrum worked in the deck department, last sailing on the Courier. He began receiving his pension in 1986. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. May 2005 �27541p6.17.22.23.qxd 4/23/2005 8:24 AM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA SILVESTRE BONGOLAN, 67, joined the SIU in 1981 in Honolulu. Brother Bongolan, who was born in Pennsylvania, sailed in the steward department. He upgraded frequently at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Brother Bongolan’s first voyage was aboard the Independence; his last ship was the USNS Loyal. He makes his home in Waipahu, Hawaii. WILLIAM DOOLING, 64, became a Seafarer in 1963 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. He sailed in both the engine and deck departments, most recently aboard the USNS Antares. Brother Dooling calls Starke, Fla. home. NICHOLAS GAINES, 65, began his career with the SIU in 1986 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Gaines first shipped on the USNS Harkness. The steward department member was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Gaines most recently worked on the Mokihana. Born in Colorado, he now lives in Los Angeles. MATIAS GARCIA, 67, was born in Texas. Brother Garcia began his seafaring career in 1994 in the port of Houston, initially sailing on the USNS Bellatrix. He shipped in the deck department and enhanced his skills at the Seafarers-affiliated school in 1997 and again in 2000. A resident of Texas City, Texas, Brother Garcia last worked on the Chemical Explorer. ERNESTO GUARIN, 65, joined the SIU in 1979 in New York. Brother Guarin was born in the Philippines. He first sailed on the Panama. In 2001 he upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. The deck department member’s last ship was the Performance. Brother Guarin makes his home in Makati City, in the Philippines. JAMES HOLLAND, 65, hails from Buffalo, N.Y. Brother Holland joined the union in 1982 in the port of Honolulu. His first voyage was on May 2005 Brother Morgan was born in Baltimore, Md. and last shipped on the Overseas Chicago. He makes his home in Brinnon, Wash. the Independence; his last was aboard the R.J. Pfieffer. Brother Holland upgraded his skills a number of times at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The steward department member lives in Honolulu. HELEN ISHIZAKI, 69, joined the SIU in 1992. Sister Ishizaki was a member of the steward department. Her first ship was the Independence. Sister Ishizaki upgraded her skills in Piney Point, Md. She most recently worked aboard the Manukai. Born in Holland, Sister Ishizaki now resides in Honolulu. LEON LOHMAN, 65, commenced his career with the Seafarers in 1977 in New Orleans. Brother Lohman was born in Louisiana and sailed in the deck department. He completed bosun recertification training in 1990 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Lohman initially went to sea on the Manhattan. His final voyage was aboard the LNG Aquarius. Brother Lohman lives in his native state in the city of Violet. RICHARD LOVAAS, 65, joined the SIU in Detroit in 1966. Brother Lovaas shipped in the deck department in both the Great Lakes and deep sea divisions. His first ship was the Detroit Edison. Brother Lovaas improved his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 2000 and again in 2002. Prior to retiring, he worked on the CPL Louis J. Hauge Jr. Brother Lovaas was born in Miami, Fla. He now resides in Ferndale, Wash. LYNN McGIVENS, 66, started his seafaring career in 1962. Brother McGivens was born in Louisiana and worked in the steward department. His first vessel was the Overseas Ulla; his last was the USNS Bellatrix. Brother McGivens makes his home in Marrero, La. SPERO MOCHE JR., 58, hails from North Carolina. Brother Moche joined the Seafarers in 1970 in New Orleans. His first voyage was on the De Soto. Brother Moche, who was a member of the engine department, upgraded his skills frequently at the Paul Hall Center. Prior to retiring, he sailed on the Commitment. Brother Moche lives in Radford, Va. DONALD MORGAN, 62, joined the SIU in 1967, initially shipping in the engine department aboard the Steel Vendor. He upgraded his skills frequently at the Paul Hall Center, attending the institution seven times during his career. RICHARD PATUREL, 67, began his seafaring career in 1988 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Paturel’s first ship was the USNS Wilkes, where he worked in the deck department. He attended the union-affiliated school often. Born in Auburn, Maine, Brother Paturel resided in San Francisco. He last worked on the Horizon Trader. VERNER POULSEN, 70, joined the SIU in 1962 in Seattle. Brother Poulsen was born in Denmark and shipped in the deck department. His earliest voyage was aboard the Coeur D Alene. Brother Poulsen enhanced his seafaring skills in 1974 and in 2002 at the Paul Hall Center. He resides in Tacoma, Wash. MARTIN QADER, 64, was born Arabia. Brother Qader joined the union in 1979 in Norfolk, Va. The steward department member first sailed on the Point Julie. Brother Qader lives in New York and last went to sea on the Seabulk Challenge. RICARDO SANCHEZ, 65, became a Seafarer in 1977 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Brother Sanchez worked in the deck department and upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center. Born in Central America, his first ship was the USNS Potomac. Brother Sanchez’s most recent voyage was aboard the Maersk Colorado. He is a resident of Humble, Texas. CHRISTOS TSIPLIARELES, 55, started shipping with the SIU in 1968 in New York. Brother Tsipliareles initially worked in the engine department aboard the Galicia Defender. He upgraded his skills at the Seafarers-affiliated school numerous times. A native of Greece, Brother Tsipliareles last worked aboard the Sealand Pride. He calls Virginia Beach, Va. home. INLAND JOHN BUNTING III, 56, began his seafaring career in 1989. Boatman Bunting worked for Crowley. Born in Philadelphia, he now calls Franklinville, N.J. home. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension and Trust, recently went on pension. HAROLD JOHNSON, 66, joined the NMU in 1991 shipping Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1946 At the instigation of the SIU, representatives of all AFL maritime unions on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts met in New York on May 20. A resolution was adopted calling on the AFL Executive Council to establish a Maritime Trades Department within the American Federation of Labor. The purpose of this move was to ensure that unions allied in the marine industry would have the same kind of representation within the AFL as do the Building Trades Department and the Metal Trades Department. from the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Johnson was a member of the steward department. Born in Minnesota, he first sailed aboard the Keystoner. Brother Johnson’s last voyage was aboard the Cape Henry. RUFINO RIVERA, 70, was born in Puerto Rico. Brother Rivera began sailing with the NMU in 1966 from the port of New York. He first worked on the Atlantic. Prior to retiring, Brother Rivera shipped aboard the American Lark. ANDREW WASHINGTON, 55, embarked on his NMU career in 1980 in Mobile Ala. Brother Washington’s first ship was the Zoella Lykes. He last sailed on the Green Wave. A member of the steward department, Brother Washington was born in Alabama. NAME AGE EDP Alvarez, Jose 63 March 1 Brown, Herman 64 April 1 Friedman, Mary 65 March 1 Green, George 62 April 1 Hendy, Sydney 72 April 1 Shurtleff, John 65 April 1 Lakes trade and seeking to establish subsidy operations out of the Lakes. Passage of the Landrum-Griffin Act required some modification of the Constitution as to qualifications and elective office, conditions of union membership and similar matters. The Constitution also provides for a monthly membership meeting system. 1993 Although U.S. armed forces have completed their formal withdrawal from Somalia, U.S.-flag merchant vessels— including four contracted with the SIU—still are providing support to U.S. and United Nations troops in the East African nation. Three Ready Reserve Force vessels—the Gopher State, Cape Henry and Rover—as well as the fast sealift vessel USNS Bellatrix continue to provide food, ammunition and other materiel to U.S. soldiers stationed in Somalia as command of all foreign forces in the war-torn nation shifts to the Untied Nations. The five-month U.S. military intervention in Somalia officially came under United Nations control on May 4…. With the changing of the flags, 3,625 U.S. servicemen were left behind in logistics and support roles. The SIU-crewed vessels will remain in support of these American troops until further notice. This Month In SIU History 1960 The revised Constitution of the SIU, Atlantic and Gulf District went into effect on Thursday, May 12 after being ratified by better than 90 percent of all the votes cast. A two-thirds vote was required to pass the amendments but this requirement was far surpassed. During the 30-day vote, 4,178 votes were cast in favor of the amendments and only 322 against. The name of the district union was changed and it is now the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District. This change in name was felt necessary by the fact that SIU-manned deep sea ships are participating in the Great Seafarers LOG 17 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/25/2005 8:02 AM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA WIN CHAN Brother Win Chan, 87, died Nov. 4. He joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in the port of San Francisco. Brother Chan was born in China and shipped in the steward department. He made his home in San Francisco and began receiving his retirement pay in 1970. JOHN DAVIS NICHOLAS OPPEDISANO Pensioner Nicholas Oppedisano, 85, died Jan. 7. Brother Oppedisano joined the SIU in 1950 in New York. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Born in Maine, Brother Oppedisano shipped in the deck department. Brother Oppedisano last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Adventure. A resident of Portland, Maine, he started receiving his pension in 1985. Pensioner John Davis, 74, passed away Jan. 13. Brother Davis became a Seafarer in 1967 in the port of San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Army. He initially sailed aboard the Fanwood, working as a member of the deck department. Brother Davis was born in Cleveland, Ohio and resided in Port Saint Lucie, Fla. Prior to retiring in 1998; he sailed on the LNG Leo. SIXTO RODRIGUEZ ROBERT DAWSON Pensioner James Rogers, 72, died Jan. 17. Born in Bethlehem, Ga., he started his SIU career in 1958 in New York. Brother Rogers worked in the engine department. The U.S. Army veteran last went to sea aboard the Integrity. Brother Rogers retired in 1996 and resided in Shepherd, Texas. Pensioner Robert Dawson, 88, died Dec. 30. Brother Dawson started his career with the MC&S in San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Born in Texas, the steward department member began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1976. Brother Dawson lived in Oakland, Calif. ANTONIO GUILLEN Pensioner Antonio Guillen, 85, passed away Jan. 12. Brother Guillen was born in Spain and embarked on his SIU career in 1947 in New York. The deck department member first sailed with A.H. Bull Steamship Co. Brother Guillen went on pension in 1984. He called Woodside, N.Y. home. EDDIE HERNANDEZ Pensioner Eddie Hernandez, 80, died Jan. 13. The Puerto Rico-born mariner started his SIU career in 1951 in New York. Brother Hernandez first sailed aboard the Alamar; his last voyage was on the American Heritage. A pensioner since 1985, he worked in the steward department and lived in San Juan, P.R. WALKER LaCLAIR Pensioner Walker LaClair, 83, passed away Feb. 17. Brother LaClair was a native of Wilmington, N.C. He joined the union in 1948 and sailed in the deck department. Before retiring in 1986, Brother LaClair went to sea on the Sugar Islander. He made his home in Galveston, Texas. 18 Seafarers LOG Pensioner Sixto Rodriguez, 92, passed away Jan. 19. He joined the union in 1939 in New York. Brother Rodriguez was born in Puerto Rico and worked in the engine department. He began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1972. Brother Rodriguez made his home in Jersey City, N.J. JAMES ROGERS HOWARD SCHNEIDER Pensioner Howard Schneider, 87, passed away Feb. 9. Brother Schneider became a Seafarer in 1967 in Seattle after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Schneider worked in the steward department, first sailing on a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Born in Chicago, he called Camano Island, Wash. home. Brother Schneider began collecting his pension in 1984. JAMES SHEETS Pensioner James Sheets, 74, died March 2. Brother Sheets began shipping with the SIU in 1947 in New York. He first sailed on the Mobilian as a member of the deck department. Brother Sheets was born in Virginia and served in the U.S. Army. Before retiring in 1993, he went to sea aboard the Edward A. Carter Jr. Brother Sheets lived in Norfolk, Va. FRANCISCO TIRADO Pensioner Francisco Tirado, 72, passed away Jan. 25. Brother Tirado joined the SIU in 1962 in New York. His initial trip to sea was aboard the Overseas Ulla. A native of Puerto Rico, Brother Tirado shipped in the steward department, most recently sailing on the Motivator. He was a resident of Santa Isabel, P.R. and began receiving his retirement stipends in 1997. CLARENCE WILLIAMS Pensioner Clarence Williams, 77, died Feb. 1. He began his seafaring career in 1967 in the port of San Francisco, initially sailing aboard the Santa Mercedes. Brother Williams, who was born in Louisiana, shipped as a member of the steward department. His last voyage was on the Ewa. Brother Williams began collecting his pension in 2002. He made his home in New Orleans. LOYD ZIMMERMAN Pensioner Loyd Zimmerman, 79, passed away Jan. 3. Brother Zimmerman joined the SIU in 1945 in New York. He was born in Virginia and worked in the steward department. Brother Zimmerman’s first trip to sea was aboard the De Soto; his last was on the Santa Rosa. Brother Zimmerman resided in his native commonwealth and went on pension in 1989. INLAND KENNETH ALEXANDER Pensioner Kenneth Alexander, 55, died Jan. 2. Boatman Alexander started sailing with the Seafarers in 1978 in New Orleans. During his career, he mainly worked on Crescent Towing of New Orleans boats. Boatman Alexander was born in New Orleans, La. and lived in Gretna, La. The deck department member retired in 1997. the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Virginia, he sailed in the deck department. Boatman Johnson retired in 1996 and resided in his native commonwealth. KEITH LOPER Pensioner Keith Loper, 66, died Feb. 19. Boatman Loper became a Seafarer in 1965, joining in the port of Norfolk, Va. The U.S. Army veteran initially worked on a Waterways Transportation vessel in the deck department. Boatman Loper was born in Ohio and lived in Plymouth, N.C. He went on pension in 1990. LEONARD PAUL SR. Pensioner Leonard Paul Sr., 70, passed away Dec. 20. He started his seafaring career in 1968 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in Beaufort, N.C., Boatman Paul shipped in the engine department. His first trip to sea was aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. Boatman Paul was a resident of Belhaven, N.C. He retired in 1995. DEVAIN SARANTHUS Pensioner Devain Saranthus, 63, died Dec. 3. Boatman Saranthus launched his SIU career in 1960 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in Alabama, he sailed as a member of the deck department. A pensioner since 1996, Boatman Saranthus lived in Semmes, Ala. RAYMOND TROSCLAIR Pensioner Robert Haught, 76, passed away Dec. 13. Born in Flora, Ill., Boatman Haught began his SIU career in 1964. The U.S. Army veteran was a member of the deck department. Boatman Haught started receiving his retirement pay in 1993. He called Paragould, Ark. home. Pensioner Raymond Trosclair, 82, passed away July 14. Born in Louisiana, Boatman Trosclair joined the SIU in 1962 after serving in the U.S. Army. He sailed primarily aboard Dravo Basic Materials Co. vessels in the engine department. Boatman Trosclair resided in Houma, La. and began collecting his pension in 1985. WILLIAM HORNER JR STEVE WARFORD ROBERT HAUGHT Boatman William Horner Jr., 59, died Jan. 5. He started sailing with the SIU in 1964 from the port of Philadelphia after serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. Boatman Horner was born in Maryland and shipped primarily on Maritrans vessels. The deck department member lived in Princess Anne, Md. RONNIE JOHNSON Pensioner Ronnie Johnson, 53, passed away Dec. 13. Boatman Johnson joined the ranks of the SIU in 1972 in Pensioner Steve Warford, 75, died Dec. 20. Boatman Warford joined the SIU in 1978 in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He worked primarily aboard Crowley Towing & Transportation vessels as a member of the deck department. Boatman Warford started receiving his retirement compensation in 2001. The U.S. Army veteran was born in Arkansas and made San Marcos, Calif. his home. GREAT LAKES JOSEPH BAKER Pensioner Joseph Baker, 76, passed away Dec. 17. Brother Baker hailed from Alpena, Mich. Prior to joining the Seafarers in 1960, he served in the U.S. Army. Brother Baker sailed in the deck department, most recently aboard the Paul H. Townsend. He became a pensioner in 1988 and called Michigan home. FRANCIS READ Brother Francis Read, 63, died Nov. 7. He joined the SIU in 1990 in the port of Algonac. Brother Read’s first ship was the Kinsman Enterprise. The deck department member was born in Pennsylvania. Brother Read was a U.S. Navy veteran and last sailed on the American Mariner. He made his home in Echo Township, Mich. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. JAMES BISHOP Pensioner James Bishop, 83, passed away Feb. 25. He joined the union in 1955. Brother Bishop first sailed from New York aboard the Chester O. Swain. Born in Providence, R.I., he worked in the steward department and began receiving his pension in 1983. Brother Bishop’s last ship was the Keystone. MANUEL CARDONA Pensioner Manuel Cardona, 89, died Feb. 21. Born in Puerto Rico, Brother Cardona became an NMU member in 1934. He sailed in the steward department, first shipping from New Jersey. Brother Cardona started collecting retirement stipends in 1969. RAFAEL DELGADO Pensioner Rafael Delgado, 103, passed away Feb. 10. Brother Delgado joined the NMU in 1957. He sailed primarily aboard the Independence. Brother Delgado was born in Salina, P.R. and went on pension in 1965. JOHN FRUIK Pensioner John Fruik, 63, died Feb. 9. He was born in Michigan and joined the NMU in 1972, sailing in the deck department. Prior to retiring in 1994, Brother Fruik worked aboard the Banner. Continued on page 20 May 2005 �2541p8,14,16,19.qxd 4/22/2005 8:11 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occassion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the uniion’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 publicatiion. CHEMICAL EXPLORER (Marine Transport), Feb. 6— Chairman Marvin P. Zimbro, Secretary Christina A. Mateer, Educational Director Jeffrey T. Fields, Deck Delegate Timothy J. Jackson, Engine Delegate Anjwar D. Brooks. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 8 in Los Angeles and informed crew that two new washers and dryers were on order. Educational director advised everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to lower age requirements for pension benefits and increase vacation days. Discussion held on whether crew fund should be used to pay for satellite TV. Next ports: Long Beach and Richmond, Calif. COAST RANGE (Intrepid), Feb. 26—Chairman Terry D. Cowans Sr., Secretary Lanette A. Lopez, Educational Director Terry T. Smith, Deck Delegate Travis Stringer, Engine Delegate Scott S. Fuller, Steward Delegate Michael Todman. Chairman reminded crew members not to go through payoff without patrolman present. He also suggested that everyone read Seafarers LOG to be better informed of current maritime and union issues. Educational director talked with captain about having computers in crew lounge for e-mail. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills in Piney Point and check documents for expiration. Renewals take time, so do it early. Steward asked crew to clean rooms and get fresh linen before disembarking. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to reduce retirement age and increase medical benefits. Recommendations also given for contracts department to consider when negotiating new agreement. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great job. EL MORRO (Interocean Ugland Mgmt.), Feb. 27—Chairman Robert T. Grubbs, Secretary Michael M. Amador, Educational Director Fredrick W. Dougherty Jr., Deck Delegate Jay P. Thomas, Engine Delegate Milton L. Israel II. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 28 in San Juan, P.R. Secretary asked everyone to keep noise down in hallways as other crew members may be sleeping. Educational director emphasized importance of keeping all documents current and taking advantage of upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew suggested lowering seatime requirements for pension and requested copies of all plans’ financial statements for 2004. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food. HORIZON DISCOVERY (Horizon Lines), Feb. 20—Chairman Patrick C. Ray Jr., Secretary Joseph A. Laureta, Educational Director William Payne, Deck Delegate Roberto Flores, Engine Delegate Hector J. Ginel, Steward Delegate Jorge R. Salazar. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 22 in Jacksonville, Fla. and noted May 2005 ship to stay on same run until July shipyard period. Educational director urged all members to take advantage of upgrading classes at Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew was asked to help keep ship clean. Special thanks given to Steward Laureta and Chief Cook Salazar for exotic menus and good food. INTEGRITY (Maersk Line Ltd.), Feb. 26—Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate Michael H. Dempster, Engine Delegate Gregorio A. Blanco, Steward Delegate Richard F. Oliva. Chairman announced Maersk Line Ltd. to take over from USSM starting March 1. He reported pleasant voyage in all departments. Secretary thanked wiper for keeping SIU crew deck clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding lowering age required for pension benefits and increasing pension amounts. Steward department thanked for exceptional menu and fine food during voyage. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Houston, Texas. LIGHTNING (Maersk Line Ltd.—formerly USSM’s Explorer), Feb. 20—Chairman Gerald Freeman, Secretary William R. Burdette, Educational Director Roger D. Phillips, Engine Delegate Lavell Williams. Chairman reported smooth trip en route to payoff Feb. 27 in Balboa, Panama, thanks to great crew. Replacements for three crew members arrived in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade at Piney Point facility. Treasurer stated $257 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next ports: Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala; Balboa; San Antonio, Chile. MAERSK VIRGINIA (Maersk Line Ltd.), Feb. 27—Chairman Mohamed S. Ahmed, Secretary Hugh Wildermuth, Educational Director Danilo Cortez, Deck Delegate Timothy D. Girard, Engine Delegate James R. Oling, Steward Delegate Radfan A. Almaklani. Chairman announced payoff March 6 in Newark, N.J. and thanked deck department for good performance during trip. He reminded everyone to clean rooms and return keys before leaving ship. Secretary expressed gratitude to crew for helping keep ship clean. Educational director advised mariners to stay current on union news. Treasurer stated $1,539 in ships fund after purchase of treadmill for gym and movies. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made to lower pension eligibility age and increase pension benefits. Expression of thanks given to Seafarers LOG for good work in keeping membership up to date on union matters. METEOR (Maersk Line Ltd.), Feb. 20—Chairman Steve R. Kastel, Secretary Jose M. Bayani, Educational Director Chris L. Earnhart, Deck Delegate Ahmed M. Baabbad, Engine Delegate Samuel Garrett, Steward Delegate Claudia N. Mauricio. Chairman suggested crews of all Champion-class vessels submit list of recommendations regarding new contract and give to patrolman, who will forward to contracts department. Secretary thanked everyone for keeping ship tidy. Educational director reminded mariners about educational opportunities available in Piney Point and about need to keep all paperwork up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to increase dental and optical benefits and to purchase grill and big refrigerator for crew mess. Vote of thanks to galley crew for excellent food. Next port: Los Angeles. OVERSEAS NEW ORLEANS (OSG Ship Mgmt.), Feb. 27— Chairman Thomas R. Temple, Secretary Jonathan White, Educational Director John E. Trent, Deck Delegate Maurice D. Hetrick, Engine Delegate William P. Stone, Steward Delegate Jorge L. Ellis. Chairman advised crew members to read Seafarers LOG. It is the lifeline to the union while at sea. He also noted letter received regarding recent SAB ruling. Educational director informed crew that it was to their advantage to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for each SIU crew member to have refrigerator in his or her room. Steward asked that no food scraps be put in garbage; galley crew will dispose of scraps properly. Everyone asked to be respectful of shipmates who may be trying to sleep. Suggestion made to lower age and seatime requirements for pension benefits. Next port: Corpus Christi, Texas. PERSEVERANCE (Maritrans), Feb. 28—Chairman James E. Bishop, Secretary Catherine M. Hays, Educational Director Kenneth W. Pinchin, Deck Delegate Clarence E. Fortt Jr., Engine Delegate Milton L. Israel, Steward Delegate Luis M. Caballero. Chairman announced payoff March 1 upon arrival in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Educational director spoke about taking advantage of educational facilities available at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication received from headquarters regarding staying on ship longer than normal due to increasing manning during time of war. Crew received two new washing machines within last month and now waiting for a new dryer. Next ports: Cape Canaveral, Port Everglades and Tampa, Fla. P&O NEDLLOYD BUENOS AIRES (Waterman Steamship Corp.), Feb. 27—Chairman Joseph J. White, Secretary Tran Nee, Educational Director Michael L. Mefferd, Deck Delegate Fritz L. McDuffie. Secretary asked those departing vessel to make sure rooms are clean and supplied with fresh linen for next person. Educational director advised crew to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center whenever possible. Treasurer stated $190 in ship’s fund. Suggestions made for pension buy-out and improved medical insurance. Crew requested refrigerator, ice machine, salad bar and microwave for crew mess. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. SEABULK COURAGE (Seabulk Tankers), Feb. 28—Chairman Mario R. Romero, Secretary Luis A. Escobar, Educational Director James L. McDaniel, Steward Delegate Allan M. Melendez. Chairman reported change in run, eliminating Kalama, Wash. and San Francisco. Vessel will now run back and forth from Long Beach to Houston or Corpus Christi for 30-day trips. Secretary urged Seafarers to start renewal process of MMDs early to avoid lastminute delays. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read president’s report from the LOG, which led to discussion on new MSP program, new jobs for SIU, ways to help in tsunami relief and nationwide health care crisis. Vote of thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. USNS OBSERVATION ISLAND (Maersk Line Ltd.), Feb. 13— Chairman Cholley L. Moses, Secretary Gregory Heseltine, Educational Director Edward J. Krebs, Deck Delegate Travis L. available at Paul Hall Center and about importance of contributing to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Everyone asked to leave room clean for next person. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. CURTISS (American Overseas Marine), March 6—Chairman Stephen Czaple, Secretary Dorray A. Saberon, Educational Director Jürgen G. Gottschlich, Deck Delegate George W. Mazzola. Chairman reported ship being activated. All going well with good crew and great weather. Educational director suggested everyone upgrade at Piney Point Thanks for a Job Well Done Steward department members aboard the Sulphur Enterprise were given a vote of thanks for the great meals and excellent service. From the left are SA Alexander Cordero, Chief Steward William Blees and Chief Cook Jose R. Norales. The Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel is on a coastwise run. Austin, Engine Delegate Jason A. Powell, Steward Delegate Bill Smalley. Chairman brought meeting to order and gave overview of purpose and importance of electing department delegates. He outlined meeting format and projected schedule. He also reminded membership of upcoming paid holiday, Presidents’ Day, Feb. 21. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on investigation into rationing of water. Research being done by chairman on reimbursement and pay for crew members traveling to and from vessel. Inquiry also made about availability and eligibility for 401(k) or other money market fund for unlicensed personnel. Request for new (non-industrial strength) laundry detergent. Members were instructed to go through department heads for hot/cold temperature adjustments in rooms. Crew members note that, weather permitting, aft fan tail of ship periodically set up as beach cookout area. USNS POLLUX (American Overseas Marine), Feb. 7—Chairman Wilfredo C. Rice, Secretary Kelvin R. Burrell, Educational Director Troy Ancar, Deck Delegate Timothy R. Kacer, Engine Delegate Bruce N. Zenon. Chairman announced payoff Feb. 16 in Marrero, La. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade skills at Piney Point training center to further career options. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for TV antenna and DVD player for each crew lounge as well as additional washer and dryer. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good meals and service. Next port: Algiers, La. USNS SISLER (Maersk Line Ltd.), Feb. 13—Chairman Kenneth L. Steiner, Secretary Walter J. Matt, Educational Director Timothy A. Chestnut, Deck Delegate David L. Hudgins, Engine Delegate Pati F. Taototo, Steward Delegate Kimberly A. Strate. Chairman led discussion concerning training, safety and health care plan. Educational director talked about opportunities whenever possible. Engine delegate reminded crew to keep house door closed since AC is on. He also requested help in separating plastic items from regular trash. Steward delegate asked crew to place dirty sheets in linen locker and said he’ll look into getting extra fans if needed. Technicians will come aboard ship North Carolina to fix satellite TV. Next port: Sunny Point, N.C. DILIGENCE (Maritrans), March 2—Chairman Ronald L. Paradise, Secretary Amy K. Rippel, Educational Director Arthur K. Outlaw, Deck Delegate Stanley E. Howard, Engine Delegate Patrick D. Carroll Jr., Steward Delegate John Bennett. Chairman announced payoff March 3 in Galena, Texas. He noted satellite TV dues up $5 and expressed gratitude to deck department for good job. Educational director told all departments to give themselves a raise by upgrading at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman discussed SAB No. 426 regarding crew rotations. Recommendation made to increase wages in next contract. New mattresses to be ordered in May when vessel goes into shipyard. Next ports: Baytown and Galveston, Texas. HORIZON TACOMA (Horizon Lines), March 6—Chairman Dennis S. Brown, Secretary Lincoln E. Pinn Jr., Educational Director Mohamed N. Asinai. Chairman announced payoff March 9 on arrival in Tacoma, Wash. and thanked everyone for keeping ship clean. He urged crew to keep dues paid and support SPAD. Educational director encouraged all hands to take advantage of opportunities available in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Following reading of president’s report in LOG, discussion ensued on America’s continuing health care crisis. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. Seafarers LOG 19 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/25/2005 7:02 AM Page 20 Remembering Capt. George Milburn . . . Pensioner George B. Milburn died last June at the age of 80. He joined the SIU in 1967 in Norfolk, Va. and shipped in both the inland and deep sea divisions before retiring in 1981. His son, Bruce Milburn, recently was going through some of his father’s papers and came across a 1972 newspaper article from the Washington Star about tugboat activity on the Potomac River that he wanted to share with readers of the Seafarers LOG. The article, by James Norell, featured Milburn and some of his shipmates on the tug Papa Guy during one of their runs from Washington to Piney Point, Md. Milburn was captain aboard the tug, which at the time was pushing an empty barge to exchange for an identical barge loaded with 43,000 barrels of No. 6 heating oil for Washington furnaces. Milburn was extremely proud of his years with the SIU, and his son is equally proud of the accomplishments of his father. Final Departures Continued from page 18 JAMES GONZALES Pensioner James Gonzales, 94, passed away Feb. 8. The engine department member was born in St. Vincent, B.W.I. and began working for the NMU in 1942. Brother Gonzales first sailed on the Frank W. Spencer. He started receiving his retirement pay in 1975. LESTER MAUL Pensioner Lester Maul, 81, died Jan. 26. A native of St. Louis, Brother Maul launched his NMU career in 1942, first sailing on the Parismina in the deck department. He last sailed on the Independence. Brother Maul started receiving compensation for his retirement in 1967. CHARLES STEAD Pensioner Charles Stead, 88, passed away Feb. 12. Brother Stead started his seafaring career in 1947 in the port of Baltimore. His first vessel was the Carleton Ellis; his last was Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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. This is the cover page of a 1972 Washington Star feature on George B. Milburn and his crew on the tug Papa Guy. CARLOS VILLAVICENCIO the Chestnut Hill. Brother Stead went on pension in 1984. LEONARD TAYLOR Pensioner Leonard Taylor, 82, died Feb. 20. Born in the Philippines, Brother Taylor joined the NMU in 1966. Before retiring in 1987, he went to sea on the American Veteran. Pensioner Carlos Villavicencio, 84, passed away Jan. 17. Brother Villavicencio joined the NMU in 1945 in Balboa, Panama. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, he last went to sea aboard the Santa Maria. Brother Villavicencio began collecting his retirement pay in 1972. Editor’s Note: In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU members, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. Name Age D.O.D. Andrews, Cornelius 81 02/09/2005 Bates, James 80 02/11/2005 Bush, Ramsey 66 02/09/2005 Chavarria, Eloy 82 02/11/2005 Crespo, Francisco 92 02/05/2005 Gonzales, Emilio Jr. 77 02/14/2005 Halison, Frank 85 02/06/2005 Hall, Oscar 80 01/19/2005 Kelly, Agnes 95 01/19/2005 Lenobel, Karl 85 10/02/2004 McGruder, Sherman 77 02/15/2005 Mente, Clarence 75 02/17/2005 Miller, Ramie 63 02/06/2005 Monroe, Johnnie 76 01/20/2005 Mullins, Charles 80 02/19/2005 Randolph, Harry 98 02/18/2005 Sandies, Isaiah 72 02/17/2005 Sax, Jim 84 02/18/2005 Wynne, Thomas 77 01/11/2005 TRUST FUNDS. All trust funds of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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 20 Seafarers LOG 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. May 2005 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/25/2005 3:45 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Steward Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of this year. 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. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning April 18, 2005. Engine Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion FOWT June 20 September 19 August 11 November 11 QMED - Jr. Engineer June 20 September 8 Welding May 9 August 22 September 19 October 24 October 31 May 27 September 9 October 7 November 11 November 18 Course Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion May 30 July 11 August 22 October 3 November 14 June 24 August 5 September 16 October 28 December 9 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) June 20 August 22 October 24 June 24 August 26 October 28 Bridge Resource Management (Unlimited) May 9 July 11 September 12 November 14 May 13 July 15 September 16 November 18 Celestial Navigation May 16 July 18 September 19 November 21 June 10 August 11 October 14 December 16 GMDSS (Simulator) June 27 August 29 October 31 July 8 September 9 November 11 Lifeboatman/Water Survival May 16 June 27 August 8 September 19 October 21 May 27 July 8 August 19 September 30 November 11 Navigation Fundamentals October 24 November 4 Radar June 6 August 8 October 10 June 15 August 17 October 19 Radar Renewal (1 day): June 27, August 29, October 31 Course Able Seaman Safety Specialty Courses Date of Completion May 16 July 18 September 19 May 27 July 29 September 30 Fast Boat Rescue June 6 June 10 Government Vessels May 23 July 4 August 8 August 22 September 26 October 31 November 14 May 27 July 8 August 12 August 26 September 30 November 4 November 18 Medical Care Provider May 30 August 1 October 3 June 3 August 5 October 7 Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* June 6 August 1 September 26 June 17 August 11 October 7 June 27 October 17 July 1 October 21 Advanced Fire Fighting* (*must have basic fire fighting) (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Start Date Course Date of Birth ______________________ 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 OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No Home Port _____________________________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Yes Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ May 2005 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 5/05 Seafarers LOG 21 �27541p6.17.22.23.qxd 4/21/2005 10:01 AM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 660 — Graduating from the water survival Able Seaman — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending April 1 are (in no specific order) Jerald Martinez, Charles Freeman, Jon Carrico, Jullian Woods, Rigoberto Boggeano, Rosita Livermon, Douglas Perry Jr., Nelton Rodriguez, Joseph Waldera, Francis Burke, David Osterback, Eleazar Lozano Jr., Gary Santos, Orlando Caro, Erick Colon, Hector Serrano, Brian Kimbrough, Nathaniel Miller, Daniel Link and Nathaniel Leachman. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at right in the front row. class are unlicensed apprentices from class 660 (in alphabetical order) Remington Aldrete, Jillian Barker, Thomas Brady III, Ian Chin, Christopher Cipres, Steve Concepcion, Sherrod Cutter, Lurex Dela Cruz Jr., Nicholas Dippel, Danny Faidley, Nicole Geideman, Dustin Hennig, Linsey Knight, Louis Kramm, Kenny Potts, Kemer Rojas, Edwin Ruiz Jr., Jennifer Souci, Josh Sypolt, Carlos Vargas Rodriguez, Philander Walton and John Yi. Galley Ops — Working their way up in the galley department are (from left) Robinson Eromosele, Rocky Dupraw, Alfonso Berry, Edward Aguigui Jr., Dave Johnson and their instructor, Ed White. Medical Care Provider — Jr. Engineer — Completing the junior engineer course April 1 are (in no specific order) Jordan Cuddy, Trent Enoch, Walter Rood, Robert Norris, Sharon Gilliam, Alshea Dixon, Husain Ali, Danny Day, Matthew Redlinger, Noel Corrales, Neil Warren, Lisa Harewood and Davon Brown. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is at far right. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Completing the medical care provider course April 1 are (in no specific order) Mike McCourt, Edward Fore, Robert Scott, Craig Burmeister, Shannon Smith, Shelby Rankin, Brian McLarron, Christopher Edyvean, Jerry Sobieraj, Kenneth Lewin and George Ashbridge. Their instructor, Mark Cates, is second from left. Water Survival — March 11 graduates of the water survival class include NCL crew members (in no specific order) Shawn Crowe, Jon Thompson, Troy Larick, Timothy Hall, Shanna Bahr, Marcos Gomez, Carl Collett, Damareo Bailey, Betty Daw, Benny Quintanilla, Marlon Hannigan, Nicanor Dechico, Jason Cruz, Wilma Diaz, Sunshine Gruber, Charlene Street, Raquel Collins, Damien Williams, Bryan Gutierrez and Edwin LaRosa. Their instructors were Stacey Harris (standing far left) and Tony Sevilla (standing far right, front row). Computer Lab Classes Instructor Rick Prucha (standing at far left) congratulates students for their accomplishments in the computer lab. Holding their certificates of completion for various computer courses are (from left, front row) Miguel A. Pizarro, Joselier Itaralde, Eissa Saleh, (back row) Ousmane Ka, Gilbert Johnson and Jess Cooper. Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (center) are Seafarers who completed the welding course March 4. They are Ousmane Ka (left) and William Rios. 22 Seafarers LOG May 2005 �27541p6.17.22.23.qxd 4/21/2005 10:27 AM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Competing this course March 18 are (in no specific order) Hannah Cain, Audania Bomar, Anthony Roca, Samuel Miller, Lou Kramm, Benny Samosan, Tim Rieman, Steve Hurden, Jon Silveira, Tim Johnson II, Iam Manthey, Timothy Littles, Garfield Persley Jr., Adam Ramey, Brian Joyner, Steven Cedres, Fausto Aranda, Billie Muñoz and Michael Rodriguez. Their instructor, Herb Walling, is at far left in the back row. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — A second tanker assistant class graduating March 18 included (in no specific order) Wanda Davis, Gabriel Santa, William Sanchez, Brandon Granger, Jermeka Williams, Elliott Del Aguila, William Burdette, Michael Warner, Terry Hester, Nelson Smith, Edgar Reed, Perry Kin, Calvin Andrews, Brad Dize, Patrick Ryan and Karberto Ramos.Their instructor, Jim Shaffer, is at far left. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — NCL, March 11: Johnny Marino, Jessica Martin, Dorian Meneses, Charles Miller, Stacy Miller, Mark Moore, Joseph Nason, Gisela Neminske, Shari-Ann Pontin-Yamashita, Donald Provance, Ricardo Puaza Jr., Shawn Riley, Brandon Sanborn, Brian Sanchez, Juan Segura, Adante Smith, Jason Smythe, Hector Solis, Taylor Stephens, David Taylor, Roland Terlaje, Andella Toler, Michael Turner, Lindsey Twonbly, Cameron Werry and John Wess Sr. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STCW — NCL, March 11: David Aguon, Mark Ambrose, Jon Asis, Jeffer Baguio, Victoria Bejerano, Elena Benavente, James Browne, Griffin Bryant III, Eleanor Cagas, Roger Campo, Celena Carroll, Richard Castro, Vera Christianson, Tyson Cronmiller, Juan Flores, Harold Guillory Jr., Jamel Hatton, Philip Heglmeier, Ray Henderson Jr., Girindhra Henry, Eric Hoffman, Audrey Holmes, Jarret King, Mikki Laster and Sherwin Limos. STCW — March 18: James Collins, Timothy Delapp, Cheryl Grace, Katherine Grove, Ollie Hargrove, Alexander Haymore, Gregory Hidalgo, Rocky Hong, Scott Hooks, Annafay Iokia, Kyle Itani, Maxine Lang, Nichole Lemanski and Grant Haitsuka. STCW — March 18: Christy McCord, Matthew Martin, Jennifer Martinez, Rudy Nucum, Sean Olmo, Leo Pangelinan, Larry Pomerantz, Ulrick Prudent III, Felix Quevedo, David Scharling, Rachael Sherer, Sven Sjoberg, James Smith, Don Thompson, Arthur Valles and Linda Woolley. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STCW — NCL, March 25: Joselito Mata, Aston McKen, Donald McMullen, Yvette Nordquist, John O’Hara, Stephen Parker, Sara Pilgreen, Andrea Raviele, Eric Roth, Annette Salvador, Ysue Samaskhan, Jonathan Savares, Timothy Skeith, Lindsey Waitley and Nathaniel Webb. May 2005 STCW — NCL, March 25: Eduardo Bermudez, Jennifer Blackwell, Zachariah Bunnell, Geronimo Cabulhat Jr., Norma Camacho, Caren Comiska, Dustin Elliott, Christopher Gilbert, Sandra Golden, Talia Golden, David Jolin, Ruth Anne Kick, Linda Kloster-Suero, Claudio Leal Jr. and Brian Manibusan. Seafarers LOG 23 �2541p4,7,9_11,18,20,21,24.qxd 4/25/2005 3:46 PM Page 24 May 2005 Volume 67, Number 5 A fter the winter freeze, a new season of shipping on the Great Lakes is under way. The Great Lakes are one of the country’s most important waterways and home to the U.S.-flag Lakes fleet. These vessels carry everything from iron ore and limestone for the American steel and construction industries, to coal for power generation, as well as grain, heating oil, cement, sand and gypsum. On the Great Lakes, as on all U.S. waterways, cargo moving between U.S. ports is governed by the Jones Act. Most of the lakers are “self-unloaders,” which means each boat is so equipped that its crew can unload the vessel without any need of shoreside personnel or equipment—and do the job fast. The photos on this page show early activity on three of American Steamship Company’s SIU-crewed vessels: the Buffalo, Sam Laud and H. Lee White. SAM LAUD Aboard the Sam Laud (clockwise from top left): 2nd Cook Walter Wise, DEU Fadel Quraish, DEU Mohamed Mosed, SA Yelan Slyusar and AB/Watchman Mike Larson BUFFALO Senior Bosun David Barber Buffalo AB Security Watch Leonard Thomas Buffalo SA William Agnello Buffalo Left: Conveyorman Andrew Nowak Buffalo H. LEE WHITE Right: AB/Wheelsman Russell Brown and AB/Watchman Mike Lafoille H. Lee White Bosun James Shupert H. Lee White 2nd Cook Penny Pollard H. Lee White � 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 2005 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES PRIDE OF AMERICA NEARS COMPLETION INSPECTORS BRING 7 SHIPS UNDER ITF AGREEMENT 10 TANKERS ORDERED SIU-CONTRACTED OVERSEAS SHIPHOLDING GROUP TO OPERATE VESSELS NEW TANKER DELIVERED ALASKAN EXPLORER BOOST SIU JOB GROWTH CAR CARRIER BRINGS MORE NEW JOBS SIU-CREWED JEAN ANNE MAKES MAIDEN VOYAGE TO HAWAII DOZENS OF SEAFATERS-CREWED SHIPS STILL SAILING IN SUPPORT OF TROOPS MAERSK WINS CONTRACT TO OPERATE 6 VESSELS NTSB REPORT SPOTLIGHTS WEIGHT STANDARDS IN WATER TAXI TRAGEDY SEAFARERS-CREWED STOCKHAM COMMENDED BY U.S. NAVY MARINERS INCLUDED IN NATIONAL MOMENT OF REMEMBRANCE CIVMARS MOBILIZE FOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS STEWARDS CONVEY PASSION ABOUT THEIR UNION AND THEIR WORK LMSR CHANGEOVER CONTINUES POLLUTION CASES YIELD RECORD FINE, PRISON TIME SEAFARERS PARTICIPATE IN A BENEFITS CONFERENCE REMEMBERING CAPT. GEORGE MILBURN… A NEW SEASON BEGINS ON THE GREAT LAKES Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 05/01/2005 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. 67, No. 5 2005 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/0fc1bc4c2babbdd15c6a44da6c841af0.pdf 7aa4143104eeb167ee2f997deb534558 PDF Text Text 27970_P1_3,5_6cx,8_10,12_13.qxd 5/26/2005 9:53 AM Page 1 Volume 67, Number 6 June 2005 Seafarers to the Rescue! USNS Seay, Lykes Motivator Crews Help Save Lives at Sea In the finest tradition of the Brotherhood of the Sea, SIU members from the USNS Seay and the Lykes Motivator recently helped rescue several civilian boaters who were involved in separate mishaps at sea. The Seay rescue is pictured in the two photos at left and the one directly below; the Motivator operation is shown in the three photos at right, including the group photo of the crew. Pages 4, 5. Pride of America Christening Set ‘4th Arm of Defense’ Honored The Seafarers-crewed Pride of America is scheduled for christening this month in New York. NCL America’s newest vessel signifies more new jobs for SIU members along with the continued rebirth of the deep sea U.S.-flag cruise ship industry. Page 3. Representatives from the administration, Congress and the military underscored the value and heroic tradition of the U.S. Merchant Marine during National Maritime Day ceremonies May 19 in Washington, D.C. Above, Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command, shakes hands with Unlicensed Apprentice Victor Malave Jr. following the observance at MSC. Dozens of apprentices from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education attended the ceremonies—and Admiral Brewer personally greeted each of them. Pages 12, 13. Matson Ship Christened Page 3 More Benefits Conferences Family Photos Pages 8, 9 Page 11 �27970_P1_3,5_6cx,8_10,12_13.qxd 5/27/2005 3:48 PM Page 2 President’s Report Top of the Class First-time visitors to the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education often are surprised at how much the school has to offer. Located in Piney Point, Maryland, the Paul Hall Center truly is a world-class facility. The campus and buildings are beautiful, the equipment cutting-edge. Most importantly, the instructors and staff are extremely knowledgeable, supportive and dedicated to the school’s mission of Michael Sacco delivering the world’s best-trained mariners. I have worked in conjunction with the school since its founding in 1967. Throughout the years, I’ve been most impressed by how the Paul Hall Center not only embraces change but seeks it, as a means of constantly staying ahead of our industry’s needs. Through that approach—always asking, “How can we improve?”—the Paul Hall Center has become, in my view, second to none. With a strong emphasis on hands-on training, the school offers everything from entry-level programs to upgrading classes to license preparation to academic support and more. In recent years, the center has answered America’s heightened security needs by implementing comprehensive maritime safety and anti-terrorism training for every student who passes through the front gate. For example, the school added a small-arms range approved by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (along with accompanying curriculums) and then in early 2005 became the first facility to offer a vessel security officer course approved by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Those are just two examples among many that illustrate the Paul Hall Center’s commitment to offering the most useful, important, up-to-date training anywhere in our industry. The school also has been a leader in providing STCW-mandated training, and was the first to publish a Coast Guard training record book to meet international shipping regulations. Similarly, the school was among the first maritime facilities to provide shiphandling simulators for training, and it was the first to offer an oil-spill prevention and containment class. Additionally, the Paul Hall Center was the first to institute an EPA-certified refrigerant handling class both on and off campus. It also was the first to establish a culinary institute dedicated to food preparation aboard ship. With the rebirth of the American-flag deep sea cruise ship industry, the school has developed new courses and built additional facilities specifically to help meet the manpower needs of this important component of the U.S. fleet. Here again, it’s another example of how the Paul Hall Center unfailingly fulfills its purpose. As you can tell, I’m proud to be associated with the school, which is a joint trust between the Seafarers International Union and its contracted employers. (The school is funded and maintained through joint contributions of signatory employers. Jointly appointed trustees then manage the contributions to most effectively operate the school.) The Paul Hall Center has trained tens of thousands of students, helping them begin and sustain productive, rewarding careers. Honoring a strong sentiment of the school’s founder, the late SIU President Paul Hall, the center also offers plenty of academic study for those who are interested. This includes everything from basic tutoring all the way to a college degree program. In between, students can earn a GED at the Paul Hall Center and also earn college credits by completing any number of the dozens of curriculums offered. Still, the heart of the school is maritime training—and on that score, the Paul Hall Center remains at the head of the class. Volume 67, Number 6 Delta Mariner Transports Booster Cores for Delta IV The Seafarers-crewed Delta Mariner last month transported three components known as common booster cores for use on a Delta IV Heavy rocket. The ship delivered its cargo of 150-foot cores May 11 in Cape Canaveral, Fla. after sailing from Decatur, Ala. A spokesperson for Boeing said the cores will be used in a Delta IV Heavy rocket launch that is scheduled for October. The mission will involve placement of defense satellites for the U.S. Air Force. The booster cores weigh about 60,000 pounds apiece and are 16 feet in diameter. Last month’s assignment highlighted the Delta Mariner’s uniqueness. The 312-foot vessel, in service since 2000, specifically was designed to transport rocket boosters and other space hardware. It mainly sails between Alabama, Florida and California. Thanks to a variable ballast design, the ship operates on rivers as well as oceans. Its top speed is 15 knots. The Delta IV Heavy rocket made its first flight in December 2004. Photo courtesy of Boeing The SIU-crewed Delta Mariner loads a Delta IV common booster core at the John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss. Financial Committee Okays Records A committee of rank-and-file members, elected by their fellow Seafarers during the May union meeting in Piney Point, Md., has reviewed the SIU’s financial records for the year 2004 and found them in good order. Serving on the committee were Gerard Costello, Melvin Grayson Sr., Nina McFall, Chris Nardone, John Reid, Francis Washington Jr. and Rachel Washington. In its reports, the committee stated, “All records used in connection with the Union’s financial operations were reviewed fully…. 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-today efficiency of our operation.” 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.” Members of the financial committee and SIU officials are pictured last month at union headquarters. Standing left to right are SIU Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Francis Washington Jr., Rachel Washington, Melvin Grayson Sr., John Reid, Chris Nardone, Nina McFall, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel and Gerard Costello. Seafarers Greet Navy League President Sheila McNeill, president of the Navy League of the United States and a strong supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, recently visited with SIU members aboard the government-owned tanker Petersburg in Saipan. At left, McNeill receives a Seafarers jacket from SIU Representative Jeff Turkus. Pictured below are (left) ABs Chris Dionio and Sam Lloyd and (right) more crew members from the Petersburg. June 2005 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2005 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG June 2005 �27970_P1_3,5_6cx,8_10,12_13.qxd 5/27/2005 3:48 PM Page 3 Say It with Pride: Christening nd Set for 2 NCL America Ship The Seafarers-crewed Pride of America—the second vessel in NCL America’s fleet—is scheduled for christening June 17 in New York City, signaling more new jobs for SIU members. The ship has been in the news a lot lately, largely because it is the first new deep sea U.S.-flag cruise ship in half a century and is the biggest passenger ship ever built for U.S. registry (921 feet long, with 15 decks and a passenger capacity of more than 2,100). But the Pride of America also grabbed headlines when NCL America announced that the popular television show “Live with Regis and Kelly” would broadcast a full week of shows (airing June 20-24) from aboard the ship. Last month, the vessel successfully was floated out at a German shipyard. It subsequently was scheduled for four days of sea trials, which in part were to focus on testing this ship’s dieselelectric propulsion system. As previously reported, Seafarers who are filling the unlicensed positions aboard the NCL America vessels are completing courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. and at its affiliated Seafarers Training Center in Hawaii. These facilities offer a range of key classes including fire fighting and safety training. A recent article about NCL America training on the consumer web site Cruise Critic noted, “The facility at Piney Point may look like a summer camp, with ponds, wooden signs, trees and grass. But a look beyond the surface will reveal an environment that’s all business, with an operational culinary lab, and state-of-the-art bridge and engine simulators…. And I’ve got to say that knowing my cabin steward or favorite bartender could save my life certainly puts my mind at ease.” A third NCL America ship— the Pride of Hawaii—is on schedule for a 2006 launch, joining both the Pride of America and the Pride of Aloha, which began sailing in 2004. In a news release announcing that the morning talk show with Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa will take place aboard the Pride of America, NCL America noted that the TV personalities “have commandeered the whole ship, and are giving away free cruises to 1,000 contest winners and fans….” Contest details are available on the internet at www.liveregisandkelly.com. The SIU-crewed Pride of America means additional jobs for Seafarers in the growing U.S.-flag deep sea cruise ship industry. Matson Adds Another Ship SIU members and others in the maritime industry who sailed aboard the Manulani over a three-day period of sea trials, found the ship seaworthy and ready for service. The Manulani is the third diesel-powered containership built for Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Company at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard. The new vessel is similar in capacity, speed and operating efficiency to Matson’s Seafarerscrewed Manukai and Maunawili. Those two ships also were built at Kvaerner Philadelphia; they entered service in 2003 and 2004, respectively. A fourth ship is expected to be placed in service in June 2006. These new vessels are part of a planned $354 million investment in ship, container and terminal assets that will be used to launch a new Guam and China service, which is scheduled to start in February 2006. Matson has the option to time charter these vessels in lieu of purchasing them. It also will have options with the shipyard to Built at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, the Manulani recently went through sea trials before being officially delivered to Matson Navigation Company. It is the third containership to be completed for Matson at Kvaerner. A fourth is expected to be placed in service in June 2006. June 2005 build up to four other containerships of similar design that are deliverable before June 2010. Before the Manulani could head out west to begin service, a number of checks needed to be performed on all aspects of the vessel’s operations. “We basically cause the ship’s systems to have issues,” stated Capt. Tom Casey of the Coast Guard. “We do a blackout test. We do engine tests. We check the vital systems, life supports and different speeds.” The May 6-9 sea trials took place on the Delaware River, which was fairly smooth. The 712-foot ship did hit a small storm, however, but it was nothing compared with what the crew could encounter on the open seas. Compliments abounded for the ship’s cafeteria and crew’s recreational room, and some problems with the hot and cold water regulators were noted for adjustment. Matson officially took delivery of the Manulani May 20, with christening ceremonies the following day. SIU members sail in the steward department aboard Matson ships, although for the sea trials, the complement of mariners included AB Phillip Yaros, Chief Cook Jose Guzman, AB Laurentis Colbert and AB Victor Cooper. New Jobs Aboard Sea Venture The union recently welcomed new shipboard jobs as the coastwise tanker Sea Venture (below) came under SIU contract. From the left (front row) are AB Dean Diaz and GSU Homer Nobles; (second row) AB Alejandro Aldaiz, Oiler Ron Fields, AB Kerry Bodden, Bosun Curt Peacock and AB Harry Elwin-Jones. Standing are Oiler James Hudson, Steward Earl Higgins, AB Robert Smith and SIU Mobile Port Agent Ed Kelly. The vessel is operated by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning, Inc. SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, July 4, 2005 for the observance of Independence Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. Seafarers LOG 3 �27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/27/2005 3:49 PM Page 4 Lykes Motivator Crew Rescues 3 Swedish Mariners A trio of Swedish boatmen recently dodged almost certain doom in the Atlantic thanks to the mariners from a Seafarers-crewed vessel. Kenneth E. Lind, 54; his brother Daniel, 19; and Jan G. Lindholm, 44, during the early morning hours of March 29 were rescued from the sea some 218 miles northwest of Bermuda by Seafarers aboard the SIU-contracted Lykes Motivator. The three liberated sailors earlier had departed Bermuda and charted their course for the Azores. Their ultimate destination was Sweden. Not long after weighing anchor and reaching the open sea, they found themselves at the mercy of the deep. Their vessel, the 37-foot S/V Aurora, lost its ability to maneuver due to a badly damaged mast. Seas at the time After being thrown overboard from the dinghy during rescue operations, one of the Swedish mariners is hoisted to safety aboard the Motivator deck in a basket. reportedly were 12-15 feet and the winds were squalling in excess of 30 knots. The vessel eventually began taking on water and, to make matters worse, two of the three men on board became ill. “A strong fontal line also was forecasted to pass through the area within the next four to six hours,” stated AB Brett Sunderland, one of many Motivator crew members who would figure in the Swedish mariners’ fate before the following day’s end. After assessing their situation as ominous and their chances for survival lean without timely assistance, the troubled sailors shortly before midnight March 28 radioed a distress message to the National Rescue Control Center (RCC) Goteborg back in their homeland (Sweden). Around 2 a.m. March 29, the Swedish rescue officials made contact with their American counterparts at the U.S. Coast Guard RCC Norfolk. Minutes later and following a thorough exchange of information, the situation officially was handed off to the Americans for action. Officials at RCC Norfolk at 2:10 a.m. contacted the Motivator with instructions to change course and hasten to the assistance of the Aurora. The distressed vessel at the time was located at position 343.897N 0608.981W. The Motivator, which was returning to the U.S. after making its usual run to Northern Europe, was situated some five hours away from the Aurora’s location when the order to change course was received. Other vessels in the area, especially those that might be closer than five miles to the S/V Aurora’s position, also were tasked to keep sharp lookouts and assist if possible. Motivator Capt. Richard Johnson immediately altered his course and steamed toward the Aurora. Some five hours later at daybreak, the sailboat was spotted and the captain readied his crew for rescue operations. At this juncture, the Aurora reportedly was listing badly on its starboard side, still taking on water and its fragile mast steadily absorbing supplementary damage. When the endangered sailors saw the Motivator, they began preparing themselves to abandon ship. Clad in rain suits, they managed to lower their small rubber dinghy into the water and secure and start its engine. Next, they began to shuttle some of their personal gear and equipment to the Motivator where it was winched aboard by the crew. Following the last run, the three sailors came along side the Motivator for extraction. At this point, because of the rough seas, the small dinghy nearly capsized, throwing one of the passengers (Lindholm) overboard. “He swiftly drifted aft,” said Sunderland. “By the quick response of the crew, we were able to retrieve him by using the ships’ crane before he slipped under.” “We almost lost him,” Captain Johnson noted. “He was having trouble staying afloat because his suit was filling up with water.” Reacting instantly, the Motivator crew lowered a basket into the water by crane and hoisted Lindholm to safety. The Lind brothers later were brought aboard without further incident. After the three sailors safely were aboard, examined and The Lykes Motivator plows through the rough seas en route to the distressed S/V Aurora. attended to, the Lykes Motivator resumed its course for the United States. As it departed the area, the Aurora’s mast could be seen being ripped completely off, and it soon succumbed to the sea. Seafarers aboard the Motivator during the rescue were: Bosun James McRevy; ABs Michael Weber, John Saturday, Jerome Williams, Richard Obrien and Brett Sunderland; Electrician Chavalier Maycock; DEMAC Alcido Lopes; Wiper Willie Clemmons; Chief Steward Walter Darensbourg; Chief Cook Francisco Da Cruz and GSU Clifton Washington. Swedish mariners, left to right, Daniel Lind, Jan Lindholm and Kenneth Lind are all smiles after being rescued at sea by the crew of the Lykes Motivator. St. Louis Port Council Celebrates 25 Years The disabled sailboat sank shortly after its crew members were rescued. Vessel Named for USAF Hero The Seafarers-contracted Merlin recently was renamed in memory of a U.S. Air Force sergeant who was killed in action in March 2002 during an operation in the eastern highlands of Afghanistan. The TSgt. John A. Chapman was christened April 8 in Southport, N.C. The vessel is a 670-foot containership with RO/RO capability that is part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s prepositioning fleet. Tech. Sgt. John A. Chapman, the ship’s namesake, is one of only three enlisted airmen since the Vietnam era to receive the Air Force Cross. 4 Seafarers LOG The Greater St. Louis Area Port Council in late April commemorated its 25th anniversary during the organization’s annual awards dinner. More than 500 guests attended the event, including high-ranking U.S. military officers, executives from U.S.-flag shipping companies, pro-maritime government officials and members of the labor community. Pictured at the dinner are (from left) SIU St. Louis Port Agent Becky Sleeper; St. Louis Building & Construction Trades Council Executive SecretaryTreasurer Jerry Feldhaus; St. Louis Port Council VP Jack Martorelli; SIU President Michael Sacco, a founding member of the council; U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-Mo.); St. Louis Port Council President Dick Mantia; St. Louis Labor Council President Bob Soutier; and Missouri AFL-CIO SecretaryTreasurer Herb Johnson. This year’s honorees were Sacco, Carnahan, Mantia and Martorelli. June 2005 �27970_P1_3,5_6cx,8_10,12_13.qxd 5/27/2005 3:48 PM Page 5 ANWR Exploration Clears Another Hurdle Both houses of the U.S. Congress in late April approved a compromise $2.57 trillion budget resolution that allows safe oil exploration on the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). The resolution, H. Con. Res. 95, is a nonbinding plan that establishes federal spending for fiscal year 2006, revises the budget for fiscal year 2005, and sets forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2007 through 2010. The measure emerged from conference April 27 and passed the House of Representatives in a 214-211 vote during the early evening of April 28. It was nearly midnight the same day, however, before the Senate concluded lengthy debate on the budget resolution and took a 52-47 vote. The measure moved through Congress with considerable ease, but ANWR proponents as well as a number of Washington insiders still think it’s too early to begin a victory march. “We are now one step closer to opening up ANWR, which will unleash the potential of North America’s greatest oil reserve,” said Senator Ted Stevens (RAlaska), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, USNS Seay Helps Save 4 Lives The Seafarers-crewed USNS Seay on May 8 and 9 helped assist in the rescue of four individuals who were caught in a Nor’easter about 400 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. In a communication to the crew and officers of the Seay, U.S. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Vivien S. Crea noted, “Your quick response and expert seamanship during a severe Nor’easter helped save four lives. Thank you for a job well done.” Operated by SIU-contracted AMSEA, the Seay was diverted to assist after a 45-foot sailboat (the Almeisan) became disabled in the 50-mph winds and 25-foot seas. Before the Seay and another ship as well as Coast Guard personnel reached the scene, one of the boaters drowned. The other four were saved. AB William “Buzz” Brown said, “Our ship was designated as the command vessel for the search. Everyone did a good job and we were all glad to help. It was an amazing experience.” SIU members sailing aboard the Seay during the rescue included Recertified Bosun John Wells, ABs Brown, Peter Wojcikowski, Richard Otto, Kyle Bloom, John Kamara and Robert Joyce, STOS Rodolfo Zena, QMEDs Robert Lee and Monroe Monseur, Oiler Adam Begleiter, Recertified Stewards Roger Griswold and Andrew Austin, Chief Cook John Bukowsky and SA Kenneth McKinley. Tom Madden, the Seay’s master, said in a communication to AMSEA that the crew “did a very good job under severe weather conditions.” In a separate note to the company, Madden noted that the Seay initially was contacted by the Coast Guard and told to proceed “to a search area for the sailboat and two crew in a life raft. En route, we were informed that the life raft did not contain any people and we were directed to the sailboat’s position. We arrived in force 6 weather to provide a lee to the sailboat and await the arrival of the rescue helicopter. “At one point the yacht was within five feet of the vessel, but a line could not be made fast to the yacht by those on board her,” Madden continued. “We continued to give a lee and the copter put a rescue swimmer in the water to retrieve the three souls aboard. After this, we were made onscene commander of the search and rescue portion for the missing two crew. Two C-130s (airplanes) were directed to put markers in the last known site and these led to the search grid being adjusted. At 0345 the missing seamen were found.” The surviving man was brought aboard a different ship, as was the body of the deceased individual. The boaters were caught offguard by the sudden storm, and subsequently spent 14 hours adrift. According to newspaper reports, they activated the boat’s emergency radio beacon and then tried to make ready the lifeboat. A wave then washed two of the boaters overboard along with the raft. Skipper Thomas Tighe, 65, an experienced boater, perished. One of the survivors described everyone involved in the rescue as “the utmost professionals,” according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. Science and Transportation. “Clearly, we’re pleased that the Conference Report passed both the House and the Senate,” he continued. “This is a good sign, but we need to keep on working.” Senator Lisa Murkowski (RAlaska) also applauded the resolution, noting that “opening up ANWR is an important part of our long-term efforts to reduce our dependency on foreign oil, and I am pleased that the budget includes the possibility of reaching this goal. It’s one more hurdle in the long fight to open ANWR.” Representative Don Young (R-Alaska) concurred: “I applaud the good work of both the House and Senate in passing this important resolution. This bill indicates a willingness and intent to keep the country on a strong fiscal track, while also improving our energy security.” The budget plan does not specifically mention ANWR drilling by name, according to several reports. But Judd Gregg (R-New Hampshire), who heads the Senate Budget Committee, indicated that the plan’s language was carefully crafted to ensure Remembering Brother Eddie Dunn The family of the late Chief Steward Eddie Dunn stopped by the SIU hall in Brooklyn, N.Y. on April 25 to donate an American flag and a U.S. Merchant Marine flag. Those flags now are flown daily in front of the hall. Brother Dunn passed away Feb. 28 at age 48. SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi told Dunn’s family, “Eddie was a great SIU member. He was a credit to his union and his profession.” Pictured by the hall are (from left) Brother Dunn’s children Michael, MaryEllen and Meagan; his father, Howard; his mother, Mary; SIU Representative Jack Sheehan; Soresi; Marie Sacco, secretary at the Brooklyn hall; and SIU Representative Randy Senatore. N.J. Governor Signs Union-Backed Bill Banning Offshoring The USNS Seay provided a lee for the distressed boaters aboard the Almeisan. USNS Seay crew members assisted in rescue operations which resulted in four lives saved. June 2005 that Senate legislation to give oil companies access to the Alaskan wildlife refuge would not be subject to a filibuster. The fate of exploration in ANWR now is in the hands of the Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources and the House’s Energy and Commerce Committees. Both bodies on May 9 began their challenging tasks of crafting legislation that ultimately will establish the actual process for ANWR leasing and exploration, which, in turn, will allow lawmakers to come up with the almost $2.5 billion included in the budget from expected ANWR revenues. This legislation will then be turned over to the House and Senate budget panels, and included in the overall budget reconciliation measure. That measure possibly could see final action this fall. ANWR, about the size of South Carolina, sprawls across more than 19 million acres in northeastern Alaska. The government has estimated energy companies would find it cost-effective to recover at least 6 billion barrels of oil from ANWR, if prices were at or above $35 a barrel. Following more than three years of grassroots efforts by the New Jersey State AFL-CIO and its affiliates, including the SIU, New Jersey Acting Governor Richard J. Codey on May 5 signed Senate bill 494 to protect New Jersey jobs from being outsourced to foreign countries by requiring that all services under state contract or subcontract must be performed within the United States. “Today New Jersey is taking an important step to protect our workers and keep jobs from going overseas,” Codey said. “With this bill, we are sending a clear message that if a company wants to take jobs from our hard working families and send them overseas, then it will not do business with the state.” SIU Vice President Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi serves as a vice president on the New Jersey State AFL-CIO. The federation’s president, Charles Wowkanech, sent a letter to affiliates following the signing that thanked “all the unions that lobbied in support of this law via membership letter writing campaigns, district office visits and appeals to legislative leadership. Without your support this could not have been accomplished.” Thomas Carver, commissioner of the state’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development, noted, “It is shameful some companies have sought to profit off of shipping jobs across the Atlantic. The practice of outsourcing deteriorates the very fabric of our workforce in New Jersey.” The bill requires that only American citizens and persons authorized to work in the United States shall provide services under a state contract or subcontract. Only when it can be certified that a service cannot be performed within the United States will an exemption be made. This bill applies to the Executive Branch of state government, the Legislature, and any independent state authority, commission or agency authorized to enter into a contract on behalf of the state. In a news release announcing the signing, Codey’s office pointed out, “As the state and the nation have grown reluctantly accustomed to the disappearance of manufacturing jobs, the new reality is that ‘knowledge jobs’ are just as susceptible. The sectors being hit by outsourcing have been the main engine of job growth. With the growing trend of outsourcing becoming more commonplace, the largest occupational groups at risk include administrative support services, information technology, business and financial operations and healthcare.” New Jersey is the fifth state in the nation to enact legislation or executive action on outsourcing. Seafarers LOG 5 �27970_P1_3,5_6cx,8_10,12_13.qxd 5/26/2005 5:15 PM Page 6 Dept. of Defense Honors Mason For Support of Guard/Reserves John Mason (right), CEO, American Service Technology, Inc., is presented with a certificate from the Department of Defense for supporting employee participation in the U.S. National Guard and Reserve Force. SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez announced the award at the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. John Mason was taken by surprise at the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. when he was called up to the podium to receive an award from the Department of Defense, which was presented to him by SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. Mason is CEO of American Service Technology, Inc. (ASTI), a maritime consulting group which, among other things, provides training at the Paul Hall Center. The award certificate read: The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves recognizes John Mason, American Service Technology, Inc., as a patriotic employer for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America’s National Guard and Reserve Force. Mason noted that over the years, a number of his employees have been able to satisfy their reserve duty requirements while continuing their training professions at the Paul Hall Center. One of the more recent instructors to take advantage of Government Announces Upcoming Port Grants More than $140 million in port security grants on May 13 were announced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to a DHS news release, $140,857,128 will be allocated in funding to various ports around the nation under the FY 2005 Port Security Grant Program (PSGP). The PSGP uses a risk-based formula to allocate funds to protect U.S. ports from acts of terrorism. The new risk-based formula considers three elements: threat, vulnerability and consequence. As part of this risk-management approach, the port security grant program is intended to ensure federally regulated ports, terminals and U.S.-inspected passenger vessels receiving the funds represent assets of the highest national strategic importance. Sixty-six port areas have been identified as eligible applicants for inclusion in the FY 2005 program. Successful applicants will be awarded through a competitive process. “Our nation’s ports are centers for commerce, trade and travel—areas our enemies could seek to attack in their attempts to defy freedom and liberty. These grants will help prepare and protect our nation to minimize risk and to win the war on terrorism,” said Matt A. Mayer, acting executive director of the DHS Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness. According to Congressional Information Bureau reports, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) welcomed the news that the DHS has opened up the funds to help America’s seaports pay for hardening security at their terminals and making other needed infrastructure upgrades in an effort to prevent terrorist acts. However, considering Coast Guard estimate in 2002 that ports would need to spend $5.4 billion over 10 years to comply with new mandated Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) enhancements, the AAPA continues to seek a much higher level of security grants for U.S. seaports. In the fifth round of its Port Security Grant program, the DHS has given eligible port areas until June 10 to apply for available grant money, which in the past has been used to help pay for fencing, lighting, truck gates, patrol boats and terminal access controls. As a way to prioritize funding for seaports having the greatest degree of perceived risk, the DHS is now limiting the number of eligible port areas to 66, stating in its fact sheet, “…the FY 2005 program will direct all available funds to the nation’s highest risk ports, thereby ensuring federally regulated ports, terminals and U.S.-inspected passenger vessels receiving PSG funds represent assets of the highest strategic importance nationally.” Also in its fact sheet, the DHS places strong emphasis on prevention and detection of improvised explosive devices, as well as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear devices. Another change the DHS has made in this grant round is to require private businesses seeking grant monies to provide a 50 percent match. This is in response to recent criticism from the Inspector General that privately owned companies, such as petroleum and chemical terminals, are vying with public entities, such as port authorities, for money from the federal program. In the proposed FY’06 federal budget, the administration recommended eliminating the Port Security Grant program, which Congress created after 9/11 to reimburse U.S. maritime facilities for pre-approved projects required by federal regulations to enhance national security. In its place would be the newly created Transportation Infrastructure Protection (TIP) program that would lump grant proposals from ports together with requests from a host of other transportation-related industries. In a related development, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) has introduced legislation (S.1032) that would improve security at the nation’s ports by increasing the DHS’ port security grant funding. “Securing our ports is critical to our national and economic security,” Boxer said. “We need to invest in securing our ports to keep this country safe. We cannot afford the consequences of doing otherwise.” Union President Congratulates Graduates the policy is Bradford Wheeler, who went through the trainee program in 1977 (class #239). Now a commander in the Naval Reserve, Wheeler spent the first two months of this year on board the Independence (a training vessel for the Massachusetts Maritime Academy). During his yearly reserve commitments, he also has worked with U.S. Army reservists going to the Persian Gulf, boarded ships to inspect crews and cargoes and conducted drills at MSC headquarters in Washington, D.C. His teaching assignments at the Paul Hall Center include tanker familiarization, ARPA, bridge resource management, crisis management, electronic chart display information systems (ECDIS), radar, advanced fire fighting, fast rescue boat, GMDSS and crane operations—among many others. Wheeler sees ASTI’s policy as additional support for the maritime operations that are important to the security of our country. “It all ties in to what we do here at the school,” he said. Watson Seafarers Back Our Troops SIU Representative Jeff Turkus submitted these photos of Seafarers aboard the prepositioning ship USNS Watson in Saipan. The vessel is part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s LMSR fleet—and the SIU members who sail aboard the ship are part of our nation’s fourth arm of defense. Pictured in the top photo are (standing, from left) Chief Cook Roy Warren, Turkus, Electrician Duke Bryan, QMED Kenneth Hamilton, (front) Chief Steward Robert Greenwood and SA Marco Cayetano. At left are Cayetano and OS Fermin Baltazar; below are Greenwood, SA Charles Davis, Warren and Cayetano. SIU President Michael Sacco (right) spoke with new graduates of the unlicensed apprentice program April 22 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, located in Piney Point, Md. He congratulated the students and encouraged them to return to the school for upgrading courses throughout their maritime careers, noting that the Paul Hall Center is structured to benefit virtually any eligible student who is willing to take advantage of the opportunity. More information about the apprentice program and the school in general is available in the Paul Hall Center section of www.seafarers.org. The school is a trust fund maintained jointly by labor and management representatives. 6 Seafarers LOG June 2005 �27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/26/2005 10:29 AM Page 7 11 Recertified Bosuns Learn ‘Up Close and Personal’ There’s a world of difference between learning about the Seafarers International Union from other mariners and actually talking to the leaders of the union face-to-face. That’s what the 11 graduates of the bosun recertification course found out during their month-long course and which will now shape their own leadership roles aboard ship. The bosuns emphasized that the class will help enable them to do a better job at sea The 11 Seafarers—Kelvin Cherington, Thomas P. Flanagan, Alvin T. Martin, Willie M. Marsh, Eric A. Berry, Konstantino Prokovas, Timothy Burke, Aristeo M. Padua, Homar L. McField, Robert J. Coleman and Christopher K. Pompel— each gave their impressions of the bosun recertification course in remarks delivered after receiving their certificates of graduation at the May membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. Rumors and innuendos can spread like wildfire, but these students—who completed the highest level of education available to members of the deck department at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point—learned the facts directly from the union’s president, vice presidents and department heads—officials who guide the SIU to make it strong and successful. The 11 students were exposed to many different facets of bosun training, including meeting with department representatives at Piney Point, headquarters and at the offices of the Maritime Trades Department in Washington, D.C. They found themselves amazed at how much they learned about the behind-the-scenes workings of the union and now believe they are in a better position to take what they have observed and disseminate the information to their fellow shipmates. Cherington, who hails from the Honduras Bay Island of Roatán, has been sailing for 20 years, the last four of which have been with the SIU following its merger with the NMU. He has traveled all over the world and is extremely proud to be part of the union, which he believes turned his life around. Now sailing from Port Everglades, Fla., Cherington was excited by the classes he took as part of the bosun recertification program, particularly the small arms course. But above all, he stated he now has a more concise understanding about the workings of the union and how contracts are negotiated, and feels better able to answer any questions other members may pose to him. To the unlicensed apprentices in the audience, Cherington stressed the need to study hard, Following their graduation ceremony at the May membership meeting in Piney Point, the new recertified bosuns pose for a group photo with some of the union officials who helped educate them about workings of the SIU during the month-long course. From the left are: Christopher K. Pompel, Willie M. Marsh, Thomas P. Flanagan, Timothy Burke, Eric A. Berry, SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, Robert J. Coleman, Valerie Martin (wife of Alvin Martin), Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, Alvin T. Martin, Homar L. McField, Konstantino Prokovas, SIU Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta, Aristeo M. Padua, Kelvin Cherington, SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi, SIU Assistant VP Contracts George Tricker and SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. get educated, ask questions, work as a team and always remember that safety comes first. Flanagan agreed that the month-long course afforded him a better understanding of how the union works. He said he never realized the scope of the politics involved and the commitment required on the part of union officials and representatives to secure a better future for the membership. At the same time, he was made aware of how contributing to SPAD is an investment in the future. Flanagan, who sails from the port of New York, also started his seafaring career in the NMU. He is “proud to sail with such qualified people,” he noted in his remarks at the graduation ceremony, and found his experience at Piney Point a pleasant one, particularly being able to talk with other bosuns on what they are doing and how they deal with certain problems and activities aboard ship. Martin began sailing with the NMU in 1975 and ships from the port of New Orleans. He was aboard a Keystone vessel in Seattle when the proposed SIU/NMU merger was announced, and he said there were some negative rumors associated with the merger. After completing the bosun recertification course, he now believes he has the information needed to help reinforce others who started in the NMU of the benefits of being part of the SIU family. This, in turn, will bring strength and unity to the union. Martin, who was accompanied to Piney Point by his wife, stated he is humbled by the leadership within the union. He stressed to the unlicensed apprentices that Recertified Bosun Robert Coleman offers pointers to some unlicensed apprentices in tying the correct knot for the job. June 2005 what they learn at the school will help prepare them for a great career at sea—or as a springboard to almost anything else they want to do. “Just apply yourselves; nothing comes easy.” Shipping from the port of Houston, Marsh joined the SIU in 1975 at the age of 22. He has been around the world, sailing as an AB, and said it’s been a great experience. The SIU is like a family, “and you’re an important part of this organization,” Marsh said. He singled out SIU Assistant Vice President Jim McGee, his port chaplain and the secretaries at the Houston hall for their help in keeping him headed in the right direction. “Take advantage of all the tools you have here at the Paul Hall Center,” he told the trainees. “You can go as far as you want.” Berry also joined the SIU in 2001 as a result of the SIU/NMU merger. He has been sailing 18 years from the port of Wilmington, Calif. The recertified bosun found his experiences at Piney Point to be informative, interesting and inspiring, particularly learning the political aspects of promoting the industry. To the unlicensed apprentices, he said, “Never forget who came before you. They sacrificed a great deal for us to be where we are today.” He concluded by stressing the importance of SPAD contributions to “help us stay strong for those who follow.” Although he has been sailing since 1968, Prokovas joined the SIU in New York in 1992. He said the union has been good to him and his family, and was grateful for the opportunity to be part of the recertification class. Prokovas was amazed at everything he learned. “From Piney Point, to SIU headquarters, to the Maritime Trades Department, we found out just how hard our union officials are working to secure this industry.” He remarked to the trainees and other upgrading Seafarers that every time they enhance their skills, they are “one step ahead.” He concluded by thanking “everyone for making this union number-one.” “This is a proud moment in my seafaring career: an accomplishment that has taken me quite some time,” stated Burke. Now sailing from Algonac, he was a trainee right after high school in 1968. His father is a retired SIU member; a brother, who was also a trainee, is now on the West Coast working for Crowley; and his nephew, who went through the unlicensed apprentice program four years ago, now ships as an AB. Burke has sailed deep sea, Great Lakes and inland and has returned to the school a number of times to upgrade his skills. Having been in their position before, Burke told the trainees that he knows what it’s like being away from home, probably for the first time. He explained that their training at Piney Point is just a beginning, and that once they get aboard a ship, it is their job to expand that base. “Try to remember there are those who will teach you if you will let them,” he said. “Every ship is different, and people are different. Your first ship is what makes you, so if you learn there, the rest is easy.” Now armed with the knowledge to be a better leader, Burke’s intention is to share what he has learned. “Just ask,” he said, and he dedicated the day to all who have helped him along the way. Born in the Philippines, Padua had a background in nautical science before he began shipping in 1977 around his native islands. Two years later he started sailing on foreign-flag ships until he came to America in 1990. He joined the NMU and began sailing and upgrading his skills. Following the merger, he got his STCW certification—and has been sailing with the SIU since. He gave his personal thanks to the SIU and its officials, the Paul Hall Center staff and instructors as well as to Wilmington Port Agent John Cox and his staff. His message to the trainees is to study hard and work hard. “Ask questions when you are out at sea. Make a habit of writing down things you are not familiar with. Listen to your supervisors. Work together as a team.” Padua realizes that graduating from a course or completing a program is just a beginning—the opening of a door to new opportunities, and he urged the trainees to do the best they can and always work safely. “Be proud of yourselves as trained, qualified Seafarers,” he said. McField was excited about everything he learned during the four-week recertification course. A member of the SIU since August 1996, McField now wants to take his new knowledge about how the union works directly to others who have not had the opportunity to see and hear it for themselves. Speaking directly to the union’s president and other officials and department heads was a highlight of the experience for him. McField advised the trainees that the only way they can learn is by asking questions. Coleman agreed that being able to talk directly with the union officials has given him a better understanding of the politics involved in the maritime industry. “I never realized the extent politics played in the whole system,” he said. “We’re really one big voice, and SPAD is so important.” Coleman, who has sailed from the port of Houston since 1988, thanked the staff at the school for their time and patience. He addressed the trainees by reminding them of their role as mariners. “You’re going to have a chance to go out and see the world,” he told them. “Keep in mind that anywhere you go, you’re a merchant seaman. And not only do you represent the SIU, you also represent America. Give us a good name.” Valerie Martin joins her husband, Alvin, in steering the Osprey. After spending the first part of his career as a commercial fisherman, Pompel joined the SIU in 1991 in the port of Seattle. Having worked in another part of the industry, he now has a better sense of the benefits and job security enjoyed by Seafarers. Sailing with the SIU has allowed him to live where he wants, enjoy a comfortable income and, when he wants to sail, he knows he has a job. He thanked the SIU and the staff and instructors at the school for the opportunity to upgrade, and also thanked all the old-timers who taught him how to live and work at sea. He told the trainees, “You’ve got brothers and sisters on the ships willing to teach you. Just show a good attitude and some hard work, and the payoff for your time here will be rewarded.” Seafarers LOG 7 �27970_P1_3,5_6cx,8_10,12_13.qxd 5/26/2005 5:21 PM Page 8 Seaf arer s Par t icipat e in Bene f it s Conferences SAN FRANCISCO On hand in San Francisco to answer questions from Seafarers, pensioners and their families about the change in health care coverage are (from left) Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone, Plans Administrator Bill Dennis and Carolyn Gentile, counsel to the Seafarers Plans. Right: SIU member Sam Garrett asked about getting more medications for longer voyages. Prescription coverage was on the mind of retiree Jim Saxton. R epresentatives from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) in late April wrapped up a series of conferences that took place at SIU halls across the country. Hundreds of Seafarers, pensioners and their families attended the benefits conferences in Wilmington, Calif.; San Francisco; Tacoma, Wash.; Houston; New Orleans; and Jacksonville, Fla. Earlier in April, conferences were conducted in Piney Point, Md.; Philadelphia; Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Norfolk, Va. Those meetings were covered in the May issue of the Seafarers LOG. The more recent conferences had the same basic structure as the first ones. During the meetings, SHBP representatives and spokespersons discussed adjustments approved by the trustees to the costs of various SHBP coverage. Details were reviewed at the conferences and they also were specified in a letter mailed to individual SHBP participants. Generally, the most significant adjustments are the implementations of deductibles and co-payments. At each of the conferences, a lot of time was spent in question-and-answer periods, with Seafarers, pensioners and their families interacting with SHBP panelists. Among those speaking on behalf of the SHBP were Carolyn Gentile, counsel to the Seafarers Plans; Bill Dennis, Plans administrator; Basil Castrovinci and Matt Castrovinci, actuaries for the Plans; and Colleen Baker, representative from First Health Network. SIU officials also took part in the meetings, including President Michael Sacco, Executive Vice President John Fay, Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey and Vice President West Coast Nick Marrone. Panelists emphasized the advantages of utilizing First Health Network. They also pointed out that there still is no out-of-pocket cost for Seafarers to maintain their coverage through the SHBP. By contrast, most Americans with health benefits have to pay part of their premium. Similarly, eligible Seafarers are part of a small minority of Americans who don’t have to pay all or part of the premiums for dependent coverage. Additionally, SHBP representatives explained the Plan’s structure and operations; talked about the health care crisis from a national standpoint; and cited examples of how those with insurance actually bear the cost of providing treatment to the more than 45 million Americans who have no health coverage. Across the nation, health care costs (including the price of prescription drugs) are increasing by double-digit percentages each year. Credible, high-profile sources from different industries have warned that if the current trend doesn’t improve, health care could ruin the national economy. Behind the many statistics reflecting this crisis are working families and retirees—many with insurance, many without—who remain at risk of financial devastation from one accident or injury. Last month, results from the Harvard Consumer Bankruptcy Project—believed to be the first comprehensive study of medical bankruptcy—found that 1 million Americans per year are bankrupted by medical bills or illness. Of those, more than threequarters had health insurance when they became ill or were injured. Right: Questions were raised about time needed for eligibility. Concerns were expressed about medication refills while aboard shuttle vessels. How the changes will affect retirees was the question on on the minds of many pensioners. There was a good turnout at the San Francisco hall of those wishing to learn more about their health benefits. 8 Seafarers LOG June 2005 �27970_P1_3,5_6cx,8_10,12_13.qxd 5/27/2005 3:49 PM Page 9 Seaf arer s Par t icipat e in Bene f it s Conferences HOUSTON A large group was on hand at the Houston hall to listen as the SHBP representatives and spokespersons talked about the medical care crisis in this country and how the plan is trying contain costs while still providing quality health care coverage. Plans Administrator Bill Dennis (in near right photo) addresses the crowd. Members John Cain (center) and Tom Arriola ask questions regarding their health care coverage. Even with the adjustment to NEW ORLEANS deductibles and co-payments, there still are no out-ofpocket costs for Seafarers to maintain their coverage through the SHBP. By contrast most Americans with health benefits have to pay at least part of their premiums. A good number of SIU members and their families attended the benefits conference at the New Orleans hall including, from left, Bosun George Price III, Electrician Robert Joyce and AB Ricardo Legorreta. AB Randy Bolling (left) has an opportunity to chat with SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel. WILMINGTON After learning more about the adjustments made to their health and benefits plan, Seafarers in Wilmington, Calif. had their questions answered by the Plans officials. June 2005 Chief Cook Joe Brooks (left) and Chief Steward Connie Gaines appreciated hearing from the Plans officials. With them is SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel. Everybody was very interested in how their medical benefits were going to be affected. Husbands and wives of Seafarers as well as current members and retirees were on hand to familiarize themselves with the new conditions. At left is Penny Adams, wife of Ray Adams. Seafarers LOG 9 �27970_P1_3,5_6cx,8_10,12_13.qxd 5/26/2005 10:58 AM Page 10 Trade Show a Success NCL America Is New Participant In Union Industries Show Some 200,000 visitors from up and down the Pacific Northwest Coast recently turned out to the Oregon Convention Center in Portland to witness and enjoy the varied attractions on exhibit during the 2005 AFL-CIO Union Industries Show. Themed “Good Jobs Build Strong Communities” and sponsored by the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department, the show took place April 29 to May 2. Showcased were the latest in union-made-inthe-USA products including autos and accessories, motorcycles, hardware, clothing, sporting goods and furniture. Also featured were baked goods and groceries, appliances and housewares. Visitors were afforded information on how to acquire training for union jobs. Although a newcomer to the annual AFL-CIO event, SIUcontracted NCL America was a huge participant in the show. For the event’s SIU/UIW grand prize, the deep-sea cruise ship company donated an all-expenses-paid 7-day cruise of the Hawaiian Islands for two. UIW-contracted companies that participated included: Bron Shoe and Franklin International, both of Columbus, Ohio; Church & Dwight, London, Ohio; Kroger, Delaware, Ohio; Sealy Mattress, Williamsport, Md.; Juanita’s Foods, Wilmington, Calif.; Cott Beverages, USA, San Bernardino, Calif.; Del Monte, Terminal Island, Calif.; the Queen Mary, Long Beach, Calif,.; La Victoria Foods, Rosemead, Calif.; and Chicken of the Sea Inc., Terminal Island, Calif. Other major prizes and their respective union donors were: UAW-made autos from GM (2005 Chevy Cobalt) and Ford (a 2005 2X4 Focus); a HarleyDavidson motorcycle; hospitality from Portland’s Benson Hotel; appliances made by members of the UAW, IUE-CWA and USWPACE; and a John Deere Tractor made by Machinists and USW- Notice to CIVMARS Re: 2005-2006 Wages MSC CIVMARS’ wages are determined each year through a series of administrative steps. One of the first steps required by federal law is that each year the union must provide MSC with data for private sector maritime wages for seafarers sailing on American-flag vessels. To do this, the union provides MSC with a letter containing the wages reflected in collective bargaining agreements. MSC uses this information and other types of information to develop the wage scales that apply to CIVMARS. Generally CIVMARS receive increases in July. This year however, because some collective bargaining agreements are being renegotiated there may be a delay in analyzing the wages and the need for retroactive payment for CIVMARS. The union will keep CIVMARS advised as to the status of these negotiations and the impact of the new collective-bargaining agreements on CIVMARS’ wages. The SIU/UIW booth at the 2005 AFL-CIO Union Industries Show, just as in years past, was very popular among those who attended the fourday event. SIU Port Agent Bryan Powell, left, is joined for a photo by Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski, UIW National Director John Spadaro and Maritime Trades Department Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex. PACE members. Giveaways included dry goods, USW-PACE paper products, canned goods, and snacks courtesy of Teamster Dairy Division workers and groceries courtesy of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM). “The show was a resounding success,” noted SIU Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell, who helped set up and staff the SIU/UIW booth. “It is such a great public relations opportunity for labor to showcase our products and services as well as interact in a very positive and friendly way with the general public.” “This show has traveled throughout the country these past 60 years to underscore the importance of supporting good union jobs, purchasing union goods and services and keeping union jobs in American communities,” declared Charles Mercer, president of the AFL-CIO Union Label and Service Trades Department. Mercer was joined by members of the department’s executive council and Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski to cut the ribbon formally opening the show. Although scores of candidates and celebrities have participated in the show during its long and rich history, Kulongoski was the first host-state governor to join the show’s ribbon-cutting ceremonies. The governor praised the labor movement’s contributions to American culture and society. “The American quality of life is because of the American labor movement,” he said, urging working families to “take pride in what you see here. No country in the world can compete with us if we recognize the efforts of America’s working people.” Update Regarding CMPI 610 Negotiations As has been previously reported, the union has been waiting for MSC to schedule negotiations regarding CMPI 610. Last year APMC submitted a revised version of CMPI 610 for negotiation. Prior to developing counter-proposals, the union submitted a list of questions requesting information and explanations in November 2004. The union has not received responses as of yet. The union will continue to update CIVMARS periodically about the status of these discussions. Retired Clinical Director Bill Eckles Dies at 62 Bill Eckles, who retired last summer after decades of service as the clinical director of the Addictions Rehabilitation Center (ARC) in Piney Point, Md., died May 12, reportedly from heart failure. He was 62. “Bill was a positive influence on so many people,” noted Don Nolan, vice president of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, which is affiliated with the ARC. “He was committed to his work and he remained a friend to both the school and the ARC even in retirement.” John Gallagher, director of the ARC, stated, “He’s going to be missed. His contributions to the program here were immeasurable. Really, he’s one of the architects of the program that exists today. That’s one reason he won’t be forgotten.” Eckles joined the SIU in 1965 in his native Philadelphia. He sailed as a recertified bosun 10 Seafarers LOG Recertified Bosun Bill Eckles earned respect and influenced lives as clinical director of the ARC from 1988-2004. and later earned a second mate’s license before coming ashore in 1985 to work as a counselor at the ARC. He became the center’s clinical director three years later. Last year, in an interview for his retirement article in the Seafarers LOG, Eckles said he got started as a counselor because he had gone through the ARC when it opened (in 1975) and he “had a desire to put something back into it.” Previously, in a 1992 piece about the school, Eckles wrote, “I wouldn’t have worked in this field if it wasn’t with merchant mariners. I wasn’t looking for another profession, but going through the ARC program had turned my life around, and I felt I could contribute.” Eckles retired to Silver Spring, Md. Funeral services took place May 17 in Philadelphia. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 625 W. Ridge Pike, Building A100, Conshohocken, PA 19428 or the Caron Foundation, 17 Camp Road, Wernersville, PA 19565. The Seafarers-crewed SSG Edward A. Carter Jr. helps boost America’s sealift capabilities. Seafarers-Crewed Carter Reaches Safety Milestone Seafarers who work aboard a Maersk Line Limited (MLL) operated vessel recently established a safety milestone of which the entire maritime community can be proud. As of April 30, the SIU-contracted SSG Edward A. Carter Jr. marked 1,000 days of accident-free operations, a significant achievement. MLL Director of Maritime Operations Capt. Jerry Eker, in correspondence dated May 1 to the captain and crew of the Carter, said in part: “Please note our congratulations and express our thanks and appreciation to the crew for their continued focus on safety. [One thousand] days is a major accomplishment and one that is not achievable by every vessel. This devotion to the safe working environment is acknowledgement that everyone on board has taken pride in the vessel, their job and the safe working practice of each and every crew member seriously…. This positive accomplishment will confirm to our customer the focus toward safety by each crew member and MLL as a whole.” Owned by the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the Carter is one of the command’s eight containerships. It also is part of the 36 ships in MSC’s prepositioning program. Based in Norfolk, Va., MLL has provided the U.S. government with transportation and maritime services for more than 40 years, including every major military operation from the Vietnam War to those now underway in Afghanistan and Iraq. June 2005 �27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/26/2005 5:42 PM Page 11 Left: Jeremy “J.J.” Evans entered a beautty contest in Wilmington, Calif. last year when she was 10 years old. She was first runner-up. Her proud dad, Shawn Evans, is the recertified bosun on the Green Dale. At right is a recent portrait of AB Paul Riley of Jacksonville, Fla. and his beautiful family — wife Marion, daughter J’cyra and son Paul Anthony Riley III. Seafarers and their families: These are some of the images we all look forward to seeing—and sharing with our brothers and sisters of the sea. If you have a family-related photo you would like to be included in the next family photo page, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photos will be returned, if so requested. If e-mailing digital images, please send them to dhirtes@seafarers.org. The higher the resolution, the better. SIU member Nick Payne is a serious mountain biker. Here he is during a race in Colorado (below) wheree he finished in 3rd place, and in Austin, Texas (right), where he came in 2nd. When not biking, Nick works for G&H Tug Co. as quartermaster and mate. He is the son of Seafarer Jimmy “Indiana” Payne. Tommy Flynn and his wife, Melody, show off their new son, Justus, who was five months old in this photo (he is now eight months old). Tommy currently sails as an electrician on the Horizon Consumer, shipping out of Long Beach, Calif. Proud grandmother, Annette Flynn, who sent this photo to the LOG, works as a programmer at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. Daniel J. Teichman and his family weelcomed a new baby girl Sept. 1, 2004. Jeanette joins three sisters who are doting on her. Daniel ma akes his home in Rutland, Vt. and currently sails as bosun on the SL Liberator. June 2005 Port Agent John Cox and his wife, Tausha, are once again the proud parents of a healthy baby girl. Born March 15, 2005 at 10:17 a.m., Ashley Marie Cox weighed in at 7 lbs. 15 oz. Seafarers LOG 11 �27970_P1_3,5_6cx,8_10,12_13.qxd 5/26/2005 2:43 PM Page 12 “The importance of U.S. mariners is being reinforced every day in the war in Iraq.” — John Jamian Acting Administrator, Maritime Administration “We are here today to pay special tribu to all merchant mariners.” — Elaine L U.S. Secretary of U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao delivered the keynote address at a ceremony at the US. Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration. “The professionalism and expertise of America’s merchant mariners . . . has been their hallmark and their creed.” Listening to the grim statistics of U.S. Merchant Marine losses duri and World War II are (from left) SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, MM& Brown, Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, MEBA President Ron Davis Michael Sacco and Maria Cino, deputy director of the Department of — Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, USN MSC Commander “Thank you for your contribution to keeping this nation a great, free country.” — Congressman Roscoe G. Bartlett (R-Md.) Following an afternoon memorial ceremony at the Washington Naval Yard, Vice Adm. David L. Brew the Paul Hall Center. In the front row are (from left) SIU Assistant VP Ambrose Cucinotta, SIU Se Crumlin, national secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia. 12 Seafarers LOG June 2005 �27970_P1_3,5_6cx,8_10,12_13.qxd 5/26/2005 2:43 PM Page 13 y, 2005 a D e im it r a M National S n by A Proclamatio erica ed States of Am it n U e th f o t n he Preside T our economy more secure and n io at N r ou e ak ected our t mariners m commerce and prot ed ot om pr America's merchan ve ha ey United out our histor y, th ted service of the ca di de e th r no ho stronger. T hrough , we nal Maritime Day freedom. On Natio ortation system Marine. . maritime transp .S U e th States Merchant of en the open en and wom erways and across at w r ou g Each year, the m on al o rg erchant billion tons of ca e transported by m ar se ha rc pu s an move more than 2 meric finished goods in e raw materials A ral products and ltu cu seas. Many of th ri ag ip sh s ant mariner vessels, and merch day. s histor y. nited States ever y lict in our Nation' nf co y er ev in and out of the U ed ith crus have also serv s Armed Forces w n' io at N r ou Merchant mariner e id e, prov demonstrate courag en ant Marine helps ch om er w M d . an .S U en m he T brave those who have equipment. T hese especially honor e w d cial supplies and an ty, du ates is safer and devotion to n. T he United St io at N r ou love of countr y, of e ns ers, and e sacrifice in defe r merchant marin ou of k or w e th made the ultimat of e ore peaceful becaus and the world is m e. e, the Congress, r their servic Merchant Marin . .S U e we are grateful fo th of ce gnated May the importan amended, has desi as , 33 In recognition of 19 , 20 d requested approved on May has authorized an d an ," ay D by joint resolution e m obser"National Mariti r its appropriate as fo ar ng ye lli ch ca ea n io of at m 22 ocla issue an annual pr that the President of the United USH, President B . W E vance. G R O E Maritime FORE, I, G 05, as National 20 , 22 NOW, THERE ay M and laim ate this observance a, do hereby proc br le ce to es at St d States of Americ es. nite in their communiti e people of the U d th an on es up m ll ho ca r I ei . th Day ates at on that day. g of the United St ican flag dress ship er m A e th to display the fla r de un teenth day all ships sailing t my hand this nine se to un re he I also request that ve ha ence of HEREOF, I d of the Independ an e, fiv nd IN WITNESS W sa ou o th ar of our Lord tw enty ninth. of May, in the ye o hundred and tw tw e th a ic er m A of the United States USH GEORGE W. B IU members, officials and a large contingent of unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. on May 19 joined scores of dignitaries who attended and participated in a pair of National Maritime Day ceremonies in Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) and the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), the two events were held at the U.S. Navy Memorial and the Washington Naval Yard, respectively. ine L. Chao U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, a strong supporter of the ary of Labor U.S. Merchant Marine, delivered the keynote address at the MarAd ceremony. “We are here today to pay special tribute to all merchant mariners. It is a time for us to reflect and honor the rich history of the United States Merchant Marine,” she stated. “Even before the United States was born, the U.S. Merchant Marine then and now is vital to supporting the twin pillars of our country’s strength, and that is economic prosperity and national security. “In peacetime, a patriotic mariner keeps America working by transporting our imports and exports,” she continued. “They crew the ships that conduct our country’s worldwide commerce. And that’s so important because as many of you in this audience know, 95 percent of our trade is moved by sea.” Secretary Chao also noted the rebirth of the deep sea U.S.-flag cruise ship industry. “We’ve had the introduction of two new cruise ships to enter the American-flag passenger trade and they are providing thousand of good-paying jobs for American workers,” she stated. “The Pride of Aloha has been operating in the Hawaiian trades now for almost one year. And the Pride of America is expected to reach New York Harbor in early June … and that should be very exciting. “This administration and the maritime community work together to further strengthen the industry by supporting flexibility….. As a result, the American maritime industry is expected to invest more into strengthening our fleet and creating more jobs for our American mariners.” Finally, she observed, “In times of war, our nation is especially grateful for the special role that merchant mariners play in support of national defense. And that realization is never more keen than now. Today, more than 8,000 brave merchant mariners crew auxiliary vessel for the United States Navy to support our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. They have delivered more than 92 percent of the equipment and supplies needed by our troops. It is in part due to the service of the U.S. Merchant Marine that America has gained the strongest military force the world has ever known. “When the history of this era is written, the United States Merchant Marine will be remembered as vital to toppling a brutal regime and helping to s during World War I build a stable and democratic Middle East. The U.S. Merchant Marine serves MM&P President Tim our country during times of peace and war with distinction and often at personDavis, SIU President al risk. So today, I am so pleased to be with all of you so that we together can ent of Transportation. honor their sacrifices which will ensure that freedom and opportunity will forever be a beacon of America’s hope.” At the conclusion of Secretary Chao’s presentation, awards were given to the family of the late Walter Oates and Capt. George Bark, U.S. Merchant Marine (ret.). Despite being the nation’s oldest service, the U.S. Merchant Marine until recent years did not have an official flag or seal. Oates and Bark in 1994 put an end to this absence of a rallying symbol and made history in the process when they created the U.S. Merchant Marine Flag and Seal. Both men attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Oates graduated in 1942 while Bark finished in 1944. Congressman Roscoe G. Bartlett (R-Md.) served as the principal speaker during the MSC ceremony which was conducted at the Washington Navy Yard. Representative Bartlett paid tribute to genera- oday ribute Brewer III greeted each of the unlicensed apprentices from U Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Brewer and Padraig June 2005 tions of U.S. merchant mariners by noting the roles they played in America before it officially was a nation. The congressmen reflected on the extreme sacrifice of the merchant marine during times of war when he said, “Your service had the highest casualty rate during World War II except for the Marine Corps… Thank you for your contribution to keeping this nation a great, free country.” Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, USN, MSC’s commander, declared, “The professionalism and expertise of America’s merchant mariners, their dedication to freedom and democracy, and their willingness to sail wherever needed when duty calls has been their hallmark and their creed.” Following the ceremony, Admiral Brewer took time out to meet and greet each of the unlicensed apprentices from the Paul Hall Center who were on hand for the observances. Afterward, the apprentices expressed great appreciation for Admiral Brewer’s warmth and sincerity. The unlicensed apprentices stood at parade rest during Maritime Day observances at the Washington Naval Yard as guests applauded the remarks of Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III. Seafarers LOG 13 �27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/27/2005 3:50 PM Page 14 Around the Port Of Philadelphia SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi (center) and SIU Representative Rob Wisler (left) greet AB Kyle Bloom en route to the USNS Seay. SIU-contracted AMSEA began operating both the Seay and the USNS Mendonca April 22 in Philadelphia. Discussing the latest union news are SIU Philadelphia Port Agent Joe Mieluchowski, Recertified Steward Ekow Doffoh and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi at the union hall. SIU officials and Seafarers from the Seay and Mendonca are pictured aboard the latter ship after viewing a vessel familiarization videotape. From left, Recertified Steward Bob Mensching, Oiler Ben Stanley, SIU Representative Rob Wisler and SIU VP Atlantic Coast Joseph Soresi talk about the contract covering the LMSRs operated by AMSEA. Seafarers recently rallied in support of fellow union members from UNITE/HERE Local 274 while those members were in contract negotiations with a dozen or so hotels. These three photos show crew members on the Integrity as they gather for a shipboard union meeting. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SEAFARERS MEDICAL CENTER FUND This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Plan, EIN 94-2430964 for the year ended June 30, 2004. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The plan has committed itself to pay all medical exam claims incurred under the terms of the plan. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $(453,765) as of June 30, 2004, compared to $(442,370) as of July 1, 2003. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $11,395. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $548,558 including employer contributions of $527,179, earnings from investments of $153 and other income of $21,226. Plan expenses were $559,953. These expenses included $457,949 in administrative expenses and $102,004 in benefits paid to or for 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. Financial information and informa- 14 Seafarers LOG tion on payments to service providers; and 3. Assets held for investment. To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call the office of SIU Pacific District Seafarers Medical Center Plan, P.O. Box 191086, San Francisco, CA 94119, (415) 392-3611. The charge to cover copying costs will be $2.75 for the full annual report, or $.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and the 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 the accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs 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, at 49 Drum Street, Second Floor, San Francisco, CA 941114805, 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, Room N5638, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210. Remembering Seafarer Terry Mayes The old newspaper article is understandably worn, having been published during the Vietnam War. The photo really isn’t legible anymore. But the story of the late Seafarer Terry Mayes is just as compelling today as it was when it appeared in the Sunday edition of the Mobile, Ala. Press Register back in March 1967. Terry’s mother, Delores Cain Mayes, wanted to share that account with other readers of the Seafarers LOG. It’s a story of patriotism as well as an SIU legacy. Terry Mayes made two voyages to Vietnam before his 17th birthday; the start of the latter trip was chronicled in the Mobile newspaper. “I want to go to Vietnam because I know that I might be doing something patriotic for my country,” he told the paper. “I am very proud of being in the merchant marine. “Some of the boys over there are not much older than I am,” he continued. “I know they need all the help they can get. And they also are depending upon our merchant fleet for many things. An article from 1966 notes that Terry Mayes (right in 1994) made two voyages to Vietnam before turning 17. “We are all good Americans and we love the United States of America. In a way, I guess we are all brothers.” Mayes’ youth and nationalism weren’t the only noteworthy aspects portrayed in the article. He was signing on board the Free America as an ordinary seaman—a vessel that his father, the late SIU member John Mayes had sailed on 17 years earlier. (At that time, the ship was named the Monarch of the Sea.) In fact, the elder Mayes made his final voyage on that same ship—and it was there that he learned via radio of Terry’s birth in 1949. Terry joined the SIU and first sailed aboard the Alcoa Trader to Vietnam. He then sailed on the tanker Ocean Pioneer to France before making his second voyage to the war zone. He passed away Nov. 23, 2003 at age 54. His uncle John Cain is an active SIU member and another uncle, Hubert Cain, sailed with the union for almost 50 years. “Terry stood for all the things that are good about the SIU and the U.S. Merchant Marine as America’s fourth arm of defense,” stated John Cain. “Even though he didn’t make a career out of sailing after Vietnam, he loved the SIU until the day he died.” June 2005 �27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/26/2005 4:07 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea July & August 2005 Membership Meetings APRIL 16 — MAY 15, 2005 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals Totals 2 5 7 4 4 19 35 1 14 14 20 15 3 25 11 13 3 31 24 1 3 1 2 2 17 14 0 7 11 17 11 2 0 0 5 2 14 15 1 0 4 3 5 17 26 0 8 13 15 13 5 0 3 16 2 20 13 2 4 2 3 3 14 26 0 8 11 13 12 4 11 7 10 4 17 15 0 2 1 1 1 9 8 1 2 2 4 3 0 1 0 4 2 5 5 3 0 0 0 0 6 18 0 4 5 10 4 0 1 3 8 0 6 11 1 0 6 2 11 56 56 0 13 27 51 15 3 2 9 31 1 54 37 6 6 10 11 6 30 59 3 21 24 42 31 4 21 20 15 4 52 35 2 7 2 4 3 38 32 2 10 26 33 18 7 0 1 8 5 32 25 194 250 124 164 166 51 79 375 400 255 Totals Totals All Departments 0 0 5 0 7 14 16 1 4 7 11 6 1 0 3 10 1 11 4 1 1 4 1 1 13 21 0 5 5 4 11 2 1 2 7 5 21 8 0 1 0 0 2 9 9 0 4 1 4 4 2 0 1 2 1 6 6 0 0 3 0 7 7 9 0 9 6 9 4 1 0 1 10 0 7 8 1 0 4 0 4 9 15 0 2 9 6 12 1 1 2 5 3 16 3 0 0 0 0 1 6 7 0 0 1 2 3 0 1 1 0 0 6 3 0 0 1 0 3 3 11 0 1 2 5 6 1 1 2 4 0 5 4 0 0 4 2 9 23 26 1 9 14 20 16 4 2 3 13 3 12 11 0 1 5 4 7 15 35 1 7 13 18 16 3 1 9 10 5 24 20 3 2 0 0 3 9 18 1 6 5 13 3 2 0 1 3 1 6 9 101 113 52 81 93 31 49 172 194 85 0 0 4 0 7 15 18 0 5 9 11 7 1 2 0 18 1 10 24 0 0 1 2 6 5 16 0 3 6 7 7 0 3 1 5 0 6 5 1 0 0 0 3 4 6 0 0 3 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 4 1 5 11 7 0 2 6 11 4 3 1 0 14 0 11 18 Baltimore ................Thursday: July 7, August 11 Boston.....................Friday: July 8, August 12 Duluth .....................Wednesday: July 13, August 17 Guam ......................Thursday: July 21, August 25 Honolulu .................Friday: July 15, August 19 Houston ..................Monday: July 11 .................................Tuesday: August 16* .................................(*change created by Paul Hall’s birthday holiday) Jacksonville ............Thursday: July 7, August 11 Joliet .......................Thursday: July 14, August 18 Mobile ....................Wednesday: July 13, August 17 0 0 1 0 4 3 12 0 3 2 4 7 0 1 1 3 0 3 7 1 0 0 0 3 3 5 0 0 3 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 3 5 7 0 2 1 8 2 0 0 0 7 0 5 10 0 0 3 0 15 30 30 0 6 14 30 16 1 7 2 45 3 21 41 1 0 4 4 8 9 30 1 8 8 15 16 2 5 4 9 0 13 15 1 0 0 0 1 7 8 0 0 2 5 4 0 1 0 1 1 4 7 132 73 24 98 51 19 52 264 152 42 0 0 0 0 6 3 3 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 1 4 0 6 3 1 1 3 1 10 16 22 0 8 5 32 11 0 17 3 9 0 19 2 0 6 3 0 7 16 26 1 1 8 25 15 0 28 0 4 0 12 11 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 7 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 1 3 0 3 0 7 10 8 0 9 3 17 6 0 8 1 11 0 7 2 0 1 1 0 7 6 12 1 0 3 13 7 0 28 1 9 0 7 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 5 8 0 2 4 7 0 0 0 2 6 0 11 4 1 2 3 6 17 35 35 1 8 13 57 21 1 20 4 12 1 32 10 3 12 6 4 12 36 44 1 3 21 67 29 2 17 1 11 0 31 23 31 160 163 17 95 101 0 57 279 323 458 596 363 360 405 202 180 868 1,025 705 New York................Tuesday: July 5, August 9 Norfolk ...................Thursday: July 7, August 11 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: July 6, August 10 Port Everglades.......Thursday: July 14, August 18 San Francisco .........Thursday: July 14, August 18 San Juan..................Thursday: July 7, August 11 St. Louis..................Friday: July 15, August 19 Tacoma ...................Friday: July 22, August 26 Wilmington ...............Monday: July 18, August 22 ................................. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. STEWARD DEPARTMENT ENTRY DEPARTMENT *“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 2005 Algonac ..................Friday: July 8, August 12 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: July 12, August 16 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Piney Point .............Tuesday: July 5* ................................Monday: August 8 ............................................(*change created by Independence Day holiday) 1 0 2 1 2 33 33 0 8 13 27 6 1 1 3 13 2 27 21 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs Personals Alek Turko would like to hear from any former shipmates. Please e-mail him at allsafeins@aol.com to get in touch. DEBORAH SUTTON Please contct Tim Robert at (504) 628-9007. DONALD HOOD Please contact Leon Fountain at (253) 581-2099. Leon, who retired in 1998, saw your photo in last month’s LOG and would like to hear from you. Correction The Gateway of India, pictured on page 16 of the May Seafarers LOG, is located in Bombay. MV Ascension Honored with Stamp The Ascension Island Post Office recently honored the SIUcrewed MV Ascension with the issuance of a postage stamp bearing its likeness. It is one in a set of four stamps that feature merchant shipping and is in the amount of 15p. Ascension Island is located in the South Atlantic Ocean and is part of the St. Helena Group that is made up of St. Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha. The island was settled by the British with a garrison of Royal Marines in 1815. The French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled on St. Helena, and the British did not want the French to use Ascension Island as a staging post to rescue him. The MV Ascension is owned and operated by Sealift, Inc. It serves as the re-supply ship for “Wideawake Airfield,” the American Air Force Base on Ascension Island. Capt. Dana Haff sent a copy of the stamp to the Seafarers LOG and notes that the vessel sails from Port Canaveral, Fla. and re-supplies the island every 60 days. Since there is no dock at Ascension Island, the ship discharges cargo from an open anchorage onto motorized barges. Seafarers LOG 15 �27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/27/2005 3:50 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report APRIL 16 — MAY 15, 2005 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 5 20 1 1 10 0 0 4 41 3 0 2 3 3 1 0 1 13 0 5 7 5 2 1 1 0 21 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 18 1 2 7 0 0 5 37 1 0 2 2 3 1 0 1 10 0 5 5 0 2 2 1 0 15 1 11 1 3 5 0 2 2 25 12 31 13 12 29 6 2 7 112 4 7 5 5 5 1 0 5 32 0 13 2 20 2 0 5 0 42 0 2 2 0 2 0 1 4 11 8 14 6 7 11 1 2 5 54 1 3 8 1 4 0 0 1 18 0 8 4 12 1 1 1 0 27 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 6 7 7 8 5 14 2 0 3 46 1 3 3 0 15 0 0 1 23 0 8 0 16 0 1 2 1 28 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 2 6 1 1 6 0 1 2 19 0 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 6 0 2 8 1 1 0 0 2 14 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 1 6 2 2 3 0 0 1 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 0 3 7 0 1 0 0 2 13 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 4 3 0 1 3 0 1 0 12 1 1 1 2 2 0 0 1 8 0 3 2 3 0 1 0 2 11 Port 1 4 1 1 4 0 1 1 13 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 5 0 4 3 0 0 1 0 1 9 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 72 27 46 65 17 37 42 212 73 97 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by Arthur K. Johannessen of Stavanger, Norway. His previous submission of the steward department on the SS Mariposa was included in the April 2005 issue. This photo was taken aboard the President Wilson in 1962, Johannessen’s first trip to the Far East. “It was a heavenly trip,” he stated in a note accompanying the photo, and “an experience I’ll never forget. The crew in the dining room was like the United Nations. We all got along very well.” Seated on the floor is a crew member named Joe. Johannessen says Joe was a very special, kind person who wanted nothing more than to go to sea. “I think about him a lot,” the former room steward/waiter wrote. After his sailing career, Johannessen, now 80, returned to his native Norway and ran a mink farm until he took a well-deserved retirement. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. June 2005 �27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/26/2005 4:08 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA GERONIMO BARENG, 52, began his seafaring career in 1980, initially sailing aboard the Oceanic Independence. Brother Bareng worked in the steward department and was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. His last ship was the USNS Petersburg. Born in the Philippines, Brother Bareng now lives in Honolulu. IVAN CAPOWSKI, 65, joined the SIU in 1990 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Capowski worked aboard American Overseas Marine vessels, including the USNS Wright and the PFC Dewayne T. Williams. In 1991, the steward department member upgraded his skills at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Capowski was born in New York and calls Florence, Vt. home. EDWARD DeSOUCEY, 43, became an SIU member in 1979 in Piney Point, Md. Brother DeSoucey was born in Red Bank, N.J. and first worked aboard the LNG Leo in the engine department. He enhanced his skills on numerous occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, Brother DeSoucey shipped on the Horizon Enterprise. Brother DeSoucey lives in San Francisco. MIGUEL HERNANDEZ, 70, started sailing with the union in 1999 from the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Brother Hernandez sailed primarily aboard vessels operated by Dyn Marine, including the USNS Pathfinder and the USNS Bowditch. He attended the Piney Point school in 2000 and again in 2004. Brother Hernandez worked as a member of the deck department. Born in California, he now resides in Miami, Fla. PANAGIOTIS KANAVOS, 60, was born in Greece. Brother Kanavos joined the SIU in 1968 in New York. His first ship was the Mankato Victory. Brother Kanavos sailed in the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Commitment. Brother Kanavos makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. ALIGI PELLICCI, 64, began his SIU career in 1982 in the port of Honolulu. Brother Pellicci was born in Italy and shipped in the engine department. His first voyage was aboard the Independence. Brother Pellicci is a resident of Auburn, Wash. JIM SAXTON, 65, hails from Louisiana. Brother Saxton joined the MC&S in 1965 in the port of San Francisco. He was a member June 2005 of the steward department and first shipped aboard the President Wilson. Brother Saxton upgraded his skills on many occasions at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He most recently went to sea on the Defender. Brother Saxton calls Hayward, Calif. home. INLAND DALTON DESLATTE, 65, became a member of the SIU in 1963. Boatman Deslatte was born in Texas. He shipped in the deck department, primarily on Moran Towing of Texas vessels. Boatman Deslatte resides in Port Arthur, Texas. THOMAS GUIDRY, 57, joined the ranks of the SIU in 1979 in Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Guidry initially sailed with Hvide Marine in the deck department. The Texas-born mariner last went to sea aboard the Titan. Boatman Guidry makes his home in Hemphill, Texas. ROGER HORTON, 62, commenced his seafaring career in 1971 in the port of Houston, initially shipping with Moran Towing of Texas. Boatman Horton was a member of the deck department. He upgraded his skills in Piney Point, Md. in 2000, 2001 and again in 2002. Boatman Horton, who was born in Ohio, now lives in Ft. Myers, Fla. His final ship was Harrah’s Winstar. RONALD LeBLANC, 72, launched his seafaring career in 1994 in New Orleans. Boatman LeBlanc sailed mainly on Westbank Riverboat’s Boomtown. He was born in Louisiana and worked in the deck department. Boatman LeBlanc makes his home in New Orleans. ROBERT MAZYCK, 61, embarked on his SIU profession in 1977 in the port of Houston. Boatman Mazyck shipped primarily aboard Marine Contracting & Towing vessels. He was born in South Carolina. Boatman Mazyck enhanced his skills at the Paul Hall Center in 1986. He resides in the Bahamas. MARION PEOPLES, 62, began sailing with the union in 1988 in the port of Houston. Boatman Peoples worked for G&H Towing during his career. A native of Ft. Worth, Texas, he is now a resident of Seabrook, Texas. JOHN SALMON, 55, started shipping with the SIU in 1979 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. Boatman Salmon is a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He worked for Crowley Towing his entire seafaring career. Boatman Salmon’s first boat was the tug Warrior; his last was the tug Gauntlet. He makes his home in Bonifay, Fla. CADAMUS TREAKLE, 62, became a Seafarer in 1972 in the port of Norfolk, Va. For the duration of his career, Boatman Treakle shipped on Allied Towing vessels. He was born in Virginia and sailed as a member of the deck department. Boatman Treakle upgraded on two occasions at the Seafarersaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. He lives in his native state. GREAT LAKES RICHARD DHOLS, 65, began sailing with the union in 1971 in the port of Duluth, Minn. Brother Dhols’ initial trip to sea was aboard the George Steinbrenner. He was a member of the deck department. Brother Dhols attended the Piney Point school in 2002. Born in Wisconsin, he most recently sailed on the Joseph H. Frantz. Brother Dhols calls Wisconsin home. EUGENE HAYES, 64, launched his SIU career in 1958 in the port of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Brother Hayes was born in Michigan and sailed as a member of the engine department. In 2003, he attended classes at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Hayes mainly shipped aboard Inland Lakes Management vessels. He resides in Alpena, Mich. HAROLD NEAL, 64, became a Seafarer in 1963 in Dania, Fla. Brother Neal originally sailed with American Steamship Company. Born in Tennessee, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Neal’s last ship was the Saint Clair. He enhanced his seafaring abilities at the Paul Hall Center in 1980. Brother Neal calls Pall Mall, Tenn. home. WAYNE PORTICE, 61, was born in Michigan. He joined the union in 1972 in Alpena, Mich. Brother Portice’s first vessel was the Steel T. Crapo, where he worked in the engine department. His final trip was on the Saint Clair. Brother Portice resides in his native state. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1939 The new agreement with Colonial Navigation was completed and the membership voted overwhelmingly to accept the agreement. The contract provided among other things a two-week annual vacation, closed shop provisions and all hiring to be done through the union hall. SALEH RASHID, 64, began shipping with the SIU in 1964 in Fort Lauderdale. Brother Rashid’s initial trip on the Lakes was aboard an American Steamship Company vessel. He was born in Arabia and worked as a member of the steward department. Brother Rashid most recently shipped on the Richard J. Reiss. He calls Rochester, N.Y. home. LARRY SMITH, 57, hails from Georgia. Brother Smith joined the SIU in 1968 in Detroit. Throughout his seafaring career, he sailed aboard vessels operated by American Steamship Company. Brother Smith attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in 2002. The deck department member lives in Thornton, Ill. Editor’s Note: The following former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension and Trust, recently went on pension. Name Age EDP Alicea, Angel Ballestar, Gerardo Bynum, Samuel Gonzalez, Fernando Morgan, Joe Wallerson, Donald Watson, Charles Wells, Henry 65 62 72 60 67 70 65 63 May 1 April 1 April 1 May 1 May 1 April 1 May 1 April 1 1971 The jobs of Seafarers are on the line in the renewed attack on the Jones Act, a body of laws that demands that all domestic shipping be moved on American-flag vessels. The heavy assault on the Jones Act is being led by the oil industry, which wants oil from the rich Alaskan fields carried on runaway-flag tankers. They would rip the heart out of the Jones Act so they could transport Alaskan oil from one U.S. port to another in foreign-built, foreignmanned tankers—paying slave wages and at the same time escarping the taxes that must be paid by American-flag operators…. The SIU is leading a campaign to muster Congressional support to strengthen the Jones Act. This Month In SIU History 1950 On June 15, the SIU Atlantic and Gulf District signed an agreement with the bulk of steamship companies under contract to the union, the terms under which the Seafarers Welfare Plan would operate. The signing paved the way for the plan to begin functioning as 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. 1994 The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for certifying Seafarers and other personnel involved in the repair and servicing of refrigeration equipment. Late last year, the federal government issued regulations under which anyone involved in the repair and servicing of refrigeration equipment must pass an EPA-approved course by November 14, 1994. This affects QMEDs and any other Seafarers who sail in the engine department and who handle reefers. Seafarers LOG 17 �27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/26/2005 4:08 PM Page 18 Final Departures department, Brother Huston last sailed on the Horizon Consumer. He began receiving his pension in 1982 and resided in Brenham, Texas. DEEP SEA GLENN BAKER SR. Brother Glenn Baker, 60, died Feb. 28. He began sailing with the SIU in 1988 from the port of Mobile, Ala. Born in Florida, Brother Baker was a U.S. Army veteran. He first worked aboard the Falcon Princess in the deck department. Brother Baker’s last trip to sea was on the USNS Sisler. He was a resident of Alabama. NECOLA BATHIA Pensioner Necola Bathia, 79, passed away Jan. 30. Brother Bathia started his seafaring career in 1944 in New York. His first ship was the Robin Kettering. Brother Bathia was born in Dorothy, W.Va. and sailed in the engine department. Prior to retiring in 1984, he worked aboard the Del Viento. Brother Bathia resided in his native state. RONALD BURTON Pensioner Ronald Burton, 85, died Jan. 23. Brother Burton joined the SIU in 1943 in New York. His first trip to sea was on the Arlyn. Brother Burton worked as a member of the deck department. He last sailed on the Osprey. Brother Burton lived in Jacksonville, Fla. and started receiving his retirement compensation in 1985. SAW CHENG Pensioner Saw Cheng, 88, passed away Jan. 8. Brother Cheng was born in China and joined the MC&S (Marine Cooks & Stewards) in San Francisco. He worked as a member of the steward department. Brother Cheng went on pension in 1969 and called San Francisco home. EDWARD DUNN Brother Edward Dunn, 48, died Feb. 28. He joined the SIU in 1977 in New York, initially sailing on Penn Tanker’s Champion. Brother Dunn shipped in the steward department, most recently aboard Maersk Line Limited’s Constellation. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and made his home in Portugal. MARK EVANGELISTA Brother Mark Evangelista, 52, passed away Feb. 23. He started sailing with the Seafarers in 1994 in New Orleans. Brother Evangelista, who was born in Massachusetts, worked in the engine department. His first vessel was the USNS Regulus; his last was USNS Altair. Brother Evangelista was a resident of Marrero, La. HARRY HUSTON JR. Pensioner Harry Huston Jr., 88, died Nov. 23. Born in St. Louis, Brother Huston embarked on his SIU career in 1944 in the port of New York. His first ship was an Alcoa Steamship Co. vessel. A member of the steward 18 Seafarers LOG DAVID LONGANECKER Brother David Longanecker, 83, passed away Feb. 11. He started sailing with the MC&S in 1967 from the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Longanecker’s first voyage was on the Santa Magdelena. The steward department member was born in California. Brother Longanecker most recently worked aboard American Ship Management vessels. He lived in Los Angeles, Calif. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sisters, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension and Trust, have passed away. NORBERTO AYALA Pensioner Norberto Ayala, 100, passed away Feb. 27. Brother Ayala joined the NMU in 1936, initially shipping from San Juan. His first vessel was the Yucatan. Born in Yabucoa, P.R., Brother Ayala was a member of the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Mormacisle. Brother Ayala started collecting retirement stipends in 1966. PEDRO DAVILA Pensioner Pedro Davila, 81, died Nov. 10. Brother Davila launched his career with the NMU in 1951. He first shipped from the port of New York on the Cherry Valley. Brother Davila was born in Puerto Rico and worked in the engine department. His final trip to sea was aboard the Export Champion. Brother Davila went on pension in 1974. JOSE DIAS Pensioner Jose Dias, 85, passed away March 4. Born in Portugal, Brother Dias first donned the NMU colors in 1945 in the port of New York. He sailed as a member of the engine department and began receiving his pension in 1981. THOMAS GANDY Pensioner Thomas Gandy, 81, died Feb. 13. Brother Gandy started shipping with the NMU in 1965 in San Francisco. He initially worked aboard the James Lykes. The Alabama-born mariner started collecting his retirement compensation in 1991. Brother Gandy last went to sea on the Marine Duval. RICHARD GREEN Pensioner Richard Green, 83, passed away Feb. 19. Brother Green was born in Jacksonville, Fla. and embarked on his seafaring profession in 1939 in that port. His first ship was the Shawnee; his last was the United States. Brother Green began receiving his pension in 1966. KARL KARLSSON Pensioner Karl Karlsson, 87, died Jan. 31. Brother Karlsson started sailing from the port of New York in 1946. The Swedishborn mariner went on pension in 1968. JORGE LOZA MANUEL RUMION Pensioner Jorge Loza, 91, died March 4. Brother Loza joined the ranks of the NMU in 1943 in the port of New York. He was a member of the engine department. Prior to retiring in 1971, Brother Loza worked on the Mormacisle. Pensioner Manuel Rumion, 76, passed away Feb. 18. Brother Rumion launched his NMU career in Honolulu, first shipping aboard the USAT Comet in the steward department. He was born in Hawaii and last went to sea on the Star Rhode Island. Brother Rumion started collecting his retirement pay in 1991. JAMES POWDRILL Pensioner James Powdrill, 64, passed away March 26. Brother Powdrill started sailing with the NMU in Corpus Christi, Texas. His earliest trip to sea was on the Richmond, where he worked in the engine department. Brother Powdrill most recently sailed aboard the Sheldon Lykes. He began collecting retirement stipends in 1997. JOSEPH WILLIAMS Pensioner Joseph Williams, 79, died March 3. Brother Williams began sailing with the NMU in 1946 in the port of New York. His first ship was the Wilson Victory; his last was the Spirit of Liberty. Brother Williams was born in North Carolina. He worked in the steward department and went on pension in 1974. ALFRED KRUEGER GENARO RODRIGUEZ THEODORE WILLIAMS Pensioner Alfred Krueger, 88, passed away March 9. Brother Krueger began shipping with the NMU in 1958. His first voyage was on the Monte Pascoale. Brother Krueger was born in Germany and worked as a member of the steward department. He went on pension in 1981. Pensioner Genaro Rodriguez, 72, died March 8. The Puerto Rico-born mariner joined the NMU in 1963 in the port of New York. Brother Rodriguez first sailed on the African Moon. He was a member of the steward department. Brother Rodriguez retired in 1989. Pensioner Theodore Williams, 82, passed away March 11. Born in Gainesville, Fla., Brother Williams joined the NMU in the port of New York. The engine department member’s first voyage was on the John E. Schmeltzer. Before retiring in 1972, Brother Williams sailed on the Exporter. Editor’s Note: In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU members, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. Name Age DOD Almeida, Edward Aponte, Benjamin Araya, Albert Ballard, James Beckles, Lionel Billett, Raymond Blackwell, Abraham Carrion, Emiliano Dallas, Thomas De Bettencourt, Lawrence DeGroot, Ralph DeSantos, Cesar Diaz, Luis Doctor, Nehemiah Dunagan, Richard Ellis, Alfonso Ellis, Elijah Eng, Land Faller, Marcelino Felice, Joseph Fleming, Fitz Gannaway, Robert Georges, Assoumany Gobin, Albert Gonzalez, Lester Graulau, Juan Gutierrez, Paul Ham, Roy Hayes, Ronald Izquierdo, Anthony Jaros, Raymond Jennings, Kent Jones, Floyd Kirkpatrick, Charles LaSalle, Angel Lewis, Gideon Lopez, Julio 79 85 87 93 77 77 91 64 76 83 82 75 74 76 82 98 84 96 91 86 88 78 82 78 88 87 90 81 72 71 82 82 76 79 90 95 80 Feb. 3 April 8 March 13 Feb. 18 March 22 March 19 April 11 Dec. 21 April 15 April 8 April 1 Dec. 31 April 5 March 16 April 1 March 18 Feb. 25 March 26 March 17 March 7 Feb. 12 Jan. 30 April 8 March 25 April 3 March 21 March 31 March 3 April 4 March 27 Dec. 4 Jan. 11 March 24 Feb. 1 Dec. 13 March 27 March 7 Name Age DOD Maresh, Jerry Martinez, Faustino Mathis, Mason Medich, Ray Medina, Bolivar Melone, Ernest Mendez, Pablo Murphy, Michael Negron, Felipe O’Boyle, Anthony Ocksterwoicz, Edward Pineda, Sergio Pollard, James Pritchard, Louis Raines, James Ratleff, Maurice Razza, Alfred Rivera, Juan Roan, Thomas Rosa, Juan Rosenberg, Abraham Ruiz, Juan Said, Mohsein Sierra, Ramon Snyder, Robert Sorrensen, Gunnar Sumerlin, John Sumlin, Rufus Tollefsen, Sverre Toms, Edward Tripp, Lee Turnquest, Woodrow Vesik, Michael Watkins, Charles White, Winston Wilmore, Clarence Wilson, Leslie Wong, Dock 77 99 73 81 89 86 76 82 80 70 80 93 75 87 81 75 80 69 76 92 89 87 71 94 77 88 79 81 86 92 75 79 83 79 80 79 86 95 March 16 March 28 March 7 Dec. 29 Feb. 20 Dec. 17 Dec. 8 March 23 April 19 June 26, ’04 Jan. 4 Nov. 18 March 1 March 28 April 27 March 16 March 9 March 5 April 2 Jan 16 Dec. 19 April 6 Oct. 15 March 2 April 14 Feb. 4 April 13 Feb. 25 March 8 March 25 March 30 April 9 April 17 March 4 March 5 March 12 March 5 March 22 June 2005 �27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/27/2005 3:51 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occassion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the uniion’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 publicatiion. ATLANTIC FOREST (Waterman Steamship Corp.), March 20— Chairman Michael Borders, Secretary Demont A. Edwards, Educational Director Melvin L. Kerns, Deck Delegate Scott Heginbotham, Engine Delegate Josh A. Kilbourn, Steward Delegate Terry N. White. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in New Orleans. He reminded crew to check in with patrolman and not to forget passports and other paperwork when leaving ship. Secretary noted need to order more food. Educational director encouraged crew members to upgrade at Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. He also advised them to keep a close eye on expiration dates of z-cards and clinic cards. Plumbing problem in pantry needs repair. Clarification requested on daymen working aboard barges. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew expressed concern about gas possibly escaping into engine room. CLEVELAND (Sealift), March 16—Chairman Fareed A. Khan, Secretary Miguel E. Vinca, Educational Director Oliver L. Celestial, Deck Delegate Donovan McCants, Steward Delegate Janet Joseph. Chairman thanked everyone for good trip and praised deck department for excellent job cleaning cargo area. Secretary asked those seafarers getting off to clean rooms and make sure fresh linen is available for next person. Educational director advised crew members to enhance skills at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new washing machine. Crew thanked steward department for great meals and barbecue. Next port: Houston, Texas. COAST RANGE (Intrepid), March 28—Chairman Terry D. Cowans Sr., Secretary Lanette A. Lopez, Deck Delegate Travis L. Stringer, Engine Delegate Scott S. Fuller, Steward Delegate Jorge L. Ellis. Chairman encouraged everyone to read Seafarers LOG and stay current on important issues concerning maritime security. Educational director encouraged crew members to enroll in upgrading courses at Piney Point facility and informed them of need for a valid clinic card to attend. No disputed OT reported. Steward asked that all food be ordered in English off food line. Suggestion made to increase monthly pension. COMET (Maersk Line, Limited), March 14—Chairman Gerry A Gianan, Secretary Jaime Castillo, Educational Director James P. Meyers, Deck Delegate Feliciano Gimutao, Steward Delegate Carlito S. Navarro. Chairman announced payoff March 15 upon arrival in Los Angeles. He reminded those departing to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen. Secretary thanked Seafarers for keeping lounge and crew mess clean. Educational director informed crew of benefits of upgrading skills at the Paul Hall Center. He recommended that all shipping papers be kept up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. June 2005 Thanks given to Chief Cook Navarro and galley gang for excellent food. Next ports: Los Angeles and and Oakland, Calif. DILIGENCE (Maritrans), March 31—Chairman Roan R. Lightfoot, Secretary Amy K. Rippel, Educational Director Arthur K. Outlaw, Deck Delegate Thomas Komenda, Engine Delegate Patrick D. Carroll Jr., Steward Delegate John Bennett. Chairman announced payoff April 2 in Tampa, Fla. Educational director told crew to give themselves a raise by increasing their skills and abilities at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Request made for new washing machine in crew laundry room. Suggestions given for items to be negotiated into next contract. GREAT LAND (Interocean Ugland Management), March 14— Chairman Ernest J. Duhon, Secretary Antoinette M. Amato, Educational Director Eddie Almodovar, Deck Delegate Robert E. Stenehjem, Engine Delegate Joseph I. Laguana, Steward Delegate Karen K. Fensel. Chairman discussed communication received regarding change in cash allowance amount per month. Treasurer stated $10 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendation made to give Seafarers option to have direct deposit. Next port: Oakland, Calif. HORIZON DISCOVERY (Horizon Lines), March 3— Chairman Patrick C. Ray Jr., Secretary Joseph A. Laureta, Educational Director William Payne, Deck Delegate Wilfredo Velez, Engine Delegate Hector J. Ginel, Steward Delegate Miguel A. Barbosa. Chairman announced payoff April 4 in Jacksonville, Fla. He noted five mattresses on order for crew members. Secretary urged mariners to take advantage of opportunities available at Paul Hall Center—and always check that shipping documents are current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made concerning pension and medical plans. Everyone asked to help keep ship clean. Special thanks and job well done to Steward Laureta for exotic menus and great food. Next port: Puerto Rico. HORIZON HAWAII (Horizon Lines), March 13—Chairman Billy G. Hill, Secretary Joseph J. Gallo Jr., Educational Director Roy S. Frett, Deck Delegate Isaac V. Mercado, Steward Delegate Anselmo Lopez. Chairman announced payoff March 18 in Jacksonville, Fla. When in port, he stated AB/Watch to check IDs of all visitors boarding vessel. Ship is in great shape after period in yard. Chairman expressed gratitude to all departments for good teamwork and working safely. Secretary thanked Chief Cook Sanchez & SA Lopez for outstanding food. Educational director encouraged members to contribute to SPAD and keep documents current, allowing plenty of time for renewal. No beefs or disputed OT report- ed. Suggestion made to lower seatime requirements to qualify for full pension benefits. Request made for new furniture in crew lounge and new mattresses for bedrooms. Thanks given to steward department and bosun for setup & service at frequent barbecues. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), March 10— Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary William J. Bunch, Educational Director Douglas D. Greiner, Engine Delegate Pablo Albino. Chairman reported on Patrolman Jack Sheehan’s visit on aboard ship in Elizabeth, N.J. to attend to union business. He reminded crew of USDA regulations regarding separation of plastic items and trash bags. Educational director advised crew to allow sufficient time when renewing MMDs. Treasurer reported $2,300 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew discussed contract regarding 120-day limit on seatime and subsequent amendment to this rule. Recommendation made pertaining to way in which pension is calculated. Bosun expressed appreciation to crew for taking care of laundry. He also thanked steward department for great barbecues and fantastic meals each day. INNOVATOR (Maersk Line, Limited), March 6—Chairman Mark S. Lance, Secretary Jessy G. Sunga, Educational Director Richard G. Williams, Deck Delegate Eric Lund, Engine Delegate David Parker, Steward Delegate Timothy A. Laird. Chairman announced crew change April 22 in Tacoma, Wash. and thanked everyone for helping keep ship clean. Secretary wished good luck to all. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to attend upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center for job security. Treasurer stated $504 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Communication regarding MML takeover & tentative reflagging read and posted. Suggestion made to review criteria for selecting participants for bosun recertification course. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next port: Los Angeles, Calif. PUGET SOUND (OSG Ship Management), March 24— Chairman Joseph G. Humphrey, Secretary Donald F. Dwyer, Educational Director Jose M. Ramirez, Deck Delegate Stanley A. Gurney, Engine Delegate David E. Switzer, Steward Delegate Cleto S. Lindong. Secretary asked crew members to leave copies of OT sheets for reliefs. Educational director advised mariners to keep documents current. Beefs noted in deck and steward departments; disputed OT reported in deck department. Crew requested slop chest and direct deposit. It was suggested that everyone check pay vouchers for any errors. Vote of thanks given to steward department. Next port: Wilmington, Calif. SBX-1 (Interocean Ugland Management), March 6— Chairman James D. Crate, Secretary Thomas M. Wybo, Educational Director Kirk Benton, Deck Delegate Joey A. Pauley, Engine Delegate Christopher Schneider, Steward Delegate Angelo Golden. Chairman talked about strength of SIU, with possible contracts on more ships. Secretary went over procedures for dealing with problems aboard ship, from communicating with immediate supervisor first for resolution. He asked everyone to leave rooms clean and turn keys in when departing ship. Steward will provide list of all needed repairs. Educational direc- tor encouraged mariners to donate to SPAD and upgrade at unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer stated no money available in ship’s fund. Crew requested profits from slop chest be given to the fund. Other suggestions for generating money for the fund are welcome. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Clarification requested on compensation for shipyard subsistence pay. Concerns also expressed about Coast Guard discharges. Request made for direct deposit to bank accounts. reduce time needed for basic pension. Crew members asked to clean rooms before leaving ship. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great meals. Next ports: Newark; Baltimore, Md.; Newport News, Va.; Charleston, S.C. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (Sulphur Carriers), April 1— Chairman Sonny Pinkham, Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Michael L. With Seafarers on the Alaskan Explorer The photos above were taken in late April when the SIU-crewed Alaskan Explorer stopped in Juneau, Alaska en route to Valdez. That same week, Alaska Governor Frank Murkowski interviewed Alaska Tanker Co. (ATC) President and CEO Anil Mathur for a radio program that touched on job opportunities for Alaskans in the U.S. Merchant Marine. GUDE Luke Bradley (photo at lower right), for instance, is a displaced Alaskan fisherman who found employment via a state program that directs students to the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. Also pictured aboard the ATC tanker are (top, from left) Chief Cook David Vaughn and AB Zaid Muthala and (below, left) GUDE Teresa Ward. USNS HENSEN (Horizon Lines), March 13—Chairman Arthur Cross, Secretary Henry Manning, Educational Director Roy W. Dunaway, Deck Delegate Brian Robison, Engine Delegate Robert J. Guilmette, Steward Delegate Mary Whatley. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer reported no money in ship’s fund. New fund to be started soon. All those going ashore advised to be careful and use metered cab. Crew informed anything white or black on deck “is probably wet paint.” LIBERATOR (Maersk Line Limited), April 9—Chairman Edward J. O’Conner, Secretary Brandon D. Maeda, Educational Director Hardin D. Chancey, Deck Delegate Roy Payne, Engine Delegate David Terry Jr., Steward Delegate Sukirman Suraredgo. Chairman announced payoff April 13 in Newark, N.J. USSM ships now operated by Maersk, and chairman reminded everyone to continue same professionalism and expert seamanship that SIU is known for. Educational director talked about upgrading at Paul Hall Center and suggested all aboard read SIU constitution. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun reviewed several documents received from headquarters and talked about temporary suspension of shipping rules. Suggestion made to increase retirement scale and Williams. Educational director advised Seafarers to upgrade skills as often as possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members discussed suggestions for new contract, including pay increase, improved medical, dental and optical plans. Crew requested refrigerator in each room. Next port: Galveston, Texas. USNS GILLILAND (3PSC), April 3—Chairman Louis F. Sorito, Secretary Danelle M. Harvey, Educational Director Peter R. Donat, Deck Delegate Michael T. Murner, Engine Delegate James G. Sloan, Steward Delegate Derrick R. Moore. Bosun commended crew on patience solving engineering problems on board. Educational director told all mariners to give themselves a raise by upgrading skills and ratings at Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $142 in ship’s fund. Deck delegate noted that deck department members who were on board during ROS need to make copies of pay vouchers and have wages adjusted. Steward urged fellow crew members to make menu suggestions and stated that requests would be honored if items were on board. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Additional washing machines needed. E-mail from captain read regarding imminent danger pay for March and April. Next ports: Kuwait; Newport News, Va. Seafarers LOG 19 �27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/26/2005 4:09 PM Page 20 Know Your Rights 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.) Support H.R. 23 I am calling on our SIU brothers to contact their local U.S. Congressional representatives to co-sponsor the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2005, H.R. 23. Seafarers did a great job last year generating support for this bill, but we had to start over again this year. By early April, we had 120 co-sponsors. President Franklin D. Roosevelt said during the signing of the GI Bill in 1944, “I trust Congress will soon provide similar opportunities to the members of the merchant marine who have risked their lives time and time again for the welfare of their country.” General Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “The truly heroic man of this war is the GI Joe and his counterpart of the air, Navy and merchant marine.” Finally, Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz pointed out, “The fighting fleets and Marines of our Navy, the ground forces of our Army, and the aircraft of both would have been helpless to pound the enemy into defeat overseas had it not been for the steady stream of personnel, equipment and supplies of every character brought into the rear of the combat areas, and often directly into those areas, by the ships of our own merchant marine and those of our allies.” There are many more quotations from WWII-era leaders, yet I’ve found that most Americans today don’t know about us. Maybe after we get this bill passed, the U.S. Merchant Marine will not be the forgotten service of World War II. Thanks again for your support on this matter. New Center in Baltimore The port of Baltimore has a new full service seafarer center in Dundalk named Stella Maris, Latin for Star of the Sea. It is indeed a bright star for merchant seafarers calling in Baltimore, since it has all the bells and whistles. Located in the old Dundalk Shopping Center on Shipping Place, the center has its own thrift store of high quality used clothing. It features plenty of recreational facilities and equipment, two big-screen TVs and a library. Foreign-language magazines and newspapers are provided. A bank of computers offer internet and email access. Discounted telephone cards and telephones make it possible to call home. Many of the local eateries provide discounts to the seafarers. We also provide doctor, dentist and pharmacy visits. Three vans transport seafarers to the center and around town for shopping, sightseeing, emergency trips to BWI Airport and help in crisis situations. As the center’s director, I emphasize that this is a fully nondenominational ministry. We have scriptures and the holy books of all faiths and in many languages. All of the staff members are volunteers. In fact, I welcome and need additional volunteers to drive vans and work at the center. Of course, donations also are welcome, as the whole operation depends 100 percent on such contributions. (Now I really know what the term “non-profit” means.) I may be contacted at (410) 889-0351 or at johnlfitzgerald@aol.com. I hope to announce an early fall date for a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony in the park in front of the center. Monsignor John L. Fitzgerald Baltimore, Maryland Memorial on the Delaware A memorial on the banks of the Delaware River for the U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans and U.S. Navy Armed Guard Veterans who served on the merchant ships and manned the guns during World War II is scheduled to be dedicated on June 11 at 10 a.m. near the battleship New Jersey, in the historic area of the Camden, N.J. waterfront. A large bronze propeller has been donated and will serve as the focal point of the memorial. Landscaping, six flag poles, eight benches for seating and a brick promenade are in place. Donations to the project are still needed and are fully taxdeductible. They may be made directly to the Merchant Marine Veterans of America, Inc., 455 Timberline Trail, West Chester, PA 19382. All donors will receive proper recognition. Donations of time, talent, materials and equipment will also be gratefully appreciated. Many of our World War II merchant marine veterans are rapidly approaching their “final voyage.” Now is the time to recognize and honor these forgotten heroes. Charles Mardigian Mt. Laurel, New Jersey The Seafarers LOG would like to hear from you. If you have a letter to the editor—or an article, story, poem, photo or diary of your life at sea—that you think other Seafarers would be interested in reading, send them to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Richard Wiggins Kansas City, Missouri Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to help 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 or e-mail corrections to kclements@seafarers.org HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone No.: ________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ Active SIU Pensioner Book No.: ________________ 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. 20 Seafarers LOG 6/05 FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. June 2005 �27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/26/2005 4:09 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Steward Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of this year. 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. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning April 18 , 2005. Engine Upgrading Courses Course FOWT Start Date Date of Completion June 13 August 5 September 19 November 11 QMED - Jr. Engineer June 20 September 8 Welding August 22 September 9 September 19 October 7 October 24 November 11 October 31 November 18 Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman July 11 August 5 August 22 September 16 October 3 October 28 Course Start Date Date of Completion November 14 December 9 Advanced Fire Fighting* July 18 July 29 June 20 June 24 August 22 August 26 Fast Rescue Boat June 6 June 10 October 24 October 28 Government Vessels July 4 July 8 August 8 August 12 August 22 August 26 September 26 September 30 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) Bridge Resource Management November 14 Safety Specialty Courses (*must have basic fire fighting) November 18 (Unlimited) Celestial Navigation July 18 GMDSS (Simulator) Lifeboatman/Water Survival Radar Radar Renewal (1 day): August 11 October 31 November 4 November 14 November 18 June 27 July 8 August 29 September 9 Medical Care Provider August 1 August 5 October 31 November 11 Tankerman Familiarization/ June 6 June 17 June 27 July 8 Assistant Cargo (DL)* August 1 August 11 (*must have basic fire fighting) September 26 October 7 June 27 July 1 October 17 October 21 August 8 August 19 September 19 September 30 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* October 29 November 11 (*must have basic fire fighting) June 6 June 15 August 8 August 17 October 10 October 19 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. June 27, August 29, October 31 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ 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 OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No 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? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ June 2005 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 6/05 Seafarers LOG 21 �27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/26/2005 4:11 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 661 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 661 (in alphabetical order) Andre Anderson, Ian Babcock, George Berkovich, Phillip Brant, Eric Dorsey, Edwin Feliciano, Cory Gardner, Thomas Guthrie IV, Hussain Hafid, Pedro Hernandez, Graham Jones, William Little, Marc Maffia, Jimmy McCall, Gulifer Oyao, Holly Pattison, Abede Reda, Lloyd Riddick, Edwin Rivera, Cortney Sacks, Devin Savoie, Tyson Sherman, David Spangler and Mikel Tittsworth. Celestial — Students in the celestial navigation course ending April 8 are (in alphabetical order) Brent Anderson, DeGutenberg Poitevien, Ovidio Santos, Jennifer Senner and David Steinberg. Their instructor, Stacey Harris, is at far left. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (CL) — Completing this course April 15 are (in alphabetical order) George Ashbridge, Robert Austin, Timothy Brock, Daniel Carman, Thanh Duong, Christopher Edyvean, Jerry Guglielmello, Corey Hann, Joselier Itaralde, Michael Kirby, Christian Nikunj, Miguel Pizarro, Steven Randle, Burke Samuels and DeIsrael Williams. Radar — Instructor Michael Smith (right) joins his radar class for a graduation picture April 13. They are Ato Aikins, Gregory Brunson Sr., Shannon Smith and Michael Worthington. Water Survival — April 15 graduates of the water survival course include (from left, front row) Robert Scott, Robert Lee, Nazeh Nasser, Erin O’Toole, Instructor Bernabe Pelingon, (second row) Jerry Stillman, Al ZapataNicholls, Matthew Nuñez, Michael Sykes, (in the boat) Jamar Reed and Alfredo Drake III. Government Vessels — Phase III unlicensed apprentices who completed this course April 8 include (in no specific order) Elliott DelAguila, Louis Kramm, Patrick Ryan, Anthony Roca, Audania Bomar, Timothy Littles, Adam Ramey, Steven Cedres, Michael Rodriguez, Billie Munoz, Jon Silveira, Steve Hurden, Nelson Smith, Karberto Ramos, Norman Dize, Perry King, Samuel Miller, Calvin Andrews Jr. and David Dinan. Computer Lab Classes 22 Seafarers LOG Government Vessels — The 11 recertified bosuns and other students completed this course April 15. They are (in no specific order) Robert Coleman, Michael Lulley, Francis Burke, Willie Marsh, Aristeo Padua, Konstantino Prokovas, Fernando Guity, Ronald Felton, Rosita Livermon, Douglas Perry Jr., German Maximo, Thomas Flanagan, Simplicia Twohie, Left: On April 8, students receive their certificates Christopher Pompel, Eric Berry Rogoberto Boggeano, of achievement for completing various computer Jullian Woods, Timothy Burke, David Hudgins, Homar courses. They are Rigoberto Boggeano, Daniel McField, Kelvin Cherington and Alvin Martin. Link, Lisa Harewood, Craig Burmeister, Trent Enoch, Fernando Guity, Robinson Eromosele, Douglas Perry Jr., Francis Burke and Edward C. Academics — Fore. Their instructor, Rick Prucha, stands in the Jason Simon far back. recently completed two academic Left: March 30: courses while Instructor Rick upgrading at the Prucha (left) school: Math 099 congratulates (developmental Michael mathematics) and McErlean for History 102 (the his achieveU.S. from 1877). ments in masPresenting him with tering two comhis certificates is puter programs. Instructor Peggy Densford. June 2005 �27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/26/2005 4:12 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — NCL, April 1: David Acosta, Michael Adair, Lawrence Aflague II, Mariqua Alfague, Joy Armstrong, Brandy Baeza, Pedrito Bathan, Paul Bennett, Steven Blank, Banjamin Cohen, Edison Crucena, Dana Davis, Jaroslav Dvorak and Benito Garcia-Vale. Above and Below: STCW — NCL, April 8: Rachel Alarcon, Kuponohiipoi Aweau, Yoko Bearg, Joycelyn Camacho, Diane Clark, Patrick Cruz, Joseph D’Ambra, Shanelle Dragomanavich, Steven Fannin, Yevgeniy Flit, Luis Germosen Jr., Lawerance Gonsalves, Curtis Goodman, Rodrigo Grandison, Jessica Grill, Tierra Harris, Jessica Hawk, Brandon Hiroe, Heather Holmes, Cara Horibe, Walter Intriago, Yoori Kim, Elizabeth Kribble, Doo Eung Lee, Kevin Lynk, Randy McCalip, Meredith McCombs, Damsel Mendoza, Jordan Ofoia, Jacqueline Olmstead, Orlando Ortega, Jeremy Payton, Ramjo Pendon, Joseph Penn, Sabrina Ponciano, Alma Porquez, Ronald Puaza, Melissa Rapp, Jerri Reed, Jerome Robinson, Jairo Sanchez, Jose Sandoval, Dantis Sims, Shonna Sorrell, Elustrious Spikes, Marconi Tuliao, Christopher Ubinger, Alicia VelaBailey, Jonathan Veles and Ashley Williams. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STCW — NCL, April 15: Doug Ford, Denolia Hunter, Jack Edwards, Fesuiai Leupolu, Evelyn Lumpkin, Curtis Marshall, Michael Hadley, Angela Kunkle, Tami Lambert, Brent James, Endra Hartanto, Tierra Harris, Patricia Graham, Stephanie Ford, Melissa Kelly, Kathie Gallo, John Elliott, Ann Kelchner, Abby Mardile, Josh Jensen, Paul Hager, Thomas Jordan, Candace Hight and Kevin Keller. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STCW— April 8: John Kolodziej, Kenneth Johnson, Rudy Lopez, Michael Manekas, Michael McErlean, Victor Nunez, Javier Reyes and Jullian Woods. (Note: Not all are pictured.) STCW — NCL, April 15: Cale Brehio, Tegnear Butler, Daniel Bryan, David Cing, Donald Amos Jr., Angela Coleman, DeCarlos Curry, Phillip Botts, Ramy Atienza, Joshua Evans, Christina Clogston, Judith Audie, Scott Bertholf, Katherine Bentzen, Sunshine Brown, Juanita Bautista, Frank Cedeño, Omar Deleon, Wes Burkholder, Joseph Boyle, Andrew Davidsburg and Eric Atkinson. STCW — NCL, April 1: Marline Kahanaoi, Edward Kryzanekas Jr., Mark Layne, Peter Lerma Jr., David Lewis, David Lillis, James Long, Robert Martinez Jr., Brian Musgrove, Meredith Myers, Bridget Oshita, David Owens, Ernesto Ramirez, Talia Rozensky, Paul Ramirez, Edward Resendez, Michael Taijeron, Elvira Tizon, Jaime Vallejos, David VanWart, Adrian White and Grant Yates. (Note: Not all are pictured.) June 2005 STCW — Alaskan Fishermen, April 15: Stephen Cooper, Christopher Demmert, Oliver Fronteras, Tracy Hanson, Nicolas Macaraeg Jr., Robert Mobert, Michael Moody, Dannis Parsons, Richard Pelkey, William Sanborn and Garry Smock. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is at far right. STCW — NCL, April 15: Orva Shaffer, Marlo Roberts, Lakeshia Stephens, Rune Retterholt, Kevin Washington, Jeff Scotty, Brian Wright, Barbara Shapiro, Ian Napier, Raymond Santiago Jr., Johanna Quenga, Miguel Mendez, Justin Thulien, Sterling Nolen, Sonia iranda, Morris Wilkes, Clint Wells, Ronald Perdue, Jensen Nguyen and Brian Pagnotti. Seafarers LOG 23 �27970_P4_7,11,14_24.qxd 5/26/2005 5:30 PM Page 24 June 2005 Volume 67, Number 6 A P M R D C F 1 The Maersk Constellation is a combination breakbulk and roll-on/roll-off ship, 598 feet long, that carries its own cranes so the vessel does not have to rely on shore-based cranes for off-loading cargo. The photos appearing on this page were taken aboard the Maersk Line, Limited Constellation during voyages 59 and 60 to Africa and Bangladesh. B They were sent to the LOG by Recertified Steward . Chief Cook Cesar Macias-Ortiz Recertified Steward Jim Battista with the Rock of Gibraltar in the background DEU David Simpson Electrician Roger Phillips Bosun Boyce Wilson Chief Cook Julio Arzu Left: Recertified Steward Jim Battista loading stores in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Below: AB Jose Tagle, Electrician Juan Dansalan, SA Dante Dizon and SA Yahya Munasser AB Edgar Stanley AB Jim McCarthy SA Dante Dizon (left) and SA Yahya Munasser AB James Clark AB Francis Coakley � 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 2005 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES DELTA MARINER TRANSPORTS BOOSTER CORES FOR DELTA IV FINANCIAL COMMITTEE OKAYS RECORDS SAY IT WITH PRIDE: CHRISTENING SET FOR 2ND NCL AMERICA SHIP MATSON ADDS ANOTHER SHIP LYKES MOTIVATOR CREW RESCUES 3 SWEDISH MARINERS ANWR EXPLORATION CLEARS ANOTHER HURDLE USNS SEAY HELPS SAVE 4 LIVES N.J. GOVERNOR SIGNS UNION-BACKED BILL BANNING OFFSHORING DEPT. OF DEFENSE HONORS MASON FOR SUPPORT OF GUARD/RESERVES GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES UPCOMING PORT GRANTS SEAFARERS PARTICIPATE IN BENEFITS CONFERENCES TRADE SHOW A SUCCESS NCL AMERICA IS NEW PARTICIPANT IN UNION INDUSTRIES SHOW RETIRED CLINICAL DIRECTOR BILL ECKLES DIES AT 62 SEAFARERS-CREWED CARTER REACHES SAFETY MILESTONE MARITIME DAY 2005 SAILING ON THE MAERSK CONSTELLATION Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 06/01/2005 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. 67, No. 6 2005 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/04afb78d832090694f5035bd16342000.pdf 8fe9e7cb581e0c0a38f3efc6a471b005 PDF Text Text 28631_P1,6,10,2cx.qxd 6/27/2005 4:45 PM Page 1 Volume 67, Number 7 July 2005 SIU Job Growth Continues With Pride of America NCL America’s Newest Vessel Christened The union welcomed more new jobs in the cruise-ship sector as the SIU-contracted Pride of America was christened June 17 in New York City. At right, crew members are introduced during the ceremony at Pier 88. Left (from left), U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Thomas Gilmour, SIU President Michael Sacco, Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay and NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch observe as U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao (the vessel’s godmother) formally christens the ship. The secretary’s father, James Chao, is at far right. Pages 2, 3, 12, 13. The Seafarers-contracted Great Lakes fleet recently expanded with the addition of the Burns Harbor, pictured at right. Climbing the gangway to the vessel are (left photo, from left) AB Ronald Lamere, GUDE Eric Hernandez and GUDE James Cedeno. Page 3. Seafarers Crew Up Detroit Princess Page 3 SHBP Scholarship Winners Announced Pages 2, 7 USNS Lewis and Clark Christened in San Diego Page 6 �28631_P1,6,10,2cx.qxd 6/24/2005 4:30 PM Page 2 President’s Report Christening Success Viewed as a stand-alone event, the Pride of America christening last month in New York was a great success. Everything about not only the ceremony but really the entire day aboard NCL America’s newest Seafarers-contracted cruise ship was first class. In the bigger picture, the christening went far beyond a simple public relations success. For those of us who make our living in this industry—for those of us who’ve fought tooth and nail to help revitalize the U.S. Merchant Marine—the official launch of the Pride of America symbolizes much more than one new ship. It represents continued Michael Sacco hope for the future. It signifies a huge victory for supporters of the U.S.-flag fleet. It reinforces what I’ve said all along: Namely, that the opportunities are virtually limitless for the American-flag deep sea cruise ship industry. Of course, I’m not overlooking the immediate practical gains for our union. Like NCL America’s first ship—the Pride of Aloha, launched last year—the Pride of America means hundreds of new jobs for Seafarers. Also like the first ship, the newer vessel is solid proof that SPAD (our union’s voluntary political action fund) helps the SIU have a voice on Capitol Hill, where much of our industry’s fate is determined. Ultimately, that’s what the SIU is all about: securing and maintaining good jobs for the membership. Still, last month’s christening at Pier 88 seemed especially moving. Seeing a U.S.-flag cruise ship in New York reminded me of my early days as a mariner. Glancing at the New York City skyline, I thought back to the tragedies of September 11, and how the city has recovered and moved forward, even while always remembering the victims and heroes from that day. The same is true of our entire nation. Along those lines, there’s a saying that for every action, there’s an equal and opposite reaction. The attacks of September 11 put a temporary end to the deep sea U.S.-flag cruise industry. Some said we’d never bounce back. But we refused to stay down. We did bounce back. We found a terrific partner in NCL America. We lobbied with pro-maritime members of Congress from both parties and the administration and other allies to get the Stars and Stripes flying again in this segment of our industry. It worked. The Pride of America, Pride of Aloha and the ship due next year, the Pride of Hawaii, are one component of the equal and opposite reaction to the attacks on our country. They are floating testimonials to the American spirit. So are the SIU-crewed Delta Queen, Mississippi Queen and American Queen—world-class riverboats that also found renewed life in the wake of September 11. I congratulate every Seafarer who has sailed aboard either of NCL America’s first two ships. You’re part of history—part of what will turn out as one of the greatest chapters in the story of the SIU. And I know you’ll keep up the great work. Congratulations also to NCL America for sticking with your commitment to make these vessels a reality. As I said at the christening, it’s true that we sailed over some rough seas at the beginning—but only for a relatively brief time. “Growing pains” were inevitable, as we all learned many years ago when the SS Independence and SS Constitution came home. Equally certain is the long-range success of every SIU-crewed ship in your fleet. More on Health Care I am no less confident in America’s capability to solve the health care crisis—but it’s becoming more and more clear that something must be done right away to address this mess. Without bogging down in statistics, did you know that since the year 2000, the average cost of health care premiums for families in the U.S. has gone up by about 60 percent? Think about that for a moment. A 60 percent increase! Fortunately, even with the recent adjustments announced by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, SIU members have it better than most. For example, roughly 90 percent of the people in this country who have family medical insurance pay some or all of their premiums. In other words, they have to pay just to maintain the coverage—on average about $2,600 per year. SHBP participants don’t have to pay to carry their coverage. Nationwide, the biggest problem of all—economically and morally —may be the number of uninsured Americans. More than 45 million have no coverage whatsoever, and that figure grows by thousands each and every day. A new report states that on average, an individual with insurance pays about $900 extra each year in premiums to cover the cost of providing treatment for the uninsured. Enough is enough. It’s time for real solutions, and the SIU will continue making this a top priority, particularly through our affiliation with the AFL-CIO. Volume 67, Number 7 July 2005 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2005 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG Final Agreements Set For 10 New Tankers Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard, Inc. (KPSI) early last month announced that “final definitive agreements” now are in place with SIU-contracted Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. for the bareboat charter of 10 Veteran MT-46 class Jones Act product tankers which will be built at the shipyard. The 10 double-hulled vessels will be constructed over the next five years. KPSI will transfer the vessels to leasing subsidiaries of American Shipping Corporation, an affiliate of KPSI, which will, in turn, bareboat charter the vessels to subsidiaries of Overseas Shipholding for initial terms of five or seven years, with extension options for the life of the vessels. The vessels are scheduled to be delivered from 2006 through 2010. The preliminary agreement on these charters, as well as the announcement for the new vessel construction contracts, was made April 14 during ceremonies at the Ten new tankers like the one at left are scheduled for delivery from 2006-2010. The ships will be crewed by SIU members. shipyard. “I am extremely pleased with the completion of these agreements which assure a strong future for KPSI and the approximately 800 men and women employed at the yard,” said Dave Meehan, KPSI president and chief executive officer (CEO). “This project represents a commitment to this shipyard by Kvaerner and OSG and is a clear statement of support for the Jones Act and the entire United States maritime industry.” 3rd Tanker ‘Floated Out’ Keel Laid for 4th Alaska-Class Vessel Progress continues on the next two Alaska-class doublehull oil tankers being built in San Diego for BP Oil Shipping Company, USA. On April 18, the National Steel The SIU-crewed Alaskan Explorer is pictured earlier this year in Juneau, Alaska. “The bareboat charters of the 10 new-build Jones Act product tankers by OSG represent a significant milestone in the company’s participation in the U.S.-flag business,” said Morten Arntzen, president and CEO of OSG. “With these charters, OSG will have the largest and most modern Jones Act product tanker fleet. The addition of these vessels also represents increased employment opportunities for our highly qualified U.S. crews.” and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) hosted a keel-laying ceremony for Hull 487, the fourth vessel in the class of Seafarerscontracted vessels operated by Alaska Tanker Company for BP. Eight days earlier, the third ship was “floated out” of the shipyard’s graving dock. That vessel is scheduled for delivery later this year, while the fourth is slated for a 2006 delivery. Seafarers already sail aboard the first two ships in the series— the Alaskan Explorer and the Alaskan Frontier. Each vessel is 941 feet long, with a beam of 164 feet and a capacity of 1.3 million barrels of oil. The tankers deliver to West Coast ports including BP refineries in Los Angeles and Cherry Point, Wash. Scholarship Committee Selects 3 Seafarers, 5 Dependents for Monetary Awards in 2005 When the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan (SHBP) scholarship program was introduced in 1953, it was considered one of the most progressive and forward-looking measures to be adopted by any trade union. At that time, four full college scholarships in the amount of $1,500 each were awarded to children of Seafarers or to Seafarers not over 35 years of age who qualified in competitive examinations. For more than half a century, the SHBP has continued to award scholarships to deserving Seafarers as well as to spouses and dependents of SIU members, changing the eligibility slightly. This year, the Plan has selected three Seafarers and five dependents as recipients from the more than 40 who applied—for a total monetary value of $132,000. Chief Cook Kristen Swain is the Seafarer selected for the four-year scholarship. Brandon Maeda and Jeanette Montgomery both were awarded twoyear scholarships. The five dependents of SIU members are Adam Burton, son of Ross Burton; Ashleigh Coppola, daughter of Patrick L. Coppola; Stefan Nikolic, son of Desire Z. Nikolic; Anthony Sabatini, son of Anthony J. Sabatini and Ronald Viernes, son of Leopold A. Viernes. The scholarship recipients were selected by a panel of professional educators: Dr. Michael Glaser, St. Mary’s College of Maryland; Dr. Gayle A. Olson, University of New Orleans; Dr. Trevor Car- penter, Charles County (Md.) Community College; Dr. Charles Lyons Jr., American Association of Colleges and Universities; Dr. Keith Schlender, Medical College of Ohio; Professor Louis Fernandez, provost and vice president of academic affairs, California State (San Bernardino) and Dr. Henry Toutain of Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota. See page 7 for brief descriptions of the backgrounds and educational goals of the eight collegebound students. The selection committee met in Boston in May to choose each of the 2005 scholarship winners. From the left are Dr Henry Toutain, Dr. Trevor Carpenter, Dr. Gayle A. Olson, Dr Michael Glaser, Dr. Charles Lyons Jr., Professor Louis Fernandez and Dr. Keith Schlender. July 2005 �28631_pgs3,4,15_18,20.qxd 6/24/2005 4:39 PM Page 3 Pride of America Christened NCL America’s 2nd Ship Continues ‘Huge Success Story’ The rebirth of the U.S.-flag deep sea cruise ship industry continued June 17 as the SIU-crewed Pride of America was christened in New York City. In many ways, the afternoon proved glorious. The stirring ceremony, the magnificent ship, the pleasant weather and the appreciative crowd combined to make the christening memorable. For the SIU, the Pride of America means more new shipboard jobs along with the bolstering of an important sector of the U.S. Merchant Marine. Both SIU President Michael Sacco and U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, who served as the vessel’s godmother, addressed the latter point in their respective remarks at the christening. Also addressing the audience (consisting of hundreds of guests and some crew members) were NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch, Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay, and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Thomas Gilmour. “NCL America is a huge success story,” Sacco stated. “Working in partnership with the shipboard employees and their unions, NCL America has led the rebirth of the deep sea U.S.-flag cruise ship industry. I’m proud that we are crewing the Pride of America with the best-trained and safest professionals in the world.” He also offered thanks to Secretary Chao and the administration “for helping make this ceremony possible. Your steadfast support of the U.S. Merchant Marine is vital to America’s national and economic security, whether we’re talking about the cruise-ship sector or commercial cargo ships or civilian-crewed military support vessels. They’re all part of the merchant marine, and they’re all good for America.” See pages 12-13 for more photos from the christening ceremony A longtime backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine, Chao gave the keynote address and christened the ship. She pointed out that the Pride of America is the largest U.S.-flag cruise ship ever built (921 feet long, with 15 decks and a passenger capacity of more than 2,100) and “the first newly constructed oceangoing U.S.-flag cruise ship in 50 years. It will provide thousands of jobs for The Pride of America is the second vessel in NCL America’s SIU-contracted fleet. American workers.” She further noted that both the Pride of America and NCL America’s first ship, the Pride of Aloha, “will be joined next year by the Pride of Hawaii. These three ships will employ nearly 4,000 American seafarers.” Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay said that the vessel was built at a cost of $400 million—mountainous evidence that the company has “committed ourselves to the rebuilding of a vibrant U.S.-flag sector” of the industry. He also credited the crew members for their outstanding work and noted, “We are in this for the long haul.” Gilmour conveyed his congratulations on the christening and complimented the company Continued on page 10 U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao (fourth from right) visited with SIU officials as well as apprentices from the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education following the christening. Pictured from left to right are SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, Unlicensed Apprentices Matt Green, Patrick Devlin and Isaac Garrido, Secretary Chao, Apprentice Natalie Tremblay, SIU President Michael Sacco and Apprentice Bob Light. SIU-Crewed Lakes Fleet Grows As Burns Harbor Joins ASC The union last month welcomed new shipboard jobs when SIU-contracted American Steamship Company added the Burns Harbor, a 1,000-foot self-unloading vessel. “This is an addition to the fleet, rather than replacement tonnage,” noted SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. “We welcome the chance to work aboard this vessel and I’m confident as always that the SIU crew will do a fantastic job.” The ship primarily sails between Duluth, Minn. and Burns Harbor, Ind. It mainly carries steel and steel byproducts. “We anticipate a very busy season here on the Lakes,” noted SIU Vice President Great Lakes Tom Orzechowski. “The vessel is scheduled to run all season long. It’s a great addition to the fleet.” The Burns Harbor was built in 1979 in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. The ship can carry approximately 80,000 tons of cargo. The Burns Harbor (above left) is the SIU’s newest ship on the Lakes. Pictured above right are the unlicensed mariners aboard the American Steamship Company vessel. New Riverboat in Detroit Brings Additional Union Jobs Hundreds of new jobs for Seafarers were added in April when the union’s most recent contracted vessel, the Detroit Princess, began operations. Members of the engine and deck department were hired to work aboard Detroit’s newest attraction under an SIU contract. Other crew members, including waitstaff, Formerly a casino riverboat owned by Harrah’s, the SIU-crewed Detroit Princess now provides lunch and dinner cruises on the Detroit River. July 2005 cooks, dishwashers and experienced bartenders, belong to an SIU affiliate, the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU). The 222-foot-long riverboat was launched in 1993 by Harrah’s as a casino boat on the Mississippi River in Illinois. When Harrah’s replaced it, it was sent to Texas, where Capt. John Chamberlain, a riverboat entertainment producer, bought it to provide a unique setting for lunch and dinner cruises on the Detroit River. He is very optimistic about the entertainment possibilities of the vessel in Detroit, including weddings, anniversaries, reunions, conferences, large group cruises and more. The boat cruises are generally two or three hours long, journeying from Hart Plaza past the Ambassador Bridge to Belle Isle, and back to the dock. Already scheduled are big band shows, comedy murder mysteries, moonlight cruises and musical revues featuring music from the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s. The trip from Texas to Detroit proved the seaworthiness of the Princess. Since it was too tall to clear bridges in Chicago, it had to steam through the Gulf of Mexico, around Florida and up the East Coast to the Great Lakes, traveling nearly 7,000 miles through some pretty rough weather, including four hurricanes. When the oceangoing vessel arrived in Toledo last fall to undergo dry dock inspection and repairs, there were a few broken windows and a very tired crew. Every inch of the five-deck converted casino boat was washed and painted and thoroughly cleaned both inside and out. It then traveled to Detroit where it first tied up at the Nicholson Terminal in Ecorse and later docked at Hart Plaza. Chamberlain noted that the vessel, which is designed to look like a 19th century river sternwheeler (although the paddlewheel was removed by Harrah’s) is better equipped than many freighters. There are enough dining rooms on the four entertainment decks to feed 1,600 people. And, unlike other riverboats on the Detroit River, the Princess has its own kitchen and cooking staff and does not rely on shoreside caterers. It is wheelchair accessible and has elevators, air conditioning and heating for year round comfort. The Detroit Princess is owned by CJC Catering L.L.C., and its investors are Chamberlain and many of his friends. Seafarers LOG 3 �28631_pgs3,4,15_18,20.qxd 6/22/2005 3:33 PM Page 4 USNS Lewis and Clark Christened in San Diego The USNS Lewis and Clark, the first ship in the U.S. Navy’s new T-AKE Class, was christened May 21 at the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) in San Diego. The vessel will be crewed by members of the SIU’s Government Services Division. Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Jerry Lewis (R-Calif.), delivered the ceremony’s principal address. Congressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham (RCalif.) introduced Congressman Lewis. Other featured speakers included Adm. Vernon Clark, the Navy’s chief of naval operations; Rear Adm. Charles Hamilton II, program executive officer for ships; and Richard Vortmann, president of NASSCO. The T-AKE is a dry cargo/ammunition ship that will be operated by the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, providing logistic lift from sources of supply either in port or at sea. The ships will transfer cargo—ammunition, food, fuel, repair parts, and expendable supplies and material—to station ships and other naval forces at sea. The T-AKE vessels are expected to substantially upgrade the Navy’s ability to maintain its forwarddeployed forces, replacing aging T-AE ammunition ships and T-AFS combat stores ships that are near- ing the end of their service lives. The T-AKEs are 689 feet in length and 105.6 feet in beam, with a design draft of 29.9 feet. The ships will carry almost 7,000 metric tons of dry cargo and ammunition and 23,500 barrels of cargo fuel. They can travel at 20 knots and have expected lives of 40 years. Construction on the Lewis and Clark began in September 2003 and delivery is scheduled for early next year. The second T-AKE, to be named the USNS Sacagawea, is now in full production for delivery in 2006. Overall, the new class of ships includes eight vessels with options for four additional ships. The T-AKEs are 689 feet in length and 105.6 feet in beam, with a design draft of 29.9 feet. The ships will carry almost 7,000 metric tons of dry cargo and ammunition and 23,500 barrels of cargo fuel. They can travel at 20 knots and have expected lives of 40 years. The name Lewis and Clark was selected to honor the two legendary explorers who led a visionary project from 1804 to 1806 to explore the American West. Two descendants from the families of Capt. Meriwether Lewis and then-Lieutenant William Clark—Jane Lewis Sale Henley and Lisa Clark—served as sponsors of the ship. USNS Mercy Returns from Relief Mission The Seafarers-crewed USNS Mercy on June 8 returned to its home port at the U.S. Naval Base San Diego following a fivemonth tsunami relief and humanitarian assistance mission in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. During its deployment, the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) hospital ship’s on board Medical Treatment Facility staff treated more than 100,000 patients and performed 466 surgeries. In addition, the Mercy’s medical teams distributed 4,041 eyeglasses, performed 6,000 dental procedures and provided preventative and public health training that will benefit residents of the region for years to come. Civil service mariners aboard vessel, many of whom are members of the SIU Government Services Division, also contributed to humanitarian relief efforts, repairing infrastructure and medical equipment in hospitals, clinics and other public buildings. “A major focus of our effort throughout the region was to work together with host-nation medical providers in the spirit of cooperation, promoting the exThe Seafarerscrewed USNS Mercy earlier this year helped provide relief for tens of thousands of people overseas. SIU VP Corgey Appointed To Houston Ethics Committee SIU Vice President Gulf Coast Dean Corgey recently was appointed by the Houston City Council to serve on the council’s ethics committee. His term runs through 2006. Corgey was recommended for the position by the Harris County AFL-CIO. The council approved him unanimously. The ethics committee reviews inquiries about employees and elected officials, and makes recommendations to other government entities when appropriate. SIU VP Gulf Coast Dean Corgey Corgey also currently serves as a member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Area Maritime Security Committee for the Port of Houston/Galveston. Additionally, he is a vice president of the Texas AFL-CIO; secretary-treasurer of the West Gulf Ports Council of the AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department; and serves on the executive board of the Harris County AFL-CIO. 4 Seafarers LOG change of ideas among people from all countries to further their capabilities for the future,” said Capt. Mark Llewellyn, MC, commanding officer of Mercy’s Medical Treatment Facility. As was reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, the hospital ship on Jan. 5 steamed out of San Diego in support of Operation Unified Assistance, the United States’ response to the Dec. 26 tsunami that struck Southeast Asia. The ship first sailed to the region’s most devastated area, Banda Aceh, Indonesia. From Feb. 6 to March 16, the ship’s combined U.S. Navy and nongovernmental organization Project HOPE medical staff treated more than 9,500 patients ashore and afloat, and performed 19,512 medical procedures, including 285 surgical and operating room cases. After completing operations off the coast of Banda Aceh, the Mercy began its voyage home, stopping at several ports along the way to provide humanitarian assistance and demonstrations of the U.S. government’s commitment to the region. In Alor, Indonesia, and Dili, East Timor, the Mercy’s medical teams treated more than 8,000 patients in six days. When an 8.7 magnitude earthquake struck Nias Island, Indonesia, March 28, the Mercy sailed to assist. From April 5-29, the vessel’s medical teams treated earthquake victims and other residents of the island, performing more than 19,000 medical procedures. Following the ship’s operations in Nias, the Mercy conducted a final humanitarian mission in Madang, Papua New Guinea, before heading home. When the Mercy sailed into San Diego, the ship and its crew had traveled 36,000 nautical miles during their mission. The USNS Lewis and Clark is the first in a new class of vessels to be crewed by members of the SIU’s Government Services Division. SMU Members Vote for SIU Members of the Seafarers Maritime Union (SMU) recently voted for representation by the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic, Gulf, Lake and Inland Waters District/NMU. Generally, because of the SMU’s relatively small size and the fact that many of its members already had dual membership in the SIU’s AGLIWD/NMU, the effects of the vote are expected to be positive and relatively seamless. All contracts and benefits essentially remain unchanged. When the former SMU contracts that just became SIU agreements expire, the new ones will be negotiated by the SIU. Voting took place aboard SMU-contracted vessels, where members said they look forward to the increased stability they expect to enjoy with the SIU. SIU Patrolman Michael Russo (second from left) is pictured with crew members aboard the Advantage shortly after the mariners voted for SIU representation. Mariners aboard the Independence in Corpus Christi, Texas chose SIU representation. Notice: Ft. Lauderdale Becomes Full Registration and Shipping Port As reported last month at all SIU membership meetings, the Seafarers Appeals Board, acting pursuant to its authority provided for in the SIU Shipping Rules will initiate action that effective August 1, 2005 will convert the Port of Dania/Ft. Lauderdale into a full registration and shipping port. The port will be responsible for all vessels in the area from Ft. Lauderdale south to Miami, including Tampa. Any member currently registered in Jacksonville via the previous arrangement through the port may opt to remain registered in Jacksonville. However, such registration only will be valid for Jacksonville. Upon registering in Ft. Lauderdale, any Jacksonville registration will be voided. July 2005 �28631_P2,5,12_14,24.qxd 6/27/2005 4:57 PM Page 5 IMO Continues Efforts to Bolster Security The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) from May 11-20 held its 80th Meeting at IMO headquarters in London. Following opening remarks and a welcome to attending delegates by IMO Secretary General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, the meeting’s packed agenda got under way, according to Bill Eglinton, director of training at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. “Three working groups were designated in conjunction with the meeting’s very busy plenary session,” said Eglinton, who attended the meeting. Delegates assembled in designated locations to voice concerns, address pertinent issues and present their respective recommendations. In addition to holding membership on the U.S. National Maritime Security Advisory Committee, Eglinton also serves as a member of the U.S. delegation to the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee. The three working groups referenced by Eglinton and their respective areas of focus were: Maritime Security—The major issue discussed was the U.S. proposal on establishing a Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system for ships. This group met for four days and engaged in much heated debate—for and against— the development of a LRIT. Basically, such a system would enable ships to transmit LRIT information to tracking stations worldwide. The system would apply to passenger ships, cargo and tank vessels over 500grt on international voyages and to mobile off-shore drilling units. The most contentious issue, according to Eglinton, was the U.S. proposal that the system would have a range off-shore of at least 2,000 miles. The working group’s recommendations were to be forwarded to the IMO’s Subcommittee on Radiocommunications and Search and Rescue (COMSAR) for developing a mechanism for collecting LRIT info from ships for security and search and rescue operations. In addition to addressing the LRIT issue, the working group approved the training and certification requirements for Company Security Officers as an MSC circular. The Subcommittee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping was instructed to use this developed training as a template for training guidance for Port Facility Security Officers. Passenger Vessel Safety— The working group agreed to a definition for “casualty threshold” and revised the term “time to remain habitable” to become “time for orderly evacuation and abandonment.” A three-hour timeframe would ensure that, in cases where casualty threshold for return to port is exceeded, there will be sufficient time for the safe and orderly abandonment of the ship. The MSC endorsed the working group’s recommendation that an additional casualty scenario, for design purposes, should be developed by the Fire Protection and Stability and Load Lines Subcommittees. The scenario would support the concept that the ship will remain viable for at least three hours to allow for a safe and orderly evacuation and abandonment. Goal-Based New Ship Construction Standards (GBS) —Several items from MSC Session 79 were continued during this working group’s meeting. The five-tier system on which the development of GBS is being based consists of five levels: goals (tier I), functional requirements (tier II), verification of compliance criteria (tier III), technical procedures and guidelines, classification rules and industry standards (tier IV) and codes of practice and safety and quality systems for shipbuilding, ship operation, maintenance, training, manning, etc. (tier V). The MSC agreed in theory with the basic principles of goalbased standards and with the tier I goals developed by the working group. Basically, the agreement states that IMO goal-based standards are: broad, over-arching safety, environmental and/or security standards that ships are required to meet during their lifecycle; the required level to be achieved by the requirements applied by class societies and other recognized organizations, administrations and IMO; clear, demonstrable, verifiable, longstanding, implementable and achievable, irrespective of ship design and technology; and specific enough in order not to be open to differing interpretations. In other developments during the MSC session, the body approved draft amendments to the STCW Code, Part B, on engine room resource management and crew training in launching/recovery operations of fast rescue boats. The group also endorsed STCW to develop the competencies for both deck and engine ratings. In consideration of the increased rate of lifeboat accidents involving onload release mechanisms, the MSC requested that the Ship Design and Equipment Subcommittee develop additional safety recommendations. In a final MSC action, the new harmonized Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Chapter 11-1, Parts A, B and B-1 were adopted. These new damage stability regulations will enter into force Jan. 1, 2009. The MSC is the IMO’s senior technical body on safety-related matters. A number of subcommittees assist the main committee in its work. In a related development, the U.S. last month denied claims by an unidentified IMO official that it wanted to expand its vicinity of authority to 2,000 nautical miles under the LRIT system for ships. The U.S. does not wish to “extend its area of influence” to 2,000 nautical miles from shore said a senior U.S. Coast Guard officer, claiming that statements published in a recent edition of the Fairplay Daily News by an unnamed IMO official were “flatly wrong.” Cmdr. Cindy Stowe, a member of the U.S. delegation to the IMO Maritime Safety Committee, said that the United States and a host of other maritime nations want only to use existing ship communica- Manulani Christened at Kvaerner The SIU-contracted Manulani was christened May 21 at Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard by Guam’s First Lady Joann Camacho. The new vessel is the third diesel-powered containership built for Seafarers-contracted Matson Navigation Co. at the Philadelphia shipyard. One additional containership currently is under construction, with delivery scheduled for spring 2006. Gov. Felix Camacho, who delivered the keynote address, said, “The Manulani signifies the expansion of a great company and its commitment not only to the island of Guam, but also throughout the Asia-Pacific Region.” Pictured at the christening ceremony are (from left) retired Lt. Gen. Ken Wykle, Matson’s Mike Garvin, Brig. Gen. Mark Scheid, SIU President Michael Sacco, MSC’s Rick Haynes and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez. July 2005 tions technology to identify vessels that transit near or into their territorial waters. Under a proposed IMO rule, all costal nations, not just the U.S., would identify ships moving within a 2,000 nautical-mile range of their shores. Such a system for years has been discussed and would be under the authority of the IMO, which would charge member nations for access to vessel information. Under pending proposals, individual ships not bound for interested member nations could withhold identifying data. Information from such a system would also be available to owners and operators as well as flag states, the commander said. Ports to Add Radiation Monitors The nation’s busiest seaports will have complete Radiation Portal Monitor (RPM) coverage by the year’s end, according to reports. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff last month announced that Los Angeles/Long Beach, Calif. will have the high tech system in place and operational by December. Three terminal locations, at Piers 400, 300 and Trans Pacific, within the Port of Los Angeles are scheduled to go online by the end of June. A total of 90 RPMs, which will screen all international container traffic and vehicles exiting the facility for nuclear materials or hidden sources of radiation, will be operational by December. RPMs are detection devices that provide U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) officers with a non-intrusive means to screen containers, vessels or vehicles for the presence of nuclear and radiological materials. These systems do not emit radiation but are capable of detecting various types of radiation emanating from nuclear devices, dirty bombs, special nuclear materials, natural sources, and isotopes commonly used in medicine and industry. “By applying advanced technology, we will soon be able to screen every vehicle and container entering the nation’s busiest seaports for nuclear and radiological materials, without disrupting the free flow of trade,” said Secretary Chertoff. “Complete and efficient coverage at the LA/Long Beach seaports is a major step forward for national security and a model for other ports.” The DHS is implementing a multi-layered strategy for screening cargo shipped to the U.S. One such layer is the installation of RPMs at seaports, land border ports of entry and crossings nationwide, to include rail crossings, international airports, and international mail and express consignment courier facilities. According to the department, the ultimate aim is to screen 100 percent of all incoming goods, people, and conveyances for radiation. Los Angeles/Long Beach receives approximately 44 percent of all sea cargo destined for the United States. More than 4.3 million foreign cargo containers arrived at the port last year—an average of one container every seven seconds. In a related development, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Robert Bonner and Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich Jr. on June 2 unveiled a highly sophisticated cargo inspection system at the Baltimore seaport. The system, called the Eagle, is designed for inspecting cargo containers and trucks at seaports and other areas of entry. The CBP will use the Eagle primarily in its efforts to thwart terrorists from smuggling weapons of mass destruction into the United States. The machine also will scan for illegal narcotics and other contraband. “The Eagle is yet another tool in CBP’s technological arsenal designed to help prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States,” said Bonner. “It is important to remember that Customs and Border Protection employs a wide range of technology and a layered strategy to defend the homeland. There is no arguing the strategic importance of the Port of Baltimore, and, in the weeks ahead, I look forward to working closely with Governor Ehrlich to provide the maximum security for the Washington-Baltimore area.” The Eagle, a self-propelled imaging system, can rapidly inspect trucks and cargo containers, even when loaded with dense cargo. Elsewhere, Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Paul Sarbanes (both D-MD) recently announced that the nation’s 2006 Homeland Security Appropriations bill includes key funding for Maryland’s security. The legislation addresses several high priority items, including grants for firefighters, first responders and port security, and a major project for the Coast Guard Yard at Curtis Bay. “As a nation fighting a war on terrorism, we need to be safer, stronger and smarter so that we are able to better detect, prevent and respond to acts of terrorism,” said Senator Mikulski. “This legislation gets us one step closer to meeting those goals by standing up for our first responders and making sure that if terror strikes, measures are in place to protect and save lives. I will keep fighting to make sure that resources are in the federal checkbook for our homeland security.” “In Maryland and across the nation, state, local and regional authorities continue to struggle to make their communities safer from potential terrorist activities,” said Senator Sarbanes. “In many cases, these communities have taken exhaustive measures to identify their areas of greatest vulnerability, and have made significant advances in enhancing their own preparedness and response capabilities—at considerable cost. The federal government must step up and help our states and localities in protecting our domestic homeland and this funding measure helps local communities to meet those needs.” The bill includes $200 million for the Port Security Grant program, a $50 million increase over last year. These funds are granted to localities to finance security enhancements at critical national seaports. The bill will now move to the Senate floor for a vote, which has not yet been scheduled. Seafarers LOG 5 �28631_P1,6,10,2cx.qxd 6/24/2005 4:31 PM Page 6 Chef Romeo Dies at 82 Whether Cooking or Teaching, Lupinacci Gave His All Romeo V. Lupinacci, the former executive chef and chefinstructor at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., died suddenly June 5. He was 82. A Pennsylvania native, Lupinacci in 1946 launched his culinary career as an apprentice cook in his hometown of Sewickley. He later held positions as chef, baker, saucier, broiler cook, sous chef and executive chef. In 1980, Lupinacci joined the SIU family and for the next 20plus years dedicated himself to the teaching and professional development of steward department students and upgraders at the Paul Hall Center. During his tenure, as the school’s premier chef, Lupinacci freely shared his knowledge and vast experience in the culinary arts with those under his instruction. “He was a special person who prided himself in his cooking, his upbringing and how he advanced to the top of his profession,” said SIU President Michael Sacco upon learning of Lupinacci’s abrupt demise. “He was a good family man and one who was ded- Memorial Fund Established In Memory of Sal Aquia whose parents are too financially A tribute has been planned in challenged to make such memory of the late Salvatore desires reality. Character, Aquia, son of retired desire and commitment SIU employee Sal each will figure Aquia. prominently in the An extremely selection of indiproficient and viduals who highly regarded receive financial amateur backing from wrestler, Aquia the memorial was killed durfund. ing the early morning hours “At first, I of March 25 really did not after being want to be a part struck by both a of the scholarship tractor trailer fund,” shared the and a pick-up senior Aquia, who truck on Interstate understandably is 795 near Baltimore. still traumatized by the Family, friends, the untimely loss of the entire Maryland Sal Aquia, son of the retired SIU younger of his Wrestling representative of the same name, two sons. Community and was an accomplished wrestler. “Losing my the SIU still are son has been mourning the extremely diffitragic death of the gifted and cult for me and my family, espeloving athlete who was taken cially my wife,” he continued. away at the age of 25. “But after thinking about it, Aquia was a native of reflecting on the type of caring Baltimore and lived in Rosedale. person Sal was and about the He was a starter on the sport he loved so much, I University of Maryland thought why not—it’s the right wrestling team during his freshthing to do. Right now I’m lovman, sophomore and senior ing it because we’re doing someyears and ended his collegiate thing in his memory to help othcareer with a record of 51-32, ers achieve their dreams. I think according to published reports. it’s wonderful.” He graduated from Maryland in To help raise proceeds for the 2002 and also had been a standfund, the inaugural Salvatore out performer in his high school. Aquia Memorial Golf TournaIn 1997, he led Baltimore’s ment has been planned for Sept. Archbishop Curley High to a 26 at the Rocky Point Golf win in the state wrestling chamCourse in Essex, Md. Fees for pionship. Aquia later won a the tournament will be $120 per national prep tournament while person and $480 per foursome. attending Blair Preparatory An 8 a.m. shotgun start will sigAcademy in Blairstown, N.J. nal the event’s commencement. The senior Aquia, who sailed In addition to some great golf, on the high seas as an engineer the tournament will feature variwith MEBA, worked for the ous contests, prizes, raffles and union in a number of capacities giveaways. since coming ashore some 15 At the conclusion of play, an years ago. Most recently, he awards banquet will be held at worked at the SIU hall in Cosmopolitan Bar & Grill at Baltimore and in the manpower 2933 O’Donnell St. in office at the Seafarers-affiliated Baltimore. All correspondence, Paul Hall Center for Maritime as well as donations for this Training and Education in Piney event, should be mailed to the Point, Md. same address listed below. Those To honor the memory of his with questions may call (410) late son, a collection of friends 563-5000. and well wishers from MaryDonations for the Salvatore land’s wrestling community creAquia Memorial Wrestling ated the Salvatore Aquia Scholarship Fund, which may be Memorial Wrestling Scholarship Fund. Proceeds from this endow- sent under individual donors’ ment will be used to help finance names, should be sent to the education of deserving junior Archbishop Curley High School, 3701 Sinclair Lane, Baltimore, league wrestlers who want to attend private high schools but MD 21213 c/o Salvatore Aquia. 6 Seafarers LOG icated to his work. “Romeo’s greatest asset was that he was a highly gifted teacher. He communicated well with the students and made them feel special,” Sacco said. “I will miss not only the wonderful meals he used to prepare, but his loyal friendship as well.” “Romeo was a real blessing for the school right from the time he signed aboard,” said Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan. “His vast knowledge and experience in life and in the culinary arts benefited everyone tremendously, especially the thousands of students he taught over the years. Romeo truly will be missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family.” Lupinacci sailed in the merchant marine (engine department) during World War II, although he almost didn’t survive his inaugural voyage. In May 1943, his first ship was torpedoed off the North Carolina coast. Lupinacci later received an award for rescuing several shipmates from the wreckage; they spent nearly four days in a life raft before a destroyer’s escort picked them up. He sailed primarily aboard troop ships and made the invasions at France and Sicily. After developing a distinguished post-war culinary career, Lupinacci arrived at Piney Point specifically to help prepare for the initial crewing of the passenger ship SS Independence. He quickly discovered that the school was a good fit so he decided to remain there. A certified executive chef, Lupinacci held membership in many associations, among them the Academy of Chefs, the Golden Toque and the Chaîne Des Rotisseurs. He was one of the first 13 chefs in the world to be certified as an executive chef with distinction by the American Culinary Federation. He also won numerous other awards throughout his Romeo Lupinacci (left) and SIU President Sacco in July 2000 stood in front of the sign designating the Paul Hall Center’s primary galley instruction facility as the Romeo Lupinacci Culinary Lab. career. In 1982, he founded the Professional Culinary Seafarers Association, the first and only chapter of the American Culinary Federation in the U.S. Merchant Marine, and in 1993 wrote a cookbook, “From Chef Romeo’s Recipe Collection.” “The school has improved a lot over the years,” Lupinacci told those gathered in July 2000 during the ceremony in which the Paul Hall Center galley training building formally was named in his honor. “It’s a more dignified educational institute. When the recertified stewards come back here, everyone can see they’re great, great chefs. It does my heart good. “I love it down here,” he continued. “The challenge was to teach young people who are very grateful for their education. It’s fun doing that.” During that same ceremony, Sacco lauded Lupinacci for the fashion in which he put his heart into the school. “When someone loves their work, it’s easy to spot,” Sacco said. “It comes across in everything they do. That’s exactly the case with Romeo. From the very beginning, his love for the school and union has been evi- Romeo Lupinacci, the late corporate executive chef at the Paul Hall Center, prepares broccoli for one of his many special dishes. dent. It shows in his passion for detail, his commitment to training and his pride in the students and the campus.” A mass of Christian burial was held June 19 for Lupinacci at St. Ferdinand’s Roman Catholic Church, Cranberry Township, Pa. U.S. Health Insurance Woes Continue Health care costs across the country continue to surge as family premiums in employer-sponsored plans are reaching epidemic proportions. While part of the problem might manifest itself in other forms, the additional costs of providing health care for the more than 45 million Americans without health insurance are contributors. These added expenses largely are being paid by workers with insurance. According to a report recently released by Families USA, premiums for employer-provided family health insurance are expected to cost an extra $922 (on average) this year. This equates to about $1 in every $12 spent for employer-provided health insurance going to cover the costs of providing health care to the uninsured. The study also estimates that these added premium costs will rise to $1,502 in 2010. “The large and increasing number of uninsured Americans is no longer simply an altruistic concern on behalf of those without health coverage but a matter of self-interest for everyone,” said Ron Pollack, Families USA executive director. “The stakes are high, both for businesses and for workers who do have health insurance because they bear the brunt of costs for the uninsured.” Most of the uninsured are workers and their family members who do not participate in employerprovided insurance plans, forcing employees to seek public health care assistance. Each Wal-Mart store, for example, costs taxpayers an average of $108,000 per year for its workers’ children who are enrolled in state health insurance programs. The study states that health insurance premiums for family coverage in six states (New Mexico, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Montana, Texas and Arkansas) will cost at least $1,500 more this year because of the cost of health care for the uninsured. Nationally, the cost will be more than $43 billion this year and reach $60 billion in 2010, the report said. The cumulative effect of rising health care costs is taking a toll on workers. According to a 2004 survey of 3,017 companies by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Health Research and Educational Trust, at least 5 million fewer jobs provided health insurance in 2004 than there were in 2001. In 2004, 63 percent of firms offered health benefits to workers, down from 68 percent in 2001, according to the report. The average premium for a family of four grew to $9,950 annually. The family premium for a preferred provider organization (PPO), the most common type of insurance, hit $10,217—the first time it broke the $10,000 barrier. PPOs are plans that provide members with a network of discounted providers that charge a co-payment but also allows for the opportunity of using other doctors and hospitals. The average premium for single coverage rose 9.2 percent to $3,383 annually. “Health insurance is becoming unaffordable. We should expect the ranks of uninsured to grow,” said Drew Altman, president of the Kaiser Family Foundation. Altman noted that the hike in health premiums outpaced both the 2.2 percent growth in wages and 2.3 percent growth in inflation by five times. Continued on page 10 July 2005 �7_9,11,19,21_23.qxd 6/22/2005 4:13 PM Page 7 8 Scholarships Awarded to Seafarers, Dependents W ith three semesters of college already behind her, Chief Cook Kristen Swain is the recipient of the $20,000 scholarship award for SIU members. She hopes to use the funds to attend Butte College or Chico State College, both in California, in the registered nursing program. Kristen Swain Swain, 32, grew up in Waterford, Mich., a town surrounded by several small lakes. She spent the summers of her childhood on the water, swimming and boating—and always had a desire to travel. But she never imagined that her journeys would take her across the oceans of the world. After graduating from Mott High School in Waterford, she traveled around Europe for five months. While she was there, she notes in her application form, she met someone who suggested that she attend the training program in Piney Point, Md. “I graduated from the program in 1993 in class 509 and knew I was home when I stepped aboard my first ship.” Swain has since returned to the school a number of times to upgrade her ratings, and has completed the assistant cook, cook and baker, and the certified chief cook programs. The recent birth of her son, Cohen, made her realize her priorities had to change for a little while. She has been working toward a general education at Butte Community College for the past few years, maintaining a 4.0 grade average, and has decided to begin the prerequisites for a bachelor’s degree in registered nursing. She believes a background in the medical field will not only be a stable profession on land, but also will be beneficial while at sea. Swain notes that “shipping has opened my mind up to so many diverse experiences—some good, some difficult—but in the end, I’ve learned so much from them. I couldn’t have asked for a better career.” Brandon Maeda is one of two Seafarers to receive a two-year scholarship this year in the amount of $6,000. He, too, plans to study for a career in nursing and has applied to the College of Southern Maryland. Brandon Maeda July 2005 Three SIU members and five dependents of Seafarers were selected by a panel of professional educators to receive scholarships provided by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. For more than half a century, the Plan has continued to award yearly scholarships to deserving Seafarers as well as to spouses and dependents of SIU members. This year, a total of $132,000 was Born in Hawaii, Maeda, now 48, graduated from high school in Fayetteville, N.C. in 1974 and then worked in the hotel/restaurant business until 1982. He currently sails from the port of Jacksonville, Fla. In his application, Maeda states that he went to sea for the first time in 1982 on one of the passenger ships in Hawaii. It was there that a friend encouraged him to upgrade at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point. He finally made it to the Paul Hall Center in 1991 and he says it became a turning point in his life—“one of the best experiences I have ever had.” He has since returned to the school many times for both upgrading and college-level courses and graduated from the steward recertification program there, the top curriculum available to mariners in his department. Maeda would now like to take on the challenge of becoming a registered nurse and hopes to continue sailing aboard an SIUcrewed vessel. “Becoming a nurse would afford me the opportunity to give something back to the community and to the Seafarers,” Maeda stated. The third of the 2005 scholarships set aside for SIU members goes to Jeanette Montgomery who, like the other two recipients, also is planning a career in nursing. Jeanette Montgomery Montgomery joined the union in 1988 in the port of Honolulu while working aboard the SS Independence. She upgraded her skills a number of times over the years and received many endorsements, including recertified chief steward in 2000. In 2002, Montgomery was awarded a two-year, $6,000 scholarship from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. She used the award to start her schooling and is now finishing up her first year of nursing school. Since receiving that initial scholarship, she has become a Washington state emergency medical technician and received an associate in arts and sciences degree. But she still has more than four years of schooling to complete before receiving a master’s degree, which is her goal. In her application, Montgomery says that her life revolves around sailing and schooling, and “the ability to return to shipping makes completing school a very real possibility.” offered. One Seafarer and five dependents each were awarded a $20,000 scholarship for study at a four-year college or university, and two stipends for $6,000 each were given to two Seafarers for study at a two-year college or vocational school. On this page are brief descriptions of the backgrounds and educational goals of the eight college-bound students. Dependents Having just graduated this spring from Little CypressMauriceville High School in Orange, Texas with a 4.93 GPA, Adam Burton is now ready to tackle the demands of college. His four-year, $20,000 scholarship will certainly help him in his quest for a degree in business and communications at one of the Texas universities to which he has applied. He is the son of Harriet and Desire Zeljko Nikolic, chief engineer aboard Great Lakes Dredge and Dock’s Victoria Island, who joined the union in 1995. Born in San Diego, Calif., Anthony Sabatini recently graduated from high school in that city with a 4.167 GPA. With his scholarship winnings, he hopes to major in business or computer science at one of several California universities (San Diego State, University of California Irvine or San Francisco State). Ashleigh Coppola Adam Burton He is the son of Lera and Ross Burton, who joined the SIU in 1996 in the inland division and sails as a captain aboard Higman Towing Co. tugs. The 18-year-old Burton remembers always having had a thirst for knowledge and credits his parents with instilling in him a love for reading at an early age, which has only grown stronger with time. While in high school, Burton participated in a rigorous academic program and still found time for a number of extracurricular activities. The honor student was a member of the high school choir and band program (and is a talented guitar player), participated on the debate team and took part in his local church youth ministry. In his application, Burton states that he felt up to the challenge of university life and, in the future, hopes to open his own business while using his communications major to find a unique outlet for his writing. “Whether it is a magazine, newspaper or my own personal novel, I intend to do some sort of writing as a part of my lifelong career.” Ashleigh Coppola, 18, just graduated from the Science and Technology Program at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, Md., a highly competitive program which represents the top 5 percent of students from Prince George’s County (Md.) public schools. She hopes to earn a degree in business or business management from the University of Maryland, Towson (Md.) University or Pennsylvania State University. In addition to her rigorous and challenging academic program, Coppola also was involved in a number of extracurricular activities, including the National Honor Society and Italian Honor Society as well as cheerleading and the swim team. Starting in her freshman year of high school, Coppola began working at a retail clothing business. Learning to balance the responsibilities of a job along with school, she believes, helped her learn such skills as time management. By her senior year, she had advanced in her position, pay and responsibilities. It was this job—and her manager there—that influenced her decision to pursue a career in the field of business management. She is the daughter of Terri and Patrick Coppola, a deep sea member currently sailing on the Overseas Philadelphia. He joined the union in 1983. Computers have been a strong influence in the life of Stefan Nikolic, 17. Born in New York, where he lived until he was nine, his family then moved to Durham, N.C., where he graduated last month from Durham Academy. Stefan Nikolic Nikolic notes that he enjoyed mathematics and problem-solving at an early age, and that soon developed into strong interests in the sciences, calculus, logic and computer programming. “At this point,” he wrote on his application form, “I have built them, programmed them and had my own business for two years, running a server rental e-business.” In addition to these academic and entrepreneurial interests, he played competitive soccer and was a member of his school’s swim team. Nikolic also plays the trumpet and piano, writes poetry and studies philosophy. He plans to use his $20,000 scholarship to study electrical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, with a minor in philosophy—after returning from a planned six-week train trip across Europe this summer. Anthony Sabatini Throughout his high school years, Sabatini, 17, has been involved in music, academics and church. He participated in a marching band, wind ensemble and jazz band. Academically, he has taken honors and AP courses and was a peer tutor in humanities. He also has been very active in his church’s youth group. Although he does not plan to major in music, Sabatini does intend to stay involved in it as a way to express himself. Sabatini is the son of Debra and Anthony Sabatini, a deep sea member since 1990 who currently sails as a recertified bosun aboard the Alaskan Explorer. With a strong desire to learn, Ronald Paul Viernes graduated from Kapolei High School in Hawaii with a 4.019 GPA. Besides his excellence in academics, including membership in the National Honor Society, Viernes has been looked upon as a leader in the classroom while still finding time for extracurricular activities such as the varsity tennis and volleyball teams and the hiking club. He was very active in the student Ronald Paul Viernes government, and in his sophomore year, he was selected for the school’s highest honor for best exemplifying “caring, dignity and integrity” (the school’s motto). He also found time to volunteer for various community causes: readContinued on page 20 Seafarers LOG 7 �7_9,11,19,21_23.qxd 6/22/2005 4:20 PM Page 8 Appreciative Upgrader Ayotte Seizes School’s Opportunities Engine-department Seafarer Philip Ayotte had a simple but heartfelt message when he spoke at the June membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. “Thank you.” Ayotte, 29, credited the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education as well as SIU officials with helping him find the right career path. “I went through the unlicensed apprentice program four years ago, and since then I’ve taken every upgrading course I could take,” said Ayotte, who is enrolled in the marine electrician class. “I thank the teachers and the entire school, and also the union officials who work so hard on (Seafarers’) behalf.” After the meeting, Ayotte recalled his introduction to the school. Four years earlier, he lived in New Orleans when an SIU member recommended the three-phase apprentice program. Ayotte enrolled and soon realized he’d found a home. “Since then, I’ve made the choice to come back here (to the school),” said the resident of Minneapolis. “I want to continue to learn and be the best I can be on the job. The school helps me meet that goal—I’ve learned a Seafarer Philip Ayotte says the Paul Hall Center helps him stay at peak efficiency on the job. tremendous amount in the last four years.” Ayotte, who most recently sailed on a Waterman ship, said the school’s admissions department and instructors go out of their way to help apprentices and upgraders alike. More on the School Founded in 1967, the Paul Hall Center offers the most U.S. Coast Guard-approved courses of any maritime school in the nation. Based in Piney Point, Md., the school is a hub of STCW training, featuring unsurpassed educational facilities and peaceful surroundings that facilitate learning. Among the school’s most beneficial training tools are the bridge and engine simulators, the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (located on a nearby satellite campus) and the culinary lab. The Paul Hall Center offers everything from entry training to license preparation to academic support and more. Students at the southern Maryland school also may receive college credit recommendations for successfully completing certain sanctioned courses. As vocational training for U.S. mariners seemingly becomes more important each year, the Paul Hall Center continues offering state-of-the-art schooling for mariners. An overview of the courses available at Piney Point (including the 40-plus Coast Guardapproved classes) is contained in a four-page section in the January 2005 issue of the Seafarers LOG. Course descriptions also are listed on the web site www.seafarers.org, in the Paul Hall Center section. Seafarer Frey Earns GED Seafarer John Frey (center) received his GED during the June membership meeting in Piney Point, Md. SIU President Michael Sacco (left) and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez congratulated Frey on the accomplishment. Frey graduated last year from the unlicensed apprentice program at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, where he is enrolled the AB course. In addition to vocational training, the SIU-affiliated center offers academic support, a GED program, a college degree curriculum and more. More than 2,000 students have earned GEDs at the Paul Hall Center. Special Day for Steward The Paul Hall Center features entry-level training, upgrading and more. Retired Steward Ware Publishes First Book Retired Recertified Steward Lois Ware knows plenty about overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. She is a cancer survivor. She is believed to be the first woman to sail as a crew member on a U.S. West Coast-based freighter (the President Van Buren). Now, she has added another title: published author. Ware’s first book, “The Rose and the Sea: Sea Stories,” is available through the web site www.authorhouse.com. Produced in paperback, the book contains 88 pages and sells for $11.50. A promotional release describes the book as providing “an overarching look at her life, from her childhood and school experiences to her lifelong love affair with the salty winds and on-board life of the maritime industry.” In an interview last month with the Seafarers LOG, Ware, who comes from a family of Seafarers, said that writing a book had been a longtime goal. “I wanted people to know what life at sea is like,” she noted. “The book was more work than I expected. It seems like I rewrote it nine or 10 times, but I hope to write another one—maybe a mystery or some poetry, if it’s worthwhile.” Ware sailed with the NMU in the early 1970s before signing on with the Marine Cooks and Stewards Union, which later merged into the SIU. She retired due to health issues in 1994. If writing was a labor of love, sailing couldn’t have been more natural for Ware, considering the Alabama native’s bloodlines. Her uncle, Thomas F. Ware, was one of the more than 1,200 Seafarers who gave his life in World War II. At various times, her son, nephew and brother all sailed with the SIU. “My life was going to sea,” she recalled. “I’ve always regretted having to leave the industry so soon…. To the people just entering this profession, I would say, set a goal and don’t listen to what people say you cannot do. You will achieve your goal and be successful.” Ware, who has been cancer-free for 10 years, last sailed aboard the President Truman. She said that the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is a great asset for mariners who want to advance in their careers. “I love the school,” Ware stated. Retired Recertified Steward Lois Ware is pictured at the Paul Hall Center holding a copy of her new book (left) and sailing aboard an SIUcontracted ship in the early 1980s (below). When SIU President Michael Sacco (right) presented Lonnie Jones with an A-seniority union book last month, the recertified steward nearly was overcome with emotion. Jones, who first sailed with the SIU in 1988, said he takes his union membership to heart. He described receiving his A-book as an exciting, longawaited moment and a special day. 8 Seafarers LOG July 2005 �7_9,11,19,21_23.qxd 6/22/2005 4:20 PM Page 9 AFL-CIO Group Okays Sweeping New Policies Measures Aimed at Increasing Support for Organizing and Mobilization for Politics The AFL-CIO Executive Committee—a 24-member advisory group made up of top union leaders including SIU President Michael Sacco—on June 13 overwhelmingly approved a plan put forward by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney to dramatically shift the work of the labor federation and unite unions for the twin goals of increased organizing and more member mobilization for politics and legislation. The group also approved a new two-year budget that funds the program. “Working people are under attack as never before by corporate and political forces, and today’s plans will help the union movement fight back with all our united strength,” said Sweeney. “Union movement growth and workers’ political power are fundamentally linked and we must strengthen both simultaneously.” The officials, by a 17-7 tally, voted to send to the AFL-CIO Executive Council (which is separate from the Executive Committee) the updated plan, a version of which was first introduced in early March. The resolution will be voted on by the Executive Council, a 54-member constitutional leadership body, at its meeting at the end of June. If approved, the resolution will be presented to the AFL-CIO convention at the end of July. The Executive Committee vote on the budget June 13 was also 17-7. “Without growth, we cannot sustain wins in the policy debates and political contests that determine the future for working people,” asserts the resolution. “And without a more hospitable, proworker political environment, we cannot grow as fast as we must.” The resolution, titled “A Plan to Help Workers Win: Uniting our Power to Build a Stronger, Growing Labor Movement,” points to “30 years of corporate assault and government complicity” as a key factor in the erosion of unions’ strength. Yet, more workers than ever say they want unions, the resolution points out. Fifty-three percent of non-union, non-managerial workers say they would join a union tomorrow if given the chance, according to Peter D. Hart Research Associates—the highest percentage recorded since Hart began collecting this data in 1996. The new plan emphasizes unity among unions and union movement-wide change, rather than change only at the Federation level. “Every union in every sector must change and work to build a stronger movement in the spirit of solidarity, mutual support and mutual accountability that defines us.” The plan calls for increased resources for helping more workers form unions, or organizing, through (1) a ramped up effort to change public policies to help restore workers’ freedom to form unions and (2) an accelerated initiative to help more unions increase their capacity to organize, especially outside the deeply flawed National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) process. Specific changes include creating a $22.5 million Strategic Organizing Fund, establishing industry coordinating committees for more tactical organizing, changing provisions of the AFL-CIO constitution (Articles XX and XXI) to support these committees’ work, training 100,000 worksite stewards by 2008 to defend workers’ freedom to form unions, encouraging and actively promoting mergers of unions, and supporting a major global campaign against WalMart. The officials asserted that their focus is not on a political party, but on supporting elected leaders who support workers. Under the new plan, the AFLCIO will move from a focus on biannual “get-out-the-vote” work to building year-round capacity for mobilizing members for politics and legislation. The federation will fund this work by increasing the Member Mobilization Fund for legislative and political action by approximately $7.5 Major Religious Group Backs Employee Free Choice Act/Card Check The AFL-CIO’s “Voice@Work” campaign recently reported that the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church on May 20 officially offered its support for the Employee Free Choice Act and majority sign-up agreements (also known as card-check). The General Board of Church and Society is the international social witness and advocacy agency of The United Methodist Church, charged by the denomination “to speak its convictions, interpretations and concerns to the Church and to the world.” The United Methodist Church, through its Social Principles, recognizes and supports the freedom of workers to form unions of their own choosing and bargain collectively. In its recent statement supporting the campaign to restore workers’ freedom to form unions, the board calls on “all employers to abide by their employees’ decision when a majority has signed union authorization cards or otherwise indicated their desire to be represented by a union, and to refrain from using National Labor Relations Board hearings, elections, and appeals as a means for delaying or avoiding representation for their employees.” The United Methodist Church has more than 8 million members in the United States and is the thirdlargest denomination in the country. By mid-June, the Employee Free Choice Act (S. 842 and H.R. 1696) had 37 co-sponsors in the Senate and 187 in the House. AOTOS Honorees Announced The United Seamen’s Service (USS) recently announced its honorees for the 2005 Admiral of the Ocean Seas (AOTOS) Awards. According to the USS, AOTOS awards will be presented to Gen. John W. Handy, USAF, commander of the United States Transportation Command; Ron Davis, president of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA); and Anthony A. Scioscia, president of APM Terminals North America. The ceremony, chaired by SIU President Michael Sacco, is scheduled to take place Nov. 4 in New York City, noted John Bowers, chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and president of the International Longshoremen’s Association. “These three leaders represent the American maritime spirit in all the vital areas in our industry,” said Bowers. “Ron Davis, General Handy and Tony Scioscia all understand that while being leaders in their own areas of labor, government and management, they must embrace and cooperate with each other to keep the American transportation industry working.” Bowers added, “Our recipients have been selected by those who July 2005 know them best, international transportation leaders who understand very well the challenges and issues which confront United States shipping and the American seafarers and recognize their leadership in this area.” USS sought nominees from more than 150 maritime management, labor and government officials. All proceeds from the awards ceremony benefit “USS community services abroad for the U.S. Merchant Marine and those of other free world countries,” the organization noted in a news release. “The recipients will share the evening with a group of American seafarers who will be honored for specific acts of bravery at sea.” An outspoken advocate of the U.S. Merchant Marine, General Handy was commissioned in 1967, received his pilot wings in 1968 and has served in various high-ranking positions. Prior to assuming his current post, the general was vice chief of staff at U.S. Air Force headquarters in the Pentagon. General Handy is a command pilot who has logged more than 300 combat hours in Southeast Asia. The general is a heavily million per year. None of the fund will go to contributions to political candidates. The plan also calls for building on the initial success of Working America, the AFL-CIO’s new community affiliate for non-union workers, by increasing members to two million by the end of 2006. The resolution prioritizes grassroots movement-building and calls on the AFL-CIO to strengthen state and local labor movements by requiring strategic decorated officer, receiving many major awards. Throughout his tenure at TRANSCOM his reputation is that of a “hands-on” executive. He strongly supports the U.S. Maritime Security Program and has been enthusiastic in his praise for the U.S. Merchant Marine’s performance throughout the various stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Davis began serving as MEBA’s president in 2002. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and former regional official for MEBA. Scioscia was appointed president of APM Terminals North America in 1999. The organization, which is a Maersk company, operates 13 container terminals in North America. Previously, Scioscia was senior vice president of Sea-Land Service’s North America Operations Group and was a member of Sea-Land’s Operating Executive Board. The USS, a non-profit agency established in 1942, operates centers in nine foreign ports in Europe, Asia, Africa and in the Indian Ocean, and also provides seagoing libraries to American vessels through its affiliate, the American Merchant Marine Library Association. planning and budgeting, and consolidating local labor federations. The AFL-CIO will expand leadership development with grassroots union organizations, and work to ensure diversity of representation at every level of its structure. To fund the shift in resources to organizing and political mobilization, the federation has already begun a review of all programs and a reorganization of its staff, which will be reduced by 25 percent. Meanwhile, on June 7 the pro-worker organization American Rights at Work released a report titled “Free and Fair? How Labor Law Fails U.S. Democratic Election Standards.” The report offers a detailed analysis of how fundamental principles governing American elections are systematically denied to those seeking union representation at work. “No political challenger could get elected under these guidelines,” said University of Oregon Associate Professor Gordon Lafer, the political scientist who authored the report. “The system is so corrupt that it doesn’t remotely resemble the democratic process we think of when we use the term ‘election.’” “Free and Fair?” measures the union representation election process against democratic election standards established by the political philosophy and published works of the Founding Fathers, the historical development of electoral law and jurisprudence, and current statutes and regulations that define “free and fair” elections. The report reveals a series of onesided advantages extended to employers, as well as significant barriers imposed upon pro-union workers and their unions. Lafer’s examination concludes that workers’ free speech rights are squelched on the job, and workers are restricted from openly distributing literature while employers have free reign to do so. He further concludes that employers deny essential employee information to thwart pro-union workers’ access to their coworkers. Additionally, employers and supervisors practice various forms of economic coercion with the clear intent to grant or take away privileges based upon an employee’s position on the union. At the same time, existing and excessively permissive labor law allows employers to indefinitely delay recognition of a union through a drawn-out appeals process. Gen. John Handy (left), welcomed by SIU President Michael Sacco earlier this year at the executive board meeting of the Maritime Trades Department, will receive an Admiral of the Ocean Seas Award Nov. 4 in New York. Labor Unions for $400, Alex For at least one moment, Recertified Steward Mike Gramer had the upper hand on the three Jeopardy contestants. The Seafarer tuned in to the popular TV game show June 2 and noticed a second-round category called Labor Unions. The first answer: “The LOG is the monthly newspaper of a union of these.” Alas, none of the three players knew the question. One guessed that the LOG is a newspaper for lumberjacks; the others had no guess. Topping it off, the show’s host said that the correct question was, “Who are sailors?” rather than mariners. He added, “Remember, the captain fills out the (ship’s) log, or one of the officers does.” Hey, it’s better than no mention at all, right? Gramer later went online and looked up a question-by-question review of the show to double-check that he had heard correctly. He subsequently called it to the LOG staff’s attention. Other unions mentioned in the labor category included the United Auto Workers, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, and the American Federation of Musicians. Seafarers LOG 9 �28631_P1,6,10,2cx.qxd 6/24/2005 4:32 PM Pride of America Continued from page 3 and the mariners for their commitment to shipboard safety. He pointed out that modern safety regulations set high standards for vessel and crew alike, and said he is confident that the Pride of America will continue meeting those standards. Veitch called Sacco “our strongest supporter and partner.” He also complimented the crew, describing them as “professional, ready and raring to go.” One of the ceremony’s high- Page 10 lights took place when Veitch introduced (en masse) crew members from various departments, who then walked from the deck above the stage down the stairs and through the applauding crowd. Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus, who joined the SIU 33 years ago, told the Seafarers LOG, “This is a historic time for the U.S. maritime industry, and this crew is one of the finest I’ve ever sailed with. Everyone has gone the extra two miles. We know how important it is for the membership to have these jobs, and we’re committed.” New Law Covers Prescription Drugs This year, the federal government published regulations to support a new part to the current to Medicare program offered to beneficiaries across the nation. Known as Medicare part D, this new benefit will provide prescription drug coverage to individuals entitled to Part A or enrolled in part B of Medicare’s existing programs. This program is set to begin on January 1, 2006. The government has provided multi-employer trust funds like the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan with several options regarding the administration of prescription drug benefits for retirees under the new law. The Plan’s Board of Trustees is reviewing all of the options available under the new Medicare part D and will discuss these choices at their meeting this month (July). Once these important decisions are made, SIU retirees will be notified as to which option for drug coverage will be adopted. CIVMAR News: Request for Relief Pilot Program The Military Sealift Command has determined that it will implement a program and procedures which may change the way leave, medical examinations and return-to-work assignments are scheduled for CIVMARS. This program would require that CIVMARS complete additional forms and circulate them to their department head, MSO and purser prior to scheduling leave. This new paperwork must be completed 60 days in advance of the date that the CIVMARS request their leave. MSC’s goal is to assign each CIVMAR to a new vessel, training class or medical treatment facility directly from his or her home of record. Mariners may be required to receive physicals at naval medical facilities other than those at San Diego and Norfolk. This new pilot program is expected to begin soon. MSC has advised the union that it will select two East Coast vessels and two West Coast vessels to start. Ships selected to participate in this program will have orientation meetings held by MSC representatives. During the course of the negotiations about this pilot program, the union raised many concerns. The union’s primary concern was that this program puts too much administrative burden on the mariner. The union also questioned what type of pay status the CIVMAR will be placed in (base pay or leave without pay) if the mariner is at home waiting for a medical exam. Currently, mariners have been experiencing many delays associated with the MSC medical examination process. This new process will also require extra coordination with a marine placement specialist. The union noted that this might produce additional problems as frequently, due to time differences and other reasons, marine placement specialists are unavailable to speak on the phone. The union is also concerned that implementation of this program could lead to increased disciplinary actions against a mariner should there be any administrative errors or confusion leading to the inability of the mariner to follow all the new requirements. MSC has committed to ongoing discussions and a program evaluation as the pilot program proceeds. It is very important that CIVMARS keep in touch with the union about their experiences with this pilot program. Please send all comments and questions (both positive as well as negative) to civmarsupport@seafarers.org. If you have any questions or concerns and cannot reach the union via e-mail please call Chester Wheeler at (415) 861-3400, Maurice Cokes at (757) 622-1892 or Kate Hunt at (718) 832-8767. Health Care Woes Continue Continued from page 6 “There is a great sense that there is just no answer to this problem,” Altman added. Employees in 2004 paid 28 percent of the family premium, up from 27 percent a year earlier. However, singles’ out-of-pocket costs for the premium rose 9.8 percent to $558 annually while a worker’s cost for a family premium increased 10.3 percent to $2,661. Since 2001, employee contributions increased 57 percent for single coverage and 49 percent for family coverage. Overall, 56 percent of firms said they shopped for a new plan during 2004. Of those that looked, 31 percent changed carriers while 34 percent switched the type of plan they offered. For the most part, employers are skeptical about whether tools such as disease management and consumer plans really lower costs. Only 42 percent of employers believed disease management and consumer-driven plans were somewhat effective in lowering costs. “Such efforts nibble at the edges,” said Altman. He said controlling health care costs was a vexing problem because no one wants to pay more, but people also aren’t willing to accept less service. “I don’t see any solution in the short or immediate future,” he said. A Do-It-Yourself BBQ on the Lihue Matson’s Lihue recently came into service after a period of extended layup. The SIU steward department aboard the vessel pulled out all the stops for the ship’s first barbecue en route from Oakland, Calif. to Honolulu. The stocktender aboard ship (a non-union employee responsible for taking care of livestock being transported to Hawaii in special containers) donated two live goats for the festive occasion. Although butchering live animals is not a require- ment for upgrading at the Paul Hall Center, the SIU galley gang rose to the challenge and slaughtered the two goats, dressed the carcasses, butchered the meat and prepared the meal. The photos were provided by Recertified Steward John Holtschlag. Holtschlag reports that there was no leftover goat at the end of the barbecue, which also included grilled steak to order, Hawaiian teriyaki chicken, mahi mahi and all the trimmings. Clockwise from top left: Chief Cook Ahmed Quraish (top of ladder) hands off a live kid goat to SA Majed Alsunbahi (holding the goat in a bag on the ladder) to bring the animal on deck for slaughter; Assistant Cook David Hilario (left) and Alsunbahi hold the first goat on deck for butchering while the second goat lies trussed awaiting its fate; Quraish and Alsunbahi go to work on the second goat carcass; Quraish and Hilario proudly display their delectable finished product: a finely roasted kid goat; presentation is an important element at the Lihue’s barbecue as Quraish and Alsunbahi prepare their scrumptious roast goat for the crew. 10 Seafarers LOG July 2005 �28631_pgs7_9,11,19,21_23.qxd 6/22/2005 4:38 PM Page 11 Sailing on the Liberator For two unlicensed apprentices, Samuel Thatcher and Mark Fitzgerald, their first voyage on the Liberator was a totally new experience. After completing their initial 12-week training (Phase I of the unlicensed apprentice program) at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Edu- cation at Piney Point, Md., the two members of Class 662 left the school with Steward/Baker Brandon Maeda (who sent the LOG the photos accompanying this article) to fly to Houston and board the Maersk Line Limited vessel. For the first time, they got to experience the excitement of Having gone through the shellback ceremony, Mark Fitzgerald (left) and Samuel Thatcher display the certificates that show that they crossed the equator for the first time. sailing to the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea while visiting Spain and Italy. The vessel also traversed the South Atlantic Ocean on the way down to ports in South Africa, where Thatcher and Fitzgerald experienced the pollywog to shellback tradition when the containership crossed the equator on its run to Capetown. “Both are great workers, good shipmates and have long careers in the SIU ahead of them if they so desire,” stated Maeda when the duo finished their 90 days (Phase II) at sea. “It was great working with both of them on their first ship, and I wish them the best of luck becoming professional seamen. Like [President] Mike Sacco is always saying—the trainees are what the union is all about—the future!” The Liberator currently is on a U.S. to South Africa run. The voyage starts in Newark, N.J. and sails to Baltimore, Newport News, Va. and Freeport, Bahamas before sailing for a couple weeks down the South Atlantic to Capetown, Durban and Port Elizabeth, South Africa before returning to the U.S. All in all, it’s about a 49-day trip. Unlicensed apprentices Mark Fitzgerand and Sam Thatcher spent 90 days at sea aboard the Liberator, learning from their more experienced crew mates. From the left are Thatcher, QMED David Terry Jr., Fitzgerald, AB Bruce Howell, Bosun Ed O’Connor and AB Roy Payne. Melvin Ellis (left) works as an SA on the Liberator; Travell Love is an AB/Watchman. Meeting with SIU’s Government Services Crew Members During Phase II of the unlicensed apprentice program, students take a turn working in all three departments aboard ship. Above, Samuel Thatcher gets some experience in the steward and deck departments while, below, Mark Fitzgerald tries his hand at various chores. When they return to the school for the third phase of the program, they will select the department in which they would like to receive specialized training. Attending the NOAA meeting are (from left) Orlando Thompson, SIU delegate aboard the Albatross IV; Rear Adm. Richard R. Behn, director of Marine and Aviation Operations at NOAA; and SIU Government Services Rep. Kate Hunt. On March 11, 2005, representatives from SIU’s Government Services Division (SIU Boston Port Agent Gerard Cooghey and Rep. Kate Hunt) attended an “allhands” meeting with crew members from SIU-crewed NOAA vessels Albatross IV and Delaware II. The meeting was held in Woods Hole, Mass., where the vessels are homeported. Also in attendance were representatives from MEBA and MM&P as well as senior NOAA management (including Rear Adm. Richard R. Behn, director of NOAA’s Marine and Aviation Operations Centers, and Capt. Gary Bulmer, commanding officer of Atlantic Marine Operations). Various personnel and operations matters were discussed, including the expected addition of 10 vessels into the NOAA fleet over the next decade. Proud of His Nephew Preparing some delicious meals aboard the Liberator are galley gang members (from left) Steward/ Baker Brandon Maeda, SA Melvin Ellis and Chief Cook Suki Suraredjo. July 2005 Recently retired AB Arthur D. Machado Jr. (left) of Belle Chasse, La. is extremely proud of his young nephew, Daniel M. Hathaway. Hathaway is a lance corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps who currently is home on leave. Stationed in North Carolina, Hathaway already has served a tour of duty in Iraq and will likely be going back in the fall. Seafarers LOG 11 �28631_P2,5,12_14,24.qxd 6/27/2005 4:40 PM Page 12 SIU Welcomes the Pride Snapshots from Christening Of SIU-Crewed Pride of America The Seafarers-crewed Pride of America was christened June 17 in New York City, marking the continued rebirth of the deep sea U.S.-flag cruise ship industry. An article covering the event appears on page 3. On these pages are photos from the day. Additional photos from the christening will be published in an upcoming issue of the LOG. SIU President Michael Sacco congratulates crew members for helping the Pride of America get off to a strong start. SIU President Michael Sacco (right) and Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan (left) chat with Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus. U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao shakes hands with Unlicensed Apprentice Isaac Garrido. The secretary visited with several apprentices following the ceremony. Seafarers in the preparation galley busily prepare pre-christ lunches for guests aboard the new vessel. SIU VPs Joseph Soresi (left) and Tom Orzechowski observe the christening. Job Growth Continues with NCL America’s Newest Vessel 1st Cook Aaron Lanet The Pride of America is the largest U.S.-flag cruise ship ever constructed. 12 Seafarers LOG The four photos directly above, left to right, show some of the facilities an July 2005 �28631_P2,5,12_14,24.qxd 6/27/2005 4:41 PM Page 13 e of America tes rica U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao points out that NCL America’s fleet will employ nearly 4,000 mariners. NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch describes SIU President Sacco as “our strongest supporter and partner.” U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Thomas Gilmour notes that the Pride of America meets or exceeds the agency’s safety standards. Star Cruises Chairman Tan Sri Lim Lok Thay reiterates the commitment of NCL America’s parent company to see the U.S.-flag venture succeed. christening Oiler Curtis Tobey and QMED Don Lumpkins Unlicensed Apprentices Karel Cain and Bob Light Unlicensed Apprentice David Moses es and décor aboard the 921-foot vessel. The Pride of America also features spacious meeting rooms, workout areas and other amenities. July 2005 Seafarers LOG 13 �28631_P2,5,12_14,24.qxd 6/22/2005 8:40 PM Page 14 Lakes Task Force Honors 2 The SIU-affiliated Great Lakes Maritime Task Force recently named U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Congressman Mark Green (R-Wis.) to receive its 2005 Legislator of the Year Awards. The honors annually are bestowed on legislators who best advance the interests of the Great Lakes economy in Congress. Both recipients in early May received their awards during the task force’s 10th annual informational breakfast for the Great Lakes delegation in Washington, D.C. “Perhaps no other senator has ever made more contributions to Great Lakes shipping in their first term than Debbie A. Stabenow,” SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS FUND, INC This is a summary of the annual report of the SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., EIN 94-1431246 for the year ended July 31, 2004. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Board of Trustees of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc. has committed itself to pay all supplemental benefits. Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan was $1,618,698 as of July 31, 2004, compared to $2,109,227 as of August 1, 2003. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $490,529. During the plan year, the plan had a total income of $9,392,124, including employer contributions of $9,359,818, earnings from investments of $30,506 and other income of $1,800. Plan expenses were $9,882,653. These expenses included $490,522 in administrative expenses, and $9,392,131 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. Financial information and information on pay ments to service providers; 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 office of SIU Pacific District Supplemental Benefits Fund, Inc., at 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102; telephone number (415) 437-6832. The charge to cover copying costs will be $3.25 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and the 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 the accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs 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 at 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, and at the U.S. Department of Labor Washington, DC, 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, Room N5638, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. 14 Seafarers LOG said Daniel L. Smith, president of Great Lakes Maritime Task Force and national vice president, Great Lakes, American Maritime Officers. Other speakers also lauded the contributions of the Michigan senator. She was credited for having been a leader in the effort to stop the introduction of nonindigenous species into the Great Lakes from oceangoing vessels and also for having authored legislation and sought funding to find a solution to this worldwide problem. Stabenow was labeled as a person who understands that what’s good for Great Lakes shipping is good for Michigan. Her work to foster policies that benefit both also was praised. In the area of free trade, the senator was hailed as one who believes that free trade must be fair trade. “She supports fair trade in steel, but expects the federal government to react quickly to illegal dumping,” a task force official said. “She has stood with American shipyards….” “I am pleased and proud to be recognized by the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force for my legislative efforts on behalf of the Great Lakes economy,” Stabenow said. “The task force represents a broad constituency with a great stake in ensuring that we not only use the Lakes wisely, but that we also bolster commerce in the Great Lakes and create jobs. Our most recent challenge is to head off tolls on Great Lakes shipping, and I know we will continue to work together to bring commerce and jobs to our Great Lakes ports.” At the conclusion of Senator Stabenow’s remarks, the contributions of Congressman Green to the Great Lakes shipping community took center stage. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) receives a framed photo to signify her selection as one of two recipients of the Great Lakes Maritime Task Force’s 2005 Legislator of the Year Awards. Presenting the award is Dan Smith, president of the task force and a VP with the American Maritime Officers. Others pictured are (from left) SIU Lakes and Inland Waters Business Rep. Todd Brdak, Bill Yockey of the ILA and SIU VP Lakes and Inland Waters Tom Orzechowski. “Representative Green has been an ardent supporter of Great Lakes shipping since being elected to the House of Representatives in 1998,” said Smith. The congressman was cited for his understanding that in a post 9/11 world, having ships that are U.S.-owned, U.S.-built and U.S.crewed is not only a vital element of the country’s national security, but also a foundation America’s economic strength. Green also was recognized for his support of Wisconsin’s shipyards and his work toward advancing ship construction the United States. “A vibrant shipping industry in the Great Lakes means a healthier economy in Wisconsin,” Green said. “Since arriving in Congress I have fought alongside [the task force] to protect the Great Lakes maritime industry and I’m proud of the victories we’ve scored. I look forward to continuing my efforts with the task force.” The Great Lakes Maritime Task Force was founded in Toledo, Ohio, in 1992 to promote domestic and international Great Rep. Mark Green (R-Wis.) Lakes shipping. It is the largest coalition to ever speak for the Great Lakes shipping community and draws its membership from both labor and management representing U.S.-flag vessel operators, shipboard and longshore unions, shipyards, and other Great Lakes interests. Among other things, its goals include preserving the domestic steelmaking infrastructure; protecting the nation’s cabotage laws; maximizing the Lakes overseas trade; and increasing funding for annual dredging of ports and waterways. SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT FOR SIU PACIFIC DISTRICT PENSION PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, 94-6061923 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2004. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, 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 $11,791,666. These expenses included $884,889 in administrative expenses and $10,906,777 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries. A total of 3,645 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all these persons had yet earned the right to receive benefits. The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $135,749,137 as of July 31, 2004, compared to $137,395,691 as of August 1, 2003. During the plan year, the plan experienced a decrease in its net assets of $1,646,554. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan hada total income of $10,145,112, including employer contributions of $31,186, losses of $1,132,505 from the sale of assets, earnings from investments of $11,242,953 and other income of $3,478. 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. Financial information and information on payments to service providers; 3. Assets held for investment; 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 the office of SIU Pacific District Pension Plan, who is the administrator, 1422 Market Street, San Francisco CA 94102, (415) 437-6850. The charge to cover copying costs will be $17.00 for the full annual report, or $0.25 per page for any part thereof. You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan 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, 1422 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 and 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, Room N5638, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20210. July 2005 �28631_pgs3,4,15_18,20.qxd 6/22/2005 3:34 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea August & September 2005 Membership Meetings MAY 16 — JUNE 15, 2005 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals DECK DEPARTMENT 2 8 4 5 6 22 43 0 5 18 25 18 5 5 11 12 4 34 26 0 2 1 1 3 14 13 0 2 12 13 5 0 0 1 4 0 9 13 0 0 2 1 5 17 23 0 8 8 18 5 1 1 7 14 1 22 16 0 2 2 2 2 18 25 0 9 7 9 11 1 10 16 8 1 24 12 1 2 1 2 2 9 8 0 4 3 6 6 0 0 0 3 0 4 3 0 0 4 0 3 10 27 0 1 3 8 3 2 1 13 9 1 19 11 2 0 10 4 10 59 62 0 13 30 55 23 6 0 17 27 0 60 45 7 9 10 9 9 29 66 2 15 30 49 31 7 12 9 19 6 54 42 1 3 3 2 3 28 28 1 7 27 33 14 4 0 1 7 4 31 30 258 253 93 149 159 54 115 423 415 227 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 1 7 14 23 0 8 10 8 5 6 4 7 6 1 18 8 0 4 2 3 6 15 29 0 2 11 10 10 3 5 3 3 3 21 12 0 2 0 0 1 4 9 0 0 4 6 4 1 3 1 2 0 4 9 0 0 3 0 5 7 17 1 7 7 4 5 0 4 4 9 2 12 8 0 3 2 1 4 8 13 0 3 3 7 8 1 3 5 5 2 20 5 0 0 0 0 2 3 6 1 2 1 2 1 0 1 0 1 0 3 2 0 0 1 0 1 10 8 0 2 4 6 1 0 1 7 6 0 16 3 0 0 4 2 9 25 31 0 7 14 21 11 7 2 6 9 2 18 10 0 2 5 4 7 18 47 0 7 15 15 16 4 2 6 7 6 23 22 1 4 0 0 2 9 16 0 4 7 13 6 3 2 2 4 1 6 14 129 142 50 95 93 25 66 178 206 94 0 0 5 4 11 13 24 0 7 7 22 12 4 4 1 25 0 22 17 0 0 0 4 5 6 17 0 6 3 6 12 2 3 2 4 1 8 8 0 0 0 1 0 2 4 0 0 4 4 2 0 0 1 1 3 3 3 0 0 2 3 3 7 12 0 4 5 10 10 3 1 1 14 0 11 20 0 0 1 1 5 7 7 0 3 1 7 8 1 2 3 3 0 3 5 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 6 13 0 0 4 8 4 2 0 1 8 0 8 9 0 0 5 1 21 31 36 0 8 15 35 11 2 7 2 45 3 25 33 1 0 2 5 6 5 31 0 6 7 10 17 2 3 3 9 1 14 12 1 0 0 1 1 3 9 0 0 4 8 4 0 1 1 1 4 4 4 178 87 28 106 57 13 65 280 134 46 1 0 0 0 3 3 4 0 1 3 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 0 1 2 3 1 6 19 12 0 8 6 35 9 0 5 3 13 0 14 13 3 7 3 4 4 21 23 0 1 6 24 15 0 23 0 7 1 12 14 0 0 0 0 1 1 5 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 1 0 0 2 0 3 11 8 0 1 5 11 6 0 9 2 4 0 8 2 0 1 2 2 2 9 4 0 0 0 1 10 0 20 0 1 0 5 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 9 7 4 0 2 4 9 0 0 0 1 5 0 9 3 2 3 2 4 17 35 29 1 13 11 65 17 1 9 5 20 0 32 16 4 12 4 6 11 37 47 1 3 20 67 28 2 16 1 14 1 27 22 25 150 168 18 72 65 0 54 282 323 590 632 339 368 381 157 246 935 1037 690 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals STEWARD DEPARTMENT Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 8 3 5 31 38 0 10 15 32 17 6 0 15 14 0 41 22 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Trip Reliefs ENTRY DEPARTMENT Piney Point .............Monday: August 8 ................................Tuesday: September 6* .................................(*change created by Labor Day holiday) Algonac ..................Friday: August 12, September 9 Baltimore ................Thursday: August 11, September 8 Boston.....................Friday: August 12, September 9 Duluth .....................Wednesday: August 17, September 14 Guam ......................Thursday: August 25, September 22 Honolulu .................Friday: August 19, September 16 Houston ..................Tuesday: August 16* .................................Monday: September 12 .................................(*change created by Paul Hall’s birthday holiday) Jacksonville ............Thursday: August 11, September 8 Joliet .......................Thursday: August 18, September 15 Mobile ....................Wednesday: August 17, September 14 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: August 16, September 13 New York................Tuesday: August 9, September 6 Norfolk ...................Thursday: August 11, September 8 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: August 10, September 7 Port Everglades.......Thursday: August 18, September 15 San Francisco .........Thursday: August 18, September 15 San Juan..................Thursday: August 11, September 8 St. Louis..................Friday: August 19, September 16 Tacoma ...................Friday: August 26, September 23 Wilmington ...............Monday: August 22, September 19 ................................. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Personals MANUEL OLVERA Please contact Wayne Korb at (702) 386-2803. (Manuel was bosun and Wayne was the dayman aboard the Citrus Packer in 1956.) GEORGE MAZZOLA Please get in touch with James W. Bernachi at (618) 593-0936, or e-mail him at goofy3110378@aol.com. PAUL BORG Tommy McCormack, who worked with you 35 years ago on United States Lines’ American Archer, would like you to call him at (561) 357-0529. WILLIAM BEADLES Your godson, John Seaman, is trying to get in touch with you. Please call him at (415) 462-0841; or e-mail yardbirdie@comcast.net. JAMES BUCKOWSKI Please contact your niece, Raven Giaquinto (Wendy’s daughter), regarding your mother. The family would love to hear from you. You may e-mail Raven at skyblazerange12010@yahoo.com. ANDRE ZENE Dan Jones (your roommate at the Paul Hall School) would like to get in touch with you. Please e-mail him at danvis_65@yahoo.com. *“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 2005 Seafarers LOG 15 �28631_pgs3,4,15_18,20.qxd 6/22/2005 3:34 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report MAY 16 — JUNE 15, 2005 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 5 9 4 6 11 0 0 5 40 1 1 2 4 10 0 0 7 25 0 3 9 4 2 2 5 7 32 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 5 6 4 5 7 2 0 0 29 0 2 2 1 2 0 0 2 9 0 2 7 0 2 2 4 6 23 0 4 4 4 3 1 1 2 19 6 33 13 14 33 4 1 11 115 3 6 7 7 14 1 0 6 44 0 12 4 20 1 0 5 0 42 0 4 3 0 1 0 1 6 15 7 14 5 7 13 1 2 5 54 1 3 10 1 7 0 0 1 23 0 6 5 11 0 1 1 10 24 0 4 0 0 2 0 1 4 11 6 8 8 5 15 2 1 3 48 0 7 3 1 14 0 0 2 27 0 8 0 13 0 1 2 1 25 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 3 3 1 3 5 0 0 3 18 0 0 5 0 3 0 0 0 8 0 4 9 4 2 2 0 3 24 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 3 4 1 2 4 0 0 2 16 0 0 3 0 1 0 0 0 4 0 3 9 1 2 1 0 3 19 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 3 4 4 4 7 2 1 1 26 0 5 4 0 2 0 0 2 13 0 3 3 4 0 0 2 9 21 Port 3 2 4 3 8 1 0 2 23 0 1 3 0 5 0 0 1 10 0 2 3 0 0 0 2 9 16 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 84 46 77 68 23 58 45 211 94 91 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST With all the celebrations surrounding the christening of the Pride of America, this photo was of a christening 30 years ago, that of the SIU-crewed J.A.W. Iglehart. It is from the LOG archives and was taken in 1965 in Cleveland. Jane Purinton, granddaughter of J.A.W. Iglehart, did the honors.. The cement carrier began life as the ocean-going tanker Pan Amoco in 1936. By 1965, its ocean-going career was at an end and it was sold to Huron Cement for conversion to a self-unloading cement carrier—and a new life on the Great Lakes. Today, the Iglehart continues much as it did in 1965. The former Huron Cement fleet now operates under the banner of Inland Lakes Management. The Iglehart holds the distinction of being the oldest turbine-driven vessel on the Great Lakes. When the E.M. Ford and S.T. Crapo were taken out of service in 1996, the Iglehart gained further distinction of being the oldest steam-powered laker in service with its original engine. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. July 2005 �28631_pgs3,4,15_18,20.qxd 6/22/2005 3:34 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA WAYNE BALLARD, 65, joined the union in 1968 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Ballard was born in Texas and initially sailed in the deep sea division aboard the Santa Maria. During his seafaring career, he also shipped with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S). Brother Ballard’s most recent voyage was on American Ship Management’s President Wilson. The steward department member makes his home in San Jose, Calif. PAUL BRADSHAW, 64, was born in Oklahoma. Brother Bradshaw began his seafaring career in 1964 in the port of New York. He first worked aboard the Monticello in the engine department. Brother Bradshaw upgraded his seafaring abilities at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. on two occasions. His last voyage was on the Innovator. Brother Bradshaw is a resident of Gardnerville, Nev. CHARLES GOOCH, 69, became a Seafarer in 1978 in the port of New York. Brother Gooch first shipped aboard the Delta Peru. He was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point School and sailed as a member of the steward department. Brother Gooch last went to sea on the Horizon Tacoma. Born in the Philippines, he now calls Seattle home. JOHN GRAHAM, 66, joined the SIU in 1965 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Air Force. Brother Graham enhanced his skills on numerous occasions at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His first voyage was on the Spitfire. Before retiring, Brother Graham worked on Pronav Ship Management’s Taurus. The deck department member was born in Pennsylvania; he currently resides in Philadelphia. GEORGE JORDANIDES, 67, embarked on his SIU career in 1979 in New Orleans, initially sailing on the Point Judy. Brother Jordanides, who was born in Connecticut, was a member of the deck department. He attended classes at the SIU-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Jordanides most recently July 2005 shipped on the Constellation. He lives in Kissimmee, Fla. CHARLES KAHL, 67, started sailing with the Seafarers in 1977 in New Orleans. A veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, Brother Kahl was born in Louisiana. He first shipped aboard a Waterman Steamship Corp. vessel. Brother Kahl worked in the deck department, upgrading frequently at the Paul Hall Center. His last vessel was the Gemini. Brother Kahl makes his home in Bush, La. DANIEL McDONALD, 63, hails from Iowa. Brother McDonald joined the ranks of the SIU in 1966 in the port of San Francisco. His first ship was the Lucile Bloomfield. In 2000 and 2001, Brother McDonald attended the training facility in Piney Point, Md. He last sailed aboard the Horizon Trader. Brother McDonald is a resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. MANUEL MILLAN, 68, joined the union in 1995. Brother Millan worked primarily aboard the Florida. He was born in New York and calls Davie, Fla. home. INLAND FRANKLIN HOLDER, 61, was born in Florida. Boatman Holder became an SIU member in 1982. He sailed mainly on vessels operated by C.G. Willis Inc. Boatman Holder resides in Jacksonville, Fla. CHARLES NICHOLS, 62, began his seafaring career in 1994 first sailing with Red Circle Transport. Boatman Nichols enhanced his skills at the Piney Point training center in 1998. Born in Nashville, Tenn., he last went to sea aboard a Moran Towing of Texas vessel. Boatman Nichols lives in Pensacola, Fla. GREAT LAKES ABDUL MAWARI, 65, began sailing with the union in 1973 in Detroit. Brother Mawari’s first ship was the Thomas Wilson; his last the Buffalo. Born in Arabia, he was a member of the deck department. Brother Mawari attended classes at the Paul Hall Center in 1980. He makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension and Trust, recently went on pension. Texaco Montana. Born in Providence, R.I., his last trip to sea was aboard the Cape Ann. The deck department member’s most recent voyage was aboard the Cherry Valley. JACK ZARO, 55, started his career with the union in 1966 in Galveston, Texas. Brother Zaro first sailed on the Silvia Lykes. Celebrating a Special Birthday ROBERT McKEEVER, 61, was born in Wilmington, Del. Brother McKeever first sailed aboard the Golden Gate. He was a member of the steward department and last went to sea on the Texaco Massachusetts. ELORIS TART, 65, joined the NMU in 1964 initially shipping from the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Tart’s first voyage was aboard the Sue Lykes. The Alabama-born mariner last worked on the Lykes Navigator. Turning 21 is a memorable day, and Steward/Baker Javier Delosreyes helped make it that much more special for SCP Brian Etz by baking him a beautiful and delicious cake. Etz and the others pictured are aboard the SIU-crewed USNS Pomeroy at sea enroute to Kuwait. The photo was submitted by Paul K. Davis, master, and sent to the LOG by Capt. Mike Finnigan. JAMES TIERNEY, 68, became an NMU member in 1989 in Boston. Brother Tierney’s first ship was the Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1946 On July 24, the two largest companies contracted to SIU signed the best contracts in maritime. This concluded six weeks of hard and bitter negotiations with the shipowners, and as a result the solid front of the operators was broken. Among other things, wages were increased from $17.50 per month to as high as $50 per month. mariners through the SIU. The wage structure provided in the proposal submitted by the ITF’s Special Seafarers’ Section was based on the current average wage rates of all European union-represented seamen. For bosuns, carpenters, chief cooks and pumpmen, the average rate of pay is $252 a month—far less than half of the Seafarer’s base rate. The same ratio held for other jobs. The average European working as a bosun’s mate receives $232.80 a month. 1951 On July 20, Cities Service Oil Company agreed to the same conditions and benefits as were in effect with all other SIU-contracted tanker companies. On the terms of the agreement Cities Service agreed to the same SIU industry-wide vacation plan that the union had won from its other contracted operators on June 1. First payments by the company to the vacation plan were made retroactive to June 1. In addition the new agreement provided for an increase in the stewards’ department manning scale on Cities Service tankers with one messman being added to each ship. Other working conditions were improved in order to bring the Cities Service ships in line with the remainder of the SIU fleet. 1995 The House of Representatives overwhelmingly gave its approval on July 24 for the export sale of Alaskan North Slope crude oil as long as it is carried aboard U.S.-flag tankers. By a vote of 324 to 77 on the Alaskan Oil Export Act (H.R. 70), the House joined the Senate in endorsing legislation that will keep the U.S.flag independent tanker fleet sailing into the next century. The Senate had approved a similar bill (S. 395) by a margin of 74-25 on May 16.…. The SIU, in testimony given in March before the Senate committee and in May before the House committee considering lifting the 22year export ban, has supported the legislation because it would provide jobs for U.S. mariners. The union dropped its opposition to exporting Alaskan North Slope oil last year when legislation was introduced in Congress indicating that the product would be carried to foreign ports aboard U.S.-flag tankers. This Month In SIU History 1971 A draft of a proposed contract to be used in negotiations with runaway-flag operators who might accept a collective bargaining agreement shows graphically the advances made by U.S. Seafarers LOG 17 �28631_pgs3,4,15_18,20.qxd 6/22/2005 3:35 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JOHN BARTOLOME Pensioner John Bartolome, 96, passed away Jan. 4. Brother Bartolome was born in the Philippines and became a member of the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in the port of San Francisco. Brother Bartolome worked in the steward department. He started collecting his pension in 1974 and called San Francisco home. BROOKE BUTLER Pensioner Brooke Butler, 85, died Feb. 11. Brother Butler joined the union in 1943 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first voyage was aboard a Sproque Steamship Company vessel. Brother Butler was a member of the engine department. Prior to retiring in 1980, he sailed on the Newark. Brother Butler made his home in Richmond, Va. SAMUEL CASE JR. Pensioner Samuel Case Jr., 90, passed away March 11. Brother Case began sailing with the SIU in 1951 from the port of New Orleans. He initially shipped with Seatrain Lines in the engine department. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Brother Case retired in 1977 after sailing aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. Born in New Orleans, he resided in Jefferson, La. DONALD CHESTNUT Pensioner Donald Chestnut, 82, died Dec. 29. Brother Chestnut embarked on his seafaring career in 1943 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He first worked on the Rudolf Kauffman. Brother Chestnut was born in Alabama and sailed in the deck department. His last ship was the Cove Sailor. Brother Chestnut began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1985 and lived in Mobile, Ala. DONALD EDWARDS Brother Donald Edwards, 59, passed away Nov. 23. He began his seafaring career in 2002 in Seattle. Brother Edwards’ first ship was the Westward Venture. He was born in Bremerton, Wash. and worked in the engine department. Brother Edwards most recently sailed aboard the USNS Watkins. He was a resident of Seattle. ARTHUR FINNELL Pensioner Arthur Finnell, 83, passed away March 4. Brother Finnell donned the SIU colors in 1953 in the port of New York. The deck depart- 18 Seafarers LOG ment member was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Born in Mexico, his final voyage was on the Duchess. Brother Finnell went on pension in 1990. He was a resident of Houston. CHRISTOPHER FLOWERS Pensioner Christopher Flowers, 78, died Jan. 23. Brother Flowers became an SIU member in 1951 in New York. At the beginning of his seafaring career, he sailed with Doric Shipping. Brother Flowers worked in the deck department, last sailing on the OMI Wabash. He started collecting his retirement stipends in 1989. Born in Aurora, N.C., Brother Flowers made his home in Houston. STEPHEN GALATOLO Pensioner Stephen Galatolo, 76, died Feb. 22. Born in Maryland, Brother Galatolo joined the union in 1962 in Baltimore. His first trip to sea was on the Columbia Star. Brother Galatolo was a member of the steward department. The U.S. Army veteran last shipped aboard American Overseas Marine’s Scan. Brother Galatolo resided in Towson, Md. He began receiving his retirement pay in 1996. FRANCIS HARPER Pensioner Francis Harper, 81, passed away March 2. After serving in the U.S. Army, Brother Harper launched his career with the SIU in 1948 in New York. His first ship was the Steel Voyager. Brother Harper worked as a member of the engine department. He was born in Maryland and last sailed aboard the Venture. Brother Harper retired in 1985 in Baltimore. JOHN KELLY JR. Pensioner John Kelly Jr., 78, died Feb. 3. Brother Kelly started sailing with the Seafarers in 1943 in New York. He initially worked for Alcoa Steamship Company. Brother Kelly, who was born in Mississippi, shipped in the deck department. The U.S. Army veteran last went to sea on a Michigan Tankers vessel. Brother Kelly became a pensioner in 1978. He lived in Petel, Miss. GRIM LEE Pensioner Grim Lee, 85, passed away Jan. 3. Brother Lee joined the MC&S in 1958 in San Francisco. Born in China, he was a member of the steward department. Brother Lee, who made his home in San Francisco, went on pension in 1979. EARL MATTHEWS Pensioner Earl Matthews, 74, died Jan. 5. Born in Norfolk, Va., Brother Matthews began his seafaring career in 1951. The steward department member first sailed aboard the Seagarden. Prior to retiring in 1995, Brother Matthews shipped on the OMI Sacramento. He was a resident of Dequincy, La. VINCENT PIZZITOLO Pensioner Vincent Pizzitolo, 82, passed away Feb. 3. Brother Pizzitolo joined the SIU ranks in 1953 in New Orleans. His first ship was the Del Viento. Brother Pizzitolo was a U.S. Army veteran. His last voyage was aboard the Cove Liberty, where he shipped in the steward department. Brother Pizzitolo started receiving his retirement compensation in 1987. He was born in New Orleans and lived in Metairie, La. HARRY SMITH Pensioner Harry Smith, 76, died Feb. 11. Brother Smith was born in Philadelphia, Pa. Following his service in the U.S. Army, he started sailing with the SIU in 1947. Brother Smith’s first trip to sea was on an Emerson Steam Company vessel. He worked in the deck department. Brother Smith last shipped on CSX Lines’ Integrity. In 1991, he retired and settled in Philadelphia. POLO VASQUEZ Pensioner Polo Vasquez, 82, passed away Jan. 9. Brother Vasquez joined the union in 1951, shipping as a member of the deck department. His first vessel was the Warhawk. Brother Vasquez was born in Humacao, P.R., which is also where he resided. His last ship was the Point Julie. Brother Vasquez went on pension in 1982. INLAND JEFFERY DEKERLEGAND Pensioner Jeffery Dekerlegand, 87, died Jan. 25. He became an SIU member in 1969 in New Orleans. Born in Arnaudville, La., Boatman Dekerlegand shipped in the deck department, working primarily on vessels operated by Dravo Basic Materials Company. Boatman Dekerlegand began receiving his retirement compensation in 1979 and lived in his native state. WILLIAM HOOK II Pensioner William Hook II, 66, passed away Dec. 26. Boatman Hook began shipping with the Seafarers in 1973 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He initially sailed in the deck department of a vessel operated by Virginia Pilots. Boatman Hook was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He was born in Virginia and last shipped with the Association of Maryland Pilots. Boatman Hook started collecting his pension in 2000 and called Virginia Beach, Va. home. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension and Trust, have passed away. RALPH BODDEN Pensioner Ralph Bodden, 83, passed away April 7. Brother Bodden was born in Honduras and joined the NMU in 1957, shipping first from the port of New Orleans. Brother Bodden worked in the engine department. He became a pensioner in 1986. Brother Bodden’s last trip to sea was on the James Lykes. CHARLES DINI Pensioner Charles Dini, 62, died March 18. He began sailing with the union in 1967 in Miami, Fla. Brother Dini initially navigated the seas aboard the Lyons Creek. The New York-born mariner retired in 2001. His most recent voyage was on the Green Clove. ALONSO DUARTE Pensioner Alonso Duarte, 92, passed away April 12. Brother Duarte became an NMU member in 1946. He was born in Honduras and worked in the engine department. Brother Duarte’s last ship was the Keystoner. He went on pension in 1986. DENNIS HARRIS Pensioner Dennis Harris, 82, died March 28. Brother Harris first donned the NMU colors in 1945 in the port of Seattle. Before retiring in 1986, he went to sea on the Central Gulf. VINCENT MARTIN Pensioner Vincent Martin, 79, passed away March 21. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. Brother Martin joined the NMU in 1944. His first voyage was on the Aquarius. Brother Martin began receiving his retirement compensation in 1973. MARJORIE MORGAN Pensioner Marjorie Morgan, 76, died March 19. Sister Morgan started her NMU career in 1979 in San Pedro, Calif. The steward department member was born in Texas. Sister Morgan’s first ship was the Sinclair Texas; her last was the Alaska. She retired in 2000. WALLACE NUNES Pensioner Wallace Nunes, 77, passed away March 29. He began his seafaring career in 1945, initially working aboard the Santa Monica in the steward department. Brother Nunes was born in Sacramento, Calif. Prior to retirement in 1987, he worked on the Petersburg. FRANK TORRES Pensioner Frank Torres, 80, died March 18. After joining the NMU in 1945, Brother Torres’ initial voyage was aboard the E.R. Kemp. Born in Galveston, Texas, he was a member of the steward department. Brother Torres last shipped on the USS Chancellorsville. He started collecting his pension in 1983. YUEN YUENG Pensioner Yuen Yueng, 89, passed away April 8. Sailing out of the port of Boston, his first vessel was the Edward. Brother Yueng was born in China and worked in the engine department. He went on pension in 1978 after sailing aboard the Carbide Seadrift. Editor’s Note: In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU members, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. NAME AGE DOD Aitken, Joseph 87 April 27 Cirino, Marcos 69 May 4 Collazo, Manuel 88 May 6 Condon, James 82 May 2 Davis, Jasper 74 Jan. 1 Douglas, Gary 72 May 18 Gould, Wendell 68 May 16 Jones, William 70 May 9 Kraesig, Melbert 81 May 6 Lino, Hector 80 April 25 Lucas, James 77 May 16 Macksound, Abel 84 April 22 Middleton, Robert 85 April 18 Nunez, Max 73 May 7 Olvera, Joseph 84 April 20 Pontus, Reinhard 82 May 8 Saunders, Frank 77 April 17 Springer, Jerry 82 April 29 Stewart, William 66 April 22 Tyler, William 77 May 5 July 2005 �28631_pgs7_9,11,19,21_23.qxd 6/22/2005 4:39 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occassion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the uniion’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 publicatiion. ADAM E. CORNELIUS (American Steamship Company), April 16—Chairman Scott Gallagher, Secretary Edward E. Bush, Educational Director George R. Keeley. Chairman encouraged crew members to contribute to SPAD and Maritime Defense League, as both funds are vital in protecting U.S.-flag fleet. Seafarers were reminded to work safely and sign off and reregister at union hall within 72 hours of leaving vessel. No beefs or disputed OT reported. ALASKAN EXPLORER (Alaska Tanker Company), April 26— Chairman Anthony J. Sabatini, Secretary John F. Huyett, Educational Director Winfred W. Opare, Deck Delegate Michael E. Moore, Engine Delegate Detricke R. Kelly, Steward Delegate David W. Vaughn. Chairman praised crew for working safely during vessel start up and noted vessel operations went smoothly. He reported on changes to health plan and informed crew that complete list of medical providers is available on SIU website. Secretary thanked crew members for separating plastics from regular trash and stated new receptacle now in place for recycling aluminum cans. Educational director advised mariners to watch expiration dates on z-cards and other important documents, as renewing them takes time. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding vacation pay. Questions raised pertaining to disposition of NMU annuity funds and starting a movie library. Next port: Long Beach, Calif. AMERICAN MARINER (American Steamship Company), April 28—Chairman Albert J. Brzezinski, Secretary Daniel J. Kane, Educational Director Mark A. MacRury, Steward Delegate Daniel J. Kane. Chairman reported all departments operating smoothly and stressed the need for continuing to work well—and safely—together. Educational director spoke about upgrading opportunities available at Paul Hall Center for Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. He mentioned that when applying for vacation benefits, Seafarers should make sure they have both discharges and monthly pay records. No beefs or disputed OT reported. AMERICAN SPIRIT (American Steamship Company), April 29— Chairman Rudolph W. Tahtinen, Secretary Nasser M. Aljalham, Educational Director Craig Fitzhugh, Engine Delegate Michael Kruse. Chairman reminded crew to follow union and company procedures when leaving and returning to ship. Secretary reported company has resolved security problems at Zug Island, Mich. When going on vacation, crew members were reminded to contact union within 72 hours and before returning to reclaim job. Also, everyone should make sure z-cards and all paperwork are updated before returning to ship. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held on proper channels to follow when problems arise aboard ship. Next ports: Superior, July 2005 Wis.; Indiana Harbor, Ind. HORIZON CHALLENGER (Horizon Lines), April 19—Chairman Roy L. Williams, Secretary Donald B. GaNung, Educational Director Clive A. Steward, Deck Delegate Francisco Caceres, Engine Delegate Karl A. Leiter, Steward Delegate John L. Foster. Chairman informed crew about two new ships coming out, a double-hulled tanker and a passenger ship, “This means more growth for the union and more jobs for us,” he said. Educational director told crew that meetings were being held at each port to inform members, spouses and dependents about changes to costs of health care benefits. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer stated more than $200 available in ship’s fund, possibly for DVDs. Suggestion made to raise pension and lower age required to retire. MAERSK RHODE ISLAND (Maersk Line Limited), April 1— Chairman Stephen J. Argay, Secretary Army J. Leake, Educational Director William Pough, Engine Delegate George R. Moxley, Steward Delegate Craig S. Croft. Chairman reported that during shipyard period, mess areas will be locked after each meal and overnight. Educational director informed crew that schedule for upgrading courses at Paul Hall Center are in each issue of Seafarers LOG. He urged them to check expiration dates on documents needed for shipping. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding age and seatime requirements needed to receive full pension benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for outstanding food and service. Next port: Gibraltar. WALTER J. McCARTHY JR. (American Steamship Company), April 25—Chairman Michael L. Schaff, Secretary Dariusz T. Czepczynski, Educational Director John F. Bonifas. Chairman reviewed matters discussed at winter bosun’s meeting in Algonac. He also talked about importance of safety at sea and encouraged members to donate to SPAD and MDL. Educational director encouraged crew members to check Seafarers LOG for information on classes available at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Deck delegate reminded crew to keep shipping credentials up to date. CAPE INTREPID (Crowley Liner Services), May 8—Chairman Michael Brewley, Secretary Christopher B. Amigable, Educational Director Phillip L. Greenwell, Engine Delegate William E. Cassel, Steward Delegate Emilia L. Woodin. Chairman announced payoff May 11 in Jacksonville and will then head to Tacoma, Wash. Secretary asked for everyone’s assistance in keeping ship clean. Educational director urged mariners to upgrade skills at union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested new mattresses for everyone, parts for coffee machine and more information on pension plan. Vote of thanks given to steward department for delicious food, especially freshly baked goodies. CAPE KENNEDY (Keystone Shipping), May 20—Chairman Donald Byrd, Secretary Eddie W. Taylor, Educational Director Anton Popescu. Chairman advised all mariners to keep documents current and contribute to SPAD. Secretary encouraged crew to always think of safety while working aboard ship. Educational director urged members to upgrade skills at Piney Point school. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested computer be set up in steward’s office that could be used for e-mailing family and friends. Crew thanked Captain Galgano for keeping them informed and supplying daily newspapers. Next ports: Beaumont, Texas; New Orleans, La. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), May 1—Chairman Joel A. Lechel, Secretary Danny A. Brown, Educational Director Angel S. Hernandez, Deck Delegate Alvin V. Jackson, Engine Delegate Greg Alvarez, Steward Delegate Fernando L. Vega. Chairman announced payoff May 6 in Jacksonville, Fla. He led discussion about changes made to medical benefits and assured crew any questions would be addressed by boarding patrolman. He also suggested that z-cards should be renewed well before expiration date to ensure no disruption of sailing. Educational director requested full explanation of changes to benefit plan to pass on to crew. Treasurer said contributions are welcome to continue satellite TV and radio. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made regarding member control over investments of Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan. New dryer installed in crew laundry. Seafarers were asked to keep room clean and follow separation of trash policy aboard vessel. Vote of thanks given to Steward Vega and his department for great pig roast. Crew also recognized Apprentices Robert Noble and Kenneth Thompson for their hard work. Next port: San Juan, P.R. INTEGRITY (Maersk Line Limited), May 13—Chairman Domingo Leon Jr., Secretary Stephanie L. Sizemore, Educational Director Dennis R. Baker, Deck Delegate John C. Wagner, Engine Delegate Gregorio A. Blanco, Steward Delegate Rodrigo Jimenez. Bosun announced May 19 payoff in Houston following stop in Charleston, S.C. He thanked crew for an excellent trip. Secretary expressed gratitude to all hands for helping keep ship clean, especially GUDE Richard Gould for tending to living area. Educational director stressed need for keeping safe work area and eliminate tripping hazards. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to have just one standard contract for freight ships and one for tankers. Crew requested written clarification on new medical care benefits. Thanks given to steward department for excellent food, to QMED and electrician for keeping galley equipment in good working order and to bosun for maintaining decks. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Houston and Freeport, Texas; Miami, Fla. JOHN L. BOLAND (American Steamship Company), May 16— Chairman Michael J. Keogh, Secretary Earl N. Hicks, Educational Director Martin L. Hochstafl, Engine Delegate David E. Werda. Chairman reported that company safety director came aboard ship recently to talk to members. He asked that everyone be extra careful to avoid accidents. Secretary reminded crew about importance of contributing to SPAD and MDL. Educational director encouraged mariners to check expiration dates on all shipping documents. Steward department thanked fellow crew members for helping keep galley and messroom clean at night. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Port agent’s report about passports was read and discussed, and Union Plus literature was distributed. Crew members informed that water taxi service has been arranged while in Detroit at G.L. Steel. Discussion held on changes to medical plan. Next port: Toledo, Ohio. METEOR (Maersk Line Limited), May 9—Chairman Stephen Kastel, Secretary Peter J. Schmitt, Educational Director Christopher L. Earhart, Steward Delegate Claudia Mauricio. Chairman announced payoff May 10 in Los Angeles. He reminded departing mariners to leave rooms tidy for next person. Secretary thanked crew for helping keep messrooms clean. Educational director encouraged crew to take advantage of Paul Hall Center this summer whether for vacation or upgrading, and to keep shipping documents current. Treasurer stated BBQ and TVs being purchased soon. Suggestion made to request that seamen’s clubs overseas coordinate hours with ship arrivals. No beefs or disputed OT reported. PATRIOT (Maersk Line Limited), May 1—Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary Robin D. Ballard, Educational Director Phillip A. Curtis, Deck Delegate Lloyd B. La Beach Jr., Engine Delegate Sjarifudin Noor. Chairman reported no news yet on reflagging of vessel. Secretary thanked bosun and day worker for taking care of all repairs. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Educational director informed crew members that listing of courses offered at the SIU-affiliated training center in Piney Point is available in Seafarers LOG each month. New TV for lounge has been ordered and is to arrive in Hong Kong. Suggestion made to change formula by which pension benefits are established. Vote of thanks given to steward department for great food. Next port and port of payoff: Ensenada, Mexico. USNS SISLER (Maersk Line Limited), May 2—Chairman Eddie L. Thomas, Secretary Susan K. Bowman, Educational Director Timothy A. Chestnut, Deck Delegate Abdul R. Hasan, Steward Delegate Efren Matias. Chairman thanked steward department for job well done. Secretary encouraged mariners to use mail order prescription forms to send for medications. Educational director talked about upgrading at Paul Hall Center and importance of contributing to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to set up schedule for video library; bosun offered to manage it. Request made for soda machines. Next port and port of payoff: Beaumont, Texas. SIU-Crewed Sealand Express Makes Final Voyage Recertified Steward Robert Davis makes it look easy as he whips up a condiment for the upcoming meal. On Feb. 24, 2005, the Sealand Express began its last voyage as an SIU-contracted vessel. One month later, on March 25 in the port of Genoa, Italy, the ship was turned over to its new foreign crew, and the American crew members flew home. According to Recertified Steward Robert Davis, who sent these photos to the LOG, on the way to Genoa, the ship carried five Indian passengers who were to be replacement officers. They had nothing but praise for the entire galley gang and the quality of the food as well as the variety of items in the salad bar. Capt. Robert Lamb and the rest of the crew gave special thanks to each steward department member for a job well done. Left: Chief Cook Connie Tarplin prepares her delicious fish fry. The galley gang poses with Capt. Robert Lamb on a beautiful day aboard ship in the Mediterranean. From the left are Captain Lamb, Chief Cook Connie Tarplin, Recertified Steward Robert Davis and SA Dominic Dumlao. Steward Assistant Dominic Dumlao pitches in and preps for the noon meal: cheeseburgers. Seafarers LOG 19 �28631_pgs3,4,15_18,20.qxd 6/22/2005 3:35 PM Page 20 Letter 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.) Sailors’ Snug Harbor Announces Sale of Retirement Facility In an effort to keep as many seamen—retired and active—as informed as possible, F. Patrick Ausband, the executive director of The Sailors’ Snug Harbor in Sea Level, N.C., has requested that the following press release be shared with the SIU membership. The Trustees of The Sailors’ Snug Harbor have announced the sale of the retirement facility located in Sea Level, N.C., which they have owned and operated since 1976. The transaction is part of a strategy formulated in the early 1990s to better leverage the Scholarship Winners Announced Continued from page 7 ing and tutoring at the elementary school, helping a drug recovery center with a Christmas tree sale and assisting with Kids Vote Hawaii during the elections. Viernes has a passion for graphic design and graphic communications, but he will most likely pursue the field of electrical engineering which, he believes, will allow him to be involved with the testing and creation of new technologies that will benefit people and make their lives easier. To that end, he has applied to the University of Washington, University of Hawaii and San Jose State University. The 18-year-old is the son of Nora and Leopoldo Viernes Jr., an SIU member since 1987 who currently sails as an AB aboard the Horizon Trader. assets of the Trust and to provide expanded assistance to a larger number of retired seamen in their own homes and in facilities around the country. Plans for the sale have been widely discussed with the maritime public for several years. Terms of the sale insure the continued care of current residents and future seamen who wish to retire at the Sea Level facility. ... In 1990, the Trustees undertook a comprehensive study of eligible potential beneficiaries to determine why seamen were not seeking admission and what additional ways could be developed to provide help to a larger segment of aging mariners....It was determined that there were approximately 25,000 mariners eligible for admission at that time. Over two-thirds of that number were married and most were not at all interested in leaving spouses and/or families.... Of the remaining one-third, most had been married and many had children or other family members residing in the area where they had elected to retire. The information uncovered by Trustees revealed, however, that there were still a number of seamen with financial problems. After considerable study and discussion, the Trustees elected to create a pilot project to provide stipendiary assistance—money paid to service providers or vendors—on behalf of retired seamen to allow them to “age in place.” Because the Trustees are New York-based, the pilot project was restricted to the New York City area. After a year of operation, the Trustees were satisfied that the approach was a sensible and solid one.... Data revealed that the recipients were very pleased with the assistance they were receiving, providing them a higher quality of life in retirement, and all stated that the program approach was quite “user friendly.” Armed with that information and enthused that the “portability” of the program could allow them to continue helping retired seamen everywhere, the Trustees engaged a law firm in New York to petition the Surrogate’s Court to change the will to develop the Outreach Assistance program as the primary way seamen would receive help from the Trust in the future.... The Trustees expected the decline in census to accelerate when seamen had the opportunity to receive help at home. This did, in fact, happen and plans were made to sell the facility to another operator who would contract with the Trustees for the continued care of seamen in residence and for those who desired to come in the future. As these efforts initially proved unsuccessful, the Trustees formed a wholly-owned subsidiary corporation in 2001 to allow the admittance of the paying public. The number of seamen in the 120-bed facility was down to 59 by that time. After four years of operating under the subsidiary corporation, the census rose to over 100 with approximately half of the residents being non-seafarers. The integration of persons from different backgrounds into the seamen’s home proved to be smoother than anticipated and beneficial in virtually all respects. After two years of negotiations, the Trustees have sold the retirement facility to a small group of private investors.... Seamen will always be welcome and will, in fact, have the highest priority for admission. In other words, should there ever be a waiting list for admission, any seaman desiring admission will go to the top of the list. The new owners have also agreed to keep staffing patterns at the same high rate they have been, thus ensuring high quality care. Even recreational events such as the weekly happy hour have been covered in the contractual agreement. The Trustees, in turn, will continue to inspect the facility at Sea Level and assure that mariners are provided a beautiful retirement facility and excellent medical and nursing care. It is the intent and desire of the new owners of the facility to actively market for mariner residents while the Trust will continue to offer outreach assistance for those in need of help but desire to remain in their own homes.... All those interested in obtaining more information about the Mariners Outreach Assistance Program or admission to the residential facility in Sea Level, N.C. may call 1-800-257-5456 or email: www.thesailorssnugharbor.com. Former Seafarer’s ‘Modern Stories’ Offers Entertainment and Insights Capt. Kelly Sweeney, a former SIU member and current master mariner, pulls no punches in his newly released book, “From the Bridge–Authentic Modern Sea Stories.” The 188-page paperback is packed with crisp anecdotes, strong opinions and learned insights into shipboard life in the U.S. Merchant Marine. It is a compilation of monthly columns written by Sweeney for Pacific Maritime Magazine. Sweeney sailed with the SIU in the deck department from 1983-85. He credits the late SIU Vice President George McCartney with helping him solidify his seafaring career (which continues today), and recalls that SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox was one of his first shipmates. “The SIU gave me my start, and I’ll never forget it,” Sweeney stated. “When I needed a break, the SIU gave me that break and got me started. In my opinion, the SIU has only gotten better—more jobs, great school and on a forward-looking mission.” Sweeney is equally candid and not afraid to criticize in “From the Bridge.” He tackles a wide range of subjects including crew sizes, the amended STCW convention, piracy, entry training, holidays at sea, gender equality and much more. 20 Seafarers LOG The book includes photos and in a few different chapters briefly mentions the SIU and its affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education. A news release from the book’s publisher (Philips Publishing Group) captured the volume’s flavor with this line: “Captain Sweeney distills the essence of a mariner’s life for us in this compilation of stories.” “From the Bridge–Authentic Modern Sea Stories” sells for $15.95 (not including shipping) and may be ordered from Philips Publishing Group at (206) 2848285 or through their web site (www.pacmar.com). On the web site, a PDF-format Captain Sweeney’s book offers a firsthand order form is available. look into life at sea. Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. July 2005 �28631_pgs7_9,11,19,21_23.qxd 6/22/2005 4:39 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE Engine Upgrading Courses The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of this year. 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 FOWT September 19 November 11 Welding August 22 September 9 September 19 October 7 October 24 November 11 October 31 November 18 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Advanced Fire Fighting* July 18 July 29 July 4 July 8 (*must have basic fire fighting) Course Start Date Date of Completion August 8 August 12 Able Seaman July 11 August 5 August 22 August 26 August 22 September 16 September 26 September 30 October 3 October 28 October 31 November 4 November 14 December 9 November 14 November 18 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* August 22 August 26 August 1 August 5 (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) October 24 October 28 Bridge Resource Management November 14 Government Vessels Medical Care Provider Tankerman Familiarization/ November 18 Assistant Cargo (DL)* August 1 August 11 September 26 October 7 October 17 October 21 (*must have basic fire fighting) (Unlimited) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* Celestial Navigation July 18 August 11 GMDSS (Simulator) August 29 September 9 October 31 November 11 August 8 August 19 September 19 September 30 October 29 November 11 August 8 August 17 October 10 October 19 (*must have basic fire fighting) Lifeboatman/Water Survival Radar Radar Renewal (1 day): 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. August 29, October 31 Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning May 30, 2005. UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Date of Birth ______________________ 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 OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ U.S. Citizen: ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Deep Sea Member Lakes Member Inland Waters Member If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Yes No 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? Yes No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? Yes No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? Yes No Firefighting: Yes No CPR: Yes No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ July 2005 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 7/05 Seafarers LOG 21 �28631_pgs7_9,11,19,21_23.qxd 6/22/2005 4:40 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 662 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 662 (from left, front row) Robert James, Adrian Taylor, David Spaulding, David Maisonet, Christopher Doucet, Blake Pullins, David Vandecar, Mario Moralita, (second row) Terry Lane, David Anderson, Justin Jarmolowicz, Scott Jones, Troy Sullivan, Patrick Guertin, David Bennett, Mark Fitzgerald, Robert Hardesty, (back row) Renaudo Pierce, Jack Gainers, Samuel Thatcher, Romeko Fly, Roger Dillinger, Willie Lewis, Oscar Pena, Dean Bettis and Geoffrey Hull. ARPA — The three Seafarers completing the ARPA course April 22 are (in alphabetical order) Ato Aikins, Shannon Smith and Michael Worthington. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far left. Small Arms Training — Completing the small arms training course April 29 are unlicensed apprentices in Phase III of their program. They are (in alphabetical order) Fausto Aranda, Audania Bomar, Billie Munoz, Karberto Ramos, Edgar Reed, Timothy Reiman, Anthony Roca, James Ruffin, Benny Samosan, William Sanchez, Gabriel Santa and Jon Silveira. Their instructor, Robbie Springer, is at far left. Chief Cook — Working their way up the culinary ladder are graduates of the chief cooks class (in no specific order) Jaime Austria, Fatir Muhammad, Darlene Steede, Gerald Joseph and Benjamin Ines. Specially Trained OS — With Stacey Harris (not pictured) as their instructor, the following students completed the STOS course April 22. They are (in no specific order) Elliott Del Aguila, Victor Nunez, Kenneth Johnson, Louis Kramm, Audania Bomar, Craig Burmeister, Calvin Andrews Jr., Perry King, John Kelly, Steven Hurden, Steven Cedres, Norman Dize and Richard Green. Welding — Under the instruction of Buzzy Andrews (center, back row) are students who completed the welding course April 29. They are R.J. Rowland, Jordan Cuddy, Gary Ranne, Alshea Dixon, Kris Bechtel, Daniel Link, Daniel Borden and Edward Fore. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Specially Trained OS — Receiving their certificates of completion April 22 from instructor Brad Wheeler (fourth from left) are (in no specific order) Anthony Roca, Jon Silveira, Samuel Miller, Patrick Ryan, Karberto Romos, Timothy Littles, Nelson Smith, Michael Rodriguez, Adam Ramey, Billie Munoz, Nigel Williams and James Ruffin. Computer Lab Classes On April 22, Robert Austin received his certificate of achievement for completing the Computer Basics course. With him is Instructor Rick Prucha. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — April 22 was graduation day for students in the basic auxiliary plant operations class. They are (in no specific order) Tim Rieman, Robert Ott, Dean Parks, Stanley Smith, Richard Frederick, Leandro Cacho, Freddy DeCoteau, Michael Hill, Jonathan Singleton, Tim Johnson II, Brian Joyner, Brandon Granger, Ian Manthey, Ken Johnson, Garfield Persley Jr., Michael Warner and William Burdette. 22 Seafarers LOG July 2005 �28631_pgs7_9,11,19,21_23.qxd 6/22/2005 4:41 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Water Survival — Alaska Fishermen, April 22: Tracy Hanson, William Sanborn, Robert Mobert, Dennis Parsons, Garry Smock, Oliver Fronteras, Nicolas Macaraeg Jr., Richard Pelkey, Christopher Demmert, Steve Cooper and Michael Moody. Water Survival — NCL, April 29: Michael Maldonado, Rodrigo Santos, Andrew Sparks, Endra Hartanto, Jose Quinones, Karen Gillespie, Gina Forneris, Daniel Bryan, Claude Fowler Jr., Alexandra Stafford, Robert Dunlap, Tegnear Butler, James Gouveia Jr. and Shantell Thomas. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW— April 22: Jamal Sailan, Ross Waisanen, Timothy Brock, James Demouy, Christopher Edyvean and Tracy Hill. Their instructor, Tony Sevilla, is at far right. STCW — NCL, April 22: Ofeibia Laud-Darku, Kenneth McDowell, Alexander Rust, Mitch Rosen, Valerie Lucidon, Michael Maldonado, Jamaica Robert, Troy Powell, Kelly McLaughlin, Geoffrey Pitts, Jose Quinones, Sean Langenberg, Cory McGeehon, Scott Moore, Larry O’Neal, Joshua Roberson, Joseph Romero, Mary Rivera, Allen Mallari, Brandon McCowan, Anthony Miller, Chen Lem and Ered Matthew. STCW — NCL, April 22: Erin Adams, Gerard Alcantara, Christian Baca, Phillip Best, Carol Bingley, Kristen Blinkhorn, Vickie Boehmer, Eric Bolinger, Lory Bueno, Allison Carpenter, Andrew Case, Quinn Challinor, Elizabeth Chatham, Adam Clark, Jason Cole, Howard Cook, Cordi Coward-Stringfellow, Fanny Defais, Robert Delao, Louvenia Denmark, Denis Doerfler, Nicholas Dolce, Lacee Doolin and Nicholas Duncan. STCW — NCL, April 22: Robert Dunlap, Robert Duvall, Alejandro Escobedo, Richard Fisher III, Gina Forneris, Jacquelyn Fortini, Claude Fowler Jr., Tiffany George, Christopher Giffen, Karen Gillespie, James Gouveia Jr., Robert Haden, Jennifer Hall, Peter Hamilton, Carl Higgins Jr., Peter Ibanez, Victor John, Shamean Johnson, Christopher Jolly, Debra Jones, Logan Keith, Andrew Kemp, Laura Kratz, Michelle Lane and Marshall Keyes Jr. July 2005 STCW — NCL, April 22: Julio Sablan, Josue Sanchez, Ren Sanders-Mills, Tawana Santiago, Rodrigo Santos, Krishanna Scotland, D-An Smith, Hollie Smith, Karima Smith, Andrew Sparks, Alexandra Stafford, Evan Stephenson, Carolyn Stone, Guadalupe Tapia, Shaaaaaaaaantell Thomas, Jonah Townsdin, Yvonne Turner, Cody Vick, Terrance Welte, Monique West, Chinatbu Williams, Noel Wong, Kristi Woodruff and Edwardo Zuniga. STCW — NCL, April 29: Seth Alechko, Kuang An, Lucretia Anders, Mark Anglemyer Jr., Samantha Baker, Michael Barnes, Phylicia Bell, Style Bell, Eliezer Berger, Robert Bia, James Brown, Aaron Campos, Michael Canning, Kathryn Cardwell, Michael Ceraso, Betty Chambers, Cecilia Chan, Kimberly Chesnutt, Janice Clemons, Nicole Calcagno and James Cowan. Seafarers LOG 23 �28631_P2,5,12_14,24.qxd 6/27/2005 4:32 PM Page 24 Volume 67, Number 7 July 2005 A t P F D I D R S a P f t P S 1 FUNERAL OF LABOR LEADER: SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox (right) and Patrolman Andrew Linares join thousands of union members, labor and community activists and public officials at the funeral of Miguel Contreras, LCLAA Executive Board Member and Executive Secretary-Treasurer for Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. The labor leader died May 6. JEAN ANNE: The SIU-crewed car carrier Jean Anne (above) entered service in the Jones Act trades between California and the Hawaiian islands last March. It is the first pure car and truck carrier to be built in the U.S. and the first such vessel to service this particular trade. The new vessel recently was in San Diego where these photos were taken. Above left is the100-ton stern ramp, painted on the outside with pictures of cars and trucks. At right, aboard the vessel, are (from the left) Electrician Allen Jones, SIU Patrolman Andrew Linares, Bosun Daniel Davenport and Steward Samuel Sinclair. ALASKAN FRONTIER: Recertified Bosun Carlos Loureiro (above) checks out the latest copy of the Seafarers LOG during a recent stop in Wilmington, while (left) an AB attends to his work aboard the Seafarers-contracted vessel operated by Alaska Tanker Company for BP. At right are the ship’s chairman, Greg Lynch (left) and the steward delegate, Justo Reyes (right). DEFENDER: The port of Los Angeles was the final payoff for the crew of the Defender before the ship was to be reflagged. Crew members (above and at right) completed their paperwork at the meeting, which was attended by Port Agent John Cox and Patrolman Andrew Linares. The ship is being replaced with a newer SIU-crewed vessel. MARITIME DAY: A wreath was presented by the SIU at the annual Maritime Day ceremony and luncheon, hosted by the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial Commmittee. The May 22 event took place at the San Pedro AMMV memorial. Standing with the wreath are Wilmington Port Agent John Cox (left) and dispatcher Nick Rios. � 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 July 2005 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SIU JOB GROWTH CONTINUES WITH PRIDE OF AMERICA NCL NEWEST VESSEL CHRISTENED FINAL AGREEMENTS SET FOR 10 NEW TANKERS 3RD TANKER ‘FLOATED OUT’ PRIDE OF AMERICA CHRISTENED NCL AMERICA’S 2ND SHIP CONTINUES ‘HUGE SUCCESS STORY’ SIU-CREWED LAKES FLEET GROWS AS BURNS HARBOR JOINS ASC NEW RIVERBOAT IN DETROIT BRINGS ADDITIONAL UNION JOBS USNS LEWIS AND CLARK CHRISTENED IN SAN DIEGO USNS MERCY RETURNS FROM RELIEF MISSION SMU MEMBERS VOTE FOR SIU SIU VP CORGEY APPOINTED TO HOUSTON ETHICS COMMITTEE SMU MEMBERS VOTE FOR SIU IMO CONTINUES EFFORTS TO BOLSTER SECURITY PORTS TO ADD RADIATION MONITORS MANULANI CHRISTENED AT KVAERNER CHEF ROMEO DIES AT 82 MEMORIAL FUND ESTABLISHED IN MEMORY OF SAL AQUIA U.S. HEALTH INSURANCE WOES CONTINUE RETIRED STEWARD WARE PUBLISHES FIRST BOOK AFL-CIO GROUP OKAYS SWEEPING NEW POLICIES MAJOR RELIGIOUS GROUP BACKS EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT/CARD CHECK AOTOS HONOREES ANNOUNCED LABOR UNIONS FOR $400, ALEX CIVMAR NEWS: REQUEST FOR RELIEF PILOT PROGRAM NEW LAW COVERS PRESCRIPTION DRUGS A DO-IT-YOURSELF BBQ ON THE LIHUE SIU WELCOMES THE PRIDE OF AMERICA LAKES TASK FORCE HONORS 2 AROUND THE PORT OF WILMINGTON Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 07/01/2005 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. 67, No. 7 2005 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d62fa5573dbf92e423225829d7d8470f.pdf 911d98d1274632d67d9baa4d944304ab PDF Text Text 28818_p1,9,10,11,13.qxd 7/18/2005 9:47 PM Page 1 Volume 67, Number 8 The USNS Lewis and Clark (below), crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division, recently joined the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s fleet, and a second ship in the new T-AKE class is under construction. Overall, eight of the new dry cargo/ammunition ships have been ordered, with options for four additional ships. Page 3. August 2005 New MSC Ships Boost CIVMAR Job Expansion Seafarers Proudly Serve As Part of America’s ‘Fourth Arm of Defense’ SIU members continue supporting U.S. troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, transporting key materiel aboard U.S.-flag vessels. Those operations indicate America’s ongoing reliance on U.S. crews and U.S. ships to help carry out our nation’s missions around the world. Pictured above are Seafarers aboard the USNS Yano—from left to right, Taylor Clear, Karberto Ramos, Michael Proveaux, Joe Tegiacchi, Florencia Farquhar, John Cater and Al Barnett. Below right: The Seafarers-crewed USNS Red Cloud offloads combat equipment. Far left: The hospital ship USNS Mercy gets vertical replenishment. Pages 10 and 11. Column Recognizes Forgotten Heroes Of World War II Bruce L. Felknor, retired Encyclopedia Britannica executive editor and a U.S. Merchant Marine radio officer during World War II recently wrote a compelling article recalling the bravery and contributions of mariners during that era. The piece briefly mentions the SIU-crewed Robin Moor, the first U.S.-flag ship sunk during WWII. That vessel and part of the surviving crew are pictured above. Page 2. Seafarers Honored For Safety Page 4 SIU Crews Excel In ‘SafePort’ Page 7 Pride of America: Strong Start Page 20 �28818_P02,3,5,6,7,12,14.qxd 7/14/2005 8:40 PM Page 2 President’s Report Strength through the MTD One of the SIU’s most important affiliations is our membership in the Maritime Trades Department. The MTD, of which I am president, is a constitutionally mandated department of the AFL-CIO. Since its beginning, it has given workers employed in the maritime industry a real voice in helping determine the government policies that have so much impact on our livelihoods. Formed shortly before the General Strike of 1946, the MTD has provided “money, marbles and chalk” to some of the labor movement’s most Michael Sacco important organizing drives. It played a leading role in the Wall Street Strike of 1948, which ultimately led to the formation of today’s OPEIU. The MTD gave timely backing to AFSCME’s early efforts at securing state legislation allowing public employees the right to join unions. The MTD also strongly supported Cesar Chavez in his inspirational campaign to gain union recognition for Farm Workers in the 1970s. Over the past six decades, the MTD has helped promote the enactment of such historic pieces of legislation as the Cargo Preference Act of 1954, the Merchant Marine Act of 1970 and the Maritime Security Act of 1996, all of which have helped ensure the continuation of a strong U.S. maritime industry. The MTD also has joined other maritime organizations in educating the public about the importance of preserving the Jones Act, the nation’s freight cabotage law. In more recent years, during a period when an unfortunate number of U.S. industrial jobs have been lost to unfair competition from overseas, the U.S. shipbuilding and the deep-sea industries have made important progress, while the domestic Jones Act fleet has prospered. Without a doubt, the MTD and its affiliates are responsible for much of that progress. And, as a result, the nation’s armed services have enjoyed the stability and security that comes with drawing upon a pool of skilled, loyal U.S. civilian mariners, shipyard employees, longshore workers and others to enhance America’s national and economic security. The MTD’s network of 24 port maritime councils has given maritime workers a strong grass roots presence in port cities and coastal communities all across the nation and in Canada. The councils have given the Department’s 28 affiliates a means to pool their resources on a wide range of issues and projects. They include promoting a comprehensive national maritime agenda; providing affiliate support at all levels; enhancing port security; community participation including charitable activities, and much more. As we prepared for the MTD convention July 21-22 in Chicago, I looked back on our accomplishments from the previous four years and was reminded of the organization’s tremendous value and effectiveness. I’m confident that the next four years will be even more beneficial for our affiliates, and I look forward to working together to promote our industry. Enduring Freedom The terrorist attacks July 7 in London provided a very unwelcome reminder that Operation Enduring Freedom, the global war against terrorism, truly is an ongoing mission, and will remain so for the foreseeable future. This is a different kind of war, as we all know. The SIU remains fully committed to doing whatever it takes to win. On behalf of our entire union, I extend the SIU’s most sincere condolences to the victims of the recent attacks and their families. Words may not heal the physical wounds, but they reflect the genuine caring and compassion felt by millions 7around the world. Like all other terrorist acts, the ones in London were cowardly. The murderers responsible for those attacks will not succeed in making us cower. Quite the opposite is true, in fact. We will continue to rise up, across the globe, and stand united to protect all that is good in our societies. As the saying goes, freedom isn’t free. The price is worth it, however—and no terrorist is going to rob us from our liberty. Volume 67, Number 8 August 2005 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2005 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG The Merchant Marine: War’s Forgotten Heroes Editor’s note: This article was written by Bruce L. Felknor, retired Encyclopedia Britannica executive editor and a U.S. Merchant Marine radio officer during World War II. It first appeared in the May 22 edition of The Chicago Tribune and is reprinted here with the author’s permission. Even though it’s not formally celebrated until Monday, Sunday is National Maritime Day. It has become the most ignored national day, memorializing the country’s most forgotten historical event and honoring the most ignored element of its military structure, the U.S. Merchant Marine. Congress adopted the resolution creating the day on May 20, 1933, taking note of May 22, 1819, the day the steamer Savannah sailed from its home port on the first successful transoceanic voyage by steamship. President Franklin Roosevelt issued the proclamation. Every succeeding president proclaimed it, and every succeeding generation ignored it. It was easy to remember winning World War II but easy to forget the merchant marine, the logistical miracle that enabled the victory. The merchant marine story is all about lessons learned on the cruel seas, of scandalous political treatment of its sailors after the war, of long-fought battles for recognition as veterans, and of a commitment as deep, and a risk at least as high, as any soldier’s on any battlefield. But the merchant marine was invisible. It had scant public-relations apparatus and no mass grassroots support. The 13 million men and women of the Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard had professional cheerleaders in Washington and war correspondents embedded with them in the field, along with 20-odd-million voting parents. The 250,000 merchant mariners—1.9 percent as many—had only their parents. Lacking Practical Ships In the beginning, it didn’t even have practical ships. The U.S. Maritime Commission’s C2 design of 1938-39 was 459 feet long, 63 feet abeam, 25 feet of draft, 6,000 to 8,000 tons, turbo-electric and steamed along at a maximum 15.5 knots. They took time to build and, when war arrived, the luxury of time did not exist. Only 173 were launched in six years through 1945, an average of fewer than 30 a year. It quickly became evident when the U-boat blitz began that that many ships could be sunk in a matter of weeks. Moreover, engine room crews had to be trained to operate the C2’s sophisticated machinery, a sharp departure from the oilfired reciprocal steam engines of the era. The solution was to adopt the design of a virtual relic, an old British tramp steamer of the Sunderland class, being built in American shipyards for the king’s merchant marine navy. The Liberty ships Jeremiah O’Brien (top), based in San Francisco, and John W. Brown, home-ported in Baltimore, still provide visitors with a glimpse of the WWII-era U.S. Merchant Marine’s history. Simple to build, reliable, capacious, but slow. They called it the Liberty ship. Those who love it believe it won the war. Liberty ships were slow: 10 knots, maybe 11 with a following sea and following wind. But their old-fashioned engines were easy to run and maintain. Liberty hulls, built in sections and welded together, could be turned out with astonishing speed: 70 days was an average, but the record was two days. We joked that they were built by the mile and chopped off by the yard. Shipyards on all three coasts cranked them out—2,751 from September 1940 through the end of the war, the greatest number of oceangoing vessels built to a single design in all history. The basic design was flexible enough so that the hull could become a tanker, a troop ship, a hospital ship, a break-bulk freighter —even a seagoing machine shop rigged to repair damaged airplanes. As Roosevelt’s “Bridge of Ships” sending aid from the New World to the Old began to slide down the ways, vessels of the growing merchant marine fleet were rushed into convoys carrying lend-lease war cargoes to embattled Britain. These included ships of many nations, including American-owned ships under foreign flags, especially Panamanian. German subs zeroed in on the bridge, picking off Panama-registered U.S.-owned ships headed for Britain. In the spring of 1941, a U-boat in the south Atlantic stopped a U.S.-flag freighter, the Robin Moor. One item of its cargo, railroad rails on deck, was deemed contraband, and the ship was sunk with gunfire. The crew and passengers had 20 minutes to abandon ship. This stiffened the spines of foot-draggers in Congress and slightly accelerated the pace of bona fide American preparations for war. Immediately after the Pearl Harbor attack, German Adm. Karl Doenitz, commander of the submarine force, sent six U-boats to the Atlantic off the American coast, launching a campaign of terror on U.S. shipping that, in Winston Churchill’s words, “almost brought us to the disaster of an indefinite prolongation of the war.” Before Pearl Harbor, Congress, chary of violating neutrality laws, had been reluctant to arm merchant marine ships, but now the die had been cast. The navy began arming ships and training gun crews at its capacity of 100 crews a month. Merchant marine officer cadets and seaman trainees were already receiving such training, and all hands performed well and in general effectively. Early on, though, the arming was sporadic. The toll exacted by German subs and bombers underscored the urgency of the need to build ships faster than they were being sunk, however, and with the new vessels properly armed, the tide began to turn. Proper arming involved installing gun tubs for naval cannon fore and aft and pairs of them for 20-mm anti-aircraft machine guns, the middle pair on the bridge wings. All the guns had steel splinter shields. Everyone a Target But every man aboard a seagoing merchant marine ship in World War II was a target, gunner or not. No one was immune from the consequences of a hit, for a well-placed torpedo or aerial Continued on page 5 August 2005 �28818_P02,3,5,6,7,12,14.qxd 7/14/2005 9:03 PM Page 3 Progress Continues on New MSC Ships T-AKE Fleet Means Job Opportunities for CIVMARS Less than three weeks after the launch of the U.S. Military Sealift Command’s first Lewis and Clark-class vessel, the keel was laid for the second such ship, signaling more job opportunities for members of the SIU Government Services Division. The dry cargo/ammunition vessels—each with a crew of 123 CIVMARS plus about 50 military-department personnel—will be part of a fleet of combat logistics force underway replenishment ships. At least eight of the new T-AKE vessels will be built at San Diego’s National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. (NASSCO). There are options for four additional ships. The keel-laying ceremony for the USNS Sacagawea took place June 8 at the shipyard. That vessel is scheduled to launch in the spring of 2006. As reported last month, the first ship in the fleet, the USNS Lewis and Clark, was launched on May 21. According to MSC, the T-AKE ships “will directly contribute to the ability of the Navy to maintain a forward presence. The T-AKE’s primary mission will be delivering supplies to Navy ships from sources of supply like friendly ports, or from sea using specially equipped merchant ships. The TAKE will transfer cargo—ammunition, food, limited quantities of fuel, repair parts, ship store items and expendable supplies —at sea to station ships and other naval warfare forces. “In its secondary mission, the T-AKE may be required to operate in concert with a Henry J. Kaiser-class (T-AO 187) oiler as a substitute on-station ship, providing direct logistic support to ships within a single carrier strike group.” The agency further noted that the new ships are “being built to commercial specifications and standards Lewis and Clark T-AKE Ships At a Glance Length: 689 feet Beam: 106 feet Draft: 29.5 feet Main machinery: Integrated propulsion and ship service electrical system, with generation at 6.6KV by FM/MAN B&W diesel generators; one fixed pitch propeller; bow thruster. Full Load Displacement: 35,400 long tons Speed: 20 knots (23 mph) Max Dry Cargo Weight: 5,910 long tons Max Dry Cargo Volume: 783,000 square feet Max Cargo Fuel Weight: 2,350 long tons Cargo Fuel Volume: 18,000 barrels Crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division, the USNS Lewis and Clark (above, at launch earlier this year and below and at left, during construction) is the first vessel in a new class of dry cargo/ammunition ships in the MSC fleet. Construction has begun on the second vessel, scheduled for delivery in 2006. Source: U.S. Military Sealift Command and will be certified/classed by the American Bureau of Shipping, the United States Coast Guard and other regulatory bodies.” Seafarers crew a number of different types of vessels for MSC, including those in the following programs: prepositioning, special mission, Ready Reserve Force, Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, and sealift (the latter group including tankers, dry cargo and surge ships). SIU-Crewed Detroit Princess Is City’s Latest Attraction The Seafarers-crewed Detroit Princess riverboat arrived at its dock behind Detroit’s Cobo Center in early June and, following a Coast Guard insection, has already begun its lunch, dinner and late-night cruises along the Detroit River. Engine and deck department members were hired to work aboard Detroit’s newest attraction under an SIU contract. Other crew members, including waitstaff, cooks, dishwashers and experienced bartenders, belong to an SIU affiliate, the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU). “It’s a party boat (for the passengers),” said its owner, John Chamberlain, who bought the former casino boat in Texas and sailed it through the Gulf of Mexico, around Florida and up the East Coast to the Great Lakes. Each cruise will last two to three hours and will offer a differcent experience on each of its five decks. The first deck has a Motown dance nightclub. Big band music can be heard on the second deck. On deck three is an interactive murder-mystery dinner theater. And a VIP lounge with live jazz and an outdoor area that Chamberlain said is reminis- cent of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville cafes is on the fourth deck. On the fifth deck of the 224foot boat, riders may look from 52 feet above the river. Left: The Detroit Princess is docked alongside the Detroit river walk. Right: Capt. Mike Miller and OS Nicole Mills chat on the vesel’s main deck. Alex Gresock, on the fourth deck of the riverboat, is the chief engineer. Standing on the fifth deck with the Detroit skyline in the background are Capt. Mike Miller, First Mate Sandra Clark and AB Patrick Retko. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Monday, August 15, 2005 for the observance of Paul Hall’s birthday and Monday, September 5, 2005 for the observance of Labor Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. August 2005 Chief Engineer Bob Buttimer adjusts the air conditioning. OS Dale Brown stands gangway security watch on the Princess. AB Adil Hussein stands at the bow of the main deck. Seafarers LOG 3 �28818_p4,8,15_20.qxd 7/18/2005 2:58 PM Page 4 Seafarers Honored for Safe Operations SIU-Contracted Companies Recognized at Annual Awards Event Eleven SIU-contracted companies, along with their top performing vessels, recently were recognized by the U.S. maritime industry for safe ship operations. The honors, the 2005 Jones F. Devin Award and the 2005 Ship Safety Achievement Awards, were bestowed June 9 by the Chamber of Shipping of America (CSA) during its Annual Safety Awards Luncheon at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. Specifically, the awards recognize individual ships and the women and men who crew them while performing accident-free operations. The prizes also serve as incentives to promote safe ship practices aboard all Americanflagged vessels. “It’s always great to see Seafarers receive this type of well-deserved recognition, especially when it has to do with safety,” said SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. “It’s a tribute not only to the individual mariners, but also a reflection of the tremendous jobs that the instructors and staff at our affiliated training school (the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md.) do in preparing students for their careers.” Nearly 200 people representing more than 50 companies turned out for the event. The awards were given to vessels that have operated for at least two years without a mariners involved in a lost-time injury. “We have been holding these annual award ceremonies since 1954,” said Joseph Cox, CSA president “For that initial year, we honored six vessels having a total of 12 years operation with no lost-time incidents. This year, we gave awards to 726 vessels that operated (a combined) 3,956 years without a lost-time incident. This extraordinary record is directly attributable to the professionalism of our seafarers and the dedication of shore-based company personnel to safe operation.” Seafarers-contracted companies that were recipients of the 2005 Jones F. Devlin Awards and the vessels which established safety milestones (number of years in parentheses) were: „ Alaska Tanker Company, LLC—Overseas New York (4), Tonsina (4), Kenai (4) and Overseas Washington (3) „ Central Gulf Lines— Green Lake (3) „ Crescent Towing—Texas (8), Georgia (8), Ervin S. Cooper (8), Alabama (8), Mardi Gras (8), Port Allen (8), Admiral Jackson (8), Glenn Smith (8), Louisiana (7), Port Hudson (6), Terrence Smith (5), Point Clear (5) and Savannah (2) „ Horizon Lines—Horizon Discovery (2) and Horizon Spirit (2) „ Interocean American Shipping Corporation —Flickertail State (7), Cape Mohican (4), Chesapeake (4), Gopher State (4), Cape May (4), El Yunque (3), Midnight Sun (2) and North Star (2) „ Keystone Shipping Co. —Cape Vincent (9), Chelsea (8), Tallahassee Bay (6), Florida Bay (6), Columbia Bay (6) and South Carolina Bay (6). „ Marine Transport Lines —Lykes Discoverer (6), Ocean Reliance (2), Sea Reliance (2), and Sound Reliance (2) „ Maritrans Operating Company L.P.—Navigator (3), Seafarer (3) and Intrepid (3) „ „ Maersk Line, Ltd.—USNS Red Cloud (4), USNS Effective (4), Maersk Rhode Island (2), Cpl Louis J. Hauge Jr. (2), USNS Impeccable (2), USNS Soderman (2), Franklin J. Philips (2), SSG Edward A. Carter (2), and USNS Loyal (2). OSG Ship Management, Inc.—Overseas New Orleans (3), Overseas Philadelphia (3) and Overseas Marilyn (2) „ Seabulk Tankers—HMI Brenton Reef (3), Seabulk Challenge (3), Seabulk Power (2) and Seabulk America (2). The Chamber of Shipping of America represents 25 U.S.based companies that own, operate or charter oceangoing tankers, containerships, and other merchant vessels engaged in both the domestic and international trades and other entities that maintain a commercial interest in the operation of such oceangoing vessels. NCL America Spotlighted In New Union Plus Benefit Promotion Encourages Cruising ‘The Union Way’ SIU-contracted NCL America is featured in a new promotion offered through Union Plus, a non-profit organization founded by the AFL-CIO to secure a variety of high quality, discounted products and services for union members and their families. The new Union Plus Cruises program began July 1, featuring Hawaiian cruises on the U.S.flag, union-crewed deep sea cruise ships: the Seafarerscrewed Pride of Aloha and Pride of America. It also is expected to include the Pride of Hawaii when that vessel joins the NCL America fleet in 2006. “Union Plus Cruises feature a 5 percent discount off all cruises from Norwegian Cruise Line,” the organization noted in an announcement. “There may also be other special offers with savings up to 30 percent off selected The SIU-crewed Pride of Aloha is part of a new Union Plus program offering discounts to union members and their families. sailings. A special introductory offer will give union families free air fare to Hawaii from Los Angeles and San Francisco and With Seafarers on the Overseas Chicago Chief Steward Don Lewis sent in these photos of Seafarers aboard the Overseas Chicago. The Alaska Tanker Co. vessel was scheduled to meet its OPA 90-mandated retirement date at the end of June, but the company continues to bring brand new Alaska-class tankers into its Seafarers-contracted fleet. Pictured clockwise from top left are Lewis; AB Ricardo Hernandez, AB Bobby Brown and 2nd Mate James Longley; Chief Cook Craig Lundberg; SA Abdullah Nasser; and a photo, from the Seafarers LOG’s files, showing the tanker shortly after its construction in 1977. reduced air fare from over 100 gateway cities.” The introductory offer for free or reduced air fare expires Sept. 30, 2005. Interested individuals may call 1-866-867-0593 and request promotion code AIR-UP1 to take advantage of this offer, or visit www.unionplus.org/cruises. Seafarers are eligible for a number of additional benefit programs offered through Union Plus, including mortgage and real estate services, union-made checks, an online tax service, health savings, an auto-buying program, music and computer discounts and more. The Seafarers LOG periodically publishes a complete list of those programs along with contact information; the same data is available online at www.unionplus.org. NOTICE Seafarers Pension Plan Pensioners who are eligible for Medicare have been receiving reimbursement for the Medicare Premium as part of their monthly pension check. This practice has now been formally incorporated in the Plan Rules and Regulations. Accordingly, eligible pensioners will continue to receive this reimbursement. 4 Seafarers LOG August 2005 �28818_P02,3,5,6,7,12,14.qxd 7/14/2005 9:28 PM Page 5 Bill Would Restore, Protect Right to Join a Union Supporters of a labor-endorsed bill to protect employees’ rights to freedom of association contend that something is radically wrong when threats, intimidation and stall tactics regularly are used by employers to thwart the will of workers who simply want a better way of life. Yet that is precisely what is happening in our nation, notes the AFL-CIO, the national federation of trade unions (to which the SIU is affiliated). Employers routinely go to extremes to obstruct and ultimately derail workers’ rights to make free and fair decisions on joining or forming unions, the federation reports. For example, according to National Labor Relations Board data compiled and recently released by American Rights at Work, U.S. employers so far in 2005 have taken illegal and punitive measures against more than 10,000 employees seeking to support or form a union at their workplace. Although labor law prohibits such tactics, the government has been unwilling to step in and protect workers’ basic rights in the workplace. As a result, working families are paying a huge price for this interference, because unions play an essential role in our society and the rights of workers to organize them are crucial. Union representation is a vehicle to help earn a decent wage, encourage profit sharing between owners and workers, provide health care and pension benefits for families, improve health and safety in the workplace, advocate economic and social policies that support all workers, and provide workers a role in workplace decisions. Recent polls show that as many as 57 million workers would be willing to join a union, but most ITF Aids Crew believe that current laws and workplace situations are stacked against them. That is why union members and others across the country are working with Democratic and Republican members of Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. Initially offered last year in the 108th Congress, the legislation garnered support from more than 200 members of the U.S. House of Representatives and 35 senators. Because the bill was not passed, another effort to make it law started in the 109th Congress. On April 19, Senators Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) and Representatives Peter King (R-N.Y.) and George Miller (D-Calif.) reintroduced the measure for the 109th Congress. Already the number of legislators in both houses signed on to sponsor the act is approaching its 2004 level. The Employee Free Choice Act has three major provisions: „ First, it calls for certification of a union as the bargaining unit if the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) finds that a majority of employees in an appropriate unit have signed authorizations designating the union to be their representative. Basically, the act would make card-check organizing campaigns the law of the land. „ Second, it would put and end to delaying tactics to prevent negotiations for a first contract that have been used by many businesses to the detriment of workers. Instead, the measure would allow either party involved in the talks to reach out to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) after 90 days. If the FMCS cannot resolve the dispute within 30 days, it may be referred to arbitration whose results would be binding for two years. „ Third, just as the NLRB must seek a federal court injunction against unions whenever War’s Forgotten Heroes Continued from page 2 SIU International Transport Workers’ Federation Inspector Don Thornton recently helped bring the Liberian-flag vessel MV Federal Margaree under ITF contract. A few crew members from the bulk carrier are pictured above, in Cleveland, happily displaying their new contract. The SIU is an ITF affiliate. Senate Bill Introduced For WWII Mariners A long-awaited change could be on the horizon for the thousands of World War II U.S. Merchant Mariners who have not been fairly compensated for their service to the country. Under legislation unveiled recently by a politician from Nebraska, the aforementioned individuals would receive comparable treatment with other veterans. Democratic Senator Ben Nelson in June introduced a bill— the Belated Thank You to the Merchant Mariners of World War II Act of 2005, (S. 1272)—to amend title 46, United States Code, and title II of the Social Security Act. If passed by Congress and signed into law by the president, the measure would provide benefits to certain individuals who served in the United States Merchant Marine (including the Army Transport Service and the Naval Transport Service) during World War II. “Merchant mariners transported troops, ammunition, food, gas and other supplies that were necessary to win the war, in open waters aboard slow-moving cargo ships,” said Nelson during his introduction of the measure. “They were a target of enemy forces which sank more than 800 of these ships. More than 9,000 merchant mariners were lost at sea. The casualty August 2005 rate amounted to one out of every 26 … yet they have been denied fair treatment all these years because they were civilians.” The senator’s proposal—and a companion bill which carries the same title (H.R. 23) introduced earlier this year by U.S. Rep. Bob Filner (D-Calif.)—among other things would pay $1,000 per month, tax free, to merchant mariners or their widows. It would also increase their monthly Social Security check. A member of the U.S. House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Filner observed, “While it is impossible to make up for over 40 years of unpaid benefits, I propose a bill that will acknowledge the service of the veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine and offer compensation for years and years of lost benefits. The average age of (World War II) merchant marine veterans is now 81. Many have outlived their savings. A monthly benefit to compensate for the loss of nearly a lifetime of ineligibility for the GI Bill would be of comfort and would provide some measure of security for veterans of the U.S. Merchant Marine.” Approximately 10,000 Merchant Mariners and their widows who are old enough to serve in World War II are still living. bomb sent the ship to the bottom, often wrecking some or all of the lifeboats. After a few early tragedies when there was no time to swing boats out on their davits for lowering, the navy ordered all merchant marine ships to sail with boats swung out, ready for instant launching. (Life rafts were positioned to be slid over the side and boarded once in the water.) But an angry sea was a lethal enemy, boats or not. Hundreds and hundreds of men were forced by fire to leap into the sea in life jackets when lifeboats were wrecked in launching or walled off by fire. A bomb- or torpedo-ruptured fuel tank could turn a ship into a flaming pyre. Sometimes with freighters and often with tankers, a torpedo or bomb could set ship and sea afire. Oil gushing from ruptured tanks could blaze for hours. Expert swimmers, unwounded, could dive through flames, swim underwater long enough to clear the burning fuel, and hope to find a raft or scrap or maybe lifeboat. If not, drowning or sharks awaited. The odds were not good. A ruptured tanker loaded with fuel oil was bad news for the swimmer even without fire. In a cold ocean, oil congeals into a thick pad that quickly exhausts any swimmer. The foam is thick enough to make surface swimming impossible but not thick enough to keep a man afloat. Catch-22 for the seafarer. But beyond that, whatever the strength of the swimmer, without protective clothing he can live in the ocean only until hypothermia claims him, and in the North Atlantic that span is measured in minutes. Not all the deaths lurking in wait for the wartime seafarer were slow and tortured, though. A few hundred of those killed (estimates vary from 6,847 to 8,412) died quickly—the fate of anyone torpedoed or bombed on an ammunition ship or a tanker loaded with high-octane gasoline was instant obliteration. Sailors in convoys where such cataclysms occurred were unanimous: The explosion was horrendous. There was a rising cloud of dust or vapor. Nothing fell to earth. The ship and its people disappeared, vaporized. These were facts of life for the merchant marine seamen in World War II, all of them volunteers (the minimum age was only 16). These men suffered the highest mortality rate of any service, in that war, with the possible exception of the U.S. Marine Corps, dwarfing those of the Army, Navy, Army Air Force and Coast Guard. This explains why the canard that mariners hated most was that they were draft dodgers. The biggest surprise is that, for 44 years after the war, merchant marine survivors were not even war veterans, though their armed guard shipmates were vets by definition. As it began to appear that the Allies would win, the GI Bill of Rights was drafted in Congress, discussed and debated, then passed and signed into law. Almost simultaneously, a Seamen’s Bill of there is a reasonable cause to believe that the unions have violated secondary boycott publications, the legislation would call upon the NLRB to do the same if there is reasonable cause against an employer who has discharged or discriminated against workers or engaged in action that interferes with employee rights to organize or negotiate a first contract. The act also provides penalties. The AFL-CIO states that there’s little doubt in the labor community that the Employee Free Choice Act will help fix the flawed process through which workers currently form unions. This important legislation would make sure workers have a fair chance to exercise their democratic right to choose a union. If Congress passes the measure, stronger enforcements instantly would be in place to deter violations of labor law and help workers reach contracts quickly and fairly. Rights was proposed, strongly endorsed by President Roosevelt and influential members of Congress. But it was rigidly opposed by other members, swayed by the leaders of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, who had been persuaded by a series of lies and misunderstanding about the merchant marine. These were circulated most effectively by columnists Westbrook Pegler and Walter Winchell who spread the notion that many merchant seamen and their unions were communists or “pinkos.” They told tales of seamen refusing to help unload war cargoes, of sky-high bonuses for sailing into war zones. The barrage of falsehood and disinformation poisoned enough votes in Congress to kill the Seamen’s Bill of Rights despite Roosevelt’s and later President Harry Truman’s efforts to resurrect it. Military heroes—Douglas MacArthur, Jonathan Wainwright, Dwight Eisenhower, Chester Nimitz, Alexander Vandegrift and many others— praised the valor and gallantry and selfless service of the merchant marine—but all too little and too late. Until, that is, three merchant mariners who had been shipmates and fellow POWs in the Japanese prison camp on the notorious River Kwai took the government to court. Taking on the Government The Defense Department had assigned the secretary of the Air Force to oversee veterans’ group applications for recognition. He had repeatedly rejected the application of Edward Fitzgerald, Dennis Roland and Stanley Willner, though in their judgment they met all the stated qualifications. When the case came to trial in federal court in Washington in 1987, Roland had died and been replaced by Lane Kirkland, a merchant marine veteran and head of the AFL-CIO. The court found—in pungent terms—for the plaintiffs, and ordered further actions leading to legislation recognizing men with oceangoing merchant marine service in World War II as veterans. The American Legion let them in; the Veterans of Foreign Wars did not. This led to a cascade of rulings and regulations that among other things recognized merchant marine veterans organizations, granted the old mariners—43 years after the war—access to veterans’ hospitals and medical care, residence in Veterans Homes, burial in National Cemeteries, and an inexpensive symbol cherished most of all by many: a flag for their coffins and a veteran’s marker for their gravesites. The truly major benefits of the GI Bill, college tuition and Veterans Administration home loan guarantees, had long since bypassed this dwindling cohort of old men. A credible estimate is that of the 250,000, about 10,000 are left. Even the 16-year-olds of 1945 are in their late 70s now. The old salts of then, who left retirement and patriotically went back to sea, are long dead. But let’s not ignore them. Seafarers LOG 5 �28818_p2,3,5,6,7,12,14.qxd 7/18/2005 2:56 PM Page 6 Car Carrier Jean Anne Enjoys Smooth Sailing After more than five months at sea and nearly as many trips between the West Coast and the Hawaiian Islands, it’s still smooth sailing for the new SIU-contracted car carrier Jean Anne. As reported earlier in the Seafarers LOG, the 579–foot roll-on/roll platform on March 21 was christened in the port of San Diego’s National City Marine Terminal. Owned by The Pasha Group of Corte Madera, Calif., the vessel was built to serve in the Jones Act trades between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. It is operated by Interocean Ugland Management. “All of the SIU crew members seem very happy with their jobs aboard the new vessel,” said SIU Wilmington Port Agent John Cox. “As with any new vessel, not everything is perfect. But everyone has worked together really well, both from the union and the company, to get through the growing pains.” The Jean Anne has 10 decks and weighs 13,000 deadweight tons. The vessel can transport more than 3,000 American-sized vehicles plus any other rolling stock, household goods and containers. It can travel at speeds approaching 20 knots and its stern ramp is capable of handling up to 100 tons as vehicles are driven on and off. The Jean Anne makes stops in Honolulu; Kahului, Maui; Hilo; and Nawiliwili, Kauai. Left: Part of the Jean Anne crew assembles top side shortly after the vessel recently tied up in San Diego. Pictured from left are GVA Arthur Castro, GVA Marino Macadaan, Chef Cook Ronnie Newman, Bosun Thomas Johnson and QEE Allen Jones. AB Adel Irani OMU Jasper McGirt Learning Maritime Safety in Hawaii AB Tom Grove The Jean Anne docks in San Diego following a trip to the Hawaiian Islands Welcome Home, Seafarers! The Seafarers Training Center in Hawaii was the site of maritime safety training exercises last March for students and staff from the Navy Jr. ROTC (NJROTC) program at James Campbell High School in Ewa Beach. Nine students and three staff members participated in various exercises that included confined spaces Mandeelyn Sy is suited up Campbell High School NJROTC rescue, fire gear familiarization, hose and ready to go as instructor cadets don their bunker gear at the Seafarers Training Center in evolutions and water survival relays. Stuart Domingo explains Staff from the Seafarers Training each element of the personal Kalaeloa, Hawaii. Center included Amanda Curtis, Rick protective gear to the rest of the students. Perry, Stuart Domingo and Nate Itomoto. Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz also participated in the day’s events. The NJROTC staff was led by Cmdr. John Hutchinson, USN Senior Chief Naki and Chief Petty Officer Lairsey. Following the exercises, Hutchinson said, “The training was a valuable part of our cadets’ education. It was very interesting and the students were fully engaged.” Anonymous in their protective gear, the students rescue “Annie” from the downed helicopter after extinguishing a helo fire. Right: Proving that one size fits all (sort of), Campbell High School cadet Angela Diaz finishes pulling on the last of her protective gear. Burial at Sea for Brother Sanfilippo The SIU-crewed Cape Trinity (bottom left photo) recently arrived back in Houston following a nearly five-month deployment to the Middle East in support of U.S. troops. Upon their return, Seafarers received U.S. Merchant Marine Expeditionary Medals from the U.S. Maritime Administration and later enjoyed a barbecue by the vessel, which is part of the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF). Pictured above left (from left) are 3rd Mate Joey Cargal, AB Charles Hill, SA Roberto Avila, SA Loukas Frangia and AB Henry Whitt. Other crew members include Oiler Rodolfo Menchaca (above right photo). Additional Seafarers recently manning the Cape Trinity include Bosun Charles Jackson, ABs Frank Thompson, Sinclair Oubre, Stig Sasse and John Pegan, Electrician Shawn Deloach, GVAs John Robinson and Terry Bass, Oilers Christopher Eason and Jamie Pabon, Steward Daniel Taylor, Cook Anthony Harrell and Assistant Cook Andrea David. At Lat 18-24N, Long. 164-33E, a service was conducted May Salvatore Sanfilippo were scattered at sea from the fantail of Sanfilippo, 77, was born in Boston and joined the SIU in 1950 Navy. He sailed as a recertified bosun, last working in 1992 Sanfilippo made his home in San Francisco. 6 Seafarers LOG 29 as the ashes of Brother Joseph an SIU-crewed Horizon Lines ship. in Houston after serving in the U.S. aboard the Cape Catoche. Brother August 2005 �28818_p2,3,5,6,7,12,14.qxd 7/15/2005 3:23 AM Page 7 SIU Members Excel in ‘SafePort’ Safety Exercise Shows Teamwork throughout Industry Crew members aboard a pair of SIU-contracted vessels recently earned accolades for their participation in a joint U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd)/U.S. Coast Guard safety exercise. Dubbed “Operation SafePort 2005” and conducted in early June in San Francisco Bay, the maneuvers spanned three weeks and involved Seafarers aboard the Pacific Gulf Marine, Inc.-operated Keystone State and Horizon Lines’ Horizon Consumer. The Keystone State is a MarAd Ready Reserve Force Auxiliary Crane Ship (T-ACS) while the Consumer is a container ship. A third Seafarers-crewed vessel, the Matson Navigation Co.operated Lihue was also part of the safety simulations. Prior to the actual exercise, Seafarers who crewed the Keystone State took part in several preparatory on-site SafePort Facts Recognizing the concerns of port security in the United States in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) has been working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Coast Guard to mitigate risks to U.S. ports and population centers. MarAd, utilizing Auxiliary Crane Ship (T-ACS) vessels in its Ready Reserve Fleet, developed the SafePort concept. Under this project, containerships of greater that 8,000 TEU’s can have a “container of interest” offloaded from any point on the ship at a remote location. The objectives of SafePort include physically approaching, mooring alongside, and off-loading a designated container of interest from a non-self-sustaining containership away from a developed port facility and population center. sessions in which the Gem State, another of MarAd’s auxiliary crane ships manned by SIU members, was involved. Under the exercise scenario, the Keystone State was tasked with maneuvering alongside the Consumer (and on two occasions the Lihue) which was at secure anchorage in a designated area of San Francisco bay. Once in position, the Keystone State was further tasked with the safe removal of certain containers. The containers in question previously had been placed in very close proximity to a test container by a U.S. Aboard the Keystone State are Coast Guard Vessel Boarding U.S. Navy Reservist Chad Fon- Team (also known as Sea dren and AB DeIsrael Williams. Marshals). To make the scenario more realistic, Sea Marshals labeled the test container as a “suspicious” box. The simulation continued with members of the U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Strike Team boarding the Horizon vessel, using complete access on all sides of the suspect container to perform addiSIU Assistant VP West Coast Nick Celona, tional safety surveys and left, U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Paul “Goose” then discharging it to a Godsen and Pacific Gulf Marine Chief Executive Officer Todd Johnson watch por- small LASH barge where tions of the SafePort exercise from aboard it was carried away without incident. the Keystone State. Thanks to the excellent training of the Seafarers, their counterparts from the USCG and all others involved, the exercise was a complete success. All containers safely were removed from the Consumer without a hitch. The suspicious box, which remained undisturbed during the removal of containers, successfully was examined and removed by members of the strike team. “The SIU members who crewed the vessels taking part in the maneuvers performed in a truly outstanding fashion,” said SIU Assistant Vice President West Coast Nick Celona. “Their superb training came to the forefront in all of their actions…. Their overall professionalism reflects tremendous credit upon themselves and the SIU.” More than 80 observers from varied government agencies including MarAd, the U.S. Military Sealift Command, U.S. Transportation Command, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Energy and U.S. Customs and Border Protection viewed this successful exercise. Officials from Pacific Gulf Marine as well as Horizon Lines expressed pride both in the crews and the roles played respectively by the vessels they managed. “Participating in this drill allowed Horizon Lines as a primary U.S.flag containership operator to support and actively share in U.S. port security development,” said John Keenan, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Horizon Lines. “This exercise further demonstrates Horizon Lines’ unwavering commitment to securing not only our customers’ cargo, but also reaffirms our partnership with these government agencies in protecting our borders.” Pacific Gulf Marine CEO Todd B. Johnson, in a letter to SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, said in part, “This business has its share of ups and downs. It also has moments which make it all worthwhile. For me, those times are usually related to extraordinary performances of a team under pressure; such was the case during the ‘Operation Safeport’ exercise…. Our customer, the U.S. Maritime Administration, was extremely pleased with the performance of One of the Keystone State’s massive cranes lowers the “suspicious box” onto a waiting LASH barge. After the box has been safely lowered onto the barge and secured, it will be carried away from the area for disposal. those crew members who demonstrated, once again, the value of maintaining an active and welltrained workforce that serve aboard Ready Reserve Force vessels. “To all aboard the Keystone State, please extend our sincere thanks for a job s well done,” Johnson concluded. Once enough normal containers have safely been removed from around the “suspicious box” aboard the Consumer, crew members secure it and start relocation operations. The SIU crew of the Gem State, above, put their union brothers from the Keystone State through the paces during training sessions just prior to the start of Operation SafePort. Pictured, from left to right, are Chief Mate Marley, AB Don Rico, AB Jefferson Hendricks, Third Mate Kevin, AB Ritche Acuman, AB Artis Williams, AB Ray Shinpoch and AB Norman Tourtellot. Some of the participants in the SafePort exercise donned special gear for portions of the maneuvers. From left to right are AB Luis Valerio, Second Mate Garrett Winner, AB Rex Simbre, Third Mate Mike Rawlins and Third Mate Ryan Brune. The target container is lifted from aboard the Consumer during Operation SafePort. The Keystone State, right, maneuvers alongside the Consumer to begin off-loading its containers. The Gem State crew also consisted of Bosun John Young, left, and GUDE Fadhl Said. August 2005 The Horizon Consumer, left, awaits the arrival of the crane ship Keystone State, right foreground, to commence container offloading as part of the SafePort exercise. Seafarers LOG 7 �28818_p4,8,15_20.qxd 7/15/2005 1:33 AM Page 8 GRAND CANYON STATE — From the looks of this photo, the Grand Canyon State was hitting some pretty heavy seas on a recent voyage as the waves swept over the main deck and up to the crane. At 668.6 feet, the vessel is one of 10 crane ships in the Military Sealift Command’s fleet. CAPE DUCATO — Chief Steward Lonnie W. Jones Sr. (center) and his galley gang members on the Cape Ducato were highly praised by military security teams during “Operation Vigilant Mariner.” A letter of appreciation from the leading petty officer was received by the steward department that read, “The entire team appreciated your outstanding service and patience while in transit from Rota, Spain to Souda Bay, Crete. The quality and quantity of the meals made available to us will always weigh heavily around our waistlines. Thank you very much for your efforts and may you continue to serve up [great] meals. Fair winds and following seas on all of your fuure deployments. God bless.” The steward department supported 12 security personnel for a total of 30 days. From the left are GSU Leopoldo Fernandez, GSU Julian Nunez, Chief Steward Lonnie Jones Sr., Chief Cook Basil Waldron and Assistant Cook Mendez Amador. Sailing with the ITB BALTIMORE — This photo was snapped aboard the ITB Baltimore at Harbor Island in Seattle, Wash. The Seafarers pictured are AB Jeremy Thigpen, Pumpman Geoffrey James, Chief Steward Tommy “T-Man” Belvin, DEU Lauro Mangahas, Recertified Bosun Jeff Kess, ACU Elsayed Amasha and AB Sam Silas. SIU ALASKAN FRONTIER — A shipboard meeting was held May 23 aboard the Alaskan Frontier, which was at anchor in Port Angeles, Wash. while waiting to enter the shipyard in Vancouver. Above (from left) are DEU Henry Gonzalez, DEU Yehia Nasser and QMED Ron Celious. Directly below are Tacoma Patrolman Robert Duncan and Recertified Bosun Carlos Loureiro. In the bottom photo is Tacoma Port Agent Bryan Powell (standing) with QMED Sylvester Crawford Jr., Chief Cook J.D. Reyes, AB Mike Bedney, AB Rafael Concepcion, AB Manuel Espinoza and Chief Steward Greg Lynch. MARITIME DAY IN PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS — The Port Arthur International Seafarer’s Center and the Apostleship of the Sea - Diocese of Beaumont, gathered on May 20 to observe the 18th annual Maritime Memorial Service. Recognition was given to those working in the maritime industry with special attention given to the many fishermen who work in the Port Arthur and Sabine Pass area. In addition, prayers were said for the crew members and families of the Rene I, a crew boat that collided with the tanker Genmar Strength in the Port Arthur Ship Channel. The captain and three crew members of the Rene I died as a result of the collision last April. Following the service at the Seamen’s Memorial Sundial, built after the loss of the tanker Oklahoma (which was crewed by NMU members), a color guard led the participants to the sea wall, where a wreath was placed in the water by the local Sea Scout Ship. Below, Sea Scouts aboard a small motor vessel salute as the memorial wreath is tossed. Above (both photos), Fr. Sinclair Oubre addresses the crowd. Fr. Oubre is president of the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States of America as well as an active SIU member. 8 Seafarers LOG August 2005 �28818_p1,9,10,11,13.qxd 7/18/2005 2:48 PM Page 9 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea September & October 2005 Membership Meetings JUNE 16 — JULY 11, 2005 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C DECK DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs 1 0 6 1 7 17 24 0 14 8 30 11 3 1 9 17 1 26 17 1 2 8 5 7 19 24 0 9 12 12 12 2 16 5 9 4 25 9 1 0 1 2 0 13 15 1 3 2 8 5 1 1 1 3 0 11 10 1 0 5 1 6 22 19 0 7 13 22 8 3 1 4 8 1 22 25 1 4 7 3 2 12 27 0 10 14 11 11 1 13 7 9 2 21 19 0 0 1 1 1 10 8 1 1 6 4 4 2 1 1 0 0 6 7 0 0 0 0 0 12 16 0 5 5 7 2 1 1 6 11 1 17 10 2 0 10 2 9 47 64 0 18 23 59 24 5 1 19 33 0 60 36 4 6 10 9 13 35 58 1 13 22 46 26 8 14 10 18 7 50 30 2 1 1 2 1 28 32 0 8 18 32 11 2 0 1 9 3 25 29 193 181 78 168 174 54 94 412 380 205 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 5 0 2 7 20 0 2 9 9 4 1 0 2 13 2 13 10 1 1 2 1 6 8 12 0 4 2 3 12 2 3 3 8 1 15 9 1 0 0 2 1 4 7 0 1 3 4 6 0 0 1 2 0 3 5 0 0 4 1 2 8 8 0 4 8 5 3 1 1 0 3 2 12 4 0 3 5 0 3 8 16 0 5 11 4 6 0 0 3 2 0 9 11 0 2 0 0 2 2 6 0 1 3 5 6 1 0 1 0 0 4 4 0 0 1 0 0 5 6 0 2 4 2 7 0 0 2 4 0 6 4 0 0 5 1 9 21 44 0 6 15 18 8 6 1 7 19 1 17 16 1 0 2 4 9 17 39 0 3 5 11 20 7 5 6 10 7 26 17 1 2 0 2 1 10 14 0 3 5 9 6 2 2 0 6 1 5 15 Totals 99 93 40 66 86 37 43 194 189 84 1 0 1 0 7 10 12 0 2 12 19 3 2 2 1 15 1 14 19 2 0 2 2 5 1 10 0 2 2 3 14 0 3 1 3 0 8 8 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 3 0 3 5 0 0 2 1 6 11 8 0 2 6 13 3 0 0 1 9 0 8 12 0 0 0 2 3 1 12 0 2 1 4 10 1 1 0 3 0 6 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 2 1 1 3 0 0 1 0 3 7 7 0 2 1 6 1 0 1 3 6 0 7 9 1 0 4 0 21 24 37 0 7 16 35 11 4 7 1 42 2 31 38 2 0 3 5 9 5 25 0 6 7 6 19 2 4 4 6 0 14 14 2 0 0 1 0 2 8 0 0 4 6 4 0 1 1 2 2 4 5 121 66 19 82 50 11 54 281 131 42 Port Boston.....................Friday: September 9, October 7 Duluth .....................Wednesday: September 14, October 12 Guam ......................Thursday: September 22, October 20 Honolulu .................Friday: September 16, October 14 Houston ..................Monday: September 12, October 10 Jacksonville ............Thursday: September 8, October 6 Joliet .......................Thursday: September 15, October 13 Mobile ....................Wednesday: September 14, October 12 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: September 13, October 11 New York................Tuesday: September 6, October 4 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: September 7, October 5 Port Everglades.......Thursday: September 15, October 13 San Francisco .........Thursday: September 15, October 13 San Juan..................Thursday: September 8, October 6 St. Louis..................Friday: September 16, October 14 Tacoma ...................Friday: September 23, October 21 Wilmington ...............Monday: September 19, October 17 ................................. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Correction In the June issue of the Seafarers LOG, Unlicensed Apprentice Abebe Reda’s name was misspelled. The LOG regrets the error. Personals ARMANDO PERRY Please contact Armando Perry Bryant Jr. He is currently stationed in Germany and can be reached by calling 011 49 966 2702 209. Remembering Paul Hall August 20, 1914 - June 22, 1980 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 0 0 0 1 4 3 2 0 1 3 2 0 0 0 0 5 0 7 3 2 0 2 2 9 13 10 0 5 4 20 10 2 17 0 5 0 14 5 0 3 1 0 5 13 14 0 0 4 16 14 0 17 1 4 3 20 7 0 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 3 1 1 1 2 1 3 16 8 0 2 4 13 9 0 2 1 4 0 9 5 0 2 1 0 2 9 6 0 0 4 6 10 0 13 1 5 0 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 11 7 4 0 1 4 7 0 0 0 1 6 0 12 2 2 1 2 3 19 30 27 0 14 11 61 13 2 23 3 17 0 32 13 3 12 3 4 10 34 49 1 2 15 61 22 1 18 1 10 4 35 20 31 120 122 15 81 65 0 57 273 305 444 460 259 331 391 167 191 944 973 636 Totals Totals All Departments Baltimore ................Thursday: September 8, October 6 STEWARD DEPARTMENT Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Algonac ..................Friday: September 9, October 7 Norfolk ...................Thursday: September 8, October 6 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Port Piney Point .............Tuesday: September 6* ................................Monday: October 3 .................................(*change created by Labor Day holiday) *“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 2005 Seafarers LOG 9 �28818_p1,9,10,11,13.qxd 7/18/2005 9:10 PM Page 10 The MSC oiler USNS Tippecanoe co a replenishment at sea with the n powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz The Seafarers-crewed Cape Trinity recently returned to the U.S. after a deployment to the Middle East that lasted nearly five months. The Cpl. Louis Hague Jr. is part of MSC’s prepositioning fleet. The American flag flies from the hospital ship USNS Mercy, crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division. The USNS Red Cloud offloads combat equipment. SIU-crewed ships including the USNS Seay have supported U.S. troops throughout Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. 10 Seafarers LOG August 2005 �28818_p1,9,10,11,13.qxd 7/14/2005 8:23 PM Page 11 The USNS Supply conducts a refueling and vertical replenishment at sea with the guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf in the Atlantic Ocean. noe conducts the nuclearNimitz. SIU Still Delivers for U.S. Troops U.S.-Flag Sealift Boosts National, Economic Security SIU members continue supporting U.S. troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, transporting key materiel aboard U.S.-flag vessels. As this issue of the Seafarers LOG went to press in mid-July, SIU members were sailing aboard approximately 20 ships mobilized for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. While that number is far smaller than the 100-plus vessels activated during OIF’s peak in 2003, it still signifies America’s ongoing reliance on U.S. crews and U.S. ships to help carry out our nation’s missions around the world. Those missions often include providing humanitarian aid following natural disasters, recently exemplified by members of the union’s Government Services Division aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy. The Mercy spent five months assisting victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Other SIU-crewed ships earlier in the year completed shorter operations in the relief effort. It is perhaps a never-ending mystery within the industry that the U.S. Merchant Marine, while a vital part of America’s national and economic security since the country’s very beginnings, generally is lightly publicized beyond traditional maritime circles. Nevertheless, prominent American leaders past and present strongly have recognized the value of the U.S.-crewed, U.S.-flag fleet. In his National Maritime Day proclamation this year, President Bush noted, “America’s merchant mariners make our Nation more secure and our economy stronger. Throughout our history, they have promoted commerce and protected our freedom…. Merchant mariners have also served in every conflict in our Nation’s history. The U.S. Merchant Marine helps provide our Nation’s Armed Forces with crucial supplies and equipment. These brave men and women demonstrate courage, love of country, and devotion to duty….” Other officials including U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta; U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao; U.S. Treasury Secretary John Snow; Gen. Richard Myers, U.S. Air Force, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Gen. John Handy, U.S. Air Force, commander of the United States Transportation Command; and Vice Adm. David Brewer, U.S. Navy, commander of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC), have been equally vigorous in describing the U.S. Merchant Marine’s importance and reliability. SIU members today continue earning such trust and accolades by answering the call to duty any time, anywhere. For instance, during the all-out combat phase of OIF, more than 2,000 Seafarers sailed in support of our troops. Some came under enemy fire while in port in Kuwait. Together, they executed what has been described by top government and military leaders as the most efficient sealift operation in history. And they did so after willingly taking inoculations for anthrax and smallpox, as required by the Department of Defense. The efficiency of the sealift operation is notable in part because 95 percent of the war fighter’s gear moves by sea, and U.S.-flag ships are at the core of the effort. COUNTER-CLOCKWISE FROM IMMEDIATE LEFT: SIU members serving aboard the USNS Yano last month include AB Gerry Costello, QMED Taylor Clear, Bosun Michael Proveaux, Recertified Steward Florencia Farquhar, Chief Cook John Cater and Storekeeper Joe Tegiacchi. August 2005 Seafarers LOG 11 �28818_p2,3,5,6,7,12,14.qxd 7/19/2005 2:46 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 12 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report JUNE 16 — JULY 11, 2005 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 12 Seafarers LOG Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 6 8 2 5 9 1 1 3 35 1 0 2 0 2 1 0 1 37 0 0 5 0 2 2 2 2 13 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 2 10 5 4 12 0 1 3 37 1 0 4 0 1 1 0 0 7 0 1 5 0 1 2 2 3 14 3 3 1 1 4 0 1 2 15 9 38 9 14 29 4 1 11 115 3 3 7 7 12 1 0 7 40 0 9 4 19 2 0 5 0 39 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 4 12 13 5 8 15 2 2 3 60 0 4 9 1 8 1 0 1 24 0 5 5 9 0 1 1 0 21 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 7 10 10 9 12 1 1 5 55 1 9 3 0 15 0 0 2 30 0 59 0 11 0 1 2 1 20 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 8 2 0 0 6 1 0 3 20 0 1 3 0 3 1 0 0 8 0 0 4 1 4 0 0 1 10 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 2 3 1 1 2 0 0 2 11 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 5 1 4 0 0 1 11 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 3 3 3 4 1 0 0 3 17 4 2 2 0 3 0 0 0 11 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 Port 2 2 2 0 3 2 0 1 12 3 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 7 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 72 26 25 60 18 28 20 230 94 80 PIC-FROM-THE-PAST This photo was sent to the Seafarers LOG by former SIU member Harold Reinstein, 78, of Dingmans Ferry, Penn. It was taken in Port Elizabeth, South Africa circa 1953. Harold “the Duke” Reinstein is on the far left. “The other three are Lenny, Dudley and Harry,” he wrote in a note accompanying the picture. “We were aboard one of the Robin ships, probably the Lockley. I’ve been on about four Robin ships and enjoyed sailing to South Africa.” Reinstein, who joined the SIU in New York in 1951 and worked in the engine department, had previously sailed with the U.S. Navy and then aboard the SS Oliver Wolcott with the Armed Guard during World War II. He came ashore in 1955. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. August 2005 �28818_p1,9,10,13.qxd 7/14/2005 7:56 PM Page 13 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. DEEP SEA MELVIN HITE, 78, joined the Seafarers in 1990 in New York. Brother Hite first worked on the USNS Chauvenet. The steward department member attended classes at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. in 1996 and 1998. Brother Hite most recently shipped aboard U.S. Ship Management’s Quality. Born in Blackstone, Va., he now resides in Orange, N.J. ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ, 65, hails from Honduras. Brother Martinez became an SIU member in 1976. His first ship was a Hudson Waterways vessel, where he worked in the engine department. Brother Martinez was a frequent upgrader at the Piney Point school. His last trip to sea was aboard the Overseas Harriette. Brother Martinez makes his home in Houston. ALBERT MOORE, 64, began his seafaring career in 1960 in New York, initially shipping on the Arizpa. Brother Moore, who was born in Hazleton, Pa., was a member of the deck department. He upgraded his skills in 2000 and 2004 at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Before retiring, Brother Moore sailed aboard the Explorer. He calls Arizona home. W. D. RANDLE, 69, initially donned the SIU colors in 1965 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Randle is a native of Louisiana and sailed as a member of the steward department. His first ship was the Santa Maria; his last was the Horizon Spirit. Brother Randle is a resident of Hercules, Calif. JOHN SAUFFERER, 64, embarked on his seafaring career in 1961 in New Orleans after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Saufferer was born in Michigan. A member of the deck department, he first sailed on Waterman Steamship’s Madaket. Brother Saufferer’s most recent voyage was aboard the Horizon Kodiak. He resides in Crystal Springs, Miss. EFRAIN SCOTT, 71, was born in Texas. Brother Scott joined the union in 1996 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. In 2000, he attended classes at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Scott’s first ship was Dyn Marine’s Little Hales. The Texas-born mariner shipped in the steward department. Brother Scott’s last voyage August 2005 was aboard the USNS Altair. He makes his home in Virginia Beach, Va. WILLIAM STONE, 58, joined the SIU in 1969 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Stone attended the Paul Hall Center numerous times throughout his seafaring career to upgrade his skills. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, his first ship was the Andrew Jackson. Brother Stone, who was born in Quincy, Mass., now lives in Grants Pass, Ore. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Patriot. JAMES WILLEY, 65, became a Seafarer in 1969, joining in the port of Philadelphia. Brother Willey was first employed with Virginia Pilot Corporation. He shipped as a member of the steward department in both the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Willey completed his steward recertification in 2002 at the Piney Point training center. His most recent voyage was on the Overseas Joyce. Brother Willey calls Pendleton, Ore. home. VASCO WORRELL, 66, is a native of Barbados. Brother Worrell started his career with the SIU in 1968 in New York. The engine department member initially sailed aboard the Arizpa. Prior to retiring, Brother Worrell went to sea on the SeaLand Atlantic. He is a resident of Houston, Texas. INLAND RICHARD CONNOR, 57, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1996 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Connor shipped in the deck department, primarily aboard vessels operated by Crowley Liner Services. He was born in Pennsylvania, which also is where he continues to live. JOSEPH NELSON, 62, first donned the SIU colors in 1978 in Puerto Rico. Boatman Nelson was born in Wisconsin and worked as a member of the engine department. During his seafaring career, he was employed with Crowley Towing and Transportation. Boatman Nelson resides in San Juan, P.R. JOSEPH RAPPOLD, 66, joined the SIU in 1962 in the port of Norfolk, Va., which also is where he was born. Boatman Rappold initially sailed with McAllister Towing of Virginia, working in the deck department. Boatman Rappold’s last trip to sea was aboard a Northeast Towing vessel. He settled in his native state. ROBERT SINCLAIR, 63, began his seafaring career in 1994 in the port of Norfolk, Va. Born in South Carolina, Boatman Sinclair shipped in the engine department. He sailed primarily aboard McAllister Towing of Virginia vessels. Boatman Sinclair calls Hampton, Va. home. Throughout his seafaring career, Brother Roussin worked aboard vessels operated by American Steamship Company, including the Ben Calvin and the Buffalo. He upgraded his skills in 2000 at the Paul Hall Center. Born in Detroit, Mich., Brother Roussin now resides in Lorain, Ohio. MOHAMED YAHYA, 66, became a Seafarer in 1989 in the port of Algonac, Mich. Brother Yahya was born in Yemen and worked in the deck department. His first vessel was the Nicolet; his last was the Sam Laud, both operated by American Steamship Company. Brother Yahya makes his home in Dearborn, Mich. ATLANTIC FISHERMEN SALVATORE RANDAZZA JR., 63, joined the union in 1980. Boatman Randazza first sailed with the Gloucester Fishermen. He last shipped on the Debbie Rose. Boatman Randazza makes his home in Gloucester, Mass. GREAT LAKES JOHN ATKINSON, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1984 in Algonac, Mich. Brother Atkinson first shipped with Great Lakes Associates as a member of the deck department. A native of Canada, Brother Atkinson most recently sailed aboard the John Boland. He is a Port Huron, Mich. resident. RICHARD ROUSSIN, 51, began shipping with the union in 1972 in Alpena, Mich. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1940 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, voted 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. Melanie Fair after one day of picketing August 3, when the tug’s captain-owner signed an agreement with the union. The tug entered the capes at Norfolk Aug. 2 to tow the hulk of the tanker African Queen across the Atlantic to a shipyard in Antwerp, Belgium. However, while the tug was in Quebec, the captain fired its SIU Canadian District crew, hired a non-union crew in Toronto and flew it to Quebec to man the oceangoing tug. The SIU Canadian District notified the Norfolk SIU hall of the situation. When the Melanie Fair limped into Norfolk—she had engine room woes on the way—she was met with a picket launch. Round-theclock picketing of the tug in stream prevented Norfolk harbor tugs from towing the African Queen to the Canadian tug. As a result, the tug owner signed an agreement shortly after noon August 3 and sailed with the African Queen in tow before dark. This Month In SIU History 1950 The modern, 18,000-ton SS Olympic Games, first tanker to be switched to American registry since the outbreak of the Korean War, sailed out of Baltimore last week manned by a SIU crew. Prior to the switch the Olympic Games had been flying the Honduran flag under charter to the SoconyVacuum Oil Company of New York and was handled by a Greek crew. Built at the Bethlehem Steel shipyard in Baltimore in 1948 for the Olympic Oil Lines of Panama, the streamlined tanker is now being operated by the US Petroleum Carriers, an SIU-contracted company. 1960 SIU pickets were lifted from the Canadian tug 1970 The Overseas Alaska, a 62,000 deadweight-ton tanker, launched at Bethlehem Steel Corporation’s Sparrows Point shipyard, is another of the SIU’s contracted vessels. Providing more jobs for the union’s members, the ship will carry oil from Alaska to ports on both coasts of the continental U.S. It is one of the largest vessels capable of navigating the Panama Canal while fully loaded…. Of interest to SIU members will be the single, fully airconditioned rooms. Seafarers LOG 13 �28818_p2,3,5,6,7,12,14.qxd 7/15/2005 4:57 AM Page 14 Final Departures DEEP SEA FLORENTINO ARUCAN Pensioner Florentino Arucan, 94, passed away Oct. 20. Brother Arucan was born in the Philippines. He joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in the port of San Francisco. Brother Arucan worked the steward department and retired in 1973. He made his home in West Sacramento, Calif. was a native of Louisiana. Brother Edwards’ last ship was the Overseas Marilyn. He lived in New Orleans and began collecting stipends for his retirement in 2003. FREDERICK HARRIS Brother Francis Carruthers, 60, died Oct. 10. He began his seafaring career in 1968, initially sailing aboard the Dagama. Born in Oregon, Brother Carruthers was a member of the engine department. His last voyage was on a vessel operated by CSX Lines. Brother Carruthers lived in his native state. Pensioner Frederick Harris, 70, died Oct. 9. Brother Harris first donned the SIU colors in 1952 in the port of Baltimore, Md. He originally worked on the Bethore as a member of the engine department. Brother Harris, who was born in Maryland, last went to sea aboard the Gulf Trader. He resided in Houston and began receiving his pension in 1999. DONNA CLEMONS THOMAS HILBURN Pensioner Donna Clemons, 66, passed away Dec. 18. Sister Clemons began sailing with the Seafarers in 1988 from the port of Honolulu. The steward department member first worked on the USNS Kane. Sister Clemons was born in California but called Las Vegas, Nev. home. Her last ship was the Horizon Challenger. Sister Clemons started receiving her pension in 2003. Pensioner Thomas Hilburn, 77, passed away Aug. 27, 2004. Born in Alabama, Brother Hilburn began shipping with the Seafarers in 1945 in the port of Mobile. He worked mainly aboard vessels operated by Waterman Steamship Corp., including the Morning Light and the Robert E. Lee. A U.S. Army veteran, Brother Hilburn worked in the deck department. He started receiving his retirement income in 1986 and called Silverhill, Ala. home. FRANCIS CARRUTHERS WILLIAM DEAN Pensioner William Dean, 46, died Oct. 6. Brother Dean became an SIU member in 1978 in Piney Point, Md. He first shipped aboard the Portland. Brother Dean, who was born in Missouri, sailed in the deck department. He most recently worked aboard a U.S. Ship Management vessel. Brother Dean began collecting his retirement pay in 2004. He resided in Foresthill, Calif. TED DENSMORE Pensioner Ted Densmore, 73, passed away Aug. 18, 2004. Born in Alabama, Brother Densmore joined the SIU in 1957 in New York. His first voyage was on an Alcoa Steamship vessel. Brother Densmore shipped as a member of the deck department. Before retiring in 1996, he worked on the Westward Venture. He was a resident of Shalimar, Fla. LEON DZIESINSKI Pensioner Leon Dziesinski, 65, died Sept. 25. Brother Dziesinski joined the union in 1960 after serving in the U.S. Navy. His first trip was on the Mt. Whitney, where he sailed in the engine department. Brother Dziesinski was born in Detroit and made his home in Alpena, Mich. He finished his seafaring career aboard the OMI Charger. Brother Dziesinski went on pension in 2004. HENRY EDWARDS Pensioner Henry Edwards, 55, passed away Nov. 5. He started sailing with the SIU in 1973 in New York. Brother Edwards first sailed aboard Hudson Waterways’ Pecos. The steward department member 14 Seafarers LOG During his seafaring career, Brother Riley worked in both the steward and deck departments. Prior to retiring in 1989, he shipped on the Overseas Vivian. Brother Riley was born in Virginia and settled in San Francisco. MICHAEL SCARDINA Brother Michael Scardina, 57, passed away Nov. 20. Born in Louisiana, he became a Seafarer in 1988 in New Orleans. Brother Scardina first worked with Bay Tankers, sailing as a member of the engine department. Brother Scardina last shipped aboard the Maersk Texas. He lived in Tickfaw, La. JOSEPH SLATER Brother Joseph Slater, 45, died Sept. 20. He joined the SIU in 2003 in Piney Point, Md. For the duration of his career, Brother Slater sailed on the USNS Heezen in the deck department. The New York-born mariner resided in Kenosha, Wis. JOSE TOBIO Pensioner Francis Kalai, 78, died Dec. 27. He became a member of the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. Brother Kalai was born in Hawaii and worked in the steward department. He retired in 1969 and lived in California. Pensioner Jose Tobio, 71, passed away Sept. 25. Brother Tobio started his career with the Seafarers in 1976 in New York. He shipped in the deck department of both the inland and deep sea divisions. Brother Tobio’s first ship was a Crowley Towing and Transportation vessel. His last voyage was aboard the Motivator. Brother Tobio started receiving compensation for his retirement in 2002. He called Bayamon, P.R. home. MANUEL MILLAN JOSEPH TOUART Pensioner Manuel Millan, 68, passed away Feb. 16. Brother Millan started sailing with the SIU in 1995. He shipped primarily aboard the Florida. Brother Millan was born in New York and continued to reside there. Pensioner Joseph Touart, 89, died Oct. 12. He joined the ranks of the SIU in San Francisco. Brother Touart was a member of the deck department. His first voyage was on the Santa Mercedes. Before retiring in 1991, Brother Touart shipped aboard the Horizon Pacific. Brother Touart was born in Louisiana and worked in the deck department. He made his home in San Francisco. FRANCIS KALAI JOSEPH MISPAGEL Brother Joseph Mispagel, 48, died Aug. 19, 2004. He joined the SIU ranks in 1977 in Piney Point, Md. Born in Missouri, Brother Mispagel first sailed aboard an Alpine Steamship vessel. The U.S. Navy veteran was a member of the engine department. Brother Mispagel last sailed on the USNS Regulus. He made his home in Waukesha, Wis. PETER MURTAGH Brother Peter Murtagh, 38, passed away Aug. 9, 2004. He began his employment with the SIU in 1991 in Piney Point, Md. Brother Murtagh’s earliest trip to sea was aboard American Overseas Marine’s Lake. He sailed as a member of the engine department. Brother Murtagh most recently shipped on the Sea-Land Pride. Born in New York, he made his home in Port Richey, Fla. HUGH RILEY Pensioner Hugh Riley, 83, died Dec. 21. Brother Riley became an SIU member in 1957, joining in the port of Wilmington, Calif. He initially sailed aboard the Louis Emery Jr. ROBERT WILES Brother Robert Wiles, 59, passed away Nov. 30. He launched his seafaring career in 1986 in the port of Houston. Brother Wiles initially sailed in the inland division aboard a Red Circle Transport vessel. Born in Kansas, he was a member of the deck department. Brother Wiles worked primarily in the deep sea division, his last vessel being the Cape Flattery. He lived in Fairhope, Ala. INLAND DAVID CHELBERG Boatman David Chelberg, 59, died Sept. 6. He joined the union in 1998. Boatman Chelberg sailed with Crowley Towing and Transportation throughout his seafaring career. He was a resident of Hamilton, Mont. GERALD CRAIG Boatman Gerald Craig, 75, passed away Nov. 20. He commenced his SIU career in 1977 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Boatman Craig shipped in the deck department, sailing in both the deep sea and inland divisions. He was born in Massachusetts and retired from his seafaring career in 1985, last sailing aboard the Keystone State. Boatman Craig resided in Portsmouth, Va. DONALD EPP Pensioner Donald Epp, 69, died Aug. 19, 2004. After serving in the U.S. Army, Boatman Epp began sailing with the SIU in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. The steward department member was born in Pennsylvania. He last sailed aboard a Taylor Marine Towing vessel. Boatman Epp made his home in Largo, Fla. MANNING MOORE Pensioner Manning Moore, 89, passed away Oct. 18. Boatman Moore began working as a Seafarer in 1957 in the port of Baltimore. He was born in South Carolina. Throughout his SIU career, Boatman Moore sailed aboard Maritrans Operating Company vessels. He lived in Charleston, S.C. and went on pension in 1977. RICHARD WHITE Boatman Richard White, 57, died Sept. 13. He embarked on his career with the SIU in 1969, first shipping on a vessel operated by Southern Carriers Corporation. Boatman White was a member of the steward department and lived in Moon, Va. CARL WRIGHT Pensioner Carl Wright, 77, passed away Sept. 10. Boatman Wright became a Seafarer in 1944 in New York. He sailed in the engine department of both the inland and deep sea divisions. Born in Texas, Boatman Wright initially went to sea aboard the Trojan Seaman. He was last employed by G&H Towing. Boatman Wright retired in 1989 and called Santa Fe, Texas home. GREAT LAKES RICHARD DEWITTE Brother Richard Dewitte, 53, died July 13, 2004. He began his career with the union in 1995 in Detroit, Mich. Brother Dewitte worked in the deck department. The Michiganborn mariner’s first trip to sea was on the J.A.W. Iglehart. Brother Dewitte’s last ship was an OLS Transport vessel. He was a resident of Santa Fe, New Mexico. HENRY HOWARD Pensioner Henry Howard, 86, passed away Feb. 25. Brother Howard joined the SIU in 1961 in Detroit, Mich. He first sailed aboard the Mt. Evans in the steward department. Born in Virginia, Brother Howard was a U.S. Army veteran. His final ship was Erie Sand Steamship’s Consumers Power. Brother Howard began receiving his retirement compensation in 1984. He made Odessa, Fla. his home. JIMMY LERZO Pensioner Jimmy Lerzo, 78, died Dec. 16. Brother Lerzo started work- ing with the Seafarers in 1961 in Dania, Fla. He shipped mainly on vessels operated by Great Lakes Associates. A member of the engine department, Brother Lerzo was born in Kentucky and resided in Madison, W.Va. He started collecting his pension in 1991. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. HIRAM CONNOLLY Pensioner Hiram Connolly, 79, passed away April 14. Brother Connolly joined the NMU in 1947, initially sailing from the port of Mobile, Ala. The engine department member was born in Alabama. Prior to retiring in 1967, Brother Connolly shipped with Grace Line Company. LEO CZERNY Pensioner Leo Czerny, 83, died April 29. Brother Czerny became an NMU member in 1947, first sailing from Charleston, S.C. He was born in Poland and began receiving his retirement pay in 1967. DENNIS DOLAN Pensioner Dennis Dolan, 90, passed away May 8. Born in England, Brother Dolan started his seafaring career in 1954 in New York. He first shipped aboard the America as a member of the steward department. Brother Dolan’s last voyage was on the American Lancer. He retired in 1983. JOSEPH MANSUETO Pensioner Joseph Mansueto, 87, died April 2. Brother Mansueto first donned the NMU colors in 1946. He initially sailed from the port of Baltimore aboard the Antelope Hills. Brother Mansueto was born in Greenwich, Conn. and worked in the engine department. He went on pension in 1982. FERNANDO RIVERA Pensioner Fernando Rivera, 91, passed away April 20. He began his employment with the union in 1941, first shipping on the Edmund B. Alexander from the port of New York. A native of Puerto Rico, Brother Rivera was a member of the engine department. He started collecting his pension in 1966. August 2005 �28818_p4,8,15_20.qxd 7/18/2005 3:01 PM Page 15 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occassion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the uniion’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 publicatiion. 1ST LT. JACK LUMMUS (American Overseas Marine), May 26—Chairman William L. Bratton, Secretary Gregory N. Williams, Educational Director Juanito Dansalan, Deck Delegate Lorenzo Riddick, Engine Delegate Kenji Hoffman, Steward Delegate Evelyn Tayag. Chairman led discussion on upcoming MPS3 change of command and informed crew about large amount of painting to take place aboard ship. He reminded everyone to separate plastic items from regular trash. Educational director encouraged mariners to take advantage of upgrading courses available at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Treasurer stated $491 in ship’s fund. Deck delegate thanked engine and steward departments for help and support during trip. Engine delegate expressed gratitude to steward department for great cookout. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Next port: Guam. GLOBAL SENTINEL (Tyco), May 26—Chairman Joseph J. Olson, Secretary Shawn R. Fujiwara, Deck Delegate David L. Parks, Steward Delegate Robert J. Haggerty. Chairman reported ship to depart Portland, Ore. May 31. Treasurer stated $4,000 in ship’s fund. Crew would like to purchase exercise equipment for gym. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members were asked to remove all trash before ship leaves dock. Seafarers requested job description of GVA and possibility of internet access. Clarification requested on ship’s budget. HORIZON CONSUMER (Horizon Lines), May 22— New Mooring Line Aboard the USNS Pomeroy are Bosun Adrian Jones (left) and AB Rosita Livermon. Between them is an example of Livermon’s marlinspike seamanship: chafing gear on one of the vessel’s mooring lines. August 2005 Chairman Gerry A. Gianan, Secretary Terry L. Allen, Educational Director Kevin L. Cooper, Steward Delegate Thomas E. Kleine. Bosun announced payoff May 24 prior to arrival in Oakland, Calif. He informed crew that vessel would be docking a little late and advised them to check sailing board for departure time. He thanked deck department for good job and safe trip. Secretary reminded crew members to take picture IDs with them when leaving vessel in order to return to terminal. Educational director urged all mariners to read Seafarers LOG to stay current on issues that affect maritime industry. He also recommended they enhance their skills at school in Piney Point and keep documents current. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Written clarification requested regarding rest period aboard ship. Next ports: Oakland and Los Angeles, Calif; Honolulu. HORIZON PACIFIC (Horizon Lines), May 27—Chairman Theodore E. Doi, Secretary Robert P. Mosley, Educational Director Keith L. Jordan Sr., Engine Delegate Azeem A. Modak, Steward Delegate Nasser H. Ahmed. Chairman announced Coast Guard drill in Oakland, Calif. He explained benefits of contributing to SPAD. He also asked crew members to check in with customs and immigration while in port. Secretary encouraged mariners to take advantage of courses offered at Piney Point and requested they help keep ship clean. Educational director led discussion on recent health plan changes and reminded crew not to forget to keep documents up to date. Treasurer reported $220 in ship’s fund and $209 in cookout fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Bosun read President’s report from May Seafarers LOG; crew gave vote of thanks to President Sacco and his staff for all they do for the union. Everyone thanked unlicensed apprentices Adrian Taylor and David Anderson for great job during this trip and would like them to get more hands-on training. Everyone was asked to keep noise down while watchstander is resting. Requests made for water cooler and filter installed in crew lounge. Captain thanked all departments for good job on sanitary inspection. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland; Hawaii; Guam. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), May 25—Chairman Ralph W. Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Educational Director Roger M. Wasserman, Engine Delegate Thomas V. Hastings. Chairman announced May 28 payoff in Tacoma, Wash. He thanked everyone for following safety procedures and reminded them to be on board one hour before sailing time. Educational director encouraged mariners to upgrade their skills at the Paul Hall Center which, in turn, could result in a better paying jobs. He also reminded them to check document expiration dates and return movies when finished watching them. Treasurer stated $245 in movie fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made regarding medical benefits for mariners living out of country. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), May 8—Chairman Larry E. Watson, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Joseph J. Egan, Deck Delegate Robert G. Crooks, Engine Delegate Mohamed M. Abdulla, Steward Delegate Saeed B. Saeed. Bosun thanked crew for fixing up ship after dry dock period and stated emergency shipping rules were still in effect. He informed crew that reliefs might be harder to get and reminded them they need to stay aboard until properly relieved. Educational director advised Seafarers to save pay vouchers to send when applying for vacation checks. He urged crew to use extra caution while working, as time changes can cause fatigue. He also stated zcards and passports take a while to process, so plan ahead. Treasurer stated $230 in crew fund. Beef reported in deck department. No disputed OT reported. Members requested company have technician come aboard to fix TV and radio antennas as well as check wires connecting to cabins. Crew reported TV and radio reception has been poor for more than a year, but since there is not a radio operator aboard, it has not beeen fixed. They also inquired about the possibility of getting satellite TV and radio, since the price has gone down so much. Vote of thanks was given to steward department for great job on barbecue; it was thoroughly enjoyed. Next ports: Tacoma, Wash.; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. JEAN ANNE (Interocean Ugland Management), May 15—Chairman Dan Davenport, Secretary Sam Sinclair, Educational Director Tony Steferi, Deck Delegate Bill Cooley, Engine Delegate Joseph W. Thomas, Steward Delegate Ingra L. Maddox. Chairman reminded crew members of need to report to the union hall to register. He expressed gratitude to crew for job well done in shipyard and for smooth maiden voyage to Hawaii. Steward delegate gave special thanks to Chief Cook Maddox, stating she is a joy to work with. Next port: San Diego, Calif. USNS RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Ships), May 10—Chairman Dana Naze, Secretary Gerald Watkins, Educational Director Kelly L. Mayo, Deck Delegate Kyle W. Bailey, Engine Delegate Jose J. Irigoyen, Steward Delegate Thomas K. Gingerich. Chairman announced payoff May 20 upon arrival in San Francisco and stated there would be room sanitary inspections before docking. Bosun thanked crew for all the work done during the fifty-day trip. Educational director advised mariners to enhance seafaring abilities at Paul Hall Center and make sure all documents are up to date. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made regarding improving vacation and medical benefits. Bosun asked everyone to keep noise to a minimum in passageways due to dif- ferent sleeping hours for watchstanders and day workers. No sleeveless shirts or open-toed shoes allowed in mess hall during meal hours. Thanks given to steward department for excellent meals. Next ports: San Francisco, Long Beach and San Diego, Calif. BLUE RIDGE (Intrepid), June 1—Chairman Eugene Kyzar, Secretary Eugene W. Von Flotow, Educational Director Kenneth Baker, Deck Delegate Ronel D. Guerzon, Engine Delegate Romel Reyes, Steward Delegate Ambrose Gabriel Jr. Chairman reported medical benefit changes go into effect July 1. Educational director advised members to continue their education at the Seafarers-affiliated school and never stop learning. Captain to and stated steward department was doing a great job with meal preparation. He requested clarification on number of days needed for time off. Educational director reminded crew to be careful during cargo operations. “Be informed, be safe.” Treasurer reported $500 in ship’s fund, which will be used to purchase new DVD player for crew lounge. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers discussed pension plan and possible improvements in future agreements. Next ports: Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif.; Yokohama and Kobe, Japan. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), June 5—Chairman Roger J. Reinke, Secretary Franchesca D. Rose, Educational Director Dencio A. Cayan, Deck Delegate Ben A. Octavano, Burns Harbor Is Reading for Boarding Second Cook Jeff VanSlambrouck is ready to board the Burns Harbor for the first time. The SIU welcomed new shipboard jobs in June when SIUcontracted American Steamship Company added the Burns Harbor, a 1,000-foot selfunloading vessel, to its fleet. purchase laptop computer and wireless connection so crew can have access to e-mail. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members requested copies of new contract. CAPE JACOB (American Overseas Marine), June 7— Chairman Robert W. Johnson, Secretary Jane Altieri, Educational Director Richard A. Sargent, Deck Delegate Terrence X. Carmody, Engine Delegate Jesse H. Dunning, Steward Delegate Mohammed Munassar. Chairman led discussion regarding future cargo operations and safety standards. Day gangway watch to wash down one house deck per watch to remove stack soot and maintain safety and cleanliness. Secretary stated slop chest policy has changed; purchases now on charge basis. Educational director advised crew to take full advantage of upgrading and vacation opportunities at Piney Point facility. Treasurer stated $373 in ship’s fund. He reminded members they can purchase books and/or movies for ship and get reimbursed. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Due to use of word “vacation” in applications for unemployment benefits, some difficulties have arisen. For this reason, crew members would like letter sent out explaining background of vacation pay for use when applying for aforementioned benefits. Vote of thanks to steward department and Chief Steward Altieri for good food variety and fresh produce. Next port: Sasebo, Japan. CHARGER (Maersk Line Limited), June 5—Chairman Joel G. Miller, Secretary Raymond S. Garcia, Educational Director Howard H. Hendra. Chairman reported an all-around smooth trip Engine Delegate Cecilio A. Banga, Steward Delegate Alejo A. Fabia. Chairman announced arrival at Tacoma dock and suggested that crew members check expiration dates of seafaring documents. He noted that some renewals take at least several weeks to process, so allow plenty of time. Secretary informed crew of sanitary room inspection June 8 and discussed medical benefit information received from Tacoma hall. Educational director urged Seafarers to upgrade skills at union-affiliated school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Repairs needed for galley drain either by deck or engine department. Thanks given to all departments for working efficiently during trip. OVERSEAS WASHINGTON (Alaska Tanker), June 9—Chairman Timothy D. Koebel, Secretary Sean O’Malley, Educational Director Clyde Smith, Deck Delegate Jamie D. Callejas, Engine Delegate Romeo B. Ferrer, Steward Delegate Randy Proctor. Chairman discussed shipboard smoking policy and SIU dress code guidelines that need to be followed in mess hall and on deck. He spoke of room cleanliness certification sheets that are required at sign off. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew members expressed concerns over recent health benefit changes. They hope next contract negotiations provide strong wage increase to offset some of the added medical expenses. Suggestion made to reinstitute penalty meal hours in next agreement. Crew recognized steward department for excellent cuisine. Next ports: Valdez, Alaska; Cherry Point, Wash.; Martinez, Calif. Seafarers LOG 15 �28818_p4,8,15_20.qxd 7/15/2005 9:24 AM Page 16 Honoring WWII Mariners A memorial on the banks of the Delaware River for the U.S. Merchant Marine Veterans and U.S. Navy Armed Guard Veterans who served on the merchant ships and manned the guns during World War II was dedicated on June 11 near the battleship New Jersey, in the historic area of the Camden, N.J. waterfront. The memorial is pictured at left, courtesy of retired mariner Charles Mardigian, who spearheaded the three-year project. The large bronze propeller (from an old U.S. Navy ship) weighs about 11 tons and serves as the focal point. Landscaping, six flag poles, eight benches for seating and a brick promenade also are in place. An anchor chain is expected to be installed along the flag poles. ✔ DO BUY Dress Well - Dress Union HERE ARE SOME HOT SOURCES FOR STYLISH UNION MADE FASHIONS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. SEVERAL OF THESE SUPPLIERS MAY ALSO STOCK AND SELL NON-UNION PRODUCTS. MAKE SURE YOU SPECIFY UNION-MADE. Union Jean & Apparel—featuring Unionline casual wear, men’s and ladies denims, fleece, Henley t-shirts and jerseys, polo and golf shirts, and Oxford style dress shirts. Buy online: www.unionjeancompany.com, or call: 877-692-8009. Justice Clothing—Featuring B&C Fashions, Forsyth, Snap ‘N’ Wear and King Louie. Online: www.justiceclothing.com, or call 888-661-0620. No Sweat—Men’s and women’s fashion and casual wear, hats and socks and everything in between. Outerwear, tees, kids and petite sizes. Online: www.nosweatapparel.com, (includes a list of retailers in 19 states). Union House—Sells only made-in-USA and union-made products. 100% union shop specializing in customers seeking union products. Features King Louie and Unionline products. Phone 877-4627710. Street Address: 26796 Felton Ave, Wyoming, MI 55092. Cape Shoe Co.—Oxfords, 6” and 8” boots, Wellington’s and Women’s boots. Online: www.capeshoe.com. Phone: 800242-8335. Street Address: PO Box 99, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702. New Era Cap Co.—Sports caps. Online: neweracap.com. Phone: 716-685-5015. Platinum Sportswear—T-shirts, sweats, golf shirts, night shirts, tank tops and gym shorts. Online: www.Platinumsportswear.net. Phone: 800-241-9483/ 770263-9526/ Fax: 770-263-9598. e-mail: info@platinumsportswear. net. Alden of New England—Shoes. Online: www.aldenshoe.com. Phone 508-9473926. E-mail: general@aldenshoe.com. Street Address: 1 Taunton St., Middleborough, MA 02346. Weinbrenner USA—Work and uniform shoes and boots. Online: www.weinbrennerusa. com. Phone: 800-826-0002. Carhartt—Heavy duty work wear, casual and sports wear, shoes and boots for work or sport. Available at most retail stores. Online: www.carhartt.com. Phone: 800-833-3118. B&C Fashions—Men’s and women’s clothing. Online: www.bcfashions.com. Phone: 718-539-3805. Brooks Brothers—Men’s, women’s and boys’ fashions. Online: www.brooksbrothers. com. 100 Phoenix Ave, Enfield, CT. Hartmarx—Men’s and women’s fashions—formal, business and casual. Online: www.hartmarx.com. Street Address: 101 No. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606. Alperin Inc.—Fine trousers for men and boys, casual and uniforms for girls and boys. Phone: 570-457-0500. Phillips-Van Heusen Corp.—Men’s and women’s fashions. Online: www.pvh.com. Phone: 800-524-4458. Street Address: 605 W. Roy Parker Rd, Ozark, AL 36369. Protexall—Uniforms, work and casual clothing. Online: protexallinc.com. Phone: 800-334-8939. Street Address: 77 So. Henderson, Galesburg, IL 61401. X-treme Design USA—Hi visibility vests, contract producer of uniforms and outdoor gear. Online: www.xtremedesignusa.com. Phone: 218-254-5721. Street Address: 316 W. Lake St., Chisolm, MN 55719. William Fioravanti Inc.—Custom tailored men’s suits by UNITE HERE tailors. Online: www.williamfioravanti.com. Phone: 212-355-1540. e-mail: raqfior@aol.com. Street Address: 45 West 57th St., New York, NY 10019. Reed Sportswear Manufacturing— Manufactures and wholesales top quality leather coats, jackets and pants for men and women. Online: www.reedsportswear.com. Phone: 313-963-7980. Street Address: 1652 W. Fort St., Detroit, MI 48216. Gilberto Designs—Custom-made men’s suits, sport coats, trousers, formal wear and coats. Online: www.gilbertodesigns.com. Phone: 212-695-4925. Email:gilfam@gilbertodesigns.com. Street Address: 142 West 36th St., 8th Floor, New York, NY 10018. Nord-Ray Belt Manufacturing Inc.— Manufacturer and wholesaler of leather and fabric belts for uniforms. Online: www.nordraybelt.com. Phone: 201-6460700. Kings Choice Neckwear Co.—Ties, cummerbunds, ascots and suspenders. Online: www.boey.com/kc/. Phone: 212279-2170. Street Address: 460 West 34th St., New York, NY 10001. Are You Receiving All Your Important Mail? In order to help 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 or e-mail corrections to kclements@seafarers.org HOME ADDRESS FORM (Please Print) Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone No.: ________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Social Security No.: ________ / ________ / ________ Active SIU Pensioner Book No.: ________________ 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. 16 Seafarers LOG 8/05 Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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. August 2005 �28818_p4,8,15_20.qxd 7/15/2005 4:11 AM Page 17 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of this year. 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 August 22 September 16 October 3 October 28 November 14 December 9 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* August 22 August 26 (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) October 24 October 28 August 29 September 9 October 31 November 11 August 8 August 19 September 19 September 30 October 29 November 11 August 8 August 17 October 10 October 19 GMDSS (Simulator) Lifeboatman/Water Survival Radar Radar Renewal (1 day): August 29, October 31 UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ � Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ Steward Upgrading Courses Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning July 25, 2005. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion FOWT September 19 November 11 Welding August 22 September 9 October 24 November 11 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Government Vessels August 8 August 12 August 22 August 26 September 26 September 30 October 31 November 4 November 14 November 18 Medical Care Provider August 1 August 5 Tankerman Familiarization/ August 1 August 11 September 26 October 7 October 17 October 21 Assistant Cargo (DL)* (*must have basic fire fighting) Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) 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 Junior Engineer, 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 OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ August 2005 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 8/05 Seafarers LOG 17 �28818_p4,8,15_20.qxd 7/15/2005 8:06 AM Page 18 Paul Hall Center Classes AB — Graduating from the AB course May 13 Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 663 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 663 (in no specific order) John Davis, Brad Fester, Horace Robinson IV, Arthur Sanders, Jo-Vanii Sprauve, JoVanio Sprauve, Saleh Mothana, Glenard Chaney Jr., Michael Banks, Gregory Holsey Jr., Franklin Rodgers, Daryl Alvin Jr., Kimberly Kalua, John Burns, George Marshall Jr., Gabe Williamson, James Garvin, De’Aris Henry and Jorge Nuñez. Bridge Resource Management (BRM) — The eight Seafarers completing the BRM course May 13 are (in alphabetical order) Gerald Cassie, Christopher Edyvean, James Enah, Miles Janecka, Cliff Lattish, James O’Meara, Lawrence Richardson Jr. and Ovidio Santos. are (in alphabetical order) Jason Brown, John Crawford, Alfred Drake, Daniel Fields, Tess Flickinger, David Garcia, Lionel Hall, Jor-el Holmberg, Jaime Medina, Jonathan Nielsen, Matthew Nuñez, Armando Olde, Jamar Reed, Coda Russell, Yamil Sanchez, Jorge Soler, Robert Starr, Jerry Stillman, Michael Sykes, Mario Torrey, Russell Wall, Joshua Wilson and Christopher Yohe. Their instructor, Bernabe Pelingon, is at far right. Chief Cook — Working their way up the culinary lad- der are graduates of the chief cooks class (from left) Benjamin Ines, Jaime Austria, Thurman Johnson, Edward Aguigui Jr., John Dobson (instructor), Edvaldo Graver and Rocky Dupraw. Fast Rescue Boat — Graduating from this course May 6 under the instruction of Stan Beck are (in no specific order) Gary Ranne, Joao Cordeiro, Jerome Wong, George Price III, Kevin Gatling, Gerry Davis, Keith Gibney, Lawrence Richardson Jr. and Cliff Lattish. Specially Trained OS — Receiving their STOS certificates of completion May 6 from instructor Stacey Harris (standing center in back row) are (in no specific order) William Sanborn, Tracy Hanson, Stephen Cooper, Christopher Demmert, Robert Mobert, Dennis Parsons, Richard Pelkey, Simon McCamy, Michael Moody, Garry Smock, Nicholas Macaraeg and Oliver Fronteras. GMDSS — Students in the GMDSS course that ended May 6 are (in alphabetical order) Raygene Banks, Christopher Edyvean, Sean Farra, Victor Nuñez, Robert Ott and Steve Randle. Their instructor, Brad Wheeler, stands second from right. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — Barbers Point: Suzanne Arechavala, Susan McConnell, Sara Woitte, Robert Horn, Rachelle Holmes, Merrideth Edwards, Matt McDowell, Larry Zeno, Larry Jointer, Kjell Wiberg, Karen Winkelmann, Karen Waber, Josephine Simbahan, Jordan Tolley, Joanne Schmeichel, Jermaine Amado, Jason Kehn, Jamie Findlay, Jamal Bomani, Glennda Robinson, Ernesto Gonzaga, Elizabeth Sims, Aubree Bedell, Anthony Andreozzi, Audrey Wolford and Alberto Fredeluces. 18 Seafarers LOG STCW — Barbers Point: Barry du Moulin, Anthony Rodriguez, Renato Mabalot, Carl Ewing, Sharon Nealey, William Malovich, Oscar Felix, Rosita Gajeton, Aron Kane, Jeff Gunther, Jeff Clark, Chasadie Lorenz, Donna Malic, Isabel Quijada, Clinton Jacob, Delloresa Rosario, Cheryl White, Michael Wycoff, Dawn Burgess, Benjamin Scott, Amanda Zamora, Denise Kanyer and Lorena FloresReyes. STCW — NCL, May 6: Jennifer Baker, Beverly Birch, Jason Bresky, Christina Calkins, Jessica Cisneros, Richard Clesen, Katrina Conroe, Tara Corrigan, Miguel Cruz, Emily Cummings, Maary D’Onofrio, Craig Darr, Angela Davis, Nanette Davis, Yolanda Davis, Amanda Delgado, David Dixon, Daphne Domalis, David Dooley, Margaret Estes, Kimberly Fritz and Nathan Fuelling. August 2005 �28818_p4,8,15_20.qxd 7/15/2005 8:10 AM Page 19 Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — NCL, May 13: Sherry Ferguson, Christopher Clifford, Mary Constantine, Christine Gilbert, Rory Bishop, Larry Boyce, Deirdre Contreras, Andrew Busen, Joel Calderon, Andrea Burnette, Jeremy Banker, Lindsey Crow, Dustin Donovan, Jeannetta Fisher, Alvis Cook, Thomas De la Fuente, Clark Fran, Abraham Fitch, Brian Daggett, Julie Ferguson, Jackie Caldwell and Todd Ashby. STCW — NCL, May 6: David Garello, Agnes-Carolyn Gold, Korey Green, Marc Gustine, Humberto Gutierrez, Christina Hall, Lana Handshoe, Sarah Harnden, Ryan Harris, Vicente Hernandez, Kevin King, Vada King, Michael Landry, Christina Lindeman, Kim Linneman, Ronda Luebs, Eric Luymes, Eric Lydick, David Marks, Sara McFarland, Rachel Gillespie and Roberto Medina. STCW — NCL, May 13: Heather Moore, Casey Nye, Amy Meyers, Vaughn Hayes Jr., Hector Gonzalez, Joe Huggins, John Maddox, William Hurt, Carol Goodwin, Eric Larsen, William Meyers, Samantha Mantz, Alysia Kowalczyk, Daniel Hirsch, DeAnn Herrera, Marcel Hubbard, Taconna Jackson, Luis James, Calvin Howard, Clint Martin, George King and Raul Munoz. STCW — NCL, April 29: Jeffrey Kalm, David Kuchera Jr., Metissa Kuykendall, Justin LeBlanc, Nina Long, Bryan Lopez, Paul Lubash, Joseph Maghe, Abbey Manders, John Martinez, Cherie May, Aaron McBride, Courtney McEachron, William Meng, Charla Miller, Justin Molliconi, Jason Moore, Maria Morales, Steven Newman and Thinh Nguyen. STCW — NCL, April 29: Carmelida Davis, Jarrod Davis, Shellea Davis, Marc Davison, Dustin DeVillers, Susan Dickson, Rolando Dinong, Christopher Doncsecz, Catherine Doucette, Fith Fithian, Natasha Freeman, Jessica Garcia, George Gholston, Robert Gillespie, Martha Gonzales, Ian Gray, Darlene Grootonk, Casey Hines, Kenneth Jackey, Dwayne Johnson, Eric Johnston, Michael Julien, David Graham and Andrea Jordan. STCW — NCL, May 13: STCW — NCL, May 13: Jessica Miller, Angie Sandoval, Richard Nixdorf Jr., Blaze Mustachia, Alejandro Rincon, Frederick Twerdoff, Heidi Maxon, Renee Salas, Melissa Martin, Taylor Scoby, LaSheana McCrary, Britney McCue, Cynthia Simmons, Bret Robinson, Shamus Tripp, Timothy Sneed, Mike Masich, Abelardo Santos Jr., Ray Robinson Jr., Rickey Walker, Acesa Roberts, Joanne Lattenhaver and Janeen Rigattieri. STCW— NCL, April 29: William Sharp, Rusty Shuff, Aimee Smith, Dennis Smith, Roberta Smith, Sara Sobery, Shane Soderlund, Kathleen Soliai, Lauren Steele, Alfonza Swift, Jessica Teahon, Margaret Tell, Vanessa Voigt, Amber Ward, Chad Warmenhoven, Daniel White, Shaundrell Whitehurst, Joshua Whiteneck, Alexander Williams and Shawn Wilson. August 2005 STCW Terrance Lackings, Joy Farley, Donald Daniel, Vincent Kyser, Chani Gabe, Beverly Ellis, Michael Kaaihili, Gael Duckworth, Jeremy Ebbs, Joshua Dawson, Elden Harris, Jennifer Hill, Lindsay Jones, Prisila Cruz, Amy Elliott, Mitchell Freeman, Brandi Freilach, David Garza, Michael Laundry, Ashley Gorham, Cody Keene and Star Dinwiddie. — NCL, May 6: Enrique Navarrete, Jeremy Rush, Michael Ryan, Nikolas Sanchez, Sarah Saunders, Vincent Scarna, Mark Shatrau, Kimberlee Sitton, Eric Smith, Emily Stengel, Ethelene Stubbs, Martin Toledo Jr., Melanie Walker, Rebecca Warren, Christel Watson, Stanley Wiegand, Dawn Wilcox, Shelsea Williams, Cozell Wilson, Sheree Wormley and Fernando Zanetta. STCW — NCL, May 6: Maxwell Miscles, Aron Montross, Noah Murphy, Jeremy O’Keefe, Todd Oberndorfer, Gregory Parker, Max Pattyranie, Robert Paulson, Sumeet Pawar, Michael Perry, Roberto Portacio, Christian Ramirez, Colin Richmond, Christell Robb, Elbert Rows, Debra Roy and Kim Ruffo. Seafarers LOG 19 �28818_p4,8,15_20.qxd 7/15/2005 8:49 AM Page 20 Volume 67, Number 8 August 2005 S S J Training Program at Piney Point Helps Spur Positive Beginning U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, pictured at the June 17 ceremony with SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, served as the ship’s godmother. Recertified Bosun Dan Marcus (left), AB Michael Wiley The SIU-crewed Pride of America signifies new job opportunities for Seafarers. T Catherine Clark helps ready the ship for its departure from New York. S he SIU-crewed cruise ship Pride of America followed its June 17 christening with a smooth, well-received promotional tour that included stops along the U.S. mainland. The vessel this month is scheduled to begin its main itinerary, consisting of sevenday trips among the Hawaiian Islands. Both the ship and crew have received favorable reviews in the press, particularly in publications and web sites devoted to the cruise industry. Many such reviews have noted the readily apparent benefits of the three-week training program completed by students at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. before they reported to the Pride of America. Additionally, the newest vessel in NCL America’s fleet gained widespread publicity when, following the christening, the popular television talk show “Live with Regis and Kelly” aired a week’s worth of programs from the ship. The show reportedly draws about 5 million viewers per day. During the christening, which took place in New York, SIU President Michael Sacco noted, “NCL America is a huge success story. Working in partnership with the shipboard employees and their unions, NCL America has led the rebirth of the deep sea U.S.-flag cruise ship industry…. I’m proud that we are crewing the Pride of America with the best-trained and safest professionals in the world.” AB Michael Wiley said that he and the other mariners welcomed the challenge of crewing up the new vessel and helping ensure its good start. “Everyone really has gotten into the spirit of things,” Wiley observed. “It’s a lot of work, but the attitudes have been great. You can tell everyone wants to see it succeed.” The Pride of America is 921 feet long, with 15 decks and a passenger capacity of more than 2,100. It is the second ship in NCL America’s SIU-contracted fleet. The first, the Pride of Aloha, began sailing a year ago, while the next ship—the Pride of Hawaii—is scheduled for launch in 2006. Right: 1st Mate (and former SIU member) Mingta Yuen Left: The christening ceremony featured U.S.themed entertainment. 1st Cook Daniel Adams Cook Deann Herrera OS Archie Sims Left: Cook Hector Gonzalez Crew members had plenty of assignments in helping prepare the Pride of America for its initial voyages. Cook Eric Smith � 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 August 2005 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES THE MERCHANT MARINE: WAR’S FORGOTTEN HEROES PROGRESS CONTINUES ON NEW MSC SHIPS T-AKE FLEET MEANS JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR CIVMARS SIU-CREWED DETROIT PRINCESS IS CITY’S LATEST ATTRACTION SEAFARERS HONORED FOR SAFE OPERATIONS NCL AMERICA SPOTLIGHTED IN NEW UNION PLUS BENEFIT BILL WOULD RESTORE, PROTECT RIGHT TO JOIN A UNION SENATE BILL INTRODUCED FOR WWII MARINERS CAR CARRIER JEAN ANNE ENJOYS SMOOTH SAILING SIU MEMBERS EXCEL IN ‘SAFEPORT’ SIU STILL DELIVERS FOR U.S. TROOPS U.S.-FLAG SEALIFT BOOSTS NATIONAL, ECONOMIC SECURITY STRONG START FOR PRIDE OF AMERICA Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 08/01/2005 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. 67, No. 8 2005 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/70d2005be9935217080dcbb51cbde267.pdf 96064effe025581c0f134df30846375a PDF Text Text 29230_P01,2,6.qxd 8/26/2005 9:44 AM Page 1 Volume 67, Number 9 September 2005 MarAd Contracts Awarded SIU Members Will Sail Aboard Ready Reserve Force Ships The U.S. Maritime Administration recently announced the award of operating contracts for the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF)—a development that helps ensure the job security of Seafarers for years to come. Seafarers-contracted companies will operate all 54 ships in the RRF fleet, including the Cape Vincent, pictured above at anchor in the harbor off Souda Bay, Crete, Greece. The decks of the ship are loaded with heavy military equipment to supply troops mobilizing in support of the continuing war on terrorism. Page 3. Maritime Progress Spotlighted by MTD CIVMARS Save Lives in Separate Incidents Members of the union’s Government Services Division recently participated in separate rescues at sea. Above, a rescue boat from the Seafarerscrewed Military Sealift Command combat stores ship USNS San Jose retrieves a Pakistani fisherman stranded off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. Seafarers from the Oscar Sette later were involved in a rescue in Hawaii. Pages 4, 5. Convention also Highlights Need for Labor Solidarity Guest speakers at the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO 2005 quadrennial convention July 21-22 in Chicago offered passionate words of support for U.S. maritime labor and also stressed the importance of solidarity throughout the union movement. Pictured at right (from left) are MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka and MTD Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex. Some of the delegates and guests are pictured above. Pages 3, 11-14. Federation Vows To Persevere Page 2 Ships Activated Due to Hurricanes Page 4 Recertified Stewards Share Many Insights Page 7 2 �29230_P01,2,6.qxd 8/26/2005 9:46 AM Page 2 Sweeney: Federation Will Persevere President’s Report United We Stand John Sweeney said it best. When it comes to division within the labor movement, only our enemies are rejoicing. Sweeney, the president of the AFL-CIO, made that comment just before three major unions left the federation in late July. The departures of the Service Employees, Teamsters and United Food and Commercial Workers coincided with the AFL-CIO convention in Chicago. In the wake of their leaving, media types Michael Sacco across the country—many of whom don’t understand or could care less what unions do—offered lots of talk about what it all means for the AFL-CIO, for rank-and-file union members and for working families in general. Some said there may be a silver lining, in that the division could spur changes in the approach to organizing campaigns that lead to growth in union membership. Others said it might signal the beginning of the end of the union movement in the United States. Still others took a more cautious view, acknowledging that no one knows for sure what it’ll mean in the long run. For the time being, I think it’s clearly a step in the wrong direction. Solidarity is such a fundamental concept in the labor movement, I’m skeptical that anyone honestly views disaffiliations as a positive step for any union or for any worker. But I’m equally confident that this won’t be a fatal blow to our movement. Unions have come and gone throughout America’s history. The American Federation of Labor can trace its roots to the 1880s. In fact, as many of you know, the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations weren’t even in the same federation for about 20 years, from the mid1930s until 1955. The CIO started out as a splinter group from the AFL. Eventually, the officials and members of that day relearned the old lessons of solidarity, and the AFL-CIO was formed. I don’t know how long it will take this time, but there’s no reason why we cannot reunite somewhere along the line. After all, the working people in the grocery stores, or moving cargo on trucks, or cleaning the floors are still union members—like us, fighting for better conditions for all. In the SIU, we know all about the benefits of unity and the drawbacks of standing apart. We learned a hard lesson for 40some years fighting the old NMU. Employers enjoyed pitting us against each other. All of that changed when the NMU merged into the SIU four years ago. I don’t know anyone who could say with a straight face that we’re not stronger today than we were before merger. It’s really very simple: In unity, there is strength. I remain on record as fully supporting John Sweeney along with AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Rich Trumka and AFL-CIO Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson. I believe they have done outstanding jobs under extremely challenging circumstances. They are friends to our union and, more importantly, they are hard-working, effective people of integrity. Along those lines, I deeply feel that our union is stronger as an affiliate of the AFL-CIO. The AFL-CIO is the greatest friend of America’s working families. I’m proud that the SIU is part of such an organization. In fact, among all the words written and said about organized labor during the AFL-CIO convention, I was pleased to see a decent amount of acknowledgment of just how much unions have done for American workers. Like the ad says, the labor movement brought workers the weekend. We’re also the folks who brought pensions, overtime, vacations, health insurance, safe work rules and many, many other benefits to the people who form the backbone of the United States: the rank-and-file workers. The things that have always been good and important about unions remain good and important today. We absolutely have an ongoing vital role to play in today’s society, and we will continue to meet that obligation, no matter what obstacles lay ahead. Regardless of the actions of any other union, we in the SIU will survive and move forward. Volume 67, Number 9 September 2005 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2005 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG AFL-CIO President John Sweeney—despite the July defections of three major unions and resulting loss of more than 3 million members—has vowed to hold the federation together and continue to guide its crusade for the future of America’s working families. The ditching of the federation by the International Brotherhood of the Teamsters, Service Employees International Union and United Food and Commercial Workers coincided with the labor organization’s convention in Chicago July 25-28. During that conference, which marked the 50th anniversary of the federation’s formation, Sweeney and members of his team (Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka and Executive Vice President Linda Chavez-Thompson) were reelected as the AFL-CIO’s top leaders. They initially were elected to their respective offices in 1995. Sweeney learned that the defectors formally had quit the federation just prior to the delivery of his keynote address to the convention delegates. He pulled few punches on how he viewed the actions of the rebel unions. He also left little doubt about how he viewed the federation’s future. In part, the AFLCIO president said, “One of my greatest responsibilities as your president is to be honest with you when things go wrong, and this morning is one of those times. Despite the best efforts of a lot of good people, several of our largest unions have decided not to join us at this historic convention—this crucial convention. I am deeply disappointed my own union is among them. “One of the film clips you saw in the preamble presentation was from the 1936 strike that launched my union—SEIU Local 32BJ in New York City. Those men and women literally had to kick their way into the AFL—the federation didn’t want them because they were only lowly janitors and elevator operators. They got a charter, but the AFL revoked it after their first organizing campaign failed. But with the help of the typographers and the garment workers and dozens of other unions, they won a huge strike for recognition. Within 10 years they had 40,000 members and they became the flagship of SEIU—a sturdy financial and spiritual base for the leaders who followed. “After that history of struggle to get into the AFL, pulling out of our convention dishonors the founders and the members of my union.” Sweeney described the fractures as “a tragedy for working people. Because at a time when our corporate and conservative adversaries have created the most powerful anti-worker political machine in the history of our country, a divided movement hurts the hopes of working families for a better life. “And that makes me very angry. The labor movement belongs to all of us—every worker—and our future should not be dictated by the demands of any group or the ambitions of any individual. “But it is also my responsibility to hold our movement together, because our power is vested in our solidarity. So I want you to know I will overcome my own anger and disappointment and do everything in my power to bring us back where we belong—and that’s together…” Two weeks after the convention, during an appearance before the delegates and guests of the 67th Convention of the AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department in Boston, Sweeney stated, “We don’t have time to wring our hands in anguish over the internal difficulties we’re facing because the external challenges we’re confronting grow more urgent every day. So when it comes to the unions that have disaffiliated, let me paraphrase an old labor challenge. Let’s pause and say a prayer for the dead, but let’s get back up and put on the armor of solidarity and keep fighting like hell for the living.” Sweeney and members of his team developed a plan to improve the ability of the union movement at all levels to organize and mobilize its members for political action. The team’s plan, adopted by AFLCIO convention delegates, calls for major structural changes in the federation to better enable the union movement to fight back against 30 years of corporate assault, abetted by lawmakers who frequently do the bidding of big business and compounded by massive global economic changes. It also provides extensive new resources for organizing and creates a yearround political mobilization. Delegates approved raising the per capita tax for each national and international union and organizing committee to 65 cents per member per month, up from 53 cents. They supported convention action on Resolution 61, which establishes a special fund to provide emergency support to state and central labor bodies, to combat raids by disaffiliating unions and to assist trade and industrial departments. Report: 77 Million Americans Struggle with Medical Bills The high cost of health care and inadequate health insurance coverage are undermining the financial security of millions of Americans, says a new study by The Commonwealth Fund. According to a report from that organization, nearly two of five adults ages 19 and older in the U.S.—an estimated 77 million people—struggle with medical bills and have recent or accrued medical debt, or both. Sixty-three percent of those reporting medical bill problems or medical debt went without needed care due to cost, compared with 19 percent of adults without medical bills or debt. The study further revealed that even those who have health insurance are not immune: three of five (62 percent) working-age adults were insured at the time their medical bill or debt problem occurred. The study, Seeing Red: Americans Driven into Debt by Medical Bills, by Commonwealth Fund staff members Michelle M. Doty, Jennifer N. Edwards, and Alyssa L. Holmgren, is a new analysis of data from the organization’s Biennial Health Insurance Survey. It sheds light on the health care experiences of both insured and uninsured adults. “We are beginning to see in the United States that, for some, it’s becoming harder and harder to distinguish the insured from the uninsured,” Doty said last month during an interview. She added that the trend toward highdeductible health plans may mean more people who have insurance will face increased medical debts. Companies throughout the country over the past two years have been using plans that require employees to pay higher deductibles and more out-of pocket costs to help combat rising health premiums. These costs may surge by 11 percent next year, a survey by PriceWaterhouseCoopers said. Doty added that the year “2003 was just the beginning of the trend of high-deductible plans. We suspect it will be worse in our next survey.” Insured adults with less comprehensive coverage are more likely to face medical bill or debt problems than those with more comprehensive coverage, according to the report. Nearly half (48 percent) of insured working-age adults whose insurance does not include prescription drug coverage reported medical bill or debt problems, compared to one-third with prescription drug coverage. Nearly two-thirds of working-age adults who reached the limit of what their insurance plan would pay for a specific treatment or ill- ness experienced medical bill problems, medical debt, or both, compared to 30 percent of those who did not reach their insurance limit. “The trend toward higher deductibles in employer plans may have gone too far,” said Commonwealth Fund President Karen Davis. “Greater care should be taken to ensure that health care is affordable for lower-wage workers if all Americans are to get the care they need and preserve savings they will need in retirement.” “We should be concerned not only about growing numbers of uninsured Americans, but the underinsured—those who are insured but still lack financial and health security,” said Doty, senior analyst at the Fund and lead author of the report. “Facing unmanageable medical bills and debt, and forgoing medical care because of cost defeats the purpose of health care coverage.” Other findings of the study include: Americans over 65 are better protected against medical bill problems than working-age adults. A wide majority—71 out of the 77 million reporting medical bill problems or debt problems—are ages 19 to 64. Two of five (41 percent) adults ages 19 to 64 report medical bill and/or debt problems, compared Continued on page 6 September 2005 �29230_P3,4,5,15,16.qxd 8/25/2005 9:31 AM Page 3 SIU to Sail Aboard 54 RRF Ships In an announcement that helps ensure job security for SIU members for years to come, the U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) in late July announced the award of operating contracts for the U.S. Ready Reserve Force (RRF). Seafarers-contracted companies will operate all 54 ships in the RRF fleet. On 43 of those vessels, SIU members (including members of the old NMU) will fill all of the unlicensed positions. On the other 11 ships, SIU members exclusively will sail in the steward department. “The MarAd announcement says a lot about the reliability of both SIU members along with the union’s contracted operators,” stated SIU President Michael Sacco. “The new contracts are a great opportunity for Seafarers, and I know that the RRF crews will continue doing an excellent job as part of our nation’s fourth arm of defense.” MarAd announced that most of the new ship management contracts “are built on a four-year base period and include two three-year extension options that will be based on the company’s performance.” The contract awards for the military support ships are as follows: Crowley Liner Services, Inc. (11 ships)—Cape Washington, Cape Wrath, Wright, Cape Taylor, Cape Texas, Cape Trinity, Cape Intrepid, Cape Island, Cape Inscription, Cape Isabel, Curtiss Pacific Gulf Marine (10 ships)—Diamond State, Cape Henry, Cape Horn, Cape Hudson, Keystone State, Gem State, Grand Canyon State, Alatna, Chattahoochee, Nodaway Patriot Contract Services, LLC (8 ships)—Admiral William M. Callahan, Cape Orlando, Cape Gibson, Cape Girardeau, Cape Fear, Cape Florida, Cape Flattery, Cape Farewell Keystone Shipping Services, Inc. (7 ships)—Cape Race, Cape Rise, Cape Ray, Cape Victory, Cape Vincent, Cape Kennedy, Cape Knox Marine Transport Lines (6 ships—Cape Edmont, Cape Ducato, Cape Decision, Cape Douglas, Cape Diamond, Cape Domingo Interocean American Shipping Corp. (5 ships)— Gopher State, Flickertail State, Cornhusker State, Petersburg, Chesapeake Matson Navigation Company (3 ships)—Comet, Meteor, Cape Jacob Ocean Duchess, Inc. (2 ships)—Cape May, Cape Mohican Horizon Lines, Inc. (2 ships)—Cape Lambert, Cape Lobos Seafarers will sail in the steward department aboard the Matson and Patriot ships. MarAd estimated the total value of the contracts at $1.9 billion over 10 years. “We have seen firsthand that the Ready Reserve Force provides a vital link to the men and women of the armed services by carrying thousands of military vehicles, aircraft and other materiel to support operations in Afghanistan and Iraq,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said. “This is an extremely cost-effective and well-run program that keeps us prepared to rapidly respond to the military’s needs.” As of late July, there had been 91 RRF ship activations since December 2002. According to MarAd, those vessels have carried nearly 15 million square feet of cargo, or roughly the equivalent of 310 football fields of material. “The Ready Reserve Force has moved an extraordinary amount of cargo over the past several years and our nation’s maritime industry has kept this fleet in good working order and worked diligently to show its value,” Acting Maritime Administrator John Jamian said. The agency further noted that U.S. Maritime Industry’s Progress Highlighted at MTD Convention Speakers also Emphasize Need for Labor Solidarity Guest speakers at the Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO 2005 quadrennial convention offered strong words of support for U.S. maritime labor and also emphasized the crucial need for solidarity throughout the union movement. In order of appearance, the following individuals addressed the convention, which took place in Chicago July 21-22: John Sweeney, president, AFL-CIO; Margaret Blackshere, president, Illinois AFL-CIO; Richard Trumka, secretary-treasurer, AFL-CIO; Colin Veitch, president and CEO, Norwegian Cruise Line; Captain Michael Seifert, chief of staff, U.S. Military Sealift Command; Governor Rod Blagojevich (DIll.); Linda Chavez-Thompson, executive vice president, AFLCIO; Dave Meehan, president and CEO, Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard; and Chris Koch, president and CEO, World Shipping Council. Convention delegates re-elected MTD President Michael Sacco to a four-year term. They also reelected MTD Vice President Ernie Whelan and MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex. The MTD is composed of 24 international unions and 24 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada representing millions of working men and women. In his opening remarks, Sacco noted the U.S. maritime indus- September 2005 MTD President Michael Sacco (left) welcomes Chris Koch, head of the World Shipping Council, to the department’s convention July 22 in Chicago. try’s considerable progress since the prior convention four years earlier. That sentiment was consistent with the convention’s theme: Blueprints to Blue Seas, a reflection of the numerous new U.S.-flag ships that have been christened since 2001. “When you reflect on the last four years, it’s no stretch at all to say we’ve made a number of substantial gains,” the MTD president stated. “American commercial shipbuilding has been moving forward—and most of it is in union shipyards. Members of MTD unions have built new containerships, new tankers, new ATBs and other vessels. More are on the way. “Earlier this year, the unionized Philadelphia-Kvaerner Shipyard announced that 10 new U.S.flag tankers will be built there. Ten! If that’s not proof that we’re headed in the right direction, I don’t know what is.” He also noted both the rebirth of the deep sea U.S.-flag passenger ship industry—a development that means thousands of jobs for our The Gopher State (above) and Cape Diamond (left) are two of the 54 Seafarers-contracted ships in the U.S. Ready Reserve Force. RRF ships “are kept in a high state of readiness at fifteen ports located on the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf coasts of the United States. Some ships also are kept in a prepositioned status overseas.” members—and the enactment of the new Maritime Security Program that expands the U.S.flag MSP fleet from 47 to 60 ships. Turning his attention toward the U.S. Merchant Marine’s role as part of America’s fourth arm of defense, he observed, “We’ve answered our nation’s call in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. As I’ve stated before, regardless of anyone’s individual feelings about the war itself, the bottom line is that many of our members are in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere, doing their jobs and making sacrifices to protect our freedom. We support them and we support our troops.” Besides hearing from the guest speakers, convention delegates passed a number of resolutions designed to help map out the department’s agenda for the next four years. Those topics included health care, the Employee Free The RRF was established in 1976 and was significantly strengthened after the Gulf War in 1991 in order to ensure the military’s continued access to cargo capacity. Many of the ships have unique capabilities and have been used for humanitarian missions such as carrying aid to Haiti and participating in the December 2004 tsunami relief efforts. For complete coverage of the MTD convention, see pages 11-14. Choice Act, retirement security, towing vessel inspections, the Maritime Security Program, dredging, dock worker safety and more. Additionally, they passed a statement titled “Standing with Transportation Workers” that was introduced in the wake of the attacks in London. “The Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, its affiliates and its Port Maritime Councils salute the transportation workers of the world and mourn the loss of each and every innocent life from these cowardly attacks,” the resolution read in part. Delegates and guests listen to Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich during the MTD convention’s opening day. Seafarers LOG 3 �29230_P3,4,5,15,16.qxd 8/25/2005 9:01 AM Page 4 CIVMARS Rescue 23 in Hawaii Oscar Sette Picks up Sailors after Mysterious Grounding Seafarers aboard a National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) vessel recently came to the aid and assistance of 23 sailors whose vessel ran aground in the Northern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI). The Oscar Elton Sette— crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division—on July 3 rescued the crew and passengers from the 145-foot American-flagged Casitas, which, one day earlier and for reasons unknown, had run aground some 86 miles from Midway Island on Pearl and Hermes Atoll, Hawaii. The atoll is located or about 1,000 miles northwest of Honolulu. No one was injured when the accident occurred, but the Casitas sustained major damage to its hull. Crew members loaded themselves into small boats and waited for assistance. They later were extracted from the sea by the crew from the Sette. In addition to the ship’s sevenmember crew, 16 divers—scientific personnel—from the NOAA/ University of Hawaii Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research also were aboard the Casitas. All 23 initially were transported to Midway Atoll aboard the Sette. On July 5, they were flown to Oahu, Hawaii aboard a U.S. Coast Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft. The unlicensed crew aboard the Sette during the rescue included Kenneth Motoyama, Jonathan Saunders, Bruce Mokiao, Kevin Sund, Huntly Brownell, James McDade, James Scott Jr. and Isreal Caldwell. At the time of the grounding, the Casitas was laden with approximately 30,000 gallons of diesel fuel, 3,000 gallons of gasoline, 200 gallons of lube oil, and 14 metric tons of marine debris on board. Because of this cargo, steps were taken by the appropriate authorities to manage any NOTICE Electrical Maintenance Course Offered The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is offering a new two-week course titled Marine Electrical Maintenance Refresher. This class is open to QMED-Any Ratings and those possessing an electrician’s endorsement. Please note that the class cannot be used to raise an individual’s QMED classification rating. The course’s purpose is to enhance the electrical skills and education of those individuals interested in sailing as electricians. The class will focus on hands-on electrical training with a minimum of classroom sessions. Students will review the most common electrical troubleshooting, maintenance and repair techniques required to successfully perform the duties of a marine electrician on the latest shipboard equipment. Upcoming course dates are as follows: October 3-14 October 17-28 October 31-November 11 November 28-December 9 Each course is limited to a maximum of 10 students. For additional information please contact the Paul Hall Center admissions office at (301) 994-0010, extension 5210 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. U.S. East Coast time. It is the instructors’ intent that at the end of the course each student will satisfactorily be able to: Troubleshoot and replace bad florescent fixture ballasts Replace burned-out florescent lamps Install new florescent lighting fixtures Perform handheld equipment cord and plug maintenance Perform motor resistance to ground (megger) checks and record properly Locate and replace blown fuses Locate and correct loose electrical connections Locate and properly wire a three-phase motor for correct direction of operation Replace motor bearings Troubleshoot and repair/replace bad switches. 4 Seafarers LOG potential spill. Immediately following the accident, U.S. Coast Guard aircraft continually monitored the situation via flights over the scene. A dive company conducted hull assessments on the grounded ship and shipboard assessments were initiated by the Coast Guard National Strike Force Team—a team specializing in marine environmental response. The Coast Guard Cutter Walnut, which is equipped with a spill recovery system, also was dispatched to assist in cleanup efforts should the need arise. In the days that followed, most of the potential environmental pollutants were transferred from the Casitas to a barge. The Casitas on Aug. 4 successfully was removed from the reef where it had rested for more than a month. The vessel—owned and operated by Seattle, Wash.-based F/V Northwind Inc and valued at $1.2 million—was judged by res- cue crews to be too damaged to salvage. It therefore was scuttled at sea. Equipment and personal gear were removed from the Casitas prior to sinking. Because of safety concerns, however, some 15 tons of marine debris Photo courtesy of NOAA The Oscar Sette, crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division, rescued 23 people whose vessel had run aground in the Northern Hawaiian Islands. SIU Credited for Quick, Smooth Activations 2 Hurricanes Prompt Many Mobilizations The presidents of two SIUcontracted companies recently thanked Seafarers and SIU officials for quickly and efficiently crewing up nine vessels that were mobilized because of hurricanes. SIU members turned to aboard seven ships operated by American Overseas Marine (AMSEA) because of Hurricane Dennis in early July, then crewed up two vessels operated by 3PSC under the threat of Hurricane Irene in August. AMSEA President Peter Lawrence wrote in a letter to SIU President Michael Sacco, “I would personally like to thank the Seafarers International Union for crewing three of the LMSR and four of the fast sealift vessels that were layberthed in the New Orleans area during the Hurricane Dennis sortie. We received the call at noon on Wednesday, July 6 and in less than 36 hours the vessels were crewed and commenced sailing on Friday morning, July 8…. The task required tremendous cooperation and organization to accomplish such an expeditious crewing effort. “AMSEA would like to and other trash were left aboard the vessel but stowed in sealed, double-hulled holds. The Casitas was sunk in 7,200 feet of water about six miles north-northwest of its grounding. NOAA had chartered the Casitas to assist in the removal of marine debris in the remote island chain. Reports say the members of the vessel’s crew were picking up fishing nets and other debris when the mishap occurred. express our appreciation and a heartfelt well-done to the SIU team.” Lawrence also specifically credited SIU New Orleans Port Agent Steve Judd and the rest of the officials and staff at the New Orleans hall along with the SIU crew members. The following vessels were mobilized from New Orleans: USNS Bellatrix, USNS Altair, USNS Algol, USNS Brittin, USNS Bob Hope, USNS Pollux and the USNS Fisher. 3PSC President Gary King, writing to SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez about the BP, Crowley Honored BP Shipping, Inc. and Crowley Marine Services were presented with the prestigious 2005 Legacy Award at the annual meeting of the Pacific States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force, held July 27 in Anchorage, Alaska. The Task Force gives Legacy Awards for projects, accomplishments or leadership that demonstrate innovation, management commitment and improvements in oil spill prevention, preparedness or response resulting in enhanced environmental protection. The 2005 Annual Legacy Award was given to BP Shipping, Inc. in acknowledgment of its “sustained superior performance in the prevention of petroleum spills along the West Coast,” according to the Pacific States/British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force. BP Shipping is involved in operating SIU- activations of the USNS Gordon and USNS Gilliland from Norfolk, Va. on August 11 noted, “Both ships were fully manned less than 55 hours later, achieving FOS status at 1600 on August 13th. I would like to thank and congratulate the SIU for their contribution to our success in this activation. With the Norfolk hall in the lead, we were also directly supported by the Jacksonville, New Orleans, Piney Point, Tacoma and Wilmington port agents and dispatchers. On our first occasion of activating both ships simultaneously, we were very gratified to know that we can count on the SIU to support us when ‘the chips are down.’” King added, “We would like to particularly acknowledge the significant contribution made by Sam Spain and Georg Kenny in the Norfolk hall.” Seafarers recently mobilized the USNS Fisher and other vessels to sail away from potential harm caused by hurricanes along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. crewed tankers that carry Alaska crude oil to West Coast refineries; oil spill prevention is a daily and central aspect of their business practices. Crowley received the award specific to their operation their Seafarers-contracted subsidiary Marine Transport Corporation (MTC), which operates a fleet of four articulated tug and barges (ATBs) transiting Alaska, Hawaii and the North American Pacific Coast. MTC has loaded and discharged more than 44 million barrels of oil in 1,031 transfers in the TAPS trade without a single oil spill. According to the Oil Spill Task Force, the Legacy Award Program began in 1999. The Task Force has since given awards in the following categories: tanker operators, cargo vessel operators, tug and barge operators, oil spill response organizations, public interest organizations, state agencies, federal agencies, private citizens, public agency employees, response industry employees, and government/ industry teams. September 2005 �29230_P3,4,5,15,16.qxd 8/29/2005 10:46 AM Page 5 Legislators Cite Civilian Mariners’ Unique Role in National Defense Senator, Congressional Reps Urge Exclusion from NSPS A United States senator and eight U.S. Congressional representatives recently urged U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to exclude civilian mariners from all provisions of the new Department of Defense (DoD) National Security Personnel System (NSPS). “The existing civilian mariners system has served this nation well, and including these individuals in the NSPS may have the unintended consequence of impairing our military sealift capability,” wrote Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) in a letter dated July 26. A month earlier, the following Congressional representatives expressed similar sentiments in a joint letter to Rumsfeld: Jim Saxton (R-N.J.), Don Young (RAlaska), Chris Smith (R-N.J.), Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.), Candice Miller (R-Mich.), Charles Boustany (R-La.), Walter B. Jones (RN.C.) and Jo Ann Davis (R-Va.). “CIVMARS have played a critical role as an adjunct and a resource to our Nation’s war fighters by placing themselves in harm’s way while serving on U.S. Military Sealift Command ammunition ships, combat stores ships, hospital ships and ocean tugs as well as U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ vessels and Navy pilot vessels,” the representatives noted in their communication to Rumsfeld. “The existing CIVMAR system has a proven record of providing the DoD with a ready pool of well-trained, highly skilled, experienced U.S. seafarers who are able to achieve cost and operational efficiencies through innovative commercial crewing models. But that could change dramatically” if they are included in the new NSPS. The representatives hit on a key element of this situation when they pointed out, “Many of those directly involved have serious concerns that the introduction of the NSPS will cause a disconnect between CIVMARS and the commercial maritime industry leading to a reduced pool of qualified CIVMARS, and potentially impairing DoD’s ability to crew ships in time of need or national emergency. “Given the potential consequences to our military sealift and our CIVMARS, particularly at a time when we are relying heavily on sealift to support our troops worldwide, we would strongly encourage DoD to seriously consider excluding CIVMARS from the NSPS.” Santorum observed that due to their “unique circumstances,” civilian mariners “have historical- CIVMARS Save Fisherman The keen eyesight of a naval aviation electronics technician and a ship lookout, complemented by the swift response of the crew from an SIU-contracted Military Sealift Command (MSC) vessel in June fused to save the life of an Arab fisherman on the high seas. The USNS San Jose, crewed by members of the SIU’s Government Services Division, on June 25 had just departed its home port in Apra Harbor, Guam for its fifth fleet deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Shortly after noon, AT2 Scott Lattin from the San Jose’s embarked helicopter detachment, reported sighting black smoke off the ship’s starboard quarter. Justin Griffin, the mate on watch, after notifying the ship’s master, Capt. Steven M. Perdue, reversed course to close in on what later was identified as an ablaze fishing vessel. Capt. Perdue brought the San Jose close to the boat, which now was engulfed in flames and billowing a large amount of black smoke. As the San Jose rapidly approached, the captain ordered the vessel’s rescue boat to launch and search for survivors. Shortly thereafter, the San Jose’s lookout reported sighting an object in the water some 100 yards upwind of the smoke source. The vessel’s rescue boat crew sped toward the object. As they got closer, they discovered that the object was, in fact, a man clinging to a blue plastic container. The rescue boat then darted in and recovered the lone survivor— later identified as Pakistan national Mamad Ali—from the ocean. Meanwhile, the burnt hulk of Ali’s fishing boat slowly began its plunge beneath the waves. After being taking aboard the San Jose, Ali was examined by Aaron Jackson, the ship’s medical services officer. The rescued fisherman later was given food, water and dry clothes. Senior Chief Petty Officer Art Jocson and Chief Mate Jim Moree attempted to interview the survivor who spoke virtually no English. After Moree said the names of several coun- September 2005 Photo courtesy MSC The Seafarers-crewed Military Sealift Command combat stores ship USNS San Jose retrieved a Pakistani fisherman stranded off the coast of the United Arab Emirates. tries which were geographically located in the area, the fisherman identified himself as a Pakistani. “I had to say my name a few times to him and placed my hand over my chest until he finally got it,” said Jocson. “He then said his name was Mamad Ali.” Supply Utility Katherine Spohn gave Ali a San Jose polo shirt and ball cap. “He looked frightened and confused,” said Spohn. “I just wanted to let him know that he was amongst friends.” Crew members later learned that the vessel they watched sink in fact was the very same craft they had happened upon the previous night while off the coast of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. Ali had been shining lights at the ship and in the water around his fishing boat in what San Jose had assumed was an attempt to make the presence of fishing nets in the area known. In response, the San Jose steered clear of the area to avoid running over the nets. Ali, who did not know any international distress signals, spent another night aboard his broken-down boat. The next morning, in an act of desperation, he lit his boat on fire in an attempt to draw attention to his plight. The San Jose got the message and responded immediately. From start to finish, it took the San Jose’s crew less than 14 minutes to complete the operation and recover the wayward sailor. When asked about the rescue, Able Seaman German Garcia said, “As a crew member of USNS San Jose and team member of the ship’s rescue boat, I’m very proud to have helped save a man’s life. When we saw the man drowning, immediately we made all possible efforts to save him. He was extremely lucky because there were no other ships around but us for as far as the eye could see. He was truly given a second chance at life.” “I didn’t know what to think until I saw him clinging to a blue five-gallon plastic can, his only means of flotation,” said rescue boat crew member, Able Seaman Franklin Finona. “From that point on we did everything we could to get him to safety.” The next day when San Jose pulled into port, Ali was met by an embassy official who took him to the Pakistan Consulate Office. As the rescued fisherman walked down the ship’s ladder, he turned around, gave a big wave and smiled. In a message to the ship, Capt. Thomas D. Goodwin, commander, Task Force 53, said, “Your can-do attitude, enthusiasm and superb flexibility guaranteed mission success.” ly been treated differently under DoD personnel rules, most notably as legally exempted service employees. The Department has acknowledged this uniqueness, saying that civilian mariners’ working conditions more closely resemble those of active duty military personnel than most other Federal employees….” There is extremely urgent concern throughout the labor movement regarding the new and proposed personnel rules. Unions have filed lawsuits in federal court to block implementation of the NSPS and Department of Homeland Security personnel regulations. On August 12, a federal judge rendered a decision regarding the Department of Homeland Security new personnel system regulations. These regulations are similar to those issued by DoD for the new NSPS. The decision was 57 pages in length. The judge held that the HR system does not lead to enforceable contracts because the DHS secretary can unilaterally declare contracts null and void without prior notice to the unions or employees. The court also found that the regulations unlawfully changed the functions of the Federal Labor Relations Authority. A lawsuit is expected to be filed concerning the NSPS. Visit uniteddodworkerscoalition.org for more information. CIVMAR-Crewed USNS Bridge Delivers In War on Terrorism It has been slightly more than a year since the combatant U.S. Navy ship USS Bridge transformed into the fast combat support ship USNS Bridge—a vessel crewed by members of the SIU’s Government Services Division. The ship changed a great deal to prepare for its new job with the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). It spent several months in the shipyard getting ready for a new crew. Weapons were removed, a new navigation suite was installed, and the cargo fuel system was upgraded. In early May 2005, the Bridge deployed with a carrier strike group for the first time as a noncombatant. “The Supply-class fast combat support ships are the only logistics support ships that can keep pace with the strike groups, making them ideal for deployment,” said Al Edkins, a representative from MSC’s Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force Program. The Bridge and its sister ships —the USNS Arctic, USNS Supply and USNS Rainier, also crewed by SIU CIVMARS—have a top speed of 25 knots. A fast combat support ship is a “triple product” ship carrying fuel, ammunition and stores. MSC describes the fast combat support ships as being ideal for strike group operations because, by delivering multiple products, they reduce the overall number of ships needed to support the strike group. The Bridge deployed with the USS Nimitz carrier strike group in May to conduct operations in the central and western Pacific Ocean as well as in the Persian Gulf in support of the global war on terrorism. During the first two months of its deployment, the Bridge delivered more than 10 million gallons of fuel and more Photo courtesy MSC than 75,000 square feet of supplies. The Bridge will continue to resupply the Nimitz and the other four ships in the strike group— destroyers USS Higgins and USS Chafee, cruiser USS Princeton and submarine USS Louisville—as well as other coalition ships during the remainder of the current sixmonth deployment. Although this is its first official deployment, the Bridge has been supporting the fleet since it completed its modifications in late February. It has participated in anti-submarine exercises and ship boarding operations and has provided logistical support to several different fleet components along the way. The Bridge’s first deployment is a landmark for MSC in more than one sense. In addition to supporting its first strike group as a noncombatant, the agency reports that the Bridge also is the first MSC ship to carry United Kingdom Royal Fleet Auxiliary officers as part of a pilot officer exchange program between the RFA and MSC. The two commands have had an exchange program on the headquarters level since the 1980s, but the Bridge brought the program to the shipboard level this year. According to MSC, the RFA officers were placed on a Supplyclass ship because MSC’s fast combat support ships operate the same way the U.K. Navy would like their future ships to operate. In exchange, an engineering officer from MSC will spend time on board an RFA Wave Knight-class tanker to gain experience in diesel electric propulsion systems and procedures—a system that will be used on board MSC’s new Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo/ammunition ships. Crewed by members of the union’s Government Services Division, the USNS Bridge (right) conducts a replenishment operation alongside the nuclearpowered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. Seafarers LOG 5 �29230_P01,2,6.qxd 8/26/2005 9:47 AM Page 6 Federation Posts Labor Day Q&A The AFL-CIO recently posted the following “Q&A” on its web site, www.aflcio.org. It offers general information and background about Labor Day. Additional information is available on the federation’s web site. The SIU, an affiliate of the AFL-CIO, normally participates in Labor Day events throughout the country. Q: When is Labor Day? A: Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September. For 2005, Labor Day falls on Sept. 5. Q: Why do we celebrate Labor Day? A: Labor Day is the one day that honors the contributions of working men and women to America’s social and economic life. Q: When was Labor Day first celebrated in the United States? A: On Sept. 5, 1882, when about 20,000 working people marched in New York City to demand an eight-hour workday and other labor law reforms. In a parade up Broadway, sponsored by New York’s Central Labor Union, they carried banners reading, “Labor Creates All Wealth” and “Eight Hours for Work, Eight Hours for Rest, Eight Hours for Recreation.” About a quarter million New Yorkers turned out to watch. Q: When did Labor Day become a national holiday? A: After the first Labor Day in New York City, celebrations began to spread to other states as workers fought to win workplace rights and better working conditions and wages at a time when they had little power. In 1893, New York City workers took an unpaid day off and marched around Union Square in support of a national Labor Day. The following year, 12,000 federal troops were called into Pullman, Ill., to break up a huge SIU Contract Briefs MSC Awards Contract To Ocean Shipholdings SIU-contracted Ocean Shipholdings, Inc. recently was awarded an agreement by the U.S. Military Sealift Command to continue operating four T-5 tankers for the agency. The award, a small business set-aside charter, means that SIU members will continue sailing aboard the USNS Paul Buck, USNS Lawrence Giannella, USNS Richard Matthiesen and USNS Samuel Cobb. New Matson Agreement Features Many Gains Seafarers recently approved a new three-year contract covering steward department mariners sailing aboard vessels operated by Matson Navigation. The agreement, retroactively effective July 1, calls for annual wage increases and also boosts monthly pension rates. Additionally, the pact calls for yearly increases into the Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan, including a 6 percent increase the first year. It also maintains Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan coverage at the Core Plus level. Intrepid ATB Pact Increases Wages Seafarers sailing aboard articulated tug-barge units (ATBs) operated by Intrepid Personnel and Provisioning recently okayed a new three-year contract. Ratified in mid-July, the agreement is retroactive to April and applies to four ATBs—the Sea Reliance, Ocean Reliance, Coastal Reliance and Sound Reliance. The contract calls for annual wage increases in addition to other gains. It also provides for Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan coverage at the Core Plus level, the top level available under the SHBP. Report on Medical Bills Continued from page 2 with 17 percent of adults ages 65 and older. African-Americans are at high risk for medical bill and debt problems. Half of African-American workingage adults have medical bill problems, compared with one-third of Hispanics and 28 percent of whites ages 19 to 64. Working-age women are more likely to report medical bill problems than men ages 19 to 64 (39 percent vs. 25 percent). 6 Seafarers LOG Two-thirds of insured adults with annual premiums that are 10 percent or more of their income reported bill or debt problems, compared with about one-third of those with comprehensive benefits. The self-stated mission of The Commonwealth Fund is to promote a high-performing health care system that achieves better access, improved quality, and greater efficiency, particularly for society’s most vulnerable, including low-income people, the uninsured, minority Americans, young children, and elderly adults. The organization carries out this mandate by supporting independent research on health care issues and making grants to improve health care practice and policy. strike against the Pullman railway company and two workers were shot and killed by U.S. deputy marshals. In what most historians call an election year attempt to appease workers after the federal crackdown on the Pullman strike, shortly after the strike was broken, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation making the first Monday in September Labor Day and a federal holiday. Cleveland lost the election. Q: Who founded Labor Day? A: That’s a matter of dispute among historians. Some say Peter J. McGuire, general secre- tary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, first suggested a day to honor workers. Others credit Matthew Maguire, a machinist who served as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. Q: Is Labor Day just about unions? A: No. The U.S. Department of Labor describes Labor Day this way: “It is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity and wellbeing of our country.” Q: What international holiday is Labor Day’s closest relative? A: May Day. In 1889, a workers’ congress in Paris voted to support the U.S. labor movement’s demand for an eight-hour workday. It chose May 1, 1890, as a day of demonstrations in favor of the eight-hour day. Afterward, May 1 became a holiday called Labor Day in many nations. It resembles the September holiday in the United States. NOTICE Coast Guard Offers Pointers To Avoid Application Delays The U.S. Coast Guard has posted the following “Top Ten Reasons Coast Guard Licensing Applications are Delayed.” Avoid these pitfalls and follow the tips listed below to help facilitate the application process. (This information is listed on the agency’s web site at http://www.uscg.mil/STCW/new_top-ten-reasons.htm). 1. Applications—If the application is not completed, it will be returned for correction. Three signatures are mandatory: Section III (“Have you ever...?” questions), Section V (consent of National Driver Registry check), and Section VI (application certification). When the “Applying for:” block is left blank or is incomplete, the REC is left to guess what you want. 2. Drug Screen—A drug screen is often rejected because it does not contain the Medical Review Officer’s (MRO) signature, it is a photocopy, or a company compliance letter is not written to meet the requirements of the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 46, Part 16, Section 220. 3. Photographs—Merchant Mariner’s Documents (MMDs) and STCW certificates cannot be printed without a photograph. Two passport-size photos are needed when applying for an MMD or STCW. 4. Physical Exam—If the Merchant Marine Personnel Physical Examination/Certification Report is not complete, it will be returned for correction. Particular attention is paid to the “competent,” “not competent,” and “needs further review” boxes, which are frequently blank. Often, the type of color vision exam given in Section IV is not indicated. or mariners who wear glasses and/or contacts submit exams without their uncorrected vision listed in Section III. 5. Original Certificates—Photocopies of essential documents, even if notarized, are not accepted. Only original signatures, those documents signed by the issuing authority (e.g., course completion certificates) or official custodian (e.g., birth certificates) are acceptable. Original certificates will be returned when the evaluation is com- pleted and the REC mails the newly issued credentials to the applicant. 6. User Fees—No or incorrect fees are included with the application. Licensing user fees changed as of Oct. 4, 1999. Current fees are published in the most recent Code of Federal Regulations, Title 46, Part 10, Section 109 and on the web at: http://www.uscg.mil/STCW/l-userfees.htm. 7. Current or Past License, Document, and/or STCW—A mariner who is holding, or has held, a license, MMD and/or STCW certificate who does not indicate it in the history (Section II of the application) or does not include a copy of their credentials (front and back) with the application package. This especially applies for renewals and mariners with past transactions at other RECs. 8. Sea Service—Missing or conflicting information on the sea service letter (e.g., not including tonnage or horsepower, the position listed does not agree with other documents in the application package, or conflicting waters). Service should be documented with discharges, letters from marine employers, or small boat sea service forms. If a small boat service form is used, it must be certified and signed by the owner or proof of individual ownership is required. 9. Written Statement—If an applicant marks “Yes” in any block of Section III, a written statement is required. Note that all questions beginning with “Have you ever...” include all past convictions, even ones that may have already been disclosed. Simply stating “on file” will not suffice, statements should include the what, when, where, and penalties assessed for each incident, if it has already been disclosed to the REC, and whether there have been any new incidents. The applicant must sign and date the statement. 10. Medical Condition—Additional medical information is required whenever a medical condition is identified on the Merchant Marine Personnel Physical Examination Report. Seafarer’s Shipboard Snapshots GUDE John Cooper (left in photo at left) recently sent in these photos from two voyages earlier this year. At left, he is pictured with Unlicensed Apprentice Jimmie Williams aboard the El Morro in Jacksonville, Fla. in late May. At right, pictured aboard the Maersk Integrity back in March are Chief Cook Saundra Leonard (left) and Recertified Steward Stephanie Sizemore. September 2005 �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/22/2005 3:18 PM Page 7 Recertified Stewards Work Hard to Advance To Top Galley Rating The climb up the culinary department ladder has been one of hard work and many sacrifices, but it recently paid off for nine Seafarers who, at the August membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., were rewarded with graduation certificates for completion of the steward recertification program. As their names were read, Mohamed Abdelfattah, Barry Alviso, Louins Johnson, Howard Lewis, George Monseur, Ernest Polk, John Rapoza, Glenn Taan and Terry White each approached the podium to say a few words to the union’s officials, representatives, fellow Seafarers, instructors and assembled guests. Each also had a bit of wisdom to impart to the current group of unlicensed apprentices present at the meeting who, one day, may find themselves in a similar position of having reached the highest level of training within their chosen department offered at the Paul Hall Center. Some of the graduating students joined the union in their teens; others joined much later. But all have witnessed the changes, not only in themselves as they worked hard to get where they are today, but also in the Seafarers International Union as it continues to evolve in order to continue providing the best trained seafarers in the world. Barry Alviso stirs up a sauce to complement his baked entrée. Born in Egypt, Mohamed Abdelfattah joined the SIU in 1978. He credits President Michael Sacco and Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez, as well as the late Executive Vice President Joe Sacco, with encouraging him to learn cooking from the bottom up. And, he believes, he owes his life today to their friendship and concern. Abdelfattah, who has upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center 10 times previously, stated that each course has helped him become a better seaman. He encouraged the trainees to take advantage of the school to get a better education and also reminded them of the importance of contributing to SPAD for their own job security. Barry Alviso joined the SIU in 1987 in Honolulu. He had no idea when he first started working aboard the SS Independence that it was the start of his career (and of his married life, since he met his wife—a passenger—in 1991 aboard that vessel). His first goal was to be a bartender, which he achieved after working as an assistant waiter, waiter and cocktail server. He then upgraded to assistant cook/baker and chief cook, eventually becoming a chief cook and steward. Alviso, who ships from the port of Wilmington, Calif., said that seafaring life is probably not for everyone, but those who do find they like the work have many opportunities available to them at the school. This was his fourth visit to the facility to upgrade his skills, and he particularly enjoyed learning about the political activities of the union as well as the many demonstrations put on by the culinary staff. During the last 10 days of his steward recertification training, Alviso was joined by his wife, Machele, and daughters Hannah and Christa. Louins Johnson, who joined the union in 1989 in New Orleans and who continues to sail from that port, said that joining the SIU Lewis’s Rewarding Experience Howard Lewis has been sailing for 10 years, but his most memorable experience occurred in January of this year in Maputo, Mozambique (on the southeastern coast of Africa). He was aboard the SS Chilbar as it was being taken to India to be scrapped. When the vessel stopped in Mozambique, the ship was still loaded with stores and galley equipment that would no longer be needed. So with the captain’s permission, Chief Steward Lewis donated many items to an orphanage there on behalf of Keytone Shipping. The recertified steward noted that it was the most rewarding experience of his lifetime as he watched the smiles on the faces of the children as they received the goods. Included in the gift to the orphanage were coffee mugs, assorted cereals and cookies, brooms, bread boxes, muffin pans, roasting pans, sponges, cranberry sauce, jams and jellies, Howard Lewis will never forget mattresses, scrub pads, mixing the smiles on the faces of the bowls, in addition to other food- orphans in Mozambique when they received the ship’s extra stuffs and cleaning material. stores. September 2005 Following the graduation ceremony, the nine new recertified stewards and some family members joined SIU officials on stage for a group photo. From the left are SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez, George Monseur, SIU Secretary-Treasurer David Heindel, Mohamed Abdelfattah, Louins Johnson, Glenn Taan, SIU President Michael Sacco, Terry White, John Rapoza, Paul Hall Center VP Don Nolan, Machele Alviso (with daughters Hannah and Christa), Barry Alviso, Ernest Polk, Susan Lewis, Howard Lewis and Assistant VP Contracts George Tricker. was one of the best moves he ever made. It has allowed him to travel the globe and see places that some people will never visit in a lifetime, and it has “made me a better man,” he said. “Nothing in life comes easy,” Johnson admitted. And by returning to the Paul Hall Center numerous times and learning different aspects to the job, he has worked his way up to recertified steward. He recommended that the unlicensed apprentices study hard, listen to their instructors, learn from the more seasoned members and be team players when they work aboard a ship. Howard Lewis joined the NMU in 1995 and is now “proud to be a part of the SIU membership.” He sails from the port of Wilmington, Calif. His career as a seaman has taken him to all parts of the world, he stated, but one of the most memorable trips was early this year to Mozambique (see box below). Lewis has attended upgrading classes at the school before but found this time particularly interesting, especially learning about new standards for sanitation and cooking temperatures as well as the important role that the union plays in the political arena. He told the trainees that by returning to the school to upgrade, “everyone comes out a winner—you, your family, the union.” Lewis thanked his wife, Susan, “for being there for me and understanding my not being home six to eight months a year.” Susan was able to spend some time with Howard at the school before his graduation. George Monseur began sailing with the SIU more than 20 years ago. He has upgraded from 3rd cook to 2nd cook/baker to chief cook and chief steward and now to recertified steward. He thanked the staff and instructors at the Recertified stewards take turns with a chain saw, pick and other carving tools, turning a solid block of ice into a decorative scupture. school for helping him achieve his education. “They have adapted to the changing needs of the industry, as we all have,” he noted. Monseur, who sails from Philadelphia, said that being a member of the SIU has afforded him the opportunity to visit and live in many places, including Hawaii, California and Florida. He told the trainees that as their journey with the SIU begins, the most important idea they should take with them is to respect themselves, and “let that overflow in how you respect your shipmates and supervisors.” He advised them to get all the education the school has to offer. Sometimes, the seafaring life is in one’s blood. Ernest Polk joined the SIU in New Orleans in 1968 as a young man of 17. After two years, he decided to try working on the beach. “That wasn’t a good experience,” he said. “That’s when I knew where my heart lay: at sea.” Polk, who ships from the port of Wilmington, has always sailed in the steward department, starting at the bottom as a GSU and moving up to chief cook and now to recertified steward. He still has an original pay voucher from 1968, which reminds him of how much stronger the union has become over the years. He thanked the union and its officers as well as the Paul Hall Center staff and instructors. “Without them,” he said, “none of this would be possible.” Polk went on to say that being a member of the SIU has affected his life in a positive way. It has enabled him to provide well for his family, purchase a home and send some of his children to college—all thanks to the SIU. “Ask a lot of questions at sea,” he told the trainees. “Study hard, listen and learn, and work together as a team.” “The sky’s the limit when you continue upgrading,” said John Mohamed Abdelfattah adds a little seasoning to the dish he’s preparing. Rapoza, who joined the SIU in 1986 in Honolulu. Rapoza, who has attended upgrading classes at the school a number of times, said that the information he will take away from his studies in the steward recertification class will be put to good use aboard ship. Being a member of the SIU has been a very gratifying experience, and he has enjoyed his travels around the world. Now sailing from the port of San Francisco, Rapoza urged the unlicensed trainees to work and study hard and to take advantage of all the opportunities they have as members of the union. Originally from the Philippines, Glenn Taan joined the SIU in 1983 in the port of Honolulu. Through hard work and many sacrifices, Taan said that his life has changed for the better. “With that in mind, I thank and appreciate what our president, Mike Sacco, is doing to protect our jobs as the number-one maritime union in the world.” He urged his fellow Seafarers to continue contributing to SPAD for the sake of job security. And to the trainees, “who are the future of the SIU,” he asked that they do a good job when they get aboard a vessel. “Learn the things you need to know, observe, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.” Starting as a pot washer at the age of 18 aboard the SS Monterey, Terry White has worked his way up with the help of the training he received at Piney Point and by learning from some of the oldtimers with whom he has sailed. Continued on page 9 Seafarers LOG 7 �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/22/2005 3:18 PM Page 8 Left: The Mississippi Queen rounds the bend, in sight of the SIU/ SEATU-crewed Alton Belle riverboat casino. Mississippi Queen Stops Off in Alton The SIU-crewed Mississippi Queen stopped off at the river town of Alton, Ill. July 8 on a cruise from St. Louis to St. Paul. The majestic sternwheeler docked along the riverbank just downstream from the SIU/ SEATU-contracted Argosy riverboat casino, the Alton Belle. While in the historic port, located some 30-odd miles upriver from St. Louis, passengers disembarked for a day of tours, museum-going and shopping. Crew members took the opportunity to visit with the union’s business rep, Kevin McDonald, and also had time left over for some sightseeing. The Mississippi Queen and its sister ship, the Delta Queen, are scheduled for several more visits to the Alton riverfront during the summer. (The other vessel in the Delta Queen Steamboat Co. fleet, the American Queen, primarily makes round trips from New Orleans.) The city of Alton has plans to redevelop the riverfront park, including an amphitheater and improved docking facilities, which will better accommodate these large and historic paddlewheelers. Right: A deckhand from the Mississippi Queen totes a line up the rocky bank in Alton to tie up the paddlewheeler. Crew members aboard the Mississippi Queen include (clockwise, from top left): Oiler Allan Bigner, Porter David Williams, Oiler Arturo Martinez and Waitress Shelia Beauchamp. Passengers from the SIU-crewed Mississippi Queen disembark in Alton, Ill. for a day of tours and sightseeing. Working Aboard the Bonnyman AB Mitchell Gately has safety in mind as he works high above the ship’s deck. QEE Sean J. Jones Bonnyman crew members are ready to go ashore. The 1st Lt. Alex Bonnyman, one of the Military Sealift Commmand’s roll-on/roll-off containerships, is crewed by SIU members, including members of the union’s Government Services Division. It was one of the civilian-crewed MSC fleet vessels that earlier in the year supported a 10-day U.S. relief effort in the Republic of Maldives for victims of the earthquake and resulting tsunamis that struck in Asia and Africa. The 755-foot vessel is prepositioned in the Guam/Saipan area, where these photos were taken. 8 Seafarers LOG ABs Jesse A. Toves and Edward A. Mitchell work in tandem to keep everything aboard the Bonnyman in proper working order. September 2005 �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/22/2005 3:19 PM Page 9 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.) Retiree Remembers Paul Hall, Piney Point On August 20, all SIU members and headquarters and Piney Point personnel will celebrate the 91st birthday of one of the greatest leaders in the American labor movement: our Paul Hall. This holiday also includes those members aboard ships at sea and in ports all around the world. We should never permit the memory of this great man to be forgotten. I am enclosing a clipping of an article that I wrote to the LOG 27 years ago. I have read it many times because I was proud of what I had written and that it was printed. Only a longtime friend and former shipmate, Red Campbell, outdid me, I believe. I am hoping you will agree that it is fitting for this clipping to appear in the next issue of the LOG, in honor of Paul’s legacy. There have been many changes at our school since the year I wrote this article. Even the name has been changed. It has been greatly enlarged, and many new courses have been added. This school just keeps getting bigger and so much better for those beginners to take advantage of. But all of this is Paul’s way of doing things. I feel certain that as he is looking down on what he left for us, he must feel very pleased at what he sees, and he must feel certain that the leadership that has taken over has fulfilled his wishes. With my very best wishes and kindest regards to all. Support your union—it will never let you down. Charles Lee Camp Verde, Ariz. Brother Lee’s original letter from 1978, which discusses the late SIU President Paul Hall, follows: Pensioner Is SIU Top to Bottom Two years ago I received a letter which I believe was to be the most important letter I have ever received in all my life. Had I been told 40 years ago that someday I would get a letter like this, I surely would have believed that someone was trying to play a cruel joke on me. It just didn’t seem possible back in those days that someday a seaman would be able to retire with a pension. This very important letter was from the Board of Trustees of the Seafarers Pension Plan informing me that my application for a pension had been approved. During the past two years of my retirement, many of my evenings have been occupied with memories of my seagoing days. And what fond memories these are. Believe me, it wasn’t easy trying to live ashore in one place day in and day out after having spent more than 40 years of my life knocking around this world. But what I found to be even more difficult was having to admit to myself that I shall never again be able to go back to any one of theses places that I had been to and seen. Therefore, I must find contentment in my memories. September 2005 What better place is there to celebrate my first two years of retirement than at this beautiful and peaceful setting on the shores of the Potomac River in Maryland which all of us Seafarers know as Piney Point. Seven years ago I promised myself that before I die I must come back to this place and stay a few days in these peaceful surroundings. I am a most fortunate man indeed, as that promise has now been fulfilled. Seven years ago I came here as a delegate from the port of New Orleans to attend an educational conference. I was very impressed with all that I saw and learned here. But what impressed me most of all was listening to those speeches of our president, Paul Hall. I had no idea that this man was such a great speaker as this was my first opportunity to hear him speak before an audience. So every morning I would look forward to listening to him talk to us at our afternoon sessions. I also learned that this man has many other fine qualities about him besides being a great speaker. Of all the men in the history of organized labor in these United States, Paul Hall certainly stands out as one of the most dedicated to that which he represents, the maritime industry. This man for many years has given so much of his time, so much of himself in the fight to make a better way of life for those of us who go to sea. And he has succeeded. His record speaks for itself. The speeches that this man has made on our behalf in Congress, at labor conventions and before many other gatherings of people would fill volumes of books. We pensioners, active Seafarers and especially those young men who are now coming up, are very fortunate indeed in having Paul Hall at the helm of our organization, always steering on a course to higher achievements and toward a more secure future. Unfortunately there have always been and still are those (and too many of them) in Washington who always make it quite difficult for him, but that has never discouraged him. On the contrary, he comes back fighting harder for us. I believe that the Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship must be the greatest of his many achievements and I feel certain that there must be countless others who feel the same. This place shall always remain a legacy to those young men in the future who will come here to begin their seagoing careers, and to those who sail on the Great Lakes and inland waterways. The many courses for advancement to better-paying jobs, which are available in all three departments along with the most up-todate equipment, and most important of all, a staff of instructors and all of the other personnel here who are completely dedicated to their professions and students have no equal in any other school anywhere. This school can very well be compared to an institution of higher learning due to the advanced and specialized training it offers for the highly skilled jobs aboard these new automated ships today. In this union, any member is welcome, and encouraged, to come here, at no cost to him, learn what he came here to learn, and leave here with the assurance that his training has qualified him for a better-paying job, thereby assuring him of a bet- ter way of life for himself and his family. I ask you, where else can a man get a better shake than this? So in conclusion let me just say this: that most men’s greatness is not acknowledged in their lifetime, but only after they are gone. Paul Hall is fortunate, and deservingly so, that he is today a living part of his many achievements and dreams which have become a reality. And his greatest accomplishment is right here in Piney Point. This place shall be a living monument to him always, not only as that of a man whose life was dedicated to the betterment of those men who go down to the sea in ships, but also to a truly great fighter in the long and turbulent history of the maritime unions in their long struggle for survival and for a better way of life for their members, the American seamen. Therefore, I should like to title this effort of mine: Some Words of Tribute to a Great Labor Leader. Written on this 23rd day of August 1978 in Piney Point, Md. Retiree Points Out Health Care Option This is an open letter to all SIU pensioners who live in Louisiana. My name is Paul Lightell. I’m a retired deep sea member. I sailed for 40 years and I’m grateful for all the union has done for me. I’m hoping that this information I’m supplying will help give something back to the union and help my fellow retirees at the same time. I became aware of a medical plan for individuals who are 65 or older. It’s called Tenet Choice 65 and it is available to Louisiana residents. The program works like this: The amount that comes out of your Social Security check that is earmarked for Medicare goes directly to Tenet Choice 65. This is the total you pay. There is a $5-$10 copay for generic drugs and the doctor’s copay is also $5. My wife signed up for this plan more than seven years ago. She had three surgeries and they all were 100 percent covered. I just recently joined, and it only took five days and I was in the system. So now the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan receives no medical bills or prescription bills regarding me or my wife. This works out well for all. I urge all retirees living in Louisiana to contact Tenet Choice 65 at (504) 461-9800 or 1-800-6318443 and request the information. You won’t regret it. Paul Lightell Metairie, Louisiana Lupinacci’s Family Offers Note of Thanks Dear President Sacco, Executive Staff, Don Nolan, Port Agents and friends of Romeo V. Lupinacci: Your kind expressions of sympathy on the death of our father and beautiful floral arrangements were most appreciated. You were my father’s home away from home and were closest to him for many years. A good portion of Romeo’s life and some of his greatest achievements happened there at the Lundeberg School, where he dedicated his life to his work. We hope you all hold a special spot in your hearts in remembrance of him. He truly loved you all! A special thanks of appreciation to John (Hetmanski) and the food service staff who made a special trip to visit Romeo’s grave. Sincerely, The families of Ronald Lupinacci and Roseann Davis (The letter is printed here at their joint request.) Seafarer Garrett Has Fond Memories of Chef Romeo My name is Samuel Garrett. I am an A seniority member in good standing. It hurt my heart to read about Chef Romeo Lupinacci’s untimely death. I know he touched thousands of people’s hearts. I met Chef Romeo in 1992 while upgrading at the training center. He walked up to me, said hello and asked how I was doing, all with a larger-than-life smile on his face. My very first thought was that this is a good feeling when a person of his status stops to say hello. Chef Romeo told me he had been around for a while and enjoyed helping at the school. On many occasions I sat down with him and listened, learning more about how to conduct myself aboard a vessel. He became one of the people that I wanted to be like—true friend, big brother, father figure to those members who needed it. I can remember going to his house to watch sports, eating snacks that he had made for the upgraders, and during the breaks sharing his sea stories and life stories. Every time I came back to the school he guided me through any rough patches I was having in life. I truly believe that without his support, loyalty, great friendship and true kindness, that many of the things I achieved would have taken me a lot longer to attain. One thing that I regret is that in all the many years I got to know Chef Romeo, I never took a picture with or got a picture of that one person who did so much for me. My family’s prayers are with him on his great journey to heaven. My heartfelt prayers go out to loved ones and family. His moral fiber, strength, character and force will always be within each of us that knew his heart. Samuel Garrett Jacksonville, Fla. Veteran Urges Support For ‘Belated Thank You’ I am a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and an SIU recertified steward, and I’m writing about the Belated Thank You to the Merchant An older photo of Pablo Lopez Mariners of World War II Act of 2005. The purpose of this bill is to compensate the WWII Merchant Marine veterans who were denied their rights under the G.I. Bill, given to other veterans. That wasn’t fair. During the war, the mariners risked their lives for the welfare of the United States, just like any other veterans who fight for this country. May our Good Lord bless our merchant marine veterans and guide our senators and congressmen to cosponsor the bills, S. 1272 and H.R. 23 and have the majority of both houses pass them. I urge all SIU brothers and sisters to contact their own senators and congressional representatives to cosponsor this legislation. Pablo Lopez Seattle, Washington Looking at Pictures Brings Back Memories I stopped going to sea years ago in 1985 and settled down in my homeport of Massachusetts. Reading about the Harry Lundeberg School and looking at the pictures of the school brings back a lot of old and fun memories. The training I received there as a trainee and upgrader (FOWT, QMED and Third Assistant Engineer) proved to be valuable to my career both at sea and on land. Even today, I still miss the sea and at times I wish I could jump back aboard a ship. There are times when, if it weren’t for my two sons, I would go back to sea, but I don’t think they would like that too much. I would like to thank the SIU for the opportunity to go to sea and to the Harry Lundeberg School for the training I received there. Lee Cook West Yarmouth, Mass. Nine Stewards Complete Recertification Program Continued from page 7 Now shipping from the port of Tacoma, Wash., White joined the SIU on Dec. 7, 1976 in San Francisco. “I love the union and the sea,” he told those assembled at the meeting, and the upgrading courses he has taken at the Paul Hall Center, “have helped me to become a better cook and steward and help in the way I communicate with people. I am proud to be a Seafarer.” Throughout White’s 29-year seafaring career, he has been around the world 17 times and seen many changes over the years. He told the trainees that after working aboard their first ship, they will know whether or not they are cut out for the life of a Seafarer. And if they are, he said, the sky’s the limit. They can go as far as they want with the training they will continue to receive at the Paul Hall Center. In additional to their culinary training over the month-long course, which consisted of demonstrations and hands-on training in the culinary lab (sauces, garde mange, ice sculpture, cake decorating, nutrition in 2005, menu planning, pulled sugar, bread demo, etc.), the nine recertified stewards attended classes on alcohol and drug awareness, communication and leadership, computer labs, union education, first aid/CPR, galley fire training, as well as study skills. They also traveled to the headquarters building in Camp Springs, Md. to listen to presentations from the plans, vacation/ records and pension departments as well as from the Transportation Institute and the Seafarers LOG. They particularly enjoyed their opportunity to sit down and talk with President Sacco and VP Contracts Tellez and learn firsthand about the workings of the union and how the support of the membership helps them protect the jobs of the union’s members. Seafarers LOG 9 �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/22/2005 4:19 PM Page 10 Seafarers At Sea and Ashore A Well-Deserved Retirement On the Job in Illinois Capt. Dave Wendle Capt. Frank Bock (left) comes aboard the Alton Belle Casino II to relieve Capt. Dave Wendle and take charge of the crew for the night shift. The two photos above and one below left are of SIU officers on board the Alton Belle Casino II, a riverboat casino in Alton, Ill. The captains and chief engineers have been with the SIU since 1991 when the Alton Belle I first opened. Since then, the business has changed and the vessel no longer cruises the Mississippi River, but it still holds a U.S. Coast Guard certificate of inspection and maintains a marine crew. Chief Engineer Dan Smith Chad Partridge (right), safety director in the port of Joliet, visits with Assistant Engineer Andrea Carpiere on board the Winstar, a gaming boat operated by Resorts Casino in East Chicago. Working for Maritime After 27 years of faithful service to Express Marine, Inc., SIU member Jesse Gardner (right) finally called it quits. His last day of work was June 22, 2005. Donald R. Ivins, vice president of fleet operations at Express Marine, presented Gardner with a plaque on which is a picture of the tug Russell B. Murray. Gardner also was given a ship’s clock with a plaque, thanking him for his hard work over the years. Left: Andrew Linares (left), SIU safety director in the port of Wilmington, Calif., is sworn in as a representative of labor on the Port Hueneme Harbor Safety Committee. The committee, whose members reflect the makeup of the local maritime community, is mandated to prepare a harbor safety plan for the safe navigation and operation of tank ships, barges and other vessels within its harbor. Good Shipmate Award Aboard Penn Maritime’s Tug Victory Above: OS Ardale Crim, Chief Mate Don Walsh and OS Larry Williams get ready to go on the tow wire. Below left: OS Larry Williams hones his navigation skills with help from Capt. Pat David. Below right: AB/Tankerman Leo Batiste poses with the “catch of the day.” These photos were sent to the LOG by OS Larry Williams of Odessa, Fla. 10 Seafarers LOG The “Seafarers 2005 Good Shipmate Award” is presented to Cadet Rolando Dawang by SIU Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz during June 12 graduation ceremonies at the Campbell High School Maritime Academy. Cadet Dawang, who has participated in training exercises held at the Seafarers Training Center in Hawaii, is the first recipient of what is to be an annual award. He was selected by students and staff for the honor. Campbell High School is located at Ewa Beach, Hawaii. September 2005 �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/22/2005 3:19 PM Page 11 AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Convention Kvaerner Philadelphia, NCL America Highlight U.S. Fleet’s Growth, Potential A nyone who doubts the growth potential of the U.S.-flag fleet should have listened to the heads of Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard (KPS) and NCL America, respectively, as they addressed the Maritime Trades Department convention. KPS CEO and President Dave Meehan and NCL America President and CEO Colin Veitch related separate accounts of two different segments of the maritime industry and two different companies. But the bottom line is the same for both. Working with maritime labor, which provided a skilled manpower pool and critically important political support, two businesses invested in the U.S. maritime industry and won. In the process, they created employment opportunities for nearly 30,000 American workers, generated hundreds of millions of dollars worth of federal and state tax revenues and added billions more to the national economy. Both speakers praised the skilled, unionized U.S. workers who helped make it all possible. MTD President Michael Sacco cited both businesses as prime examples of the excellent progress that has been made since the previous convention four years earlier. Kvaerner recently announced it will build 10 SIU-contracted double-hulled tankers for the Jones Act fleet with an option for two more such vessels. The five-year effort, known as the Product Tanker Program, is estimated to be worth at least $1 billion. According to recent studies, it will maintain some 800 shipyard jobs at Kvaerner over the next five years and create at least 6,000 related jobs in Philadelphia and nearby communities. The Product Tanker Program comes in the wake of the three containerships that Kvaerner has built for Matson (a fourth is on the way). According to Meehan, the project wouldn’t have been possible without the political support of maritime labor. By working with maritime labor and Pennsylvania politicians like then-Governor Tom Ridge (R) and then-Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell (D), Kvaerner revived the historic Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, which had shut its doors in 1986 at the loss of more than 8,000 local jobs. Meehan stressed that Kvaerner was willing to take this risk because it knew that as long as the Jones Act, the nation’s freight cabotage law, was on the books, there AFL-CIO Officers Point to Maritime As Model of Success M aritime labor’s impressive gains over the past four years are a reminder of what can be accomplished by getting the basics right. That was the assessment of the top leaders of the AFL-CIO, who addressed the Maritime Trades Department’s 2005 convention in Chicago July 21-22. All three— President John Sweeney, Executive Vice President Linda ChavezThompson and Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka—singled out solidarity, organizing, political action and progressive leadership. “Most of our maritime unions have your primary jurisdictions highly organized, and our union density is probably greater than in any other industry,” Sweeney said. “Members of maritime unions are working steadily and enjoying very good pay, defined benefit pensions and fully paid health care. And there’s more union and American shipbuilding going on right now than in many, many years. “But I remind you that these advantages exist because of the character of your leadership and the power of your solidarity.” Citing a spate of new shipbuilding projects, preservation of the vitally important Jones Act and the reauthorization and expansion of the Maritime Security Program, Chavez-Thompson noted, “The Maritime Trades AFL-CIO Executive VP Linda Chavez-Thompson AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka September 2005 MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco NCL America President/CEO Colin Veitch Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard President/CEO Dave Meehan would be commercial opportunities. “Like you, we share a strong belief in the Jones Act as an essential part of our nation’s security, and my job and the jobs of those 800 men and women employed at the shipyard depend on the continued existence of the Jones Act in its present form,” he stated. He also credited all concerned with focusing on their goals rather than on obstacles. “The KPSI story has truly been a joint effort of labor, management and government parties simply refusing to listen to the naysayers, the critics and the prophets of doom,” he said. “As recently as last year at this time, the predictions of our demise were widespread in the industry and certainly throughout the media. And yet, today we find ourselves turning the corner in our journey to long-term stability.” Half a world away, in Hawaii, there has been a remarkable revival of the U.S.-flag deep sea passenger vessel industry. Speaking of the recent christening of NCL-America’s SIUcrewed Pride of America, Veitch observed, “This is the revival of the sector of the merchant marine that was completely dead after September 11th. There wasn’t a single U.S.-flag deep sea passenger ship left in existence.” Department is exactly what the union movement is all about.” Fifty years after the historic merger between the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations, organized labor stands at a crossroads, said Trumka. The solution? Solidarity. “What we’ve built together needs to be strengthened and not weakened,” he stated. “I think that what we’ve built together is worth not just maintaining, but defending. And I’m especially proud of what we’ve done to strengthen our movement” in the past 10 years.” He recalled in detail the national labor federation’s numerous accomplishments during President Sweeney’s tenure, and then turned his focus toward the challenges currently facing America’s working families. If left unmet, those challenges “truly threaten our future…. We can’t let any employer, any politician or anybody else tear down what we’ve built…. What we must do instead is to keep standing up together, keep fighting together—all of us together. Our obligation as trade unionists in the year 2005 is to take up the fight for every last man, woman and child, and we do that best when we’re united and fighting together. That is what we shall do—fight together and win together in 2005.” American workers are confronted with a different world and different challenges than their parents and grandparents faced, Sweeney observed. As a result, the federation—at its own convention the following week— AFL-CIO President John Sweeney adopted a series of reforms that will lead to a restructuring of the labor movement. According to Sweeney, there will be a renewed emphasis on political action and organizing. For the first time in its history, the AFL-CIO will rebate part of its dues to unions that devise strategic plans for organizing. Also, it will be “building a yearround, year-in, year-out grassroots membership mobilization for legislation and politics.” American workers are worried about their economic future, said Chavez-Thompson. While they realize that “one of the very best paths to the middle class is union membership,” they haven’t joined up more numbers “because their freedom to join has been compromised.” Trumka said that organized labor will fight for enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act to help correct the situation, and for other pro-worker issues, including better health care and retirement security. The 81,000-ton Pride of America is NCL-America’s second U.S.-flag ship, joining the Pride of Aloha, which began interisland Hawaii cruising in July 2004. The company also plans to add a third vessel to the Hawaii trades starting in 2006. According to Veitch, the restoration of this industry was made possible by the enactment of legislation introduced by Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), the Hawaii Cruise Ship Initiative. Veitch told delegates to the MTD convention that the project is off to a great start “because we have a partnership” with maritime labor. “We have approached this partnership knowing that if it doesn’t work for you, it won’t work for us.” Thanking MTD President Michael Sacco and others, Veitch said that the three new U.S.-flag cruise ships mean jobs. “The [shipboard union] membership will have been expanded significantly; but also shore-side unionized employment will have been expanded,” he observed. “The bulk of new employment from this venture is not on ships. It’s on shore with taxi drivers, hotel workers, tour guides, airport workers, dockworkers—the kinds of people that support the operation of a ship and entertain travelers when they come to take our cruises.” He also pointed out that NCL America’s parent company is accustomed to working with organized labor. “We have an entirely unionized international fleet,” he noted. “We have had ITF agreements on all of our ships for decades, and so we are not one of the foreign-flag, flag-of-convenience, run-away-from-organizedlabor shipping operations. From the outset this is a responsible, upstanding company.” Additionally, he credited the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education for helping provide vital preparation and schooling for NCL America crews, and further noted that those crews help strengthen U.S. national defense. “There are not only people serving cocktails and making beds on these ships,” Veitch said. “There are literally hundreds and hundreds of deck and engine officers and ratings. The ready reserve of our nation is significantly strengthened by having that kind of workforce trained and in service.” Seafarers LOG 11 �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/22/2005 4:27 PM Page 12 AFL-CIO Maritime Trades D elegates to the 2005 Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO convention called on Congress and the administration to support a strong U.S. Merchant Marine along with workers’ rights. They also noted the U.S.-flag fleet’s many accomplishments during the past four years. Those accomplishments are captured in the image at left, which shows the convention’s theme: Blueprints to Blue Seas. MTD and SIU President Michael Sacco (second from left, photo at far right) chaired the conference, which took place July 21-22 in Chicago. The MTD consists of 24 affiliated international unions and a network of 24 port maritime councils in the United States and Canada. The main purpose of the MTD is to stand up for the working people of the U.S.-flag and Canadian-flag maritime industry —from the shipbuilders to the mariners to the longshoremen to all of their suppliers and associates. Coverage of the convention begins on page 3 and continues on pages 11-14. Many delegates and guests are pictured on these two pages. Paul Booth Asst. to President AFSCME Kermett Mangram Vice President SIU Augie Tellez, Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer SIU Jerry Abell VP, Local 25 Operating Engineers Mike Goodwin President OPEIU Capt. Tim Brown President MM&P Howard Randolph Secretary-Treasurer TCU John Conley President ITPE Bob Scardelletti President TCU Richard Lannigan Vice President OPEIU Richard Hughes, Vice and John Bowers, Pres Ron Davis President MEBA George Tricker Asst. Vice President SIU MTD Honors CWA President Bahr The MTD honored retiring CWA President and MTD Executive Board Member Morton Bahr at the department’s 2005 convention. “When Morty announced his retirement from the labor movement, there was a sense that an era was passing. Here is a man who embodies all of the old virtues, most notably loyalty and commitment. Yet he’s married those qualities to build a new vision of the future,” said MTD President Michael Sacco. Bahr, who is the last member of the AFL-CIO executive council to have sailed during World War II, couldn’t attend because of family medical needs. Accepting the award on his behalf, CWA Political Director Mike Grace noted, “This award is special because it represents a time when he, like many of (today’s civilian mariners), put his life on the line in the defense of our country.” MTD President Michael Sacco (left) and MTD Executive SecretaryTreasurer Frank Pecquex (right) present an engraved ship’s wheel and “Battlin’ Pete” World War II-era patch to CWA Political Director Mike Grace, accepting on behalf of CWA President Morton Bahr. 12 Seafarers LOG Dewey Garland Director, Railroad and Shipyard Dept. SMWIA Elizabeth Brown, Asst. VP, SEATU Todd Brdak Representative, SIU Anthony Poplawski President MFOW Bill Ellis Vice President UIW Dan Smith Vice President AMO Lynn Tucker, General VP, IAM Warren Mart, Sec-Treasurer, Machinists Jim McGee, VP, SIU and SIU Port Agents Steve Judd, Ed Kelly and Kenny Moore Nick Celona Asst. VP SIU September 2005 Jo Po B �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/22/2005 4:13 PM Page 13 s Department Convention Vice President, ILA nd President, ILA Roman Gralewicz President SIU of Canada Stuart Applebaum, President, Jack Wurm, Secretary-Treasurer RWDSU/UFCW Charles Stewart Vice President SIUNA John Cox Port Agent SIU Bernie Hostein Asst. to Pres. USWA Bill Lucy Secretary-Treasurer AFSCME Chico McGill Busines Manager IBEW Eugene Irish Asst. Vice President UIW September 2005 James Williams, President, Painters Vincent Bollon, Sec-Treas., Fire Fighters Harold Schaitberger, President, IAFF Mike McKay President AMO John Ryan President GMP Taking the oath of office following their respective re-elections are (from left, starting second from left) MTD President Michael Sacco, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex and Vice President Ernie Whelan. Dean Corgey Vice President SIU Tom Orzechowski Vice President SIU John Spadaro National Director UIW David Durkee Secretary-Treasurer BCTGM Don Nolan, Vice President, Paul Hall Center Bryan Powell, Port Agent, SIU Mike Grace Political Director CWA Nicholas Marrone Vice President SIU Ron Carver Nat’l Port Coord. Teamsters John Fay Executive VP SIU René Lioeanjie Vice President SIUNA Robert Roach General VP IAM Herb Perez Vice President UIW Ambrose Cucinotta Asst. VP SIU Walter Wise Treasurer Ironworkers Joseph Thibodeaux Executive VP BCTGM Sam Davis SecretaryTreasurer, Local 1458, ILA Don Marcus, VP, MM&P Gunnar Lundeberg, President, SUP, Bud Jacque, VP, MEBA Seafarers LOG 13 �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/29/2005 10:56 AM Page 14 AFL-CIO Maritime Trades Department Convention MSC Official Credits Mariners, Predicts Substantial Job Growth O utlining the critical role that the American maritime industry has played in the war against terror and praising the support that U.S. civilian mariners have given the military’s humanitarian relief efforts in areas like Southeast Asia, a highranking representative of the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) used the Maritime Trades Department’s 2005 convention in Chicago to thank maritime labor for its hard work, professionalism and “can-do” spirit. Noting that MSC is part of the military responsible for global waterborne logistics, Capt. Michael Seifert, MSC’s chief of staff, praised maritime labor and predicted substantial job growth MSC Chief of Staff Michael Seifert for unionized civilian mariners over the next few years. Specifically mentioning SIU President Michael Sacco, MEBA President Ron Davis, MM&P President Tim Brown, AMO President Michael McKay and ILA President John Bowers by name, Seifert said, “When you look at the MSC, you’re looking at America’s unions. That is our strength, and that is why you are part of the national defense team. “Without the mariners, boilermakers, sheet metal workers, shipping company clerks, longshoremen, truck drivers and all the other highly skilled workers who bring the industry to life, the MSC couldn’t complete our mission.” Seifert explained that MSC is the largest single employer of civilian American mariners. Since September 2001, U.S. civilian mariners have delivered 77 million square feet of vehicles, helicopters, supplies and munitions to U.S. forces in the Middle East. Seifert was impressed with the way that U.S. civilian mariners handled themselves during the tsunami relief efforts. “We supplied medical care and services, fresh water and a can-do volunteer attitude that helped the victims in the area begin to rebuild their homes, businesses, hospitals and roads,” he said. Outlining a number of new missions and projects that MSC will be involved in, including operating Navy salvage ships, Seifert predicted that the agency will see significant growth. “In fact, by 2009 our afloat civil service workforce alone will grow by 55 percent,” he observed. “That’s more than 1,200 new jobs that will be filled by men and women represented by the Maritime Trades Department.” Seifert relayed that the U.S. military is looking into ways of making greater use of prepositioned MSC vessels. Unlike supplies stored at foreign land-based facilities, prepositioned MSC ships give the military immediate access “without (the need for) a permission slip,” he said. He concluded, “The bottom line here is we’re committed to providing more jobs for American maritime workers. We are growing, and we want you to grow along with us. The future of MSC and our Maritime Trades partners is bright. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient America, one that can respond to any crisis or contingency and stay strong, committed and ready. “Every time we’re told ‘Well Governor, State Fed President Emphasize Grassroots Action D uring the MTD convention, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Margaret Blackshere, president of the million-member Illinois AFL-CIO, offered numerous examples from their own state as to why grassroots political action remains vitally important to union members across the country. Despite major challenges faced by labor organizations throughout the United States, Blackshere and Blagojevich outlined the proworker progress that has been made in Illinois over the past few years. Citing hard work, perseverance and solidarity as the cornerstones of an effective grassroots strategy, Blackshere explained how the rights, wages and benefits of public employees have been protected at a time when the state has been trying to reduce a $5 billion deficit. She discussed improvements in health care, prescription drug coverage, education and labor protections, including longoverdue adjustments to the state’s minimum wage rate and enactment of state laws shielding Illinois workers from changes in the nation’s overtime regulations. Acknowledging that “they make decisions in Washington that we can’t affect,” Blackshere said trade union activists can make a difference at the state and local levels. And, in Illinois, to a large extent they have succeeded. She gave a great deal of credit to Blagojevich, a three-term congressman who has carried his passion for workers’ issues, especially health 14 Seafarers LOG care, to the governor’s office. Noting that his parents were immigrant workers who found middle-class respectability through the trade union movement, Blagojevich stressed, “Now that I’m governor of Illinois, I think about their challenges and their struggles, and I try to make decisions that would make the lives of people like my parents better.” Blagojevich addressed a major obstacle facing today’s workers when he pointed out, “Unlike the labor movement more than 100 years ago, nowadays the jobs of hard working people in this country are being shipped and exported to places where they don’t pay people fair wages. And while we have policies that come from Washington that are unfair to the labor movement and unfair to working people, in Illinois I’m proud to say we’ve gone in another in direction.” He added that people who care about working families must do more than simply electing proworker representatives. “You need to have organizations across the country that are strong, that fight the fight for men and women who do the work of the world. That’s why supporting labor has been a big priority of this administration. My mother and father were able to raise their kids in a family where they could afford to one day send them to college, because whatever money they earned and put aside and saved, they were able to do it because they had benefits and they had wages that were fair. And they had those things because they had Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich done’ by anyone, from the chief of naval operations, to the secretary of the Navy, secretary of Defense Mariners Deliver … and Deliver In describing the amount of materiel transported aboard U.S.-flag ships since the start of Operation Enduring Freedom, MSC Chief of Staff Capt. Michael Seifert put it in easily understandable terms. The 77 million square feet of cargo carried to U.S. war fighters in the Middle East “equates to about 812,000 SUVs,” Seifert explained. “If we placed them bumper to bumper on America’s highways, they would stretch from Washington, D.C. to Chicago, Illinois, and from here on to Boise, Idaho, all with union drivers behind the wheel, of course. “At the same time, you’ve helped us deliver more than 7.3 billion gallons of fuel for our war fighters. That much fuel would fill the Empire State Building more than 26 times or it would make a swimming pool almost 2 miles on a side and 10 feet deep. That’s the visualization of the combat cargo your union members have helped us deliver for the war on terrorism—no small job and a job that couldn’t have been done without you.” Shipping Council President: U.S. Port Security Improving, But Still Needs Enhancement T wo weeks before the Maritime Trades Department met for its 2005 convention, a series of bombings hit the London transit system. It was a vivid reminder that terrorism remains one of the central issues of our time. The MTD took up the subject of terrorism at its convention, expressing its admiration and support for the people of London and passing a resolution aimed at enhancing safety in the maritime sector. One of the guest speakers to the convention was Chris Koch, president and CEO of the World Shipping Council (WSC), which is an association of 40 liner companies. Koch also serves as chairman of the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee, a group appointed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He outlined the progress that has been made in the maritime sector since September 11. Since that tragic day, the U.S. Coast Guard has taken the lead in drawing up a series of security plans. According to Koch, “Today, any ship above 100 gross tons coming into the United States has to have an approved and effective vessel security plan.” Koch also said that under fairly new domestic and international security regulations, U.S. personnel “travel around the world to ports that send vessels to the U.S. to monitor how those ports are doing” in terms of combating terrorism. Congress passed the Illinois AFL-CIO President Margaret Blackshere labor unions that fought for them.” The MTD executive board also heard updates about the department’s own grassroots successes, including securing the go-ahead for port modernization projects in New York, gaining local support for non-contiguous Jones Act protections in Hawaii and working with local politicians and leading community figures to preserve jobs at the Kvaerner Philadelphia Shipyard. or even the president, it’s a tribute to you at the Maritime Trades Department as well.” World Shipping Council President Chris Koch Maritime Transportation Security Act, which, among other things, requires the Department of Homeland Security to issue transportation workers identification cards. Despite this progress, Koch believes that U.S. ports remain highly vulnerable, especially since more than 10 million containers are imported into the United States each year and the nation has tens of thousands of square miles of inland waterways. Koch believes that technology can make a big difference. He said we may not be too far away from the day when U.S. ports will be able to scan every vessel. Unfortunately, nowadays fewer than five percent of all containers are being inspected. Moreover, he predicts that the Department of Homeland Security soon will enhance inspection requirements on all ocean carriers that load containers in foreign ports. Praising maritime labor for all it has done to enhance maritime security, Koch outlined where North Americans stand today. “We’re caught with this interesting dynamic our generation is facing for the first time, which is this global terrorist threat. We know our vulnerability. We know we have to address it.” He concluded, “We’re making really good progress. We are more secure today than we were last year and certainly more secure than we were on 9/11. But a candid reflection would say we aren’t where we need to be. So we have to keep moving ahead…. The maritime industry and maritime labor community are very much on the same page when it comes to enhancing maritime security. We both want to see a more effective cargo security regime so we can be confident that our ships, our seafarers and the legitimate cargo on those ships are protected.” In a similar vein, the MTD passed a resolution on port security calling for more federal funding. Over the past three years, airports have received more than $18 billion to combat terrorism. September 2005 �29230_P3,4,5,15,16.qxd 8/23/2005 7:54 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea October & November 2005 Membership Meetings JULY 16 — AUGUST 15, 2005 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Totals All Departments 1 0 6 12 1 10 29 32 0 8 23 18 16 5 2 6 17 0 22 16 224 0 0 2 1 1 6 11 14 0 5 6 14 7 0 3 3 12 1 11 7 2 8 6 12 2 6 23 26 2 9 15 22 19 3 12 12 7 7 30 18 241 1 5 2 5 1 5 11 18 1 4 11 11 12 1 4 5 7 4 18 11 1 2 2 3 1 3 22 6 0 5 8 18 8 1 1 0 6 1 14 6 108 1 5 1 3 0 2 8 8 0 4 2 8 8 1 0 1 2 0 5 4 104 137 63 1 0 2 5 2 10 7 17 1 4 7 7 10 3 1 2 19 0 17 23 1 0 4 7 0 4 7 10 0 3 3 7 9 0 3 1 2 2 8 10 0 0 0 2 1 1 3 6 1 2 4 1 5 0 0 0 1 1 4 4 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 2 6 1 8 22 27 0 13 14 22 16 2 0 5 14 0 16 6 175 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 0 3 4 1 2 5 14 18 0 9 11 17 18 4 13 6 11 1 23 13 173 1 0 0 2 1 1 11 3 0 2 6 5 5 1 0 0 3 0 5 5 51 0 0 3 0 0 3 14 22 0 7 15 15 7 1 3 4 11 0 25 7 137 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 3 1 1 7 10 12 0 4 7 8 8 3 2 3 10 1 11 4 95 0 1 4 2 3 4 6 15 1 4 6 10 10 2 3 5 7 2 11 10 106 1 6 0 2 1 0 4 4 0 4 0 2 7 1 0 1 2 2 3 4 44 0 0 0 0 0 3 5 8 0 4 3 9 6 2 1 3 6 0 8 9 67 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 0 3 0 12 4 11 1 6 6 9 6 2 0 2 19 0 12 14 138 81 36 107 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1 7 0 3 3 1 1 3 4 0 7 12 23 1 5 7 28 8 0 4 2 11 1 16 5 2 2 2 5 4 8 20 12 0 2 11 23 18 1 14 1 10 0 19 7 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 1 0 0 5 3 0 0 0 0 2 0 6 1 0 0 4 2 3 3 3 5 0 1 2 4 8 0 3 0 3 1 8 8 58 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 0 2 1 1 3 0 0 0 1 2 3 2 0 0 1 1 0 2 6 6 0 2 1 7 7 0 2 1 8 1 12 10 19 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 0 1 0 2 0 5 9 5 0 6 4 19 2 0 7 2 5 0 12 2 0 3 2 1 0 2 6 5 0 0 3 4 13 0 4 0 4 0 7 5 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 2 0 13 6 2 15 46 53 0 11 27 49 28 8 2 17 31 0 62 42 5 10 9 11 6 13 37 62 2 8 25 36 27 5 12 13 9 13 50 34 3 4 3 1 2 4 34 21 0 8 14 26 11 0 1 1 9 1 25 20 414 387 188 0 0 2 0 1 10 20 35 0 6 17 21 9 4 2 8 21 1 16 17 2 4 0 3 2 10 15 36 0 4 8 11 14 3 7 3 10 5 32 10 3 2 1 1 1 2 11 13 0 2 6 12 7 0 2 1 4 0 8 12 190 179 88 2 0 5 2 2 16 25 34 1 7 17 29 11 4 6 1 37 1 33 38 4 0 3 5 2 8 6 18 0 8 6 7 18 2 4 3 6 1 11 17 1 0 0 1 0 1 4 10 1 0 6 3 4 0 0 1 1 1 6 7 67 271 129 47 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 7 6 0 1 1 3 0 0 0 1 11 0 9 4 3 0 4 2 0 12 26 33 1 8 13 58 13 2 16 2 20 1 28 17 6 4 3 4 7 11 36 40 0 3 17 58 22 2 26 2 10 4 38 18 22 139 161 23 81 59 0 48 259 311 488 598 368 400 418 173 271 923 954 634 *“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 2005 Piney Point .............Monday: October 3, November 7 Algonac ..................Friday: October 7 ................................Monday: November 14* ................................(*change created by Veterans Day holiday) Baltimore ................Thursday: October 6, November 10 Boston.....................Friday: October 7 ................................Monday: November 14* ................................(*change created by Veterans Day holiday) Duluth .....................Wednesday: October 12, November 16 Guam ......................Thursday: October 20 ................................Friday: November 25* ................................(*change created by Thanksgiving Day holiday) Honolulu .................Friday: October 14, November 18 Houston ..................Monday: October 10, November 14 Jacksonville ............Thursday: October 6, November 10 Joliet .......................Thursday: October 13, November 17 Mobile ....................Wednesday: October 12, November 16 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: October 11, November 15 New York................Tuesday: October 4, November 8 Norfolk ...................Thursday: October 6, November 10 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: October 5, November 9 Port Everglades.......Thursday: October 13, November 17 San Francisco .........Thursday: October 13, November 17 San Juan..................Thursday: October 6, November 10 St. Louis..................Friday: October 14, November 18 Tacoma ...................Friday: October 21, November 25 Wilmington ...............Monday: October 17, November 21 ................................. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. If you have written any stories or poems or kept a diary of your life at sea that you think other Seafarers would be interested in reading, send them along. Photogaphs (digital or prints) of shipboard life also would be welcomed. Send your items to: Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. LOG-A-RHYTHM Challenges for Seafarers by BR Natarajan Latitudes to go Longitudes to come Straits to pass Oceans to cross Ships to operate Tankers to control Cargoes to load Glories to unload Miles to log before you anchor Nautical miles to log before you anchor O cadet, go and conquer. (Dr. Natarajan is a professor and dean of distance learning programs at BITS Pilani (Rajasthan), India. He wrote this poem and recited it at an awards ceremony at the Tolani Maritime Institute in Induri, India in August of last year.). Seafarers LOG 15 �29230_P3,4,5,15,16.qxd 8/23/2005 7:59 PM Page 16 Seafarers International Union Directory NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report JULY 16 — AUGUST 15, 2005 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ALTON 325 Market St., Suite B, Alton, IL 62002 (618) 462-3456 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 DULUTH 324 W. Superior St., Suite 705, Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 722-4110 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 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 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 8 5 7 5 16 1 0 3 45 1 3 0 0 2 0 1 0 7 2 2 8 8 2 2 4 4 32 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 7 10 7 3 19 2 1 1 50 1 1 0 1 4 0 0 0 7 2 3 9 3 2 3 4 4 30 1 4 4 5 16 1 2 4 37 8 35 11 18 28 3 1 12 116 1 6 7 8 12 0 1 5 40 0 4 5 20 2 0 4 0 35 0 2 3 0 0 2 0 0 7 9 14 6 6 15 2 1 2 55 0 4 9 3 10 0 1 1 28 0 5 5 12 0 1 1 0 24 0 1 6 0 0 2 0 0 11 6 11 7 5 10 1 0 4 44 2 8 4 2 14 0 0 2 32 0 3 1 10 0 1 2 1 18 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 5 5 5 2 1 1 0 0 19 0 1 4 2 2 0 1 0 10 0 0 6 5 2 0 0 0 13 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 2 7 3 0 1 1 0 0 14 0 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 0 6 1 2 0 0 0 9 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 6 2 1 1 3 0 0 0 13 3 1 3 1 4 0 0 0 12 0 0 2 4 2 1 0 2 11 Port 2 2 3 3 4 0 1 0 15 3 1 5 0 1 0 0 0 10 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 2 7 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 77 29 56 79 22 46 55 215 100 77 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These photos were sent to the Seafarers LOG by Andrew Boney of South Hill, Va. The ship is the Keystone State during military J-LOTS exercises off the coast of Norfolk, Va. in 1984; the other photo is of the first deck department aboard that vessel (which also worked together on other crane ships for nine years). Accompanying the photos was a copy of a letter from former SIU President Frank Drozak, thanking Boney and the rest of the crew for the “excellent manner in which you represented the profesionalism and experience of SIU crews” during the exercise. From the left (standing) are Andrew Boney, Dave Novogratz, Paul Lewis and (seated) Lou Fladge. Boney, now 77, sailed as a recertified bosun, last working in 1990 aboard the Cape Flattery. If anyone has a vintage union-related photograph he or she would like to share with the LOG readership, please send it to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Photographs will be returned, if so requested. September 2005 �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/26/2005 12:13 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA JOHNNY CRINER, 65, became an SIU member in 1986 in the port of Norfolk, Va. His first ship was the USNS Assurance. Brother Criner upgraded in 2001 at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. The steward department member’s most recent voyage was aboard the USNS Impeccable. Born in Haskell, Okla., Brother Criner resides in Norfolk. JOHN FUNK, 62, joined the Seafarers in 1964 in the port of New York after serving in the U.S. Navy. Brother Funk initially shipped on the Sea Pioneer as a member of the engine department. He was a frequent upgrader at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Brother Funk was born in New York. His last ship was the Cape Trinity. Brother Funk is a resident of Laporte, Texas. BILLY HILLIARD, 66, was born in Louisiana. He began his seafaring career in 1967 when he sailed on the Halcyon Panther. Brother Hilliard worked in the engine department and enhanced his skills in 2000 and 2004 at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Hilliard last shipped aboard the Horizon Reliance. He makes his home in Madera, Calif. KEITH O’BRYAN, 50, joined the SIU in 1973 in Piney Point, Md. Brother O’Bryan’s first voyage was on the Sea-Land Market. Born in Richland, Wash., he sailed in the deck department. Brother O’Bryan most recently worked aboard the Atlantic. He attended the Paul Hall Center on numerous occasions to upgrade his skills. Brother O’Bryan calls St. Petersburg, Fla. home FRANK SISON, 66, started shipping with the Seafarers in 1970 from the port of Seattle. Brother Sison first sailed aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. He was born in Washington and worked in the steward department. Brother Sison upgraded his skills on several occasions at the Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His last ship was the Maj. Bernard F. Fisher. Brother Sison lives in his native state. INLAND ROBERT ALBURTUS, 68, joined the union in 1987. During his seafaring career, Boatman Alburtus was employed by NY September 2005 Waterway. The deck department member was born in New Jersey and resides in Toms River, N.J. JOHN DANIELS, 62, embarked on his SIU career in 1961 in the port of Philadelphia. Boatman Daniels initially worked in the deck department aboard an Interstate Oil Transport vessel. He was born in North Carolina. Boatman Daniels is a resident of Belhaven, N.C. His last voyage was aboard a Maritrans vessel. JOHN KAHRIGER, 62, is a native of Pennsylvania. Boatman Kahriger began shipping with the Seafarers in 1962 from the port of Philadelphia. He first worked aboard a Moran Towing vessel. Boatman Kahriger shipped in the deck department. He last sailed on a Taylor Marine Towing Co. vessel. Boatman Kahriger makes his home in Laurel Springs, N.J. ERNEST LARSEN, 70, joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He enhanced his skills at the unionaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. The Texas native first sailed with Steuart Transportation. Prior to retiring, Boatman Larsen shipped aboard a Penn Maritime vessel. He calls Jasper, Texas home. RICHARD SIMON, 65, was born in New York. Boatman Simon launched his career with the SIU in 1977 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He primarily shipped aboard Moran Towing of Va. vessels. Boatman Simon is a resident of Urbana, Va. GREAT LAKES CLEYON DART, 65, began his seafaring career in 1967 in the port of St. Louis. Born in Wisconsin, Brother Dart worked in the engine department. His first ship was the John Roen IV. Brother Dart lives in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. ANTHONY WILLOUGHBY, 59, became a Seafarer in 1968. Brother Willoughby initially shipped on a Zenith Dredge Co. vessel. He was born in Duluth, Mich. and resides in Superior, Mich. Brother Willoughby last worked on a Great Lakes Towing Co. vessel. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. HERBERT ADOLPH, 68, joined the NMU in 1989. During his seafaring career, Brother Adolph worked in both the steward and engine departments. He was born in New Orleans. FRANK COLON, 64, became a member of the union in 1967, initially shipping from the port of San Juan. Brother Colon sailed in the steward department. The Puerto Ricoborn mariner last shipped aboard the Cape Vincent. FRANK DEMETRO, 56, began sailing with the NMU in 1965. Brother Demetro’s first ship was the American Veteran. He was born in Philadelphia. During his seafaring career, Brother Demetro worked in all three departments. He is a veteran of the U.S. Army and last sailed on the Cape Henry. NED McWILLIAMS, 55, started shipping with the NMU in 1977, initially sailing from San Pedro, Calif. Brother McWilliams’s first voyage was on the Texaco Florida. He is a native of Mexia, Texas. LUIS SANTIAGO, 67, hails from Puerto Rico. Brother Santiago joined the NMU in 1967. The steward department member initially shipped from the port of Baltimore. Brother Santiago’s most recent trip to sea was aboard the Cape Decision. EDWARD WALLACE, 63, commenced his career with the union in 1969 in Norfolk, Va. Brother Wallace was born in Lumberton, N.C. and shipped in the steward department. His first ship was the Export Courier; his last was the Cape Rise. SALIH YAFAI, 75, joined the NMU in 1964. Born in Yemen, Brother Yafai worked in the engine department. He most recently sailed aboard the Export Patriot. With Seafarers on the Sulphur Enterprise SIU Representative Kevin Marchand (standing, far left) submitted this photo taken after a recent meeting aboard the Seafarers-crewed Sulphur Enterprise in Tampa. During the Aug. 1 meeting, crew members discussed the importance of shipboard safety, the ongoing need for political action and the SIU’s role as part of America’s fourth arm of defense. Pictured with Marchand are (standing, from left) Seafarers Larry Griffin, Stefon Otey, Sonny Pinkham, Kenny Roetzer, (front) Carlos Colon and Anthony Grant. Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1944 One of the most modern union halls in the country was officially opened last week by the SIU. The sixstory building at 51 Beaver Street will house both the New York Branch and the Atlantic & Gulf District offices. The union occupies the top five floors with the shipping hall taking the entire second floor. The lounge, complete with card and writing tables, takes the third floor. The stewards’ offices and the baggage room, which offers free baggage checking for members in good standing, are on the fourth floor, and branch offices, including the office of the Seafarers LOG, take up the fifth floor. Atlantic & Gulf District headquarters comprises the top floor. The reaction of the membership to their new home has been very favorable. Commenting on the new building, one Seafarer said, “From now on we don’t have to take off our hat to nobody.” averted a strike against the company’s 13 vessels a scant few hours before the expiration of the “cooling off” period, set as a result of a federal court injunction on July 3. Alcoa was the only major SIU-contracted operator which was unsigned when the injunction was issued. The SIU had signed most of its contracted operators before the June 15 strike deadline, but shipping was tied up for 18 days by strikes of other unions involved before the injunction was issued. This Month In SIU History 1961 On the eve of the expiration of an 80-day TaftHartley Injunction, the Alcoa Steamship Company reached agreement with the SIU on outstanding contract issues. The agreement on September 21 1995 Seafarers, pensioners, their families and friends are plunging into the fight by urging Congress to enact maritime revitalization legislation. Through letters, telephone calls, petitions and personal meetings, union members, retirees and others are telling members of the House of Representatives and the Senate to pass legislation that would provide funds to help operate up to 50 militarily useful U.S.-flag containerships over the next 10 years. At hearings in both the House and Senate, the SIU has stated its support for maritime revitalization legislation. Meanwhile, SIU members have found other ways to let Congress know the importance of the U.S.-flag merchant marine. Seafarers LOG 17 �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/22/2005 5:28 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JOSEPH ARCH Pensioner Joseph Arch, 90, passed away May 18. Brother Arch was born in Honduras and joined the SIU in 1951. He first sailed on the Jefferson City Victory. A member of the deck department. Brother Arch retired in 1978. He called Chalmette, La. home. ALBERT BLAZIO Pensioner Albert Blazio, 85, died May 28. Brother Blazio became a Seafarer in 1945 in the port of Baltimore, Md. His first ship was the Alcoa Pennant; his last was the Robert E. Lee. Brother Blazio worked in the steward department. He began receiving his pension in 1982. Brother Blazio was born in New Orleans and made his home in Metairie, La. JOSEPH CASTELLANOS Brother Joseph Castellanos, 69, passed away March 31. He started his seafaring career in 1978 in San Francisco, initially sailing on the Santa Maria. Born in California, Brother Castellanos shipped in the steward department. His last voyage was aboard the Kauai. Brother Castellanos made his home in La Habra, Calif. MILTON COX Pensioner Milton Cox, 76, died May 27. Born in Mississippi, Brother Cox joined the SIU in 1951 in New York. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and sailed as a member of the steward department. His last trip to sea was aboard the Falcon Champion. Brother Cox resided in Gulfport, Miss. and went on pension in 1991. ROMOLO DeVIRGILEO Pensioner Romolo DeVirgileo, 80, passed away April 22. Brother DeVirgileo joined the SIU ranks in 1949 in New York, first sailing on a Sprogue Steamship Co. vessel. The deck department member last worked aboard the Sea-Land Integrity. Brother DeVirgileo was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He started collecting his retirement pay in 1989. Brother DeVirgileo resided in his native state. RAUL FIOL Brother Raul Fiol, 73, died May 4. He embarked on his seafaring career in 1970 in the port of San Francisco after serving in the U.S. Army. Brother Fiol’s first trip to sea was on the Santa Maria. The Puerto Ricoborn mariner worked in the steward department. Brother Fiol last shipped on the President Roosevelt. He was a resident of San Francisco. LEO GILLIKIN Pensioner Leo Gillikin, 78, passed away May 16. Brother Gillikin began his employment with the Seafarers in 1944 in the port of Norfolk, Va. A member of the deck department, Brother Gillikin was born in North Carolina. His final trip to sea was aboard the Sugar Islander. Brother Gillikin began 18 Seafarers LOG receiving his retirement compensation in 1982 and called Morehead City, N.C. home. receiving his retirement compensation in 1982. He was a resident of Bakersfield, Calif. JERRY GLOVER NEMESIO QUINONES Brother Jerry Glover, 78, died April 24. He joined the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in San Francisco. Brother Glover was born in California and shipped in the steward department. He resided in his native state. Pensioner Nemesio Quinones, 78, passed away May 9. Brother Quinones joined the Seafarers in 1951 in his native Puerto Rico after serving in the U.S. Army. The steward department member last sailed on the Empire State. Brother Quinones, who called Bronx, N.Y. home, went on pension in 1988. SCOTT HUNG Brother Scott Hung, 79, passed away March 22. He joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco, working in the steward department. Born in China, Brother Hung made his home in San Francisco. HOLGER JENSEN MANUEL RIAL Brother Holger Jensen, 82, died April 8. Born in Denmark, he began sailing with the MC&S from the port of San Francisco. Brother Jensen was a steward department member and a resident of Carson City, Nev. Pensioner Manuel Rial, 87, died April 20. Brother Rial began his SIU career in 1943 in New York, sailing as a member of the engine department. He was born in Spain and lived in Brooklyn, N.Y. Brother Rial went on pension in 1984. HENRY JONES JR. ANTHONY SKILLMAN Pensioner Henry Jones Jr., 69, passed away May 31. Brother Jones started shipping with the SIU in 1964 in the port of San Francisco. He first sailed on the Del Sol, where he worked in the steward department. Brother Jones was a native of Jonesville, La. Brother Jones, who last sailed on the LNG Leo, went on pension in 2000. He lived in Seattle, Wash. Pensioner Anthony Skillman, 85, passed away June 2. Brother Skillman was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and joined the union in 1944 in the port of Baltimore, Md. He first shipped in the deck department aboard the Elizabeth. Brother Skillman was a veteran of the U.S. Army. His last trip to sea was on the Gallaway. Brother Skillman resided in Wyoming and started collecting his retirement pay in 1978. WILLIAM MORRIS JR. Pensioner William Morris Jr., 81, died May 24. Brother Morris joined the union in 1943 in the port of Baltimore, Md. Born in Tennessee, he sailed in the deck department. Brother Morris was born in Tennessee. Before retiring in 1986, he shipped on the Overseas New York. Brother Morris called Crosby, Texas home. LEO PARADISE Pensioner Leo Paradise, 78, passed away May 18. Brother Paradise embarked on his seafaring career in 1947 in New York. Born in Fall River, Mass., Brother Paradise worked in the deck department. His last voyage was on the Duchess. Brother Paradise retired in 1992 and made his home in New Hampshire. SHERMAN PHILLIPS Pensioner Sherman Phillips, 89, died May 20. Brother Phillips joined the SIU in 1955 in New Orleans. Brother Phillips was born in Texas and sailed in the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Leader. Brother Phillips began THOMAS SNEAD Pensioner Thomas Snead, 74, died Dec. 22. Brother Snead became an SIU member in 1964 in New Orleans after serving in the U.S. Army. Prior to retiring in 1988, the Georgia native worked on the Horizon Producer. He made his home in New Orleans. MAURICE STOVER Pensioner Maurice Stover, 88, passed away April 13. Brother Stover launched his seafaring career in 1968 in the port of Seattle, Wash. His first voyage was aboard the Falmouth. A native of Berkeley, Calif., Brother Stover was a member of the engine department. He was a resident of Shelton, Wash. and retired in 1982. ULUS VEACH Pensioner Ulus Veach, 74, died March 25. Brother Veach began sailing with the SIU in 1948 in New York. The deck department member was born in North Carolina. Brother Veach’s first trip to sea was aboard a Transeastern Shipping Co. vessel; his last was on the LNG Taurus. He lived in his native state and went on pension in 1995. SADAK WALA Pensioner Sadak Wala, 76, passed away April 27. Brother Wala joined the ranks of the SIU in 1953 in New York. The Indonesian-born mariner shipped in the engine department, initially aboard the Fairland. Before his retirement in 1989, Brother Wala worked on the Kaimoku. He called Brooklyn, N.Y. home. INLAND MICHAEL FALCONE Pensioner Michael Falcone, 95, died April 20. Boatman Falcone joined the union in 1967 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He worked in the engine department and began receiving compensation for his retirement in 1974. Boatman Falcone resided in New York. BERNARD FREBURGER JR. Pensioner Bernard Freburger Jr., 82, passed away April 2. Boatman Freburger became a Seafarer in 1957 in Baltimore, Md. after serving in the U.S. Navy. He worked in the deck department, primarily aboard McAllister Towing of Baltimore vessels. Boatman Freburger was born in Maryland and called Glen Burnie, Md. home. He went on pension in 1984. marily on vessels operated by McAllister Towing of Baltimore. Boatman Mach was a native of Maryland and shipped as a member of the deck department. He called Baltimore home. JAMES MARTIN Pensioner James Martin, 70, died Feb. 4. Born in Louisiana, Boatman Martin first donned the SIU colors in 1960 in New Orleans. He went on pension in 1996 and resided in his native state. PEDRO MORET Pensioner Pedro Moret, 65, passed away Feb. 22. Boatman Moret joined the union in 1976 in his native Puerto Rico. He worked in the deck department, shipping primarily on Crowley Towing and Transportation vessels. He continued to live in Puerto Rico and began receiving his retirement stipends in 1998. MARION PEOPLES Pensioner Marion Peoples, 62, died Feb. 22. Boatman Peoples joined the SIU in 1988 in the port of Houston. Born in Texas, he lived in Fulton, Ky. Boatman Peoples retired in 2004. BENJAMIN GRIGGS JR. WILLIAM PETTIS Pensioner Benjamin Griggs Jr., 83, died Feb. 1. Boatman Griggs started his SIU career in 1963 in Port Arthur, Texas. His first ship was the Seabulk Tanker. A veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, Boatman Griggs shipped in the deck department. He was born in Knight, La. and made Kirbyville, Texas home. He retired in 1983. Boatman William Pettis, 53, passed away Dec. 27. He became an SIU member in 1975 in New Orleans. Boatman Pettis worked in the deck department. A native of Wiggins, Miss., he resided in Gretna, La. SIDNEY GUIDRY Boatman Sidney Guidry, 62, passed away Dec. 25. A native of Louisiana, he commenced his seafaring career in 1990 in New Orleans. Boatman Guidry was a member of the steward department. He last sailed aboard the Dodge Island. He made his home in his native state. RAYMOND HUDSON Pensioner Raymond Hudson, 80, died Jan. 22. Boatman Hudson joined the Seafarers in 1957 in the port of Philadelphia. The U.S. Navy veteran shipped in the deck department. Born in Pennsylvania, he last sailed with Moran Towing of Philadelphia. Boatman Hudson retired in 1984. He was a resident of Salisbury, Md. LEON MACH SR. Pensioner Leon Mach Sr., 77, passed away Dec. 15. Boatman Mach began sailing with the SIU in 1957 in the port of Baltimore. He worked pri- JAMES SEBASTIAN Boatman James Sebastian, 61, died Dec. 10. Born in Ocean Port, N.J., he started sailing with the Seafarers in 1994 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Boatman Sebastian was a member of the deck department and worked primarily aboard Alabama Pilot vessels. He called Mobile, Ala. home. Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. MELVIN BELLAMY Pensioner Melvin Bellamy, 80, passed away Feb. 9. Brother Bellamy joined the NMU in 1943 initially sailing from the port of New York. He first went to sea aboard the Christy Payne. Brother Bellamy was born in Baltimore and shipped in the steward department. His last voyage was on the Independence. Brother Bellamy began collecting his retirement pay in 1967. Continued on page 20 September 2005 �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/22/2005 5:32 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occassion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the uniion’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 publicatiion. CLEVELAND (Sealift), June 12— Chairman Fareed Khan, Secretary Miguel E. Vinca, Educational Director Victorino G. Labrilla, Deck Delegate Leon Curtis, Steward Delegate Ruben C. Ong. Chairman thanked deck department members for great job cleaning cargo hold and expressed appreciation to all departments for job well done. Secretary asked those members departing ship to clean rooms for next person and also requested everyone separate plastic items from regular trash. Educational director stressed importance of upgrading skills at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food and barbecue. Next port: Houston, Texas. BRENTON REEF (Seabulk), June 22—Chairman Thomas W. Lasater, Secretary Norman A. Jackson, Educational Director Charles H. Kennedy, Deck Delegate Joseph S. Merriweather, Engine Delegate Ron Westerfield, Steward Delegate Norman A. Jackson. Chairman lead discussion on job security and importance of SPAD as well as changes to health benefit plan. He advised Seafarers to keep dues paid up and notify headquarters of address and/or dependent changes. Educational director urged crew to upgrade at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to reduce seatime requirements for full pension benefits and raise monthly pension amounts. Bosun praised all hands for working well together. Mariners were reminded to clean lint filter in dryer due to potential fire hazard. Crew requested e-mail access. Next ports: Los Angeles and San Francisco, Calif. HORIZON SPIRIT (Horizon Lines), June 30—Chairman Howard W. Gibbs, Secretary Edgardo G. Ombac, Educational Director Roger M. Wasserman, Engine Delegate Thomas V. Hastings, Steward Delegate Henry J. Commanger. Chairman announced payoff at sea. He stated he would discuss medical benefit changes with patrolman in next port, Tacoma, Wash. and report back to them. He thanked everyone for following safety procedures during trip. Secretary reported new coffee machine, dryer and pillows to arrive in Tacoma. Food stores will be received in Oakland, Calif. Educational director reminded crew to keep movie cabinet locked while in port. He advised them to check document expiration dates and upgrade at union-affiliated school in Piney Point. Treasurer stated $233 in movie fund; new movies to be purchased in Tacoma. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Steward department was praised for good food, lots of cookies and putting on a great BBQ. Next ports: Oakland; Honolulu; Guam; Hong Kong. LIBERTY GLORY (Liberty Maritime), June 19—Chairman Timothy J. Jackson, Secretary Matthew Scott, Educational September 2005 Director Mike Kifle, Deck Delegate Zinnonnon Jackson, Steward Delegate Joel P. Crow. Chairman announced payoff July 1 in Houston. He thanked crew members for a smooth voyage. Secretary urged Seafarers to apply months in advance for MMDs. Educational director encouraged upgrading skills at Piney Point as “the way to go.” No beefs or disputed OT reported. Galley dishwasher and ice machine are to be fixed in next port. Suggestion made to reduce age requirements for full retirement benefits and increase wages across the board. Crew thanked Bosun Jackson and Steward Scott for displaying great leadership skills on this trip. OVERSEAS HARRIETTE (OSG Ship Management), June 19— Chairman Clyde C. Smith, Secretary George Quinn, Deck Delegate George A. Giraud, Engine Delegate John R. Bodden, Steward Delegate Charles Atkins. Chairman announced ship to dock in Houston on June 20; payoff to take place next morning. Ship will remain in Houston approximately six days before next voyage. Secretary thanked crew members for helping keep mess and lounge clean. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Phone service aboard vessel in need of repair. Suggestions made regarding lowering age and seatime requirements for full pension benefits. Crew requested new dryer in laundry room. Next port: Massawa, Ethiopia. PATRIOT (Maersk Line Limited), June 14—Chairman George B. Khan, Secretary Robin D. Ballard, Educational Director Philip A. Curtis, Deck Delegate Chad Chivrell, Engine Delegate Sjarifudin Noor, Steward Delegate Carmelo B. Dela Cruz. Chairman announced reflagging of vessel to take place Aug. 19. He noted that relief list was e-mailed to Wilmington hall. Secretary reminded crew members to help keep ship neat and clean. Educational director let mariners know that class schedules for courses available at Paul Hall Center are listed in monthly Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held pertaining to letter from headquarters regarding staying aboard ship. Next port: Ensenada, Mexico. PERSEVERANCE (Maritrans), June 27—Chairman Thomas R. Temple, Secretary Louie L. Perez, Educational Director Leonel S. Lazo, Deck Delegate David R. Harvey, Engine Delegate German C. Valerio, Steward Delegate William B. Young. Chairman advised mariners to start six months in advance when renewing z-cards. Pay raise announced effective June 1. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about new memorandum of understanding and about changes to payroll agreement. Next ports: Galveston and Houston. QUALITY (Maersk Line Limited), June 26—Chairman John J. Williamson, Secretary Alexander Banky, Educational Director Timothy E. Pillsworth, Engine Delegate Lawrence Banks. Chairman announced July 2 payoff in Newark, N.J. Secretary requested cardiovascular gym equipment be moved to central location for all crew members to use. Educational director talked about the opportunities available at Paul Hall Center to upgrade skills. Treasurer stated $1,300 in ship fund. No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck department. Discussion held about weekly drill and training issues. Next ports: Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C.; Freeport and Houston, Texas. USNS DAHL (Maersk Line Limited), June 27—Chairman Herman L. Reynolds, Secretary James H. McLeod, Educational Director Alexander Zharkoff, Deck Delegate Harry C. Downey, Engine Delegate Keith A. Bailey, Steward Delegate Abraham A. Mills. Chairman announced June 27 arrival of ship in Sasebo, Japan and several days later will leave for Saipan. He reminded crew members to stay in good standing by keeping dues paid up and making sure all documents are current. Secretary reported smooth trip from Charleston, S.C to Sasebo. He congratulated ship’s crew on successful sanitary inspection. Special thanks to bosun and deck department for always lending a helping hand. Educational director stressed importance of education and spoke about opportunities available at Piney Point school. He encouraged everyone to attend upgrading classes and reminded them that course dates are listed in Seafarers LOG. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about benefits of investing in Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan (SMPPP). Crew requested more information on Coast Guard and STCW status as well as about changes made to Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Crew voted to purchase new barbecue grill for cookouts. Recommendation made to purchase fishing gear (rods, reel, tackle) for recreational purposes. DVD player and DVDs for crew lounge should arrive soon. Steward department was recognized for professionalism while preparing and serving food. Next port: Sasebo. WILLIAM B. BAUGH (Maersk Line Limited), June 6—Chairman Ralph F. Schneider, Secretary William H. Kane, Educational Director Louis A. Santiago, Deck Delegate Howard A. Arrington, Engine Delegate Justin L. Bing, Steward Delegate Sheng-Jen Hsieh. Secretary reminded crew of change in medical benefits plan. Educational director encouraged Seafarers to upgrade skills at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Moment of silence was observed for departed union brothers and sisters. Washing machine in need of repair. Thanks given to everyone for helping keep messhall, house and lounge areas clean, along with special thanks to steward department for baking great cheesecakes. Next ports: Malta, Spain, Italy and Greece. CHEMICAL PIONEER (USS Transport), July 10—Chairman Kelvin S. Cherington, Secretary Ronald D. Jones, Educational Director Terry T. Smith, Deck Delegate Francis W. Dover, Engine Delegate Antonio F. Simon. Chairman talked about changes to medical plan and urged Seafarers to become familiar with them. He also spoke about renewing shipping documents and/or passports as well as about new tools for deck department and how to maintain them. Secretary thanked crew for keeping ship neat and tidy. He said it was a pleasure working with them for 60 days as a relief, however permanent steward to return in next port. Educational director encouraged everyone to take advantage of Seafarers-affiliated school in Piney Point. Treasurer stated $260 in ship’s fund, in which $40 was used to purchase CD player for gym. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestions made to reduce sea time needed for full retirement and increase monthly pension. Clarification requested on shuttle service to and from ship. Next port: Bayonne, N.J. upgrading classes at Paul Hall Center. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Treasurer stated more than $200 in ship’s fund. Three new chairs have been ordered for crew mess hall. Bosun reminded members contract negotiations are coming up soon and now would be good time to make any recommendations they may have. Suggestions made regarding pension plan. Next ports: Jacksonville, Fla.; San Juan, P.R. EXPLORER (Maersk Line Limited), July 3—Chairman Doyle W. Ellette, Secretary William R. Burdette, Educational Director Eugene T. Bedard, Deck Delegate Thomas W. Walker, Engine Delegate Gerardo A. Vega, Steward Delegate Robert Sutherland Jr. Chairman verified rumors about reflagging, which is to take place Aug. 8 in Hong LIBERATOR (Maersk Line Limited), July 17—Chairman Jose F. Caballero, Secretary Brandon D. Maeda, Educational Director Michael S. Kirby, Deck Delegate Edwin Ortega, Engine Delegate Jeffrey E. Roddy, Steward Delegate Sukirman B. Suraredjo. Chairman announced July 20 payoff in Newark, N.J. He reported enjoyable voyage, with excellent Meeting aboard the USNS Hayes SIU Representative Kevin Marchand submitted these photos of Seafarers aboard the USNS Hayes. The photos were taken last month in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The Hayes is an acoustic survey ship that is part of the U.S. Military Sealift Command fleet. Kong. The scheduled run is to Mexico and Panama and then Hong Kong via Chiwan, China. He noted all previous safety items have been taken care of. Any new items should be reported right away. Those persons getting off vessel should get clean linen for next person. Secretary advised Seafarers to check crew list to confirm name and book number are correctly typed. Treasurer stated $220 in ship fund. No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck department. Recommendations made regarding wording of freightship agreement. Next ports: Ensenada and Lazardo Cardenas, Mexico. HORIZON CHALLENGER (Horizon Lines), July 11—Chairman William J. Card, Secretary Donald B. GaNung, Educational Director Hiawatha J. Williams. Chairman stated payoff to take place when cleared by patrolman. He warned crew to expect anywhere from two to six months when renewing MMDs. Educational director stressed importance of staying educated in maritime field and by attending crew. Educational director advised crew members to contribute to SPAD. Bosun to speak to patrolman at payoff concerning money in crew’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Chairman urged crew to read Seafarers LOG to get better understanding of what’s happening in maritime industry. Next port: Newark; Baltimore; Newport News, Va.; Charleston, S.C. MAERSK CAROLINA (Maersk Line Limited), July 3—Chairman Kadir P. Amat, Secretary James H. Rider, Educational Director Mohamed Y. Abdullah, Deck Delegate Abdul Q. Gharama, Engine Delegate Adam M. Noor. Chairman encouraged all mariners to read president’s report in each issue of Seafarers LOG, enhance their skills at Piney Point facility and donate to SPAD. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Recommendations made regarding retirement requirements. Thanks given to steward department for job well done. Next ports: Charleston, S.C.; Norfolk, Va.; Elizabeth, N.J. Seafarers LOG 19 �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/22/2005 5:37 PM Page 20 Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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: Final Departures Continued from page 18 CHESTER DUGAR Pensioner Chester Dugar, 79, died April 25. Brother Dugar started his seafaring career in 1967, shipping first from Galveston, Texas on the R.E. Wilson. The steward department member was born in Texas. Before retiring in 1986, Brother Dugar worked aboard the Shirley Lykes. JOHN MARKOVIC Pensioner John Markovic, 81, passed away April 10. Brother Markovic became an NMU member in 1943 in New York. His first vessel was the Markay. Brother Markovic was born in New York and sailed in the engine department. He last shipped on the Leslie Lykes. Brother Markovic started receiving his pension in 1985. BERNARD TOR Pensioner Bernard Tor, 77, died April 30. Brother Tor first donned the NMU colors in 1963 in the port of Jacksonville, Fla. His first voyage 20 Seafarers LOG was aboard the Twin Falls Victory. Brother Tor was a member of the steward department. His last voyage was on the Austral Rainbow. Brother Tor went on pension in 1983. JOSEF WALTERS Pensioner Josef Walters, 77, passed away April 27. Brother Walters was born in Germany. He began his seafaring profession in 1962 in New York. His first ship was the Atlantic. A member of the steward department, Brother Walters last sailed on the Puritan. He began collecting his retirement compensation in 1988. EMANUEL WEAVER JR. Pensioner Emanuel Weaver Jr., 83, died April 30. Brother Weaver began shipping with the NMU in 1944. His first ship was the Alexander. Born in New Orleans, which is also where he joined the union, Brother Weaver last sailed on the Thompson Lykes. He retired in 1988. Editor’s Note: In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU members, all of whom were pensioners, passed away on the dates indicated. NAME Alexander, Frank Artis, William Brown, James Buffham, Ernest Carmona, Juan Cizewski, Walter Dinko, Andy Ewens, Ralph Felt, Eddie Filas, Frank Freeman, Richard Frenette, Joseph Galamb, Michael Gant, Henry Garza, Ricardo Goodson, Ralph Jackson, Henry King, Alcee Lacayo, Isidoro Moore, Max Morena, Antonia Oakes, Douglas Price, William Ramos, Herminio Ramos, Miguel Rivers, Reno Roberts, Edward Ruble, Cleva Ryan, Walter Sandoval, Joseph Seaton, Charles Shepherd, Donald Snowden, Arthur Stejr, Dennis Threatt, Dudley Tirzo, Pablo Wiltshire, William Wyman, Howard AGE DOD 88 75 75 82 93 87 80 77 79 83 70 87 86 83 81 61 73 84 70 86 86 78 76 89 88 76 72 84 75 80 81 77 88 62 77 81 62 85 May 31 May 8 March 19 Dec. 28, ’04 June 18 June 20 April 17 Feb. 13. May 28 May 21 June 2 May 7 May 26 March 26 May 20 June 3 March 26 April 2 May 12 June 1 May 23 April 19 June 2 Feb. 19 June 15 June 4 April 14 April 12 March 28 May 14 May 26 Feb. 3 May 5 June 2 May 23, ’03 May 26 April 7 June 2 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. September 2005 �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/23/2005 8:15 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of this year. All programs are geared to improve the job skills of Seafarers and to promote the American maritime industry. Please note that this schedule may change to reflect the needs of the membership, the maritime industry and—in times of conflict—the nation’s security. Students attending any of these classes should check in the Saturday before their course’s start date. The courses listed here will begin promptly on the morning of the start dates. For classes ending on a Friday, departure reservations should be made for Saturday. Seafarers who have any questions regarding the upgrading courses offered at the Paul Hall Center may call the admissions office at (301) 994-0010. Course Start Date Date of Completion FOWT September 19 November 11 Welding October 24 November 11 Safety Specialty Courses Course Government Vessels Tankerman Familiarization/ Assistant Cargo (DL)* Start Date Date of Completion September 26 October 31 November 14 September 30 November 4 November 18 September 26 October 7 October 17 October 21 (*must have basic fire fighting) Deck Upgrading Courses Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman October 3 November 14 October 28 December 9 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) October 24 October 28 GMDSS (Simulator) October 31 November 11 Lifeboatman/Water Survival September 19 October 29 September 30 November 11 Radar October 10 October 19 Radar Renewal (1 day): October 31 Course Engine Upgrading Courses Tankerman (PIC) Barge* (*must have basic fire fighting) 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Look for additional upgrading course dates in an upcoming issue Steward Upgrading Courses of the Seafarers LOG. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning September 5, 2005. � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ 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 OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ September 2005 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 9/05 Seafarers LOG 21 �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/22/2005 5:49 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 664 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 664. Kneeling (from left) are Kevin Tyson, Alexander Ward, Stephon Thompson and Terrance Dunn. Standing are Robert Hayes, Richard Wright, William Clifton, Brandon Tanton, Robert Newcomb II, Elmer Marko, Ricardo Nuño, Dustin Schultz, Philip Smith, Daniel Manning, Stravon Jordan, Sterling Cox, Willie Frink and Ismael Garayua. Marine Electrician — Successfully completing the marine electrician course June 10 are (in alphabetical order) Philip Ayotte, Daniel Borden, David Castro, Alfonza Davis, Milan Dzurek, Stanley Golden, Sammy Montana, Matthew Redlinger, Albert Riollano, Neil Warren and Quincy Wilson. Their instructor, Jay Henderson, is second from right. Advanced Fire Fighting — With their instructor, Joe Zienda (far right), are upgrading Seafarers who completed the advanced fire fighting course May 27. They are (in no specific order) Miguel Rivera, Jeff Hawkins, Mark Hummel, Roland Guity, William Parker, Seth Rockwell, Thomas Burke, Lawrence Soulier, Darrel Koonce Jr., Jason Lee, Paul Kucan II, John Barnard III, Robert Lee and Gary Ranne. Medical Care Provider — June 3 was graduation day for students in the medical care provider course. They are (in alphabetical order) Weston Beres, Thomas Burke, William Farmer, Robert Lee, Paul Lind, Marc Marcus, Gary Ranne, Miguel Rivera and John Zabielski. Their instructor, Mark Cates, is at far left. Computer Lab Classes Left: May 13 — (from left) Gary Ranne, Sean Farra, Instructor Rick Prucha and Gerry Davis. Congratulations to all the students who recently received certificates of achievement for completing various computer courses offered at the Paul Hall Center. 22 Seafarers LOG Graduating from this course June 10 under the instruction of Stan Beck (far left) are (in no specific order) Vess Dyoulgerov, Lindsey Sikora, Alvin Moore, Jason Varner, Rodolfo Antonio, Willie Jones, Antoine Jennings and James Buckowski. FOWT— Completing the FOWT course May 20 are (in no specific order) Kyle Byron, Rodolfo Cunanan, Bernard Corbett, Lawrence Guerrero, Carlo Johnson, Michael Alexander, Darryl Churchill, Clinton Betties, Alex Rhodes, Nicholas Doffoh, Travis Zeller, Chris Burke, Paula Gomez, Daniel Gaffney, Dameon Cooler, Ryan Neathery, Ernie Smith and Hashiem Pittman. Their instructor, Eric Malzkuhn, is at left in the back row. Galley Ops — Working their way up the culinary ladder are students in the galley ops course that ended June 10. From the left are Thurman Johnson, Robert Brown, Ed Graver, Fatir Mohammed, Chef Robert Johnson and Michael Munoz. May 27 — From left: Instructor Rick Prucha, Latoya Nix, Michael Smorowski, Benjamin Medrano, Michael Ratigan and Darryl Churchill. Fast Rescue Boat — Below: June 3 — (standing, from left) Thomas Leong, Darrel Koonce Jr., Instructor Rick Prucha, Alexander Rhodes, (seated) Fred Forsythe and William Britton. Left: May 20 — (from left) Yamil Sanchez, Instructor Rick Prucha, David Garcia and Daniel Fields. September 2005 �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/22/2005 6:03 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — May 13 graduates of this course are (in no specific order) Philandar Walton, Andre Anderson, Richard Gonzalez, Randon Robinson, William Price, Sherrod Cutter, Travis Kirkland, Ian Chin, Kemer Rojas, Luis Segui, Abraham Straughter, Jeffery Griffin, John Yi, Tiimothy Eide, Edward Johnson and Oscar Pena. Tanker Familiarization/Assistant Cargo (DL) — Another group of May 13 graduates of this course are (in no specific order) Thomas Guthrie IV, Scott Jones, Damaine Thorne, Remington Aldrete, Kathy Lakoduk, Michael Moerbeek, Alexander Hil, Kendrick Mincey, Healther Buskey, Marc Maffia, Geoff Hall, David Spangler, Danny Faidley, Josh Sypolt, Kyle Parson, Kenny Potts, David Spaulding and Samuel Thatcher. Welding — Graduation certificates for comple- tion of the welding course were given May 27 to (in alphabetical order) William Boyd, William Britton, Scott Heginbotham, Michael Kirby, Eric Mentzer, Jerry Naya and Rick Worthington. Their instructor, Buzzy Andrews, is second from right. Basic Safety Training Classes STCW — NCL, May 27: Minerva Adams, Gary Aragon, Humberto Badillo III, Sara Beedy, Robert Bell, Jay Biggerstaff, Barbara Boyd, Carrie Bradfute, Andrzej Brzozowski, Carolyn Carlock, Sean Castiglione, Melanie Cole, Albert Crawford, Casey Cronin, Teodoro Cuyugan, Brian Dana, Polly Daugherty, Mindy Delagrange, Richard Doral, Benjamin Dugas, Jonathan Ebbs, John Eisner and Dana Freddie. STCW — NCL, May 27: Stephanie Maddox, Susana Martinez, Keith Maxey, Brittany McCormick, Joel McLean, Meredith McNutt, KaSondra Middleton, Daren Mitchell, Terence Moe, Matthew Molesky, Robert Niccum, Miguel Olvera, Fabielle Orta, Lyudmila Puchalsky, Rosss Ramsey, Phillip Reed, Lindsy Roberson, Elizabeth Robertson, George Rodrigues, Yael Roller, Christopher Romero, Amanda Rowe, Carlos Saldana Jr., Gerard Schuler Jr., Lawrence Guerrero and Michael Ratigan. STCW — NCL, June 3: Bernardine Lazaro, Ryan Lefever, Michael McWilliams, Maureen Mikan, Jessica Neville, Laralynne Olayiwola, William Owens III, David Petty, Carl Reaves, Melissa Roberson, Steven Robinson, Daniel Rohdenburg, Supakit Sakarindr, David Savage, Sean Singleton, Cristina Slagter, Sonja Staves, Stephanie Stockwell, Justin Talbert, Rebecca Tomak, Harold Valderama, Maryana Vardanyan, Robert West, Christopher Williams and Jill Williamson. STCW — NCL, May 13: Arnulfo Aguilar, Mario Alfaro, Melanie Allen, Nicolas Ayala, Christopher Baird, Zach Balise, Brian Barnetti, Ellen Barriga, Carl Bost, Anthony Brost, Jamion Brunsting, Dion Buford, John Burleson, Ronald Calimlim, Salvador Cardenas, Melissa Carpenter, Brent Clayton, Mark Connolly and Cody Cousins. STCW — NCL, May 27: Bethany Seay, Roosevelt Sellars, Julie Shanley, Claudia Silver, Michael Simpson, Brian Smith, Corey Splonick, Garrett Stephens, Steven Stewart, Robert Sumner, Melissa Swift, Jonda Tanner, Vanessa Thompson, Svetlin Vajarsky, Heather Van Til, Richard Venair, Irene Volonakis, Seth Walker, Star Walters, Derome Washington, Brian Weeks, Andrew Wells, Sheila Winslow, Andrew Wiseman, Denise Wright, Tom Posely and Ibrahim Yahya. STCW — NCL, May 13: STCW — NCL, May 27: Joseph Freddie III, Robert Fries, Robert Frye, Kenneth Gielda, George Gooden, Karen Gordon, Heather Gray, Robert Hacker, Karen Harley, Anissa Harvey, Judy Hatfield, Lora Hendrickson, Jeffery Jarvis, Kyle Jensen, Jarrad Johnson, Tenea Jones, Kevin Kelly, Matthew Koresko, John Korhel, Linda Koyama, Jason Kuhn, Deleandre Leandre, Cathy Lenihan, Rembo Li, Kristin Lodginski and Bernard Corbett. September 2005 Jay Woodward, Mark Putnam, Melody Rathbun, Michael Spinks, Troy Spinner, Christopher Pérez, Shelley Renfro, Carol Poulton, Joseph Reid, Rachael Williams, Philip Redmond, Cassondra Ott, Stephen Pettit, Alicia Saunders, Rene Pugh, John Ray, Matthew Phillips, Arminta Thompson, Adrienne Taylor, Zachery Olsen and Julie Sidor. Seafarers LOG 23 �29230_P7_14,17_24.qxd 8/22/2005 6:03 PM Page 24 Volume 67, Number 9 September 2005 September 11, 2001 We will never forget. Editor’s note: This article first was published September 25, 2001 by the National Review—two weeks after the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. In light of the recent attacks in London, and subsequent threats against the U.S., the article once again seems timely. The author, Peter Ferrara, is the general counsel and chief economist for Americans for Tax Reform, which describes itself as the nation’s largest grassroots taxpayer advocacy group. He gave the LOG his permission to reprint this piece. Y ou probably missed it in the rush of news last week, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper there an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American. So I just thought I would write to let them know what an American is, so they would know when they found one. An American is English . . . or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish, Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be African, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Australian, Iranian, Asian or Arab, or Pakistani or Afghan. An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, or Muslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. The only difference is that in America they are free to worship as each of them chooses. An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that, he will answer only to God, not to the government or to armed thugs claiming to speak for the government and for God. An American is from the most prosperous land in the history of the world. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God-given right of each man and woman to the pursuit of happiness. An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about every other nation in the world in their time of need. When Afghanistan was overrun by the Soviet army 20 years ago, Americans came with arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country. As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than any other nation to the poor in Afghanistan. An American does not have to obey the mad ravings of ignorant, ungodly cruel, old men. American men will not be fooled into giving up their lives to kill innocent people, so that these foolish old men may hold on to power. American women are free to show their beauti- ful faces to the world, as each of them chooses. An American is free to criticize his government’s officials when they are wrong, in his or her own opinion. Then he is free to replace them, by majority vote. Americans welcome people from all lands, all cultures, all religions, because they are not afraid. They are not afraid that their history, their religion, their beliefs, will be overrun, or forgotten. That is because they know they are free to hold to their religion, their beliefs, their history, as each of them chooses. And just as Americans welcome all, they enjoy the best that everyone has to bring, from all over the world. The best science, the best technology, the best products, the best books, the best music, the best food, the best athletes. Americans welcome the best, but they also welcome the least. The national symbol of America [the Statue of Liberty] welcomes your tired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, the homeless, tempest tossed. These, in fact, are the people who built America. Many of them were working in the twin towers the morning of September 11, 2001, earning a better life for their families. So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo and Stalin and Mao Tse-Tung, and every bloodthirsty tyrant in the history of the world. But in doing so, you would just be killing yourself. Because Americans are not a particular people from a particular place. They are the embodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to that spirit, everywhere, is an American. So look around you. You may find more Americans in your land than you thought were there. One day they will rise up and overthrow the old, ignorant, tired tyrants that trouble too many lands. Then those lands, too, will join the community of free and prosperous nations. And America will welcome them. � 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 September 2005 Description An account of the resource HEADLINES SWEENEY: FEDERATION WILL PERSERVERE REPORT: 77 MILLION AMERICANS STRUGGLE WITH MEDICAL BILLS U.S. MARITIME INDUSTRY’S PROGRESS HIGHLIGHTED AT MTD CONVENTION SPEAKERS ALSO EMPHASIZE NEED FOR LABOR SOLIDARITY CIVMARS RESCUE 23 IN HAWAII OSCAR SETTE PICKS UP SAILORS AFTER MYSTERIOUS GROUNDING SIU CREDITED FOR QUICK, SMOOTH ACTIVATIONS BP, CROWLEY HONORED LEGISLATORS CITE CIVILIAN MARINERS’ UNIQUE ROLE IN NATIONAL DEFENSE SENATOR, CONGRESSIONAL REPS URGE EXCLUSION FROM NSPS CIVMARS SAVE FISHERMAN CIVMAR-CREWED USNS BRIDGE DELIVERS IN WAR ON TERRORISM FEDERATION POSTS LABOR DAY Q&A MISSISSIPPI STOPS OFF IN ALTON SEAFARERS AT SEA AND ASHORE KVAERNER PHILADELPHIA, NCL AMERICA HIGHLIGHT U.S. FLEET’S GROWTH, POTENTIAL AFL-CIO OFFICERS POINT TO MARITIME AS MODEL OF SUCCESS AFL-CIO MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT CONVENTION AFL-CIO MARITIME TRADES DEPARTMENT CONVENTION MSC OFFICIAL CREDITS MARINERS, PREDICTS SUBSTANTIAL JOB GROWTH GOVERNOR, STATE FED PRESIDENT EMPHASIZES GRASSROOTS ACTION SHIPPING COUNCIL PRESIDENT: U.S. PORT SECURITY IMPROVING, BUT STILL NEEDS ENHANCEMENT WHAT IS AN AMERICAN? Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 09/01/2005 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. 67, No. 9 2005 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/775cff5318b4769ecfe943799cede4ac.pdf d706e9e559a554715036d291eb910981 PDF Text Text 32578p1,2,3,9,12,13,17,r4.qxd 9/28/2005 7:30 PM Page 1 Volume 67, Number 10 October 2005 SIU Helps Deliver Relief As Nation Faces Crisis, Seafarers Answer the Call SIU members were among the first to engage in relief operations following Hurricane Katrina’s devastating tear through the U.S. Gulf Coast. Seafarers already on the scene in New Orleans provided fuel, shelter and makeshift medical facilities. Others crewed up RRF ships that were mobilized for hurricane relief. The union quickly established a relief fund and also offered the use of its hiring hall in Mobile, Ala. for assistance in AFL-CIO relief operations. Pages 2, 3, 12, 13. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) LEFT: Flood waters from Hurricane Katrina fill the streets near downtown New Orleans on Aug. 30. Hurricane Katrina did extensive damage when it made landfall a day earlier. BELOW: The Seafarers-crewed hospital ship USNS Comfort pulls into Naval Station Mayport, Fla., to take on supplies en route to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. (AP Photo/ Steve Ruark) RIGHT: The SIU-crewed SS Wright, part of the Ready Reserve Force, prepares to leave Baltimore for New Orleans, where it was expected to house more than 300 workers and support helicopters aiding in the relief effort. INSIDE Federation Approves Solidarity Charters Page 5 Safety Directors Train at Piney Point Page 8 Snapshots from the Great Lakes Page 24 ABOVE: In the first days after the hurricane, employees at SIU headquarters and at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education donated enough supplies to fill 11 pallets. Union Welcomes New Ships, Jobs The SIU recently welcomed several positive developments concerning new shipboard job opportunities for Seafarers as well as the preservation of existing jobs. Those events include the expansion of the U.S. Maritime Security Program (whose fleet includes the SIU-crewed Green Lake, below); Maritrans’ announcement that the company is building new ATBs; Maersk Line, Ltd.’s new contract to operate fast sealift ships; and Ocean Ships’ new agreement for operation of the T-5 tankers. Pages 2, 3, 4. LEFT: The USNS Pollux welcomed personnel from a local hospital who desperately needed power, not to mention a dry space. SIU Labor Secretary Chao Tours Paul Hall Center U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, an ardent backer of the U.S. Merchant Marine, toured the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education following her address to the United Industrial Workers convention August 30. She is pictured here (seventh from left) along with SIU President Michael Sacco (fourth from right) with students at the Paul Hall Center’s Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. More photos of the tour are on page 7. UIW convention coverage appears on page 6. �32578p1,2,3,9,12,13,17,r4.qxd 9/26/2005 7:58 AM Page 2 Expanded MSP Begins President’s Report Once Again, Seafarers Deliver As this issue of the LOG went to press, our nation was holding its collective breath while Hurricane Rita veered into the Gulf. On the heels of Hurricane Katrina, forecasters took a cautious approach, saying the newer storm eventually might hit areas already battered by Katrina—but then again, it might not. Regardless, I think all Americans shared the same thought when news of Rita surfaced: Our brothers and sisters in the Gulf already are hurting. No more hurricanes! Michael Sacco And yet, our nation will battle through Rita if needed, just as we are responding with sacrifice and dedication as America starts recovering from the massive Katrina. Because of the loss of life and enormous damage in sections of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, that hurricane brought all of us together as fellow Americans—just as we were four years ago when America was attacked. Yes, there is ongoing controversy about some of the initial relief efforts—but no one can ignore the outpouring of kindness and generosity from all across the United States and from many of our international allies, including the International Transport Workers’ Federation and the SIU of Canada. Americans have responded with normal relief efforts but also with unconventional, over-and-above tactics. Cities throughout the nation offered transportation, shelter and fresh starts for those who lost everything. Rank-and-file workers, many of them our fellow trade unionists, sacrificed vacation time and income to join in the Gulf-area recovery and rebuilding. I’m proud to say that the SIU has been a positive contributor to those ongoing efforts, every step of the way. Our members aboard Ready Reserve Force ships stationed in New Orleans were among the first to offer shelter and other aid, even before government relief workers could travel to the affected areas. Seafarers also crewed up other RRF ships along with training vessels and the hospital ship USNS Comfort that have been deployed to aid in the recovery. Many of our port officials and manpower office staff came to work throughout a holiday weekend to help ensure timely crewing of the vessels that were activated and mobilized. It may seem like a small sacrifice when looking at the big picture, but it didn’t go unnoticed—and it helped make a difference in the lives of Katrina’s victims. Additionally, a number of employees at SIU headquarters and at our affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education took the initiative and donated relief items. We invited the AFL-CIO to use our union hall in Mobile as a “Workers’ Center,” part of the federation’s relief efforts. The union itself quickly established a relief fund specifically intended for Seafarers, SIU retirees and employees and their families, as well as for our affiliated unions, the United Industrial Workers and the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union. I encourage each member to donate to the relief efforts, whether it goes to the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund, the American Red Cross, the Union Community Fund, the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund or another charitable outlet of your choice. No donation is too small. I extend my sympathy and prayers to the hurricane victims and their families. I offer my heartfelt admiration to all those who have helped in the relief efforts. Most of all, I salute the Seafarers who once again have come through with flying colors in the face of a national crisis. Anyone who knows our history knows that the SIU always has been a reliable part of America’s fourth arm of defense. We earned our solid reputation beginning in World War II and have built upon it ever since, right through to the present in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. And now, in relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina. We were chartered in 1938, and our world, of course, has seen many changes since then. But at least one thing has remained the same: Then and now, America can count on the SIU. Volume 67, Number 10 October 2005 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/NMU, AFL-CIO; 5201 Auth Way; Camp Springs, MD 20746. Telephone (301) 8990675. Periodicals postage paid at Southern Maryland 20790-9998. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Seafarers LOG, 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Communications Director, Jordan Biscardo; Managing Editor/Production, Deborah A. Hirtes; Associate Editor, Jim Guthrie; Art, Bill Brower; Administrative Support, Misty Dobry. Copyright © 2005 Seafarers International Union, AGLIWD All Rights Reserved. 2 Seafarers LOG SIU Gains 13 Ships in New Program October marks the start of the renewed, expanded U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP)—a vital component of America’s national defense capabilities. As reported early this year, the SIU gains 13 additional ships under the new MSP, which lasts from 2005-2016. The updated MSP fleet includes 60 vessels overall, an increase of 13 ships compared to the MSP set to expire at the end of September. Each of the 13 additions to the MSP fleet is operated by an SIU-contracted company. Meanwhile, the 47 Seafarerscrewed vessels already enrolled in the MSP remain in the new program. President Bush authorized the expanded MSP as part of a Defense bill that he signed in late 2003. The program initially was established through the Maritime Security Act of 1996. It helps retain “a labor base of skilled American mariners 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,” noted the U.S. Maritime Administration. The 13 new MSP slots are assigned to OSG Shipholding Group (three ships), Central Gulf (one), Fidelio (ARC) (four), Liberty Global Logistics (one), Lykes Lines (two), and Patriot (two). Overall, the awards are as follows, with the company name followed by the vessels: APL Marine Services, Ltd. — APL Korea, APL Philippines, APL Singapore, APL Thailand, President Adams, President Jackson, APL China, President Polk and President Truman. Central Gulf Lines, Inc.— Green Cove, Green Point, Green Lake and Hercules Leader. American Auto Carriers, Inc.—Liberty. Fidelio Limited Partnership —Patriot, Freedom, Takasago, Resolve, Otello and Aida. Farrell Lines Inc.— Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, Endeavor, Endurance and Enterprise. Liberty Global Logistics, LLC—Alliance New York. Lykes Lines Limited, LLC— Lykes Navigator, Lykes Discoverer, Lykes Liberator, Lykes Motivator and Tmm Yucatan. Maersk Line, Limited— Maersk Missouri, Maersk Virginia, Maersk Georgia, Maersk Carolina, Sealand Achiever, Sealand Florida, Sealand Pride, Sealand Motivator, Sealand Commitment, Sealand Atlantic, Sealand Charger, Maersk Alabama, Sealand Lightning, Sealand Meteor, Maersk Arkansas, Sealand Intrepid, Sealand Comet, Sealand Performance and Sealand Quality. OSG Shipholding Group, Inc.—Overseas Joyce, Maersk Rapier, Maersk Regent and Maersk Richmond. Patriot Shipping, LLC— Industrial Challenger and Industrial Chief. Waterman Steamship Corporation—P&O Nedlloyd Vera Cruz, Atlantic Forest, Green Dale and P&O Nedlloyd Buenos Aires. In announcing the operating contract awards early this year, the Maritime Administration noted, The SIU-crewed Patriot is part of the U.S. Maritime Security Program fleet. “The MSP serves to maintain a7n active, privately owned, U.S.-flag and U.S.-crewed liner fleet in international trade. This fleet also is available to support the Department of Defense sustainment in a contingency.” Support for the program has been widespread, including from the top levels of government and the military. In October 2000, President Bush noted, “In time of war or national emergency, the U.S. military depends on shipping and seafarers drawn from the U.S.-flag commercial fleet to deploy our military overseas and, once deployed, to transport the supplies necessary for them to fight, and win anywhere in the world. . . . Programs . . . that guarantee intermodal cargo lift and management services when needed in times of crisis or conflict, such as the Maritime Security Program, should be maintained.” In 2002, the head of the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) urged Congress to reauthorize the MSP. U.S. Air Force General John W. Handy told Congress, “I wholeheartedly support reauthorization of MSP beyond expiration of the current authority on September 30, 2005. The MSP is a vital element of our military’s strategic sealift and global response capability. As we look at operations on multiple fronts in support of the war on terrorism, it is clear that our limited defense resources will increasingly rely on partnerships with industry to maintain the needed capability and capacity to meet our most demanding wartime scenarios. That makes MSP reauthorization even more important as we look toward the future.” MSP ships—and crews—continue to play important roles in supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Maritrans to Build 3 ATBs Seafarers-contracted Maritrans Inc. last month announced that it has signed a contract with Bender Shipbuilding & Repair Co., Inc. to build three new articulated tugbarge (ATB) units, each having a carrying capacity of 335,000 barrels. Each barge will be connected to a 12,000 horsepower tugboat utilizing the latest version of the Intercon connection system. The company also announced that it has signed a long-term volume contract for lightering services with Sunoco Inc. Maritrans estimates that approximately 70 percent of the annual total barrels lightered by the company will be fulfilled through the Sunoco contract, while the remaining volume will be delivered to other Maritrans lightering customers on the Delaware River. Construction of the three new vessels will take place at both the Bender Shipbuilding facility in Mobile, Ala. and at their affiliated company, the Tampa Bay Shipbuilding & Repair Company, in Tampa, Fla. Maritrans estimates that the total cost of construction, including owner furnished equipment, will be approximately $77.5 million for each tug-barge unit. Maritrans expects to take delivery of the first unit in October 2007, with the remaining two vessels slated for delivery seven months apart in May and December of 2008, respectively. With the addition of the three units, Maritrans will become not only the largest owner/operator of vessels in its class size, but will also be the largest tug and barge U.S. coastwise operator based on carrying capacity. “Maritrans has a well-earned reputation for safety, and certainly their SIU crews share in both the credit for that reputation as well as the responsibility to uphold it,” stated SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez. “Along those same lines, the announcement that they’re building three new ATBs reflects well on the crew members, because companies don’t make that type of investment without having confidence in their shipboard manpower.” Jonathan Whitworth, chief executive officer of Maritrans, commented, “We are extremely pleased to announce that Maritrans is building three of the largest and most modern tugbarge units in the Jones Act fleet and entering into a long-term contract with Sunoco. Today’s announcements not only demonstrate our commitment to execute on our strategic growth initiatives outlined earlier in the year, but they also strengthen our relationship with two important strategic partners … while positioning the company to take advantage of strong long-term lightering demand in the Delaware Bay region.” October 2005 �32578p1,2,3,9,12,13,17,r4.qxd 9/28/2005 6:34 PM Page 3 SIU Delivers Katrina Relief Seafarers Mobilize Ships, Union Establishes Fund From the earliest moments after Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of the Gulf Coast states, hundreds of SIU members sprang into action, providing help in many different ways. Seafarers already in the affected areas joined forces with the U.S. Coast Guard and other government entities, providing shelter on Ready Reserve Force ships. SIU members crewed up several other RRF vessels and training ships that were sent to New Orleans, and members of the union’s Government Services Division helped mobilize the hospital ship USNS Comfort, which also was deployed for relief operations. The SIU-crewed USNS Pollux, in reduced operating status near New Orleans, provided some of the first assistance available, well before relief agencies could reach the area (see separate story, page 12). Meanwhile, the SIU quickly established a relief fund for members, pensioners, employees and Employees at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. (above) and at the union-affiliated Paul Hall Center donated clothing, food items and more in the days following the flooding in New Orleans. their families, as well as for members from the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW) and Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU). (Information on that fund and others is listed separately on this page.) The union also donated use of part of its hall in Mobile, Ala. as an AFL-CIO “Workers’ Center” —one component of the federation’s disaster relief efforts. Additionally, employees at SIU headquarters in Camp Springs, Md. and at the union’s affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. donated clothing, food items and toiletries immediately after the flooding in New Orleans. Altogether, they collected 11 pallets of material that was shipped to the Gulf Coast. Due to widespread damage and disrupted communications, there is no practical way for now to completely account for the fate of each member and pensioner in the areas hit by Katrina. However, the union as of late September was unaware of any SIU fatalities related to the hurricane. Property damage is another story. According to SIU port officials in New Orleans and Mobile, some members, pensioners and employees escaped with little or no harm to their respective homes. Others lost everything, while still others experienced substantial—but not total—loss. The union estimates that approximately 1,300 SIU members reside in the affected areas along with nearly 600 SIU pensioners. Two SIU halls directly were affected by the hurricane. The facility in Harvey, La. (near New Orleans) sustained roof damage Continued on page 12 The Seafarers-crewed hospital ship USNS Comfort moors at the port of Pascagoula, Miss. before proceeding to New Orleans, where it is providing medical assistance to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Please be advised that SIU headquarters and all SIU hiring halls will be closed Friday, Nov. 11, 2005 for the observance of Veterans Day and Thursday, Nov. 24, 2005 for the observance of Thanksgiving Day (unless an emergency arises). Normal business hours will resume the following workday. October 2005 How You Can Help Other Opportunities to Donate Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund The union has established a disaster relief fund for members, pensioners, employees and family members of the SIU as well as our affiliated unions the United Industrial Workers (UIW) and the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU). Donations may be sent to: Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund c/o Secretary-Treasurer’s Office Seafarers International Union 5201 Auth Way Camp Springs, MD 20746 American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org/ 1-800-HELP-NOW (1-800-435-7669) Union Community Fund https://secure.ga3.org/08/UCF_Katrina_Relief? (also accessible via www.aflcio.org) Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund http://www.bushclintonkatrinafund.org/ Other Red Cross Resources Seafarers also may make a one-time donation to the fund from their vacation check, via a special check-off. Vacation applications and check-off forms are available at all SIU halls. Also, cash donations to the fund are being accepted at all SIU halls. Anyone making a cash donation will receive a receipt. Please note that because the fund is limited to our union brothers and sisters (along with the rest of those mentioned above), donations are not taxdeductible. Also please note that in order to be eligible for the fund, active Seafarers must have at least 30 days’ shipping in the last 12 months and also must be in good standing. For more information about the fund, contact headquarters at (301) 899-0675, extension 4438. An application form for those individuals requesting assistance through the Seafarers Disaster Relief Fund—in PDF format—is available online at the following link: http://www.seafarers.org/members/SDRFapplication05.pdf A check-off authorization form, also in PDF format, is available at the following link: http://www.seafarers.org/members/CheckoffAuthorizationSDRF.pdf Copies of both forms have been sent to all SIU halls. If you would like to receive a copy of the application or check-off authorization via fax, please contact your union hall or the headquarters number and extension listed above. This fund will be used, on a continuing basis, to provide assistance to members, pensioners, employees and family members of the SIU, SEATU and the UIW who find themselves in need of emergency financial assistance due to an unexpected disaster or crisis. Evacuees may call 1-800-975-7585 for information on disaster assistance “Family Links Registry” (also called Find a Missing Loved One): 1-877-568-3317 Other AFL-CIO Resources For Hurricane Katrina survivors and volunteers: 1-877-235-2469 Workers’ Centers (for job information, access to computers and basic relief) Harris County Central Labor Council 2506 Sutherland Street Houston, Texas 77023 (713) 923-9473 United Association of Pipe Fitters 1060 Commercial Park Drive Pearl, Mississippi 39208 (601) 664-3897 Seafarers International Union 1640 Dauphin Island Parkway Mobile, Alabama 36605 (251) 478-0162 Hurricane Katrina Official Government Website http://www.firstgov.gov/Citizen/Topics/PublicSaf ety/Hurricane_Katrina_Recovery.shtml U.S. Coast Guard Site with Katrina-Related Links and Phone Numbers http://www.uscg.mil/katrina/ Ocean Ships, Inc. to Operate T-5 Tankers The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) recently awarded the operating contract for four of the T-5 Tankers to SIU-contracted Ocean Ships, Inc. (OSI) of Houston, Texas. The vessels are the double-hull, icestrengthened petroleum products tankers USNS Paul Buck, USNS Samuel Cobb, USNS Lawrence Gianella and USNS Richard Matthiesen. This contract was awarded to OSI on what is known as a “best value basis” under an MSC classification called a small business set-aside. The T-5 Tankers were constructed in 1985 and 1986 under a build and time charter contract awarded to OSI, and the Seafarers have manned these ships from their inaugural voyages. Over the 20-year time charter period, these vessels were available for “on hire” service to MSC 99.5 percent of the time, and there have been no cargo oil spills, according to OSI. In 2003, the Navy purchased the tankers from the shipowners. The fifth ship in the series, M/V Gus Darnell, has been sold to U.S. Shipping and continues to be crewed by SIU members. Two of the tankers, the Gianella and Matthiesen, are equipped with Modular Fuel Delivery Systems for underway replenishment of naval combat ships. T-5 tankers have been involved in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Desert Storm. The dedicated contribution of the Seafarers in those missions was commended in a letter to OSI by General John Handy, commander of TRANSCOM. In addition, the tankers have been operated in the ice-bound waters of Greenland and Antarctica. Each year, for 20 years now, a T-5 tanker has resupplied the scientific mission of the National Science Foundation in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica. The Lawrence Gianella (left) and Samuel Cobb (right), pictured this past July in Thule, Greenland, are part of the T-5 tanker fleet operated by SIU-contracted Ocean Ships, Inc. In these photos, the vessels are participating in an annual resupply mission for MSC known as Operation Pacer Goose. Seafarers LOG 3 �32578p1,2,3,9,12,13,17,r4.qxd 9/26/2005 7:30 AM Page 4 Maersk to Operate Fast Sealift Ships MSC Agreement Signals Job Retention for SIU Members The U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC) has awarded a contract to Maersk Line, Ltd. of Norfolk, Va. for the operation and maintenance of eight Seafarers-crewed fast sealift ships. Like the vessels’ previous operator, Maersk is an SIU-contracted company. According to MSC, “The contract is valued at $26 million for its initial year and includes four one-year options that, if exercised, would bring the total value of the contract to $135 million. Under this contract, Maersk will be responsible for providing qualified ship officers and crews to operate the ships, as well as the technical support and supplies needed to maintain them.” These ships—the fastest cargo ships in the world, traveling at speeds of up to 30 knots or more —are used for the rapid deployment of U.S. military equipment or humanitarian aid supplies to contingency sites around the world. They have been utilized during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and they were a major asset during the Persian Gulf War. The ships that fall under this contract are the USNS Algol, USNS Altair, USNS Antares, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Capella, USNS Denebola, USNS Pollux Notice Union’s Duluth Operations Consolidate into Joliet Hall Effective Oct. 1, 2005, the SIU office in Duluth, Minn. will be consolidated into the SIU hall in Joliet, Ill. Contact information for the Joliet hall is as follows: 10 East Clinton St. Joliet, IL 60432 Telephone (815) 723-8002 Records for members previously shipping from Duluth will be housed in the Joliet hall. For more information, please call the phone number listed above. For a complete list of SIU halls, see page 16. and USNS Regulus. Ordinarily, the vessels are maintained pierside in reduced operating status at U.S. East Coast and Gulf ports. When needed, they can be activated and under way in less than 96 hours, ready to deliver the supplies needed for military or humanitarian crises anywhere in the world. In fact, the Pollux recently played a key early role in helping provide relief after Hurricane Katrina near New Orleans. (See story beginning on page 3.) The fast sealift ships were built as containerships but have been converted and given rollon/roll-off features, cranes and a series of decks connected by ramps so that vehicles can be driven in and out of storage areas for rapid loading and unloading. On an average day, MSC operates more than 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships at sea, The SIU-crewed USNS Antares loads 138,000 square feet of equipment in the port of Charleston, S.C. in early June. chart ocean bottoms, conduct undersea surveillance and strategically preposition combat cargo Seafarers-crewed fast sealift ships support U.S. troops wherever and whenever needed. In this U.S. Navy photo from last year in Kuwait, a U.S. Marine Corps field artillery ammunition supply vehicle is offloaded from the SIUcrewed USNS Bellatrix. General Handy Joins Horizon Lines U. S. Air Force Gen. John W. Handy, retiring commander of the United States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) and the United States Air Mobility Command, will affiliate with SIU-contracted Horizon Lines, TRANSCOM announced last month. He will work directly with Charles G. (Chuck) Raymond, who is chairman, president and CEO of Horizon Lines. General Handy, an outspoken advocate of the U.S. Merchant Marine who has headed the two military transportation commands, retired last month, following a distinguished 39-year career in the U.S. Air Force. He has served for more than four years as Commanding General of TRANSCOM, the single transportation manager for air, land and sea transportation for the Department of Defense. In describing his role at Horizon Lines, General Handy said, “In carrying out my military responsibilities, I have been quite impressed with the customer focus and delivery reliability at Horizon Lines. Chuck Raymond and his team have taken the company to new service levels and I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to Horizon’s growth.” “John Handy will contribute in many ways to the strengthening of Horizon Lines and to the capabilities we offer our customers today and for the future,” Raymond said. “He has been a forceful and creative leader at the U.S. Transportation Command and a bold and steady supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine who has consistently spoken out for a strong U. S.-flag fleet to support the defense of our country.” Commenting on General 4 Seafarers LOG at sea around the world. Many of those vessels are crewed by SIU members. Trainee Commandant Gilliland Dies at 57 U. S. Air Force General John W. Handy was quick to credit U.S. mariners during his tenure as commander of TRANSCOM. Having retired from the agency, he will work with Horizon Lines. Handy’s announcement for a TRANSCOM news release, SIU President Michael Sacco said, “We at the Seafarers International Union are thrilled to see General Handy working with Horizon Lines. Horizon has the heritage of Sea-Land, the strength of our maritime legacy and the leadership to play a significant role in the defense of our nation. John Handy has always reached out to labor to partner in creative ways and has our deepest respect. As a labor partner with Horizon Lines we welcome this American hero to our fold.” General Handy is a graduate of Methodist College of Fayetteville, N.C., earned his master’s degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California, attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and received his Honorary Doctor of Humanities from Methodist College (1992). In November, General Handy will be a recipient of the Admiral of the Ocean Sea award. Tom Gilliland, commandant of trainees at the Seafarers-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., passed away Sept. 4 following a stroke. He was 57. “He touched the lives of so many trainees,” said Bart Rogers, manpower director at the Southern Maryland-based maritime institution. “Tom always believed that each trainee would be successful with the right leadership, and he worked tirelessly to that end. It was his belief that no obstacle was too large that it could not be overcome. “You don’t replace a man like Tom,” Rogers concluded. “You learn from him.” Paul Hall Center Vice President Don Nolan remembered Gilliland as someone who “truly cared about people and went out of his way to help. He was devoted to his job and he certainly will be missed.” J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of training at the Paul Hall Center, said Gilliland emphasized “respect for yourself and others, and responsibility for all of your actions. That’s what he preached to the trainees. “He was salty from his time in the Navy, but he always provided those apprentices with steady guidance and an even keel.” Born in Washington, D.C., Gilliland was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He served 25 years and rose to the rank of senior chief petty officer. Among his military decorations were the National Defense Medal and several Vietnam service medals. He was a naval instructor, first class Navy diver, tug captain, and landing craft utility captain. Gilliland held a captain’s license of 100 tons near coastal and was a specially trained search and rescue expert. He joined the staff of the Paul Hall Center in May 1990 and dedicated the next 15 years of his life serving as a deck instructor. He once conduct- Tom Gilliland, the late commandant of trainees at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md., briefed students earlier this year during an indoor formation. ed lifeboat training aboard the old cruise ships Independence and Constitution in Honolulu over the Christmas holiday, stepping forward to help meet an immediate need for such instruction. Gilliland most recently served as commandant of trainees at the Paul Hall Center, assuming command in March of this year. It was in this position that he particularly is credited with making a huge difference. Gilliland is survived by his wife, Dawn; two daughters, Eva Marie Connelly of Jacksonville, Fla., and Kelly Marie Castle of Lexington Park, Md.; two brothers, Charles Gilliland of Altoona, Pa., and Michael Gilliland of Johnstown, Pa.; and two grandchildren, Sara Marie and Annabella Grace. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Rick and Norman Gilliland. A private memorial service was conducted by Gilliland’s family members shortly after his death. The trainees and staff of the Paul Hall Center on Sept. 18 said their goodbyes to Gilliland during a special tribute ceremony in his honor at the school. October 2005 �32578p5,6,10,15,16,18.qxd 9/28/2005 8:48 PM Page 5 AFL-CIO OKs ‘Solidarity Charters’ Action Allows Locals to Participate In Labor Councils, State Federations The AFL-CIO executive council last month approved a proposal by the federation’s president, John Sweeney, to provide for continued participation of disaffiliated unions in state federations and central labor councils through Solidarity Charters. Under Solidarity Charters, if a local union of a disaffiliated union wants to be part of a united local movement in their city and state, they can apply to be part of the central labor council or state federation. Three unions—the Teamsters, UFCW and SEIU— disaffiliated from the AFL-CIO in July. Local unions who are part of these unions and the Carpenters are all eligible for Solidarity Charters. (As this issue of the LOG went to press, another union, UNITE-HERE, also reportedly was set to leave the federation. That defection was taking place after the executive council action on Solidarity Charters.) They will sign up with the same level of membership they had before their union left the AFL-CIO, or sign up at the average membership level for that city or state, whichever is higher. They also will pay a 10 percent solidarity fee to the labor council or state federation to help offset the cost of services and mobilization systems provided by the national AFL-CIO and supported by its affiliated unions. The solidarity fee will go into the Solidarity Fund, which was established during the federation’s July convention and helps support local bodies affected by the unions’ decision to leave the federation. In a recent letter signed by officials from various state labor federations and central labor councils, union leaders wrote: “The very concept of allowing continued participation in our local central bodies by unions which have disaffiliated from the national AFL-CIO is as unprecedented as it is important.” Sweeney on Aug. 11 initially announced the new proposal for Solidarity Charters. “It’s not these locals’ fault that their national unions left the AFL-CIO, and it’s not working peoples’ fault. They shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of a decision by their leadership,” said Sweeney. “Solidarity Charters will allow unions to work together and let working people still benefit from a united grassroots movement that works for good jobs, health care, and a voice in issues that matter to them.” The AFL-CIO came up with the Solidarity Charters after locals of disaffiliated unions contacted the national AFL-CIO during the weeks since its convention and expressed a desire to remain in the AFL-CIO at the local level. The AFL-CIO Constitution is clear that if a union leaves the national AFLCIO, they also leave the AFLCIO at the local level. However, delegates to the AFL-CIO convention in late July discussed the need to find a creative solution to support the grassroots labor movement. “These Solidarity Charters will allow unions in New York to continue to work together and maintain a united front to fight for working people’s issues,” said Denis Hughes, president of the New York State AFL-CIO. “I’m pleased that our locals have this unique option.” Locals who receive Solidarity Charters will need to honor basic principles of solidarity. They will agree not to raid their brother and sister unions, participate fully in the local political mobilization efforts, and support other working people in their area who are on strike, organizing, or in other AFL-CIO President John Sweeney struggles. Unions will have the same voting rights as other locals—except that members of unions with a Solidarity Charter can’t hold top offices, although individuals already in office can finish out their terms. Interfaith Worker Justice Meeting ITF Slams New Iraqi Crackdown on Unions The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has condemned a new decree in Iraq that the federation said crushes trade unions’ right to operate free of government interference or harassment. The decree, passed on Aug. 7, revokes decisions taken on union rights by Iraq’s provisional government and permits the control and confiscation of trade union monies by the current authorities, the ITF stated. The pronouncement also states that the right to carry out union activities is to be reviewed. In a letter dated Aug. 24, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft told Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim Al Jaafari, “We are concerned that control of Iraqi trade unions’ monies might lead to the weakening of the Iraqi unions’ capabilities. This is considered a clear breach of the International Labor Organization (ILO) core labor standards on freedom of association and a direct attack on human rights in Iraq.” He also called on the government to discuss any future review of trade union activities with the unions themselves and raised concerns that laws dating from 1987, forbidding union organization in the public sector, remain in place. Cockroft pledged to raise these issues with the ILO through the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions. Commenting on the situation, Bilal Malkawi of the ITF Arab World Offices said, “While the ITF, Global Union Federations, and many international trade ITF General Secretary David Cockroft union organizations are working intensively to support Iraqi workers, the government is taking this action instead of helping unions to face the challenges ahead. I am really shocked by these measures, but I know for sure that the Iraqi unions are in a strong enough position to keep moving forward.” High Cost of Medical Premiums Is Astounding The soaring costs of health care was one of the chief topics at the UIW convention, held last month in Piney Point, Md., just as it has been in offices and board rooms across the country. Higher co-pays and deductibles are now a fact of life for the overwhelming majority of Americans who have health insurance, noted SIU SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel during an address to the UIW convention. More than 45 million (including 12 million children) are without any coverage at all, and many of these uninsured Americans do have full-time jobs or have someone in their immediate family who does. The problem is that a majority of the uninsured are not offered benefits through their employers. Heindel said that, like countless other organizations, the SIU and UIW are making adjustments to their health plans and taking the necessary steps to ensure that their memberships have access to health care. The Kaiser Family Foundation reported last month that premiums continue to rise much faster than overall inflation and wage growth. The foundation, which specializes in health care research, stat- October 2005 ed that premiums increased 9.2 percent between spring 2004 and spring 2005, while the average employee saw only a 2.7 percent increase in wages. And while the rate of growth was only slightly lower than last year, when it was in the double digits, it still means that premiums are going up three times faster than wages. These high rates are taking a toll not only on individuals, but also on unions and corporations and other employers. Seattle-based Starbucks Corp., for example, is expected to pay more on health insurance this year for its 80,000 U.S. employees (it has about 100,000 employees worldwide) than it will on materials needed to brew its coffee. Howard Schultz, CEO of Starbucks, said that the company expects to spend about $200 million this year for health care for its U.S. employees—more than the total amount it spends on green coffee from Africa, Indonesia and other countries. He urged congressional leaders to put this issue at the top of their agenda. The labor-backed organization Interfaith Worker Justice conducted its board of directors meeting Sept. 12-13 at the SIU hall in Houston. Seafarer Sinclair Oubre, head of the Apostleship of the Sea of the United States, serves on the board. The meeting addressed several key concerns, including establishment of a committee of religious leaders who can monitor the redevelopment of New Orleans and other areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. The board also discussed the need to protect laws covering U.S.-flag shipping and wage standards. Pictured at the meeting are (seated, from left) Fr. Oubre, Rev. Nelson Johnson, Edith Rasell, Charese Jordan, Imam Mahdi Bray, (middle row) Rev. Jim Sessions, Kristi Sanford, Elisabeth Solomon, Kim Bobo, Monroe Sullivan, Bill Quigley, (back row) Rev. Chris Lockard, Thom Shellabarger, Bob Hulteen, Bob DeRose and Jeff Korgen. On its web site, Interfaith Worker Justice states that it “calls upon our religious values in order to educate, organize, and mobilize the religious community in the U.S. on issues and campaigns that will improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for workers, especially low-wage workers.” Among Firms Not Offering Health Benefits, Reasons for Not Offering, 2005 Very Important Somewhat Important Not Too Important Not At All Important Don’t Know 73% 13% 5% 9% <1% Employees Covered Elsewhere 33 26 13 25 3 High Turnover 16 13 23 49 0 Obtain Good Employees Without Offering a Health Plan 22 32 18 27 2 Administrative Hassle 14 29 25 28 3 Firm Too Newly Established 2 9 9 80 0 Firm Is Too Small 52 21 9 19 0 Firm Has Seriously Ill Employee 4 6 5 82 3 High Premiums Source: Kaiser/HRET Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Benefits, 2005 Seafarers LOG 5 �32578p5,6,10,15,16,18.qxd 9/27/2005 12:53 PM Page 6 UIW Sets Organizing as Top Goal Convention Honors Victims and Heroes of September 11 Members of the SIU-affiliated United Industrial Workers (UIW), assembling Aug. 30-31 for their 12th quadrennial convention, designated organizing new members as their chief objective for the next four years. The UIW represents workers employed in manufacturing, service and government sectors. In Dr. James Fielder, Md. State Secretary of Labor Licensing & Regulation addition to delineating strategies for providing union representation to workers who currently are not members of labor organizations, convention delegates also reaffirmed their commitment to political action, outlined various goals and elected new officers. The mood of the event’s initial proceedings was somber and respectful as UIW President Michael Sacco, shortly after calling the convention to order, reflected back on the horrendous events which occurred on September 11, 2001—the opening day of the UIW’s previous conference. “I was right here, on this same stage. Obviously, it’s a morning that none of us will ever forget,” stated Sacco, who during the convention was reelected as UIW president. “In fact, when I sat down with some of the other officials and staff members to begin planning this current convention, we all immediately realized that we would have to start with 9-11. “It was one of the worst days in our nation’s history,” he continued. “The attacks that took place on that day re-shaped our country forever. We continue feeling the effects today. “And yet, when you look at how individual people and organizations like our own union responded to the attacks, there’s no question that it shows the good side of human nature. It shows that Americans can and will pull together. “For one thing,” Sacco said, “since September 11 itself, thousands of trade unionists—including UIW members and members of our parent union, the SIU— have answered our nation’s call for Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom…. UIW members and their families in the military reserves have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. SIU members have delivered the goods for our armed forces overseas, and Labor Secretary Lauds Union, School The Honorable Elaine Chao, U.S. Secretary of Labor, recently lauded the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center and the union for the quality-of-life upgrades each over the years has afforded individuals preparing for seafaring careers. The labor secretary gave the tributes Aug. 30 during remarks to the officers, delegates and rank-and-file members who were in attendance during the SIUaffiliated United Industrial Workers’ 12th quadrennial convention in Piney Point, Md. “It has been three years since the last time I visited Piney Point,” Chao told those in attendance, “and let me tell you, you have a first-rate training center, and it keeps getting better.” Making reference to the SIU trainees who were in attendance at the convention, the labor secretary offered, “It is so exciting to see these soon-to-be-graduates with such big smiles on their faces. That’s because they know that they’re in a great union and have great futures ahead of them. “I’ve been told that more than 10,000 workers have been trained since my last visit alone. And these workers are being placed in good-paying jobs with benefits. That is great news!” Secretary Chao said that it was fitting that the training center is named after Paul Hall. In addition to noting that Paul Hall founded the UIW and that he was inducted into the Department of Labor Hall of Fame in 2003, she pointed out that Hall fought for a better life for seafarers, a strengthened U.S. Merchant Marine, a stronger labor movement and better opportunities for young people and people of color. “And that legacy continues today with President (Michael) Sacco,” she said. “President Sacco has focused on a better life for all of his members and he has also taken a special interest in helping young people who have had a difficult start in life. He 6 Seafarers LOG Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao delivers remarks to the 12th quadrennial convention of the United Industrial Workers at the SIUaffiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. encourages them and provides them with not only the skills of the trade, but also the soft skills, which are so important for success in the workplace, so they can better themselves and the lives of their families. “That is a truly laudable and remarkable endeavor,” she continued. “And so I commend President Sacco, the Seafarers Union and the UIW for providing opportunities for those who need it most.” Secretary Chao stated that earlier this year—during the launch of the Pride of America cruise ship in New York City—she had an opportunity to meet some of the well-trained SIU members, all products of the Paul Hall Center. “As you know, this is the first brand-new U.S.-flagged passenger ship in nearly 50 years,” the secretary said. “So when her sister ship, the Pride of Hawaii, joins her in 2006, a total of three U.S.-flagged cruise ships will cruise Hawaii. And as you heard me say during the launching ceremony of the Pride of America, together these three ships will create 20,000 American jobs, of which 3,000-4,000 will be seafar- ers’ jobs. I want to say those jobs came about because of the leadership, the partnership and the determination of your president to secure these jobs for your members.” Turning her attention to homeland security, Secretary Chao reminded her audience of the horrible events of 9-11. “You held your last convention on September 11, 2001,” she said. “You have commemorated the innocent people who lost their lives four years ago with a special tribute—‘UIW Remembers.’ While many of you watched these developments unravel on television, your brothers and sisters in the Seafarers International Union were on the job. The Seafarers helped evacuate more than 160,000 people from Lower Manhattan and return them to their loved ones. “You should be so proud of the courageous chapter in our nation’s history that you and your brothers and sisters wrote on that pivotal day,” Secretary Chao said. “Those families—and America—will never forget what the Seafarers did on that day.” Recognizing the fashion in which Seafarers always have delivered the goods for our country, especially during time of conflict, the labor secretary said, “Since the mobilization for the war against terror began, the Seafarers have been there for our country—as they have been throughout our nation’s history. They, and members of the UIW, have served in the armed forces, reserves or National Guard. Others are crewing Ready Reserve vessels, delivering munitions, vehicles and rations wherever they are needed. “It is because of the service of your brothers and sisters in the Seafarers International Union that America sustains the strongest military force the world has ever known,” Secretary Chao concluded. “We are grateful for those sacrifices so that we may enjoy our freedom here and abroad.” Michael Sacco (standing), UIW president, and David Heindel, UIW Secretary-Treasurer they are continuing that mission even as we speak. Members from other unions also have answered the call, both in the reserves and in the merchant marine and in every branch of the armed forces.” Transitioning back to the business of the convention, Sacco noted that while there is no comparing the UIW’s current economic challenges with the tragedy of the terrorist attacks, he did see a parallel between what our nation faced on September 11 and what the UIW as a union currently faces. “After the attacks, our nation was wounded—down, but not out,” he stated. “Since then, we have rallied with incredible strength and bravery, making our nation and our world a safer place. “Economically, the labor movement faces its own life-anddeath struggle,” Sacco continued. “We in the UIW are right in the middle of it—under attack, along with our brothers and sisters throughout labor. These are tough times for unions. The first and most important way that we will turn it around is by organizing…. I am challenging every single official and every single delegate to walk the walk.” UIW National Director John Spadaro, elected to remain in his post for the next four years, echoed Sacco’s thoughts on organizing and added, “We must organize. Our very future depends on it.” Spadaro said that the history of the American labor movement is filled with examples of workers overcoming obstacles and achieving better lives for themselves and their families. Reflecting on the story of the late Cesar Chavez, Spadaro pointed out that the dedicated leader of Valerie Lilja AFL-CIO Union Plus Rep. John Spadaro UIW National Director the United Farm Workers faced a myriad of obstacles and had many opportunities to throw in the towel during his quest for better working conditions for his people. “For a time, he (Chavez) was homeless as a child, “Spadaro said. “As a young adult, his first attempts to unionize farm workers were turned down by his own Community Services Organization. Many more challenges followed, and they often were of such magnitude that Chavez could have been forgiven if he resigned himself to defeat. “Thank heaven he kept trying. As many of you know, he went on to become one of the most influential labor leaders in our nation’s history.” Spadaro then challenged those in attendance to step forward, take the organizing torch and run with it. “Every UIW member is a potential organizer, he said. “For example, when you are active in your community—and you make it a point to mention your union membership—you are serving as an organizer. That doesn’t mean that we need to discuss unions all the time, but by simply introducing the topic—whether you’re socializing with neighbors, or volunteering at church, or helping run a youth sports league—and by carrying yourself with dignity, you help promote growth in the labor movement.” He reminded shop stewards and other rank-and file members that they may be called upon to volunteer for specific UIW organizing campaigns. “Our union depends on shop stewards and other rank-and-file members to assist the regional officials in Continued on page 9 October 2005 �2005-October7,8,11,14,19-24.qxd 9/27/2005 1:56 PM Page 7 Secretary Chao Tours Paul Hall Center U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, a longtime supporter of the U.S. Merchant Marine, toured the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education following her address to the United Industrial Workers convention Aug. 30. Showing a genuine interest in both the students and the Piney Point, Md.-based facility itself, Secretary Chao was inquisitive, unhurried and upbeat throughout the afternoon tour, which included stops at the full mission bridge simulator, a water survival class, the manpower office and the fire fighting and safety school, located on a nearby cam- Pictured at the fire fighting school immediately following the tour are (from left) Labor Department Counsel John Flynn, President Sacco, Secretary Chao and Paul Hall Center Safety Director Jimmy Hanson. pus. She was accompanied by SIU President Michael Sacco, among others. Founded in 1967, the Paul Hall Center is a premier training facility for deep sea merchant seafarers, inland waterways boatmen and cruise-ship crew members. The school has developed a pioneering approach to education that has successfully integrated vocational training, academic enrichment and trade union responsibility. The center is named after Paul Hall (1915-1980), an outstanding past president of the SIU. In October 2003, Hall was inducted into the U.S. Department of Labor’s Hall of Fame. During the induction ceremony in Washington, D.C., Secretary Chao stated, “Paul Hall fought for good pay and benefits for American mariners, and he also fought for their education. It’s fitting that the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education today is instrumental in ensuring that young people have the opportunity to pursue careers at sea.” U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao (seventh from left) and SIU President Michael Sacco (fourth from right) chatted with students enrolled in a water survival class at the Paul Hall Center and then got together for this photo outside the classrooms. Secretary Chao checks out the full mission bridge simulator, with demonstrations from instructor Mike Smith. She later took the wheel and successfully guided the “vessel” through a virtual Baltimore Harbor. Manpower Coordinator Bart Rogers and Secretary Chao discuss how vessels are crewed up and monitored. SIU President Michael Sacco points out some of the general contents of the union’s training record book to Secretary Chao and Paul Hall Center Admissions Director Priscilla Senatore. During an impromptu stop in one of the unlicensed apprentice classrooms (above), Secretary Chao wished the students well and said she was impressed with the campus. Secretary Chao greets instructor Dick Tyson at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School (right) and asks students about their water survival training (left). October 2005 While reviewing some of the equipment used for GMDSS training, Secretary Chao sat down for a closer look along with AB Jeff Coble, who is enrolled in the course. Seafarers LOG 7 �2005-October7,8,11,14,19-24.qxd 9/27/2005 2:08 PM Page 8 Safety Directors Sharpen Skills at Paul Hall Center SIU safety directors from 10 ports recently completed valuable training at the Paul Hall Center in Piney Point, Md. designed to help promote safe operations and security aboard Seafarers-contracted vessels. The five-day agenda (Aug. 22-26) constituted the seventh annual meeting of SIU safety directors and included plenty of hands-on training. It also featured close examinations of key port and shipboard safety and security regulations. Completing the program were: Robert Duncan (Tacoma), Thornton Elliott (Jacksonville), Frank Iverson (Honolulu), Andrew Linares (Wilmington), Kevin Marchand (Ft. Lauderdale), Randy Senatore (New York), Samuel Spain (Norfolk), Archie Ware (San Francisco), Chris Westbrook (New Orleans) and Jimmy White (Houston). Several of the safety directors stated that they believe the training will prove especially useful when they conduct vessel inspections. The SIU representatives met with instructors at the Paul Hall Center, including several from the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School. Among other topics, they studied galley sanitation; confined-space safety; eye, hand, foot and back protection; ship inspection procedures; fire extinguishers; power tools; the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code; general safety awareness and precautions; techniques for uncovering hidden hazards; and various ways that the Paul Hall Center can help port officials better serve crew members. Pictured at the Joseph Sacco Fire Fighting and Safety School, part of the Paul Hall Center, are (from left) Jimmy Hanson, safety director at the Piney Point, Md. facility; and SIU Safety Directors Thornton Elliott (Jacksonville), Randy Senatore (New York), Kevin Marchand (Ft. Lauderdale), Andrew Linares (Wilmington), Samuel Spain (Norfolk), Robert Duncan (Tacoma), Frank Iverson (Honolulu), Chris Westbrook (New Orleans), Archie Ware (San Francisco) and Jimmy White (Houston). Group Covers Wide Range of Topics Andrew Linares Instructor Joe Zienda (left) and Houston Safety Director Jimmy White review proper placement of fire extinguishers aboard vessels. Kevin Marchand The safety directors’ schedule included lots of hands-on training, including refreshers at the fire fighting school. Samuel Spain (top photo) and Randy Senatore (at right) practice galley inspections, part of the program known as “Serve Safe.” Instructor Bobby Dean (left) and the safety directors examine fire fighting gear. 8 Seafarers LOG October 2005 �32578p1,2,3,9,12,13,17,r4.qxd 9/28/2005 6:35 PM Page 9 For Seafarers, It’s Always ‘Safety First’ Union, School, Companies Team Up to Help Ensure Smooth Sailing Shipboard safety is more than a mere frame of mind for the men and women who don the SIU colors. To them, it’s really a way of life. As evidenced by the myriad of safety-related awards and accolades that SIU-contracted companies and their vessels over the last several years have received, the “Seafarers’ lifestyle” and the benefit it affords the maritime community is fast becoming the industry standard. “Going to sea is one of the most dangerous jobs in the maritime industry,” said J.C. Wiegman, assistant director of training at the SIU-affiliated Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. “Each ship has its individual and often unique safety concerns. This is true whether it’s a cruise ship carrying passengers or a tanker carrying dangerous liquid. “For these and other reasons, each crew member must be safety conscious—alert to assess risk and report hazards, insure they wear safety equipment and take actions that foster safe work environments during their daily shipboard activities.” To prepare mariners to meet these rigid safety requirements, safety training—and heaps of it—is incorporated in virtually all phases of the Paul Hall Center curriculums, Wiegman pointed out. “Safety training is included in every course taught at the school,” he said. Altogether, at least 35 different courses are available to trainees and up- graders addressing some area of shipboard safety. “Not only do we teach a large variety of safety courses to all students who come to the school, we also have safety personnel located in most of the ports where SIU-contracted vessels call on,” said Jimmy Hanson, safety director at the Paul Hall Center. “Their primary function is to help crew members and the companies with assorted safety issues.” In addition to providing assistance at the various ports around the country, Hanson and his safety colleagues regularly call on companies and board their vessels to conduct training. “We visit companies and ships and teach safety on-site in a myriad of safety modules including fire fighting, First Aid & CPR, back safety, slips, trips and falls, eye, hand and foot protection and many more,” Hanson said. “For example, we have an ongoing program with Delta Queen Steamboat Company where we visit each of their ships three times per year and teach a wide variety of safety programs. We do this with a number of other companies as well.” Some companies also have their own safety programs, according to Wiegman, many of which are required by regulatory agencies such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency. The U.S. Coast Guard also has specific mandates for safety training. “Remember,” Hanson concluded, “a good safety program at all levels makes safety take off and set sail.” Shipping company executives are not shy about elaborating on the fundamental necessity of safety in their operations, nor of the tremendous contributions Seafarers make in their overall safety programs. “Safety is our number one priority,” said Bill Cole, Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) director of labor relations. “It is a prerequisite for every job we do and is embedded in every job on our ships. Our philosophy is that each crew member has to go home in the same condition he or she arrived for duty—without injury. We have implemented various programs to facilitate and expand this type of environment.” Cole said SIU members have been crewing vessels for his company since 1999. “We have had some injuries and accidents, but those were in the early days,” he said. “Since then, we have gone 8 million man-hours without a losttime injury. This is a direct result of all crew members practicing and observing good safety practices. We initiated a Near Miss Program that requires members of the crew to report potential accident areas, so that they can be prevented. This program has worked out extremely well for us and, as a result, we have landed several safety awards.” Cole noted that SIU crew members played a significant role in ATC’s winning the awards because they are the ones who do the work: “It’s them who are there when the rubber meets the Organizing Deemed Top Goal for UIW Continued from page 6 organizing campaigns,” he said. “It takes a group effort because, quite frankly, the deck is stacked against any union in most cases.” Health care, its soaring costs and actions taken by the UIW to cope with this ongoing crisis were among the chief topics discussed by UIW SecretaryTreasurer David Heindel during his report to the convention. Higher co-pays and deductibles are a fact of life for the overwhelming majority of Americans who have health insurance, Heindel told his audience. Further, he pointed out, health care cost across the country continue to surge as family premiums in employer-sponsored plans are reaching epidemic proportions. “Like countless other organizations, we made adjustments in our health care plans since the last convention,” the secretarytreasurer said. “We are taking the necessary steps to ensure our viability and long-term prosperity. In the short run, this includes contracting with First Health Network and Prescription Solutions, respectively. Those agreements are part of the foundation that is aimed at helping us recover from this crisis.” Heindel reminded those present that almost without exception, no organization—no union, no trade association, no manufac- October 2005 turer or other business—has enjoyed income at a rate that outpaces the steadily increasing cost of health care. “Relatively speaking, the UIW Health and Benefits Plan and our union have fought off this crisis better than most,” he said. “The UIW has every reason to be proud of maintaining good benefits for members and their dependents. However, we simply are not immune to this crisis. We are committed to emerging from this battle in the best possible shape for the future.” A number of other UIW officers also spoke at the convention. They stressed the importance of organizing new members time and again as they delivered their individual reports. In addition, they briefed those in attendance Donna Edwards Secretary-Treasurer Md. State & D.C. AFL-CIO Frank Pecquex Executive Secretary-Treasurer Maritime Trades Department on the membership in their respective regions. Finally, they voiced their collective belief that the UIW’s continued involvement in political activities is essential. Several guest speakers addressed the convention. These included Dr. James Fielder, Maryland State Secretary of Labor, Licensing, & Regulation; Donna Edwards, secretary-treasurer of the Maryland State & D.C. AFL-CIO; Frank Pecquex, executive secretary-treasurer of the Maritime Trades Department; and Valerie Lilja, AFL-CIO Union Plus representative. Edwards stressed the importance of political action and cited several recent accomplishments by the labor movement at the state level. Safety Classes Available at PHC Editor’s note: The following is a list of some of the safety classes available to students at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education: Adult First Aid/CPR (8-hour) Hazard Communication Advanced Fire Fighting (37-hour) Hazmat Refresher (8-hour) Back Injury Prevention Hazmat Technician (24-hour) Basic Fire Fighting (16-hour) Hearing Conservation Benzene Safety (16-hour) Heat Stress Blood-Borne Pathogens Incident Commander (16-hour) Confined Space Awareness (8-hour) Knife Safety Confined Space Permit Entry Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) Confined Space Rescue (35-hour) Hazmat Specialist (40-hour) Lock Out Tag Out Oil Spill Response (35-hour) Electrical Safety Personal Protective Equipment Emergency Egress Power Tool Safety Eye Safety Respiratory Protection First Responder Awareness Level (8-hour) Right to Know Food Safety/Sanitation Welding Safety Foot Protection Working Aloft Forklift Safety Working over the side road. The SIU has embraced our company’s safety culture and has done an excellent job in communicating that concept to the rankand-file members,” Cole said. “The members, in turn, have done a tremendous job in formulating and nurturing a safety-conscious work environment. “We look forward to a continued positive working relationship with the SIU leadership and rankand-file members,” he concluded. “Collectively we will continue to improve the work environment so that no one ever gets hurt.” Tony Naccarato of SIU-contracted Crowley also views safety as an essential feature in the daily operations of his company’s vessels. “Safety is the most important activity in the operation of Crowley vessels,” said Naccarato “First and foremost, we do not want any of our crew members injured. Then there’s the company image—the perception that our customers have of us and we of ourselves. As a world-class leader in safe and quality transportation services, our image is continually improved and polished by job performance done right—with zero accidents.” SIU members have crewed Crowley vessels for decades, according to Naccarato. “This is a valued relationship because of the professionalism and excellent safety record of the SIU seafarers,” he said. Naccarato noted that while his company’s safety program has not yet realized its goal of zero accidents, they definitely are headed in the right direction. “Crowley vessels have continued to improve their safety performance,” he noted. “Our accident rates have significantly decreased over the last few years. Our goal, to be recognized as the global safety leader in the transportation industry, will be achieved Slips, Trips and Falls through all of our efforts. It is a voyage with a fixed destination— zero accidents. Our safety partnership with the SIU is a critical step to achieving a world class safety culture.” Crowley officials and employees understandably are very proud of the company’s awardwinning safety performance. Like ATC, Crowley frequently has visited the winner’s circle when hardware recognizing excellence in shipboard safety has been handed out. “The SIU crews throughout our fleet, both owned and managed, are to be congratulated for helping us earn our various safety and environmental protection awards,” Naccarato noted. “Transferring over 50 million barrels of oil without a spill (one of the company’s recent awards) is an outstanding job. This takes constant attention to transfer procedures, equipment maintenance and repair, watchstanding, and bridge team management. “The crews demonstrate the importance of teamwork in spill prevention and vessel safety,” he continued. “The extensive training which they have received at the school in Piney Point has solidified the culture of safety throughout the industry. The net result of all these efforts is that Crowley and the SIU have set the model for operation of ATBs on the West Coast. Crowley’s working relationship with the SIU is one that is based on a safety partnership. “Our long-term and valued relationship is like a good shipmate—you can count on them getting the job done right and safe,” Naccarato concluded. “Crowley is very proud of the safe work performance of our employees and SIU members. Safety is not only the right thing to do—it is our future.” Seafarers LOG 9 �32578p5,6,10,15,16,18.qxd 9/28/2005 9:15 PM Page 10 Cruise Vacations Offered to Union Members, Families An innovative program— Union Plus Freestyle Cruising— was announced Aug. 31 by NCL Corporation and Union Plus, a non-profit organization founded by the AFL-CIO to secure a variety of high quality, discounted products and services for union members and their families. As the only Union Plus cruise line partner, NCL offers members and their families up to 5 percent off the rate of any NCL America, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Orient Lines cruise vacation. In addition, NCL will offer additional discounts up to 30 percent off the rate on certain ships and sailing dates during the year. NCL America operates the only deep sea, U.S.-flag passenger cruise ships employing unionized workers. The vessels are represented by unlicensed crew from the SIU and its affiliate, the Seafarers Entertainment and Allied Trades Union (SEATU), and by licensed crew from the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA). Among the featured cruise ships are the Seafarers-crewed Pride of Aloha and Pride of America, which was christened at the beginning of the summer. Both sail year-round in the Hawaiian Islands. When the Pride of Hawaii joins the NCL America fleet in 2006, it will be included in the program as well. Once this third vessel is in operation, NCL America’s U.S.flagged passenger ships will provide employment for some 4,000 U.S. seafarers, making NCL the largest private employer in the world of unionized U.S. mariners. “This summer, we christened the Pride of America—the largest U.S.-flagged passenger ship ever,” said Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL Corporation. “To demonstrate NCL’s pride in our American crew and to extend our appreciation to all AFL-CIO-affiliated union members nationwide, we’re proud to launch the Union Plus Freestyle Cruising Program and offer union members a chance to travel the world on any of NCL’s ships—all of which, whether U.S. or internationally flagged, are run by union crew.” The AFL-CIO created Union Plus in 1986 to provide union members and their families with Gov’t Offers New Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Beginning Jan. 1, 2006, anyone with Medicare coverage will be able to join a Medicare drug plan to get new prescription drug coverage. Since most retired Seafarers already have prescription drug coverage, they may not need or want to join the new Medicare plan. Retirees will be receiving correspondence from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan in the near future that will help them decide about enrollment for this new benefit under Medicare. Save this information when you get it. It will help you make a more informed decision. Seafarers who wish to apply to the new program can enroll between November 2005 and May 2006. It is important to note that if you currently have prescription drug coverage because you or your spouse is still working, then your choices might be different from the choices available to retirees. Before you enroll in any Medicare drug plan, make sure you get all the information about how your current prescription drug coverage will work with Medicare. In addition to the information sent by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you will probably receive literature from other health plans that will be looking to enroll Medicare-eligible individuals into their plan. If you are considering signing up for a Medicare drug plan rather than continuing coverage with the Seafarers, carefully read all the information you can about your current benefit coverage and the new plan you are considering. Ask for help if you need it. Take the time to learn the facts. A mistake could cost you and your family needless money. Remember, if you choose, you can join a Medicare drug plan any time between Nov. 15, 2005 10 Seafarers LOG and May 15, 2006 without penalty. For most people, the decision whether to keep their current retiree coverage or join a Medicare drug plan will be simple because one choice will clearly be better. If you do join a Medicare drug plan, your current retiree prescription drug or retiree health (doctor and hospital) coverage from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan may change. It is important to review materials from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan to learn how joining a Medicare drug plan could affect your current retiree coverage. Since Medicare does not have your Plan’s specific details, the best source of information about your retiree prescription drug coverage is the communications you will receive from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. If you decide to keep your current retiree drug coverage and not join a Medicare plan now, you can still join a Medicare plan later, but you will have to wait until the next annual enrollment period (Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 of each year). If you have not received the information on your current retiree prescription drug coverage by Nov. 15 of this year, you should contact the Plan and request the information. You have a legal right to this information and it will certainly help you compare your options. In addition to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, the best source of information about your specific Medicare prescription drug plan options is the Medicare & You 2006 handbook, which will be mailed to retirees in October. You also may visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov. The SIU-crewed Pride of Aloha is one of the ships currently in the Union Plus Freestyle Cruising promotion. This innovative program offers reduced rates to union members and their families. valuable consumer benefits. By using the collective buying power of millions of union members, they are able to offer a variety of high quality, discounted products and services exclusively to union families. These include mortgage and real estate services, unionmade checks, an online tax ser- vice, health savings, an auto-buying program, music and computer discounts and more. Additional information is available about Union Plus at their website at www.unionplus.org. To take advantage of the NCL’s Union Plus Freestyle Cruising Program, members can visit the website at www.unionplus.org/cruise, or call the program’s dedicated toll-free number at (866) 867-0593. They may also make arrangements through their local travel agent. When making arrangements with a travel agent, members should say they are eligible for the “Union Plus rate.” Seafarer Rundblad Still Going Strong Editor’s note: This article is a collaborative piece written by several Seafarers from the Tacoma area. It was submitted to the LOG last month. On Aug. 22, active member Don Rundblad reached the age of 75 years. Don has been an integral member of the Tacoma shoregang since 1991. One of his most important duties involves overhauling the twistlocks used on the Horizon Lines’ vessels. Twistlocks are the devices that secure cargo boxes onto container ships. Don estimates he’s overhauled more than 180,000 of them during his SIU career. Around the shoregang warehouse, Don is referred to as “The Twistlock King.” Don’s seagoing career started in 1947 aboard the William F. Cody. He had many adventures at sea, but the most memorable happened in 1952, after he signed onto the Liberty ship Western Farmer. They were to deliver a load of coal from Norfolk, Va. to Bremen, Germany, but while in the English Channel, they were rammed by a Norwegian tanker. The tanker ripped a hole into the Farmer’s side, destroying the radio room and disabling the engine. The crew tried for eight hours to save the vessel, but with heavy seas and high winds the captain decided to abandon ship. The steward and engine department members were in the process of being taken off by rescue boats when the ladder was smashed. They then lowered lifeboats. As the second lifeboat was lowered, the ship broke in half. Rescue boats were on hand, however, and all 37 crew members eventually made it to land in Dover or Ramsgate, with only one minor injury. The radio operator’s dog Scamp made it ashore safely as well. Later that same year, Don was drafted into the Army to serve in the Korean War. While in Korea, he received the Bronze Star for heroic action under fire, evacuating dead and wounded soldiers during the battle of Porkchop Hill. The SIU was notified of Don’s decoration by a former shipmate, AB Neal Cairns. In a LOG article at the time, Cairns commented that Don “is the sort of a guy you’d expect to go all out to help a wounded buddy.” After the war, Don returned to the States via a Navy transport ship that docked in Seattle. He went home to New York and resumed his SIU career, eventually making it back to the Puget Sound area. This was not Don’s first acquaintance with the military, however. In 1945 at the age of 15, he used his older brother’s ID to enlist in the Navy. He went to basic training in Bainbridge, Md. and served six months before his tender age was discovered, and he was discharged. Of the experience, Don says, “It was better than the Army, because you don’t have to crawl in the dirt, but I didn’t like the discipline.” Rundblad is eligible for his pension but sees no reason to retire. He says, “This is the best Seafarer Don Rundblad, a warservice veteran, says he enjoys his job in Tacoma. job in the SIU I’ve had, with the best bosun and the best workmates.” His fellow shoregang members are delighted that Don chose to stay on the job. The work ethic he embodies is a constant source of inspiration to the younger workers. Don is the kind of role model every ship and worksite should have, not only as a worker, but as a person, according to co-workers. “In life, as in battle, Don never fails to go the extra mile,” one Seafarer said. “He is always eager to lend a hand to those in need.” His supervisor, West Coast Chief Shoregang Bosun Vern Poulsen, says, “Don is one of our best assets.” The Tacoma shoregang hopes to have Don in their midst for many years to come. He’s a “one in a million” kind of guy—the best shipmate and workmate ashore anyone could ever ask for. Here’s to another 75 years, Don. October 2005 �32578p7,8,11,14,19-24.qxd 9/28/2005 7:17 PM Page 11 r o e h W s A i t d h n t a h e SIU a e S t A SAN FRANCISCO — After 30 years in the union, Romy Lumanlan (second from right) was given a festive retirement party, including a ship’s wheel as a parting gift. Lumanlan worked with the Military Sealift Command in the ’60s and then with the Marine Cooks and Stewards (MC&S). He began sailing with the SIU in 1978 following the merger of the MC&S and the SIU. From the left are SIU West Coast VP Nicholas Marrone, Safety Director Archie Ware, Lumanlan and SIU Assistant VP Nick Celona. NEW YORK — SIU Rep Kate Hunt recently met with SIU members from the Army Corps of Engineers at Caven Point, N.Y. Seated with her is John McNamara, a 15-year SIU member who works as a bosun/deckhand leader on the vessel Driftmaster in New York harbor. McNamara, a Vietnam Navy veteran, just returned from six months of volunteer duty with the “A” Engineering District supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. VIRGINIA — During the recent convention of the Virginia AFL-CIO, SIU Norfolk Port Agent Georg Kenny (right) met with Virginia Lt. Gov. Tim Kaine. Kaine is running for governor of the Commonwealth. PINEY POINT, MD — During the September membership meeting in Piney Point, Md., several presentations were made. Above, AB Michael Murner (left) and FOWT Terrance Maxwell (right) were awarded their full books. SIU West Coast VP Nicholas Marrone did the honors. At right, Marrone handed STOS Elmer Marko his GED certificate and congratulated him for his hard work. HONOLULU — SIU members Shawn Canon and his wife, Linda “Sarah” Rotter-Canon, present a picture to the Honolulu hall. The gift is in memory of Shawn’s father, Feliciano “Shano” Canon, a retired (now deceased) member of the Marine Cooks & Stewards. While Shano was sailing aboard the Mariposa as a BR, the passengers presented him with this painting as a token of appreciation for his services. It was painted by the passengers sailing that voyage during art classes that were held aboard ship. It represents a scene supposedly off the coast of New Zealand, but is evocative of many places in the South Pacific. The Canons made the presentation just prior to Sarah’s departure as an SA on the USNS Soderman and Shawn’s sailing as chief cook on the Horizon Navigator. SIU Honolulu Port Agent Neil Dietz said the Honolulu hall is proud to receive this memorial of Brother “Sano” Canon. “With the vibrant new cruise services in Hawaii provided by NCL America,” he said, “it is especially fitting that we have a link to members who laid the foundation for our modern cruise ships with the historical trans-Pacific liner services of the past.” October 2005 WASHINGTON, D.C. — An engraved ship’s wheel was presented to retiring CWA President and MTD Executive Board Member Morton Bahr (second from right) by (from left) MTD Executive Secretary-Treasurer Frank Pecquex, SIU President Michael Sacco and SIU VP Contracts Augie Tellez. Bahr is the last member of the AFL-CIO executive council to have sailed during World War II. “When Morty announced his retirement from the labor movement,” noted Sacco, “there was a sense that an era was passing.” Bahr also was given a “Battlin’ Pete” World War II-era patch. Seafarers LOG 11 �32578p1,2,3,9,12,13,17,r4.qxd 9/27/2005 12:09 PM Page 12 (AP Photo/News & Observer, Chuck Liddy) Other areas were hard-hit as well—as shown in this Sept. 8 photo of a man in Waveland, Miss. surveying the wreckage that used to be his home. Seafarers Deliver Continued from page 3 and flooding, and was without power or phones for about two weeks. That hall partially reopened Sept. 13, although as this issue of the LOG went to press, shipping and registration that normally would take place at the New Orleans hall had been transferred to the Houston hall. Seafarers should check with the individual halls or visit the “Heard at Headquarters” feature online at www.seafarers.org for updates on when the New Orleans hall becomes completely operational. At the SIU hall in Mobile, it was a tale of two buildings. The union hall reopened Sept. 3—it lost power for four days but otherwise wasn’t harmed. However, a secondary building—physically separate but still part of the union’s facilities in Mobile on Dauphin Island Parkway—sustained major flood damage. That building contains a meeting room and storage space. The facility itself is quite salvageable, but the union lost records that had been stored there. Hurricane Relief SIU members aboard the following ships continue to assist in relief efforts: SS Wright, Equality State, Cape Knox, Cape Kennedy, Diamond State, Cape Flattery, USNS Pillilau, USNS Bob Hope, USNS Algol, USNS Altair, USNS Bellatrix, USNS Pollux, USNS Comfort and the training ships Empire State, State of Maine and M/V Sirius. The Cape Knox and Cape Kennedy, after a harrowing experience weathering the storm at their berths along the Poland Street Wharf in New Orleans, were turned into shelters for Coast Guard personnel and other relief workers. Several of the union’s contracted companies have been affected by Katrina. The Delta Queen Steamboat Company, which had facilities in New Orleans, continues operating its fleet but has moved its offices to New York state. Pacific Gulf Marine, also based in the New Orleans area, moved to Houston. Inland companies E.N. Bisso and Crescent Towing fared better, despite the latter’s offices being bumped by a ship that was displaced during the flooding. ‘Anxious to Help’ OMU John Cooper signed on aboard the Wright when that vessel was activated in Baltimore for relief operations in the Gulf. “Everyone on board just wants to provide assistance,” he stated. “We’re delivering water, food, mattresses, generators and fuel. Everyone is anxious to help.” Retiree Arthur Machado had to evacuate the New Orleans area but said he was grateful that he “had another place where I could go,” in Mississippi. In New Orleans in midSeptember, SIU Port Agent Steve Judd said that normally routine tasks remained anything but ordinary. Efforts to send crew members to work aboard some of the relief ships remained complicated by restricted movement and power outages. Then there are more fundamental activities—such as eating. “There are no grocery stores open, so you go to FEMA every day for food and water,” Judd stated. “But I’m not complaining. Whether it’s in your neighborhood or here at the hall, you do whatever you can for whoever you come across that needs help. One person can do a lot, believe me.” With the temporary transfer of shipping to Houston, “It has been hectic at the hall,” acknowledged SIU Assistant Vice President Gulf Coast Jim McGee in midSeptember. “We shipped 270-some jobs in one month. We’re doing everything we can to help the folks whose lives have been disrupted.” Noting the overall response of the U.S. Merchant Marine to the disaster, acting U.S. Maritime Administrator John Jamian declared, “The merchant marine came through like you wouldn’t believe.” (AP Photo, Chuck Beckley) While relief supplies were sent to the Gulf, regular cargo once headed for New Orleans initially was diverted to other ports, including Morehead City, N.C. pictured here. Remarkably, the port of New Orleans reopened last month. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) Downtown New Orleans sustained incredible damage. By midSeptember, the known death toll from Katrina was approaching 1,000. Northrop Grumman shipyard workers on Sept. 6 remove debris caused by Hurricane Katrina in Gulfport, Miss. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) New Orleans residents are rescued from their rooftop in late August. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Two vehicles sit on top of a home surrounded by floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. 12 Seafarers LOG October 2005 A New the floo �32578p1,2,3,9,12,13,17,r4.qxd 9/28/2005 7:22 PM Page 13 (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) This image from Bay St. Louis, Miss. shows the remnants of a theater. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) Flood water remained high in Chalmette, La. more than a week after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) A man pushes his bicycle through flood waters near the Superdome in New Orleans on Aug. 31. Hurricane Katrina featured gusts topping 140 miles an hour. (AP Photo/Tom Hood) An American Red Cross volunteer comforts a New Orleans resident in the dining area of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix on Sept. 6. More than 500 residents from the New Orleans area were evacuated to Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) New Orleans resident walks through e floodwater on Canal Street on Sept. 4. USNS Pollux Among First to Provide Aid From the Seafarers-crewed USNS Pollux, docked in Marrero, La., Chief Mate Jan Genemans sent this account Sept. 13 along with photos reflecting the U.S. Merchant Marine’s response to Hurricane Katrina. “We were under repairs and could not leave when Hurricane Katrina unleashed her devastation on the New Orleans area,” Genemans wrote. “We are at our layberth at Marrero, La. in reduced operating status with a skeleton crew.” He credited the crew members and officers for “creatively engineering solutions by thinking far outside of the box to directly and indirectly save lives and property as soon as we heard the desperate situation from the community begging for help. Captain Lansden made his way to the closest hospital, West Jefferson, and offered our assistance the morning after the storm. The hospital was critically low on their emergency generator fuel—only a few precious hours left. The Marrero Fire Department borrowed a fuel tank truck from Retif Oil and the National Guard with their one operational fuel truck (others were flooded) and drove it on the dock where we were berthed. “The engineers modified our fuel system using parts from the potable water system and fire system, and around noon of the day after we proceeded to load National Guard trucks and Fire Department trucks through a fire hose during the first three days. To date we have been pumping fuel for two solid weeks totaling more than half a million gallons of diesel around the clock … to keep the hospitals operational by October 2005 providing fuel for generators and pumps for the Levy Board pumps, emergency vehicles, water and sewer board, telephone and power company repair vehicles, the airport, all the military bases in the area, the convention center, all kinds of rescue command centers, shelters, morgue, FEMA, and the list goes on and on, too numerous to count. Without the diesel fuel provided by the ship, there may very well have been a week’s setback, if not longer, in the relief effort… “This ship fueled the entire emergency/military machine in the area by itself for the first few days. As the need for fuel increased as more emergency services began pouring into the area, so did the need for dock space, as our dock was too small for 18wheelers. The ship along with a chemical farm and a local oil/gas distribution company built a pipeline with hoses and pipe to the closest state road about a thousand feet away in about four hours time using labor from the chemical farm and the deck department of the USNS Pollux. “Additionally, along with the Advanced Care unit in West Jefferson Hospital, since we were the only source of pressurized potable water that is required to operate dialysis machines, the crew of the USNS Pollux, in conjunction with the acute care unit located in Jefferson set up an emergency dialyses unit in our laundry room and treated patients until the remaining patients were air-lifted out of the area for better medical care…. “We tested the city water and provided a means for the military to get water for showers and washing their clothes throughout the area before any other major source of potable water was available. Our engineers also assisted with the Aquarium and the morgue with their pumping, refrigeration, and/or mechanical systems as well—all on their own time. Galley scraps were kept and distributed to many of the homeless pets that were left in the area. Another crew member organized and was successful in staging a rescue effort from the now infamous horrid convention center scene. I personally found extra plastic sheets around the ship and donated it to hospital personnel to cover holes and windows that were damaged by the storm. Our bosun (Seafarer Wilfredo Rice) assisted people with removing debris and water-damaged items from homes for the National Guard to pick up. I am sure that there were several other acts of extreme kindness that I haven’t witnessed that were performed by the crew. “The ship provided a rest haven, with A/C in 100 degree heat, running water and working toilets for hospital nurses who worked beyond the point of exhaustion. The MDs were also offered this, but they put the needs of their staff before themselves. The ship also provided hot meals, laundry and showers to fire fighters, military personnel, policemen, hospital workers and civilians who were actively engaged in the humanitarian effort in the area outside of normal working hours before there was any other source…. “The entire crew of the USNS Pollux poured out their hearts in the relief effort, and performed miracles in the assistance of the unprecedented tragedy that was brought on by fury of Hurricane Katrina.” The USNS Pollux provides diesel fuel for a National Guard truck near New Orleans for emergency generators and other relief operations. Seafarers LOG 13 �32578p7,8,11,14,19-24.qxd 9/28/2005 7:20 PM Page 14 SL Quality: A Happy, Well-Fed Ship Wilmington Seafarers in Labor Day Event From the left are AB Ben Monzon, Chief Cook George Farala and AB Amin Hussein. Seafarers and SIU officials from the Wilmington, Calif. area participated in the Los Angeles County Labor Federation’s annual Labor Day rally and parade Sept. 5. AFL-CIO President John Sweeney (at podium, above left) delivered the keynote speech at the 26th annual event, which took place in Wilmington. Seafarers who participated included AB Ben Monzon, GUDE Arthur Castro, Chief Cook George Farala, Chief Cook Harry Agatep, AB Othman Saleh, AB Amin Hussein, DEU Saleh Ali, ACE Rey Ricarte, OS Karen Suzuki, AB Kenyatta Whitworth, Electrician Mario Paquiz, OS James Smith, ACU Nagi Mohamed and Chief Cook Clancy Hennigan. They were joined by officials from the Wilmington hall including Port Agent John Cox, Safety Director Andrew Linares and Patrolman Jesse Solis. Electrical Maintenance Course Offered October 3-14 October 17-28 14 Seafarers LOG October 31-November 11 November 28-December 9 Each course is limited to a maximum of 10 students. For additional information please contact the Paul Hall Center admissions office at (301) 9940010, extension 5210 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. U.S. East Coast time. It is the instructors’ intent that at the end of the course each student will satisfactorily be able to: Troubleshoot and replace bad florescent fixture ballasts Replace burned-out florescent lamps Install new florescent lighting fixtures Perform handheld equipment cord and plug maintenance Perform motor resistance to ground (megger) checks and record properly Locate and replace blown fuses Locate and correct loose electrical connections SEAFARERS BENEFIT PLANS NOTICE TO PARTICIPANTS Keep the Plan Informed of Your Address Changes It is important that all participants remember to keep the Plan informed of any change of address. Update Your Beneficiary Designations Keep your beneficiary designations up to date. In the event that your beneficiary predeceases you, you must submit a substitute designation. Inform the Plan of Your Divorce In order for your spouse to be eligible to receive continuation coverage (under COBRA) from the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, you or your spouse must inform the Plan at the time of your divorce. Please submit a copy of the divorce decree to the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. NOTICE The Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education is offering a new two-week course titled Marine Electrical Maintenance Refresher. This class is open to QMED-Any Ratings and those possessing an electrician’s endorsement. Please note that the class cannot be used to raise an individual’s QMED classification rating. The course’s purpose is to enhance the electrical skills and education of those individuals interested in sailing as electricians. The class will focus on hands-on electrical training with a minimum of classroom sessions. Students will review the most common electrical troubleshooting, maintenance and repair techniques required to successfully perform the duties of a marine electrician on the latest shipboard equipment. Upcoming course dates are as follows: Chief Steward Joel Molinos sent the LOG a copy of the above certificate given to him by the officers and crew of the SeaLand Quality in recognition of his superior culinary skills. Other shipboard personnel mentioned in the certificate are AB Raymond Ryan, AB Yousry Ibrahim and GUDE Ahmed Sultan. Locate and properly wire a three-phase motor for correct direction of operation Replace motor bearings Troubleshoot and repair/replace bad switches. Full-time College Students If your dependent child is a full-time college student, you must submit a letter of attendance every semester in order for your child to be covered by the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan. Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan P.O. Box 380 Piney Point, MD 20674 IMPORTANT NOTICE: SEAFARERS HEALTH AND BENEFITS PLAN — COBRA NOTICE HEALTH CARE CONTINUATION Under federal law, a participant and his or her dependents have the right to elect to continue their Plan coverage in the event that they lose their eligibility. This right is granted by the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, better known as “COBRA.” The COBRA law allows a participant and his or her dependents to temporarily extend their benefits at group rates in certain circumstances where coverage under the Plan would otherwise end. A participant and his or her dependents have a right to choose this continuation coverage if they lose their Plan coverage because the participant failed to meet the Plan’s seatime requirements. In addition, a participant and his or her dependents may have the right to choose continuation coverage if the participant becomes a pensioner ineligible for medical benefits. The participant’s dependents may also elect continuation coverage if they lose coverage under the Plan as the result of the participant’s (1) death; (2) divorce; or (3) Medicare eligibility. A child can also elect COBRA if as the result of his or her age, he or she is no longer a dependent under the Plan rules. If a member and his or her dependents feel that they may qualify, or if they would like more information concerning these rights, they should contact the Plan office at 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Since there are important deadlines that apply to COBRA, please contact the Plan as soon as possible to receive a full explanation of the participant’s rights and his or her dependents’ rights. October 2005 �32578p5,6,10,15,16,18.qxd 9/28/2005 7:08 PM Page 15 Dispatchers’ Report for Deep Sea November & December 2005 Membership Meetings AUGUST 16 — SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 *TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Class A Class B Class C Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 7 12 2 7 38 22 0 8 4 36 15 2 2 8 17 0 30 30 240 0 0 5 6 1 7 14 15 0 9 4 6 11 2 2 0 13 1 15 5 Totals Totals All Departments 301 1 4 4 13 3 5 15 21 0 8 4 17 12 4 5 6 9 1 28 12 1 2 1 7 0 3 30 6 2 3 6 19 9 3 1 3 3 0 13 23 135 1 2 1 7 1 2 13 5 0 1 1 12 7 1 0 0 7 2 4 4 116 172 71 0 0 4 6 1 10 28 13 0 7 4 12 9 2 4 1 23 1 20 14 1 0 1 8 1 4 4 15 1 4 2 12 14 0 1 2 7 0 10 4 1 0 1 4 0 1 3 4 0 2 0 7 7 0 1 0 3 1 4 5 1 0 7 6 2 5 31 23 0 6 10 16 13 3 1 9 17 0 31 31 212 Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT 2 3 11 15 3 3 19 18 2 6 10 20 18 4 22 12 13 9 28 20 238 2 2 1 1 2 1 20 2 1 1 4 9 10 1 1 2 3 1 9 11 84 0 0 9 9 0 2 13 8 0 0 4 12 4 1 0 5 13 1 17 18 116 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 0 0 5 3 1 6 17 18 0 6 2 5 12 2 3 6 13 1 14 12 126 1 3 3 10 2 3 14 18 0 5 4 12 19 2 2 3 7 4 17 8 137 3 1 1 1 1 2 5 9 0 1 2 7 6 2 0 1 6 0 1 4 53 0 0 3 0 0 6 7 10 0 1 0 5 4 0 0 2 4 0 9 2 53 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 0 0 5 5 1 8 17 13 0 7 7 14 6 4 3 1 16 1 13 17 159 91 44 138 0 0 0 0 0 3 7 0 0 0 1 7 2 0 0 1 8 0 3 1 3 1 6 6 2 5 19 13 0 6 0 19 18 0 21 8 14 0 9 10 4 5 1 9 1 7 28 19 0 0 2 39 17 0 24 0 11 1 10 13 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 1 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 Port Algonac Anchorage Baltimore Fort Lauderdale Guam Honolulu Houston Jacksonville Joliet Mobile New Orleans New York Norfolk Philadelphia Piney Point Puerto Rico San Francisco St. Louis Tacoma Wilmington 6 5 6 26 8 5 30 25 1 13 5 32 19 7 20 7 18 4 37 27 TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 4 7 0 4 5 10 0 5 3 6 15 0 0 0 4 1 7 6 78 1 0 0 3 0 0 1 4 1 2 1 4 6 0 0 0 2 1 3 1 30 ENTRY DEPARTMENT 1 0 8 3 0 2 14 8 0 3 3 23 11 0 22 1 8 0 9 10 4 1 0 6 0 6 13 12 0 2 4 21 12 0 16 0 3 3 16 6 0 0 1 2 0 3 7 6 0 0 0 7 3 0 1 2 6 0 6 7 **REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Class A Class B Class C 1 0 9 12 2 17 42 39 0 12 17 59 25 5 1 14 32 0 57 37 7 10 5 22 9 12 39 46 1 17 13 34 24 7 11 10 14 6 52 33 2 3 3 7 0 5 40 17 1 8 10 29 11 2 0 1 4 0 24 24 381 372 191 0 0 2 3 1 10 15 25 0 9 10 18 9 0 1 2 19 1 17 9 2 5 1 6 2 10 14 23 0 8 7 13 10 4 8 6 13 1 37 14 1 2 1 7 1 2 16 8 0 2 2 12 8 0 0 1 5 2 8 6 151 184 84 2 3 0 3 2 17 31 24 1 4 10 22 14 1 4 1 42 1 37 32 2 0 0 6 1 6 6 17 1 4 3 13 16 0 5 4 7 0 12 16 1 1 0 3 0 2 5 6 0 0 2 4 7 0 1 0 2 1 5 11 51 251 119 51 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 9 3 0 0 1 8 1 0 0 2 11 0 10 4 5 1 3 5 2 14 27 25 1 8 6 40 15 2 10 8 21 1 25 10 2 7 2 6 5 10 35 26 0 1 11 50 15 2 30 2 15 2 24 13 33 160 191 17 126 125 0 54 229 258 548 724 441 493 579 292 220 837 904 584 *“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 2005 Piney Point .............Monday: November 7, December 5 Algonac ..................Monday: November 14* ................................Friday: December 9 ................................(*change created by Veterans Day holiday) Baltimore ................Thursday: November 10, December 8 Boston.....................Monday: November 14* ................................Friday: December 9 ................................(*change created by Veterans Day holiday) Guam ......................Friday: November 25* ................................Thursday: December 22 ................................(*change created by Thanksgiving Day holiday) Honolulu .................Friday: November 18, Decenber 16 Houston ..................Monday: November 14, December 12 Jacksonville ............Thursday: November 10, December 8 Joliet .......................Thursday: November 17, December 15 Mobile ....................Wednesday: November 16, Dec. 14 New Orleans ...........Tuesday: November 15, December 13 New York................Tuesday: November 8, December 6 Norfolk ...................Thursday: November 10, December 8 Philadelphia ............Wednesday: November 9, Dec. 7 Port Everglades.......Thursday: November 17, Dec. 15 San Francisco .........Thursday: November 17, Dec. 15 San Juan..................Thursday: November 10, December 8 St. Louis..................Friday: November 18, December 16 Tacoma ...................Friday: November 25, December 23 Wilmington ...............Monday: November 21, December 19 ................................. Each port’s meeting starts at 10:30 a.m. Union Plus: Member Benefits Union Plus benefits are developed and managed by Union Privilege, which was founded by the AFLCIO in 1986 to provide consumer benefit programs to union members. No dues money goes into the development or operation of any Union Plus programs. Advocate for Union Members Union members don’t have to deal with complaints or problems on their own. If members haven’t been able to get issues resolved with Union Plus program suppliers, they can contact a Member Advocate, who will contact the program supplier and work with them to resolve any problems as quickly as possible. Program Development Union Privilege uses the collective purchasing power of over 13 million union members to develop the Union Plus programs, which provide more quality, value and service than comparable programs available to the general public. Special Union Features The Union Plus programs include unique features designed for union members. For example, during prolonged strikes or lockouts, qualified members who have a mortgage through the Union Plus Mortgage and Real Estate program are granted assistance. Members also are allowed to skip Union Plus Credit Card, Loan and Life Insurance payments. Unions Choose Programs While Union Privilege develops, oversees and markets these money-saving Union Plus programs, it remains up to each international union to choose the programs it will endorse. To make sure you are up-todate on all the programs your union offers, check out the website at www.unionplus.org. Seafarers LOG 15 �32578p5,6,10,15,16,18.qxd 9/28/2005 7:10 PM Seafarers International Union Directory Page 16 NMU Monthly Shipping & Registration Report AUGUST 16 — SEPTEMBER 15, 2005 Michael Sacco, President TOTAL REGISTERED All Groups Group I Group II Group III John Fay, Executive Vice President David Heindel, Secretary-Treasurer Augustin Tellez, Vice President Contracts Tom Orzechowski, Vice President Lakes and Inland Waters Dean Corgey, Vice President Gulf Coast Nicholas J. Marrone, Vice President West Coast Joseph T. Soresi, Vice President Atlantic Coast Kermett Mangram, Vice President Government Services René Lioeanjie, Vice President at Large Charles Stewart, Vice President at Large HEADQUARTERS 5201 Auth Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746 (301) 899-0675 ALGONAC 520 St. Clair River Dr., Algonac, MI 48001 (810) 794-4988 ANCHORAGE 721 Sesame St., #1C, Anchorage, AK 99503 (907) 561-4988 BALTIMORE 2315 Essex St., Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 327-4900 BOSTON Marine Industrial Park/EDIC 27 Drydock Ave., Boston, MA 02210 (617) 261-0790 GUAM P.O. Box 315242, Tamuning, Guam 96931-5242 125 Sunny Plaza, Suite 301-E Tun Jesus Crisostomo St., Tamuning, Guam 96911 (671) 647-1350 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 JOLIET 10 East Clinton St., Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 723-8002 MOBILE 1640 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605 (251) 478-0916 NEW ORLEANS 3911 Lapalco Blvd., Harvey, LA 70058 (504) 328-7545 NEW YORK 635 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11232 (718) 499-6600 Government Services Division: (718) 832-8767 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 Santurce, PR 00907 (787) 721-4033 ST. LOUIS/ALTON 4581 Gravois Ave., St. Louis, MO 63116 (314) 752-6500 TACOMA 3411 South Union Ave., Tacoma, WA 98409 (253) 272-7774 WILMINGTON 510 N. Broad Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744 (310) 549-4000 16 Seafarers LOG Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 10 8 1 1 11 1 0 3 35 3 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 8 1 4 3 2 3 2 0 3 18 REGISTERED ON BEACH All Groups Group I Group II Group III 4 14 5 1 11 1 0 5 41 2 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 8 1 5 4 0 3 3 0 3 19 2 6 1 2 2 1 0 0 14 12 37 7 16 28 3 1 9 113 1 9 3 8 11 0 1 5 38 0 3 4 21 2 0 3 0 33 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 4 8 17 5 2 14 1 1 4 52 0 4 10 3 10 0 1 1 29 0 2 7 13 0 1 1 0 24 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 4 6 10 3 5 11 1 0 3 39 3 7 6 2 12 0 0 3 33 0 3 2 12 0 0 2 1 20 ENGINE DEPARTMENT 8 5 2 0 7 0 0 2 24 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 2 2 0 2 0 0 8 Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals Trip Reliefs DECK DEPARTMENT Port Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals TOTAL SHIPPED All Groups Group I Group II Group III 6 5 6 1 8 1 0 0 27 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 3 0 0 2 0 0 6 STEWARD DEPARTMENT 6 2 0 2 3 0 0 2 15 2 2 1 0 2 0 0 0 7 0 2 4 2 2 0 1 1 12 Port 4 5 2 1 1 0 0 2 15 1 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 6 0 2 4 0 2 0 1 1 10 ENTRY DEPARTMENT Boston Houston Jacksonville New Orleans New York Norfolk Tacoma Wilmington Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Totals All Departments 74 19 38 83 18 35 22 204 100 77 PICS-FROM-THE-PAST These documents were sent to the LOG by John S. Cobb, USAF Ret., of Woodsville, N.H. He states that while recently browsing through some of the belongings of his older brother (Frederic Bayley Cobb, who died in 1991 at the age of 75), he came across a black leather folder, a little larger than a wallet, in which he found some documents, including a National Maritime Union dues receipt, at right. (Note that the amount paid was $17.50.) Also included (above) was a certificate of discharge in 1945 from the SS Henry D. Lindsley, on which he sailed as an oiler. In a note to the Seafarers LOG, John Cobb wrote that “when my brother was helping the war effort in those days (’43-’45), I was a young boy of 11 years, and I used to hear of his journeys over the north Atlantic in the merchant ships hauling cargo of war supplies to both England and the Soviet Union, to a town called Archangel. I later in life knew these trips to be very dangerous due to the U-boat activities in those same waters. Needless to say, I was proud of him.” October 2005 �32578p1,2,3,9,12,13,17,r4.qxd 9/28/2005 6:37 PM Page 17 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. DEEP SEA KENNETH ADAMCZAK, 65, became a union member in 1977 in Detroit, Mich. Brother Adamczak initially sailed in the Great Lakes division. His first ship was the J.T. Hutchinson. Born in Michigan, Brother Adamczak later transferred to the deep sea division, working in the engine department. In 2000, he upgraded his skills at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. Prior to retiring, he shipped aboard the El Morro. Brother Adamczak lives in Ocala, Fla. OTHMAN BINCHIK, 65, was born in Kedah, Malaysia and joined the SIU in 1980. He first sailed on the Sea-Land Pittsburgh as a member of the deck department. Brother Binchik enhanced his skills on numerous occasions at the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. His most recent voyage was aboard the LNG Virgo. Brother Binchik makes his home in New York. WAYNE CHAMPINE, 65, began sailing with the Seafarers in 1965 from the port of Wilmington, Calif. Brother Champine was born in Michigan and sailed in the steward department. His first ship was the St. Lawrence; his last was the Greatland. Brother Champine upgraded his seafaring skills on different three occasions at the Piney Point, Md. school. He calls Reno, Nev. home. ISOM CLEMMONS, 65, began sailing with the SIU in 1960 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Clemmons first sailed aboard the Monarch of the Sea and ended his seafaring career aboard the Diamond State. The steward department member was born in Alabama and is a resident of Houston. JOSE FERREIRA, 65, first donned the SIU colors in 1971 in New York. Brother Ferreira was born in Spain. The engine department member first sailed on the Hydro Atlantic. His last ship was the Sulphur Enterprise. Brother Ferreira was a frequent upgrader at the Paul Hall Center. He resides in Brick, N.J. RICHARD GRACEY, 65, joined the SIU ranks in 1969 in Houston. Brother Gracey first sailed on an International Carriers vessel. The engine department member attended the union affiliated school in Piney Point, Md. in October 2005 1977, 1995 and again in 2000. Born in Michigan, Brother Gracey last shipped aboard the Patriot. He lives in Texas City, Texas. tially sailed in the inland division aboard Steuart Transportation. vessels. The deck department member later transferred to the deep sea division. He upgraded his seafaring skills often at the Paul Hall Center. Brother Wical last worked on the PFC James Anderson Jr. He lives in Jacksonville, Fla. EDWARD HERRERA, 66, commenced his seafaring career in 1978 in San Francisco. Brother Herrera worked in the steward department, completing the steward recertification training in 1992 at the Paul Hall Center. His first trip to sea was on the President McKinley. Born in Honolulu, Brother Herrera most recently sailed aboard the Horizon Hawaii. He calls San Diego, Calif. home. RULDOPH XATRUCH, 66, joined the SIU in 1980 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Xatruch, who was born in Honduras, sailed in all three departments and upgraded his skills at the union’s affiliated school in Piney Point, Md in 2000 and 2001. His first ship was the Connecticut. He finished his seafaring career working aboard the Seabulk Energy. Brother Xatruch calls Houston home. UDJANG NURDJAJA, 65, launched his SIU career in 1973 in New York. Brother Nurdjaja was a member of the steward department. He first sailed aboard the OMI Sacramento. His most recent trip was aboard the LNG Capricorn. Brother Nurdjaja upgraded frequently at the SIUaffiliated school in Piney Point, Md. Born in Indonesia, Brother Nurdjaja now makes his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. TERESO ROCHEZ, 64, started shipping with the Seafarers in 1990 in the port of Houston. Brother Rochez’s first ship was the Independence. He last sailed aboard the Sea-Land Patriot. He attended numerous classes at the Paul Hall Center. Born in Honduras, Brother Rochez worked in the steward department. He is a resident of Houston, Texas. ALEXANDER STAMATELAKY, 71, joined the Seafarers in 1996 in the port of Mobile, Ala. Brother Stamatelaky was born in the Philippines. He first sailed on the USNS Silas Bent in the deck department. In 2000, 2001 and 2002, Brother Stamatelaky enhanced his skills in Piney Point, Md. He most recently shipped aboard the USNS Henson. Brother Stamatelaky resides in Loranger, La. RALPH WICAL, 65, hails from Marshalltown, Iowa. Brother Wical began sailing with the SIU in 1981. He ini- GREAT LAKES JOSEPH ARLE, 65, joined the SIU in 1963 in Chicago. He first sailed aboard an American Steamship Co. vessel. The engine department member, who was born in Wisconsin, last worked aboard a Michigan Tankers vessel. He Editor’s Note: The following brothers, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, recently went on pension. JOHN BARKHOUSE, 65, began sailing with the NMU in 1991, first shipping aboard the Cape Alava. Born in Massachusetts, Brother Barkhouse was a member of the engine department. He last worked on the Cape Domingo. WAYNE NAYSNERSKI, 55, joined the union in 1980 in the port of Seattle. Brother Naysnerski first worked aboard the Fort Worth. The engine department member was born in Hartford, Conn. Brother Naysnerski’s most recent voyage was on the Overseas Chicago. PAUL PHILLIPS, 65, became an NMU member in 1990 in the port of New Orleans. Brother Phillips first sailed aboard the Cape Inscription. He was a native Reprinted from past issues of the Seafarers LOG. 1939 On Wednesday, October 2, 1939, at 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. 1959 of Honduras and worked as a member of the engine department. Brother Phillips’ most recent voyage was on the Argonaut. makes his home in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. CLAUDE RODGERS, 56, first donned the NMU colors in 1968. Brother Rodgers was born in Philadelphia. His first ship was the Texaco Wyoming. Brother Rodgers, who sailed in the deck department, last worked on the Kansas Trader. JOSEPH SINGLETON, 55, hails from Charleston, S.C. Brother Singleton started sailing with the union in 1969. A member of the steward department, he last went to sea aboard the Keystone Texas. In addition to the individuals listed above, the following NMU pensioner retired on the date indicated. Name Age EDP Syre, Lloyd 65 July 1 improve the health of seamen by early diagnosis and treatment. 1979 Scores of placard-waving Seafarers joined hundreds of other trade unionists and community groups’ demonstrators in a New York City-wide lunchtime protest rally on October 11 to aid the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union (ACTWU) in its drive to break the connection between the anti-union textile giant, the J.P. Stevens Co. and the Seaman’s Bank for Savings. Joining the 17-block long “human billboard for justice” on Manhattan’s midtown and downtown financial district sidewalks, Seafarers handed out anti-Stevens leaflets in front of a bank urging E. Virgil Conway, president of the Seamen’s Bank for Savings and a Consolidated Edison Electric Co. trustee, to quit the Stevens Board of Directors, a post he held since 1974. This Month In SIU History During the two and onehalf years in which the SIU clinic program has been operating, a sharp decline in the incidence of tuberculosis among Seafarers has been noted. The clinics, which stress preventive medicine, offer physical examinations to all members. The major requirements for controlling tuberculosis are early detection and effective treatment. The SIU clinics supply the first and the U.S. Public Health Service Hospitals implement treatment and recovery of the Seafarer. Because of early detection at a clinic, the average treatment and recovery period for patients has also been drastically reduced and the need for surgery has declined. The trend is proving the union’s contention that regular diagnostic examinations will 1999 SIU members recently crewed the prepositioning ship M/V Major Bernard F. Fisher as the vessel prepared to start a five-year assignment for the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC). Seafarers and SIU officials took part in the vessel’s 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. Seafarers LOG 17 �32578p5,6,10,15,16,18.qxd 9/27/2005 1:36 PM Page 18 Final Departures DEEP SEA JULIANNE ABERNATHY Sister Julianne Abernathy, 45, passed away Feb. 1. Born in Missouri, she joined the SIU in 1982 in Piney Point, Md. Sister Abernathy first sailed aboard the Sea-Land Patriot in the steward department. She last worked on the Overseas New York and called San Francisco home. JOSE AGUILERA Brother Jose Aguilera, 85, died Feb. 6. He began his seafaring career with the Marine Cooks & Stewards (MC&S) in 1956. Brother Aguilera was born in Mexico and shipped in the steward department. His last trip to sea was aboard Matson Navigation’s Kauai. Brother Aguilera made his home in Lakewood, Calif. KASSIM ALHARBE Brother Kassim Alharbe, 52, passed away June 26. He began sailing with the union in 1992. A native of Yemen, Brother Alharbe was a member of the deck department. His first vessel was the Independence; his last, the Cape Domingo. Brother Alharbe resided in Tacoma, Wash. FELICIANO CANON Brother Feliciano Canon, 82, died June 23. He became a member of the MC&S in 1953 in the port of Honolulu. Brother Canon was born in Hawaii and shipped in the steward department. He lived in Honolulu. MATHEW CIAVARELLA Pensioner Mathew Ciavarella, 76, passed away July 28. He started his seafaring career with the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. Brother Ciavarella worked in the steward department. He was born in Pennsylvania and called Wilmington, Calif. home. Brother Ciavarella began his retirement in 1978. ALEJO CRUZ Pensioner Alejo Cruz, 102, died March 26. He joined the SIU in 1945 in New York. Brother Cruz sailed in the deck department. The Puerto Ricoborn mariner retired in 1967. Brother Cruz was a resident of Carolina, P.R. BILLIE DARLEY Pensioner Billie Darley, 76, passed away Feb. 27. Brother Darley joined the union in 1947 in the port of San Francisco. He first worked on the Mobilian in the deck department. Brother Darley was born in Georgia. Prior to retiring in 1995, he sailed on the LNG Capricorn. Brother Darley made his home in Jacksonville, Fla. 18 Seafarers LOG DAVID DAVIS Pensioner David Davis, 66, died June 8. Brother Davis, who was from Eaton, Ohio, began shipping with the SIU in 1968 in the port of Seattle. He worked aboard the Ft. Hoskins in the engine department. Brother Davis last sailed on the Overseas Marilyn. He began receiving his pension in 2001 and made his home in Brazil. LOUIS DORNECKER Pensioner Louis Dornecker, 95, passed away March 22. He joined the MC&S in the port of San Francisco. Brother Dornecker was born in Washington state. He worked in the steward department. Brother Dornecker, who resided in San Francisco, retired in 1974. JOHN DOYLE Pensioner John Doyle, 82, died Jan. 24. Brother Doyle became an SIU member in 1956 in New Orleans after serving in the U.S. Army. Throughout his seafaring career, he worked aboard Delta Steamship Lines vessels. Brother Doyle was born in Louisiana and shipped in the deck department. He went on pension in 1985 and resided in New Orleans. OMAR ELLIOT Feb. 14. Brother Flynn, who was born in Ohio, joined the SIU in 1951 and sailed as a member of the engine department. Before retiring in 1989, he worked aboard the Long Lines. Brother Flynn was a resident of Wilmington, N.C. JOSEPH GROSS Pensioner Joseph Gross, 87, passed away Feb. 2. Brother Gross joined the SIU in 1959. He was a native of Indiana and worked in the deck department. Brother Gross started collecting his pension in 1982. He last sailed aboard the San Juan and resided in Orange Park, Fla. THOMAS LESTER Brother Thomas Lester, 54, died April 3. He began his seafaring career in 1979. Born in Canada, Brother Lester worked as a member of the deck department. His first voyage was aboard the Santa Mariana. Brother Lester, who last worked on the Horizon Spirit, called Grosse Pointe, Mich. home. Pensioner Omar Elliot, 89, passed away Feb. 8. Brother Elliot commenced his career with the Seafarers in 1951. His first ship was the Alcoa Runner. Brother Elliot was a member of the deck department. He last sailed on Marlin Steamship’s Mary. Brother Elliot started collecting his retirement pay in 1981. He called Bay Minette, Ala. home. Pensioner Ralin Manuel, 71, passed away May 2. Brother Manuel was born in Oberlin, La. He first shipped with the union in 1953 as a member of the steward department. Prior to retiring in 1989, he worked on the President Taylor. Brother Manuel lived in his native state. EDWARD EZRA HAROLD MINGUS Pensioner Edward Ezra, 75, died Feb. 20. Brother Ezra joined the SIU in 1967 in the port of Houston. His first ship was the Duval; his last vessel was the Champion. The engine department member was born in China. Brother Ezra retired in 1997. He made his home in Seabrook, Texas. JUANITO FIEL Pensioner Juanito Fiel, 69, passed away June 22. Brother Fiel began his seafaring career with the MC&S in 1979 in the port of San Francisco. He sailed on a number of Matson Navigation Co. vessels including the Californian and the Mokihana. Born in the Philippines, Brother Fiel sailed in the steward department. He retired in 1999 and lived in Concord, Calif. FRANK FLYNN JR Pensioner Frank Flynn Jr., 80, died RALIN MANUEL Pensioner Harold Mingus, 70, died Jan. 17. He launched his career with the SIU in 1973 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Mingus last sailed aboard the Mahimahi. The steward department member was born in the state of Washington and made his home in San Francisco. JAMIE PANTOJA Pensioner Jamie Pantoja, 89, passed away Feb. 23. Brother Pantoja became a member of the union in 1942, joining in New York. The Puerto Rico-born mariner was a member of the engine department. His last voyage was aboard the Borinquen. Brother Pantoja was a resident of Puerto Rico and went on pension in 1977. CLARENCE PEARSON Brother Clarence Pearson, 62, died June 13. He began his seafaring career in 1996 in the port of San Francisco. Brother Pearson was born in Oklahoma. He worked in the deck department, last sailing aboard the Rhode Island. Brother Pearson resided in Bakersfield, Calif. GEORGE PIERRE Pensioner George Pierre, 80, passed away May 5. Brother Pierre joined the SIU in 1951 in New York. He shipped in the deck department, most recently aboard the Cove Liberty. Brother Pierre was born in Trinidad and called Mobile, Ala. home. In 1986, he began receiving his retirement compensation. SEAPHUS PLAISANCE Brother Seaphus Plaisance, 72, died Feb. 6. He joined the SIU in 1970 in the port of Houston. Brother Plaisance was born in Louisiana. He last shipped on the Charleston. ALTON POLLOCK Pensioner Alton Pollock, 79, passed away Jan. 13. Brother Pollock started sailing with the SIU in 1969 in the port of Houston. Born in Arkansas, Brother Pollock sailed as a member of the steward department, first working aboard the Overseas Explorer. His last ship was the Cove Liberty. Brother Pollock retired in 1996 and made his home in Louisiana. VLADKO ROLL Pensioner Vladko Roll, 78, died Feb. 13. Brother Roll became a Seafarer in 1945 in the port of Mobile, Ala. He shipped in the deck department, most recently aboard the SeaLand Value. Born in Pennsylvania, he started receiving his retirement income in 1992. Brother Roll lived in his native state. SAMUEL WARREN Pensioner Samuel Warren, 73, passed away June 16. Brother Warren joined the union in 1951. He began working in the inland division and later sailed deep sea. He last shipped on the Green Island. Born in Virginia, Brother Warren was a member of the engine department. He went on pension in 1998 and resided in Norfolk, Va. INLAND NEWTON HAHL Pensioner Newton Hahl, 80, passed away Feb. 22. Boatman Hahl began his seafaring career in 1963 in St. Louis. Born in New Jersey, he was a resident of St. Louis. Boatman Hahl retired in 1992. GEORGE DIXON Pensioner George Dixon, 67, died Feb. 10. Boatman Dixon started his SIU career in 1964 in the port of Philadelphia. Born in Pennsylvania, Boatman Dixon last worked aboard a Maritrans vessel. He began collecting his pension in 1999 and called Philadelphia home. BOBBY MONSON Boatman Bobby Monson, 60, died Feb. 16. He became an SIU member in 1967, joining in Port Arthur, Texas. Boatman Monson worked in the deck department, initially with Higman Barge Lines. His most recent assignment was on a Dixie Carriers vessel. IRVING WALDEN Pensioner Irving Walden, 74, passed away Jan. 26. Boatman Walden joined the SIU in 1968 in the port of Norfolk, Va. He was born in Virginia and continued to live there. Boatman Walden went on pension in 1994. GREAT LAKES ROBERT HOLLENBECK Pensioner Robert Hollenbeck, 79, died April 18. Brother Hollenbeck joined the SIU in 1964 after serving in the U.S. Air Force. He was born in Frankfort, Mich. Brother Hollenbeck worked primarily aboard Luedtke Engineering Co. vessels in the deck department. He called Michigan home and began receiving his retirement pay in 1990. RAYMOND KLINE Pensioner Raymond Kline, 77, passed away June 10. Brother Kline started working with the SIU in 1960 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Michigan-born mariner sailed in the deck department. Prior to retiring in 1993, he sailed on the Paul H. Townsend. Brother Kline was a resident of Alpena, Mich. Editor’s Note: The following brothers and sister, all former members of the National Maritime Union (NMU) and participants in the NMU Pension Trust, have passed away. Name Age D.O.D. Alamo, Isabelino Augulivicius, Frank Belakowski, Anthony Bielik, Adam Brewer, Jackie Calloway, Julius Castellanos, Gabriel Coalson, Brock Creighton, Robert Darbonne, Clarence Gates, Austin Gettis, Willie Insell, Grant Manning, Arthur Mills, Vernon Morales, Aristide Pierce, Frank Pizarro, Julio Reyes, Alonzo Rivas, Antonio Rivera, Antonia Rodriguez, Rodolfo Shepherd, Frederick Shorter, Robert Siguenza, Jorge Smith, Joseph Southard, Curtis Starkey, Robert Williams, Leroy 99 86 83 96 77 82 87 84 72 85 78 79 84 81 79 84 81 76 67 86 90 83 81 83 75 77 77 77 77 July 6 July 1 June 11 July 7 June 17 June 30 June 30 July 16 June 30 June 5 June 12 June 29 July 10 June 30 June 25 June 10 June 29 June 10 June 22 July 12 July 12 June 15 July 17 July 12 July 2 July 4 July 1 July 2 July 1 October 2005 �2005-October7,8,11,14,19-24.qxd 9/27/2005 2:44 PM Page 19 Digest of Shipboard Union Meetings The Seafarers LOG attempts to print as many digests of union shipboard minutes as possible. On occassion, because of space limitations, some will be omitted. Ships minutes first are reviewed by the uniion’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 publicatiion. 1ST LT. JACK LUMMUS (American Overseas Marine), July 25—Chairman William L. Bratton, Secretary Kathleen A. Johnson, Educational Director Juanito P. Dansalan, Deck Delegate Randall C. Rodgers, Engine Delegate Kenneth L. Couture. Chairman spoke about medical benefit changes including new deductibles. Educational director urged everyone to upgrade at Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. to advance in all departments. Treasurer stated $491 in ship’s fund. Suggestions made of ways to boost fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held regarding OT pay. Next ports: Guam; Okinawa; Chinhae, South Korea. BLUE RIDGE (Intrepid), July 29 —Chairman Kenneth L. McLamb, Secretary Eugene W. Von Flotow, Educational Director Mohamed S. Algalham, Deck Delegate Kenneth Baker, Engine Delegate Nestor V. Martinez, Steward Delegate Ronnie Richardson. Chairman announced payoff July 31 in Texas City, Texas. He advised crew members that cell phones are not allowed on deck. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade at Seafarers-affiliated school Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to ask captain for money to purchase DVDs. Clarification requested regarding medical benefits for retirees. Crew inquired about improvements to Pension Plan. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food. Piney Point school. Treasurer stated $1,090.25 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter that was sent to Seafarers Appeals Board pertaining to medical benefits was read along with response from VP Contracts Augie Tellez. Vote of thanks given to new chief steward Asril Syarbaini for great meals and to deck department for good job and keeping ship clean. Seafarers were reminded to check all document expiration dates. Members requested free weights and/or dumbbells for working out. Suggestion made regarding rotary shipping rules. HORIZON TRADER (Horizon Lines), July 24—Chairman Donald G. Rezendes, Secretary Kevin M. Dougherty, Educational Director Milan Dzurek, Deck Delegate Amante V. Gumiran, Engine Delegate Leonard P. Viles, Steward Delegate Saeed B. Saeed. Bosun thanked crew members for working safely and injury-free during voyage. He stated emergency shipping rules are no longer in effect. Also, due to changes in medical coverage, 125 days per year is now required in order to qualify for benefits. He advised crew to read freightship agreement concerning trip reliefs and explained process and purpose of written resolutions and motions. Suggestion made to add more classes for QMED at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $430 in ship’s fund. No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck department. Payoff upon arrival in Tacoma, Wash. July 30. Next ports: Tacoma; Oakland, Calif.; Honolulu; Guam. EN YUNQUE (Interocean Ugland Management), July 31—Chairman Nathaniel Leary, Secretary Ivan R. Salis, Educational Director John J. Walsh, Deck Delegate Richard L. Gathers, Steward Delegate Juan Vallejo Hernandez. Chairman announced upcoming payoff in Puerto Rico. Secretary stressed importance of reading Seafarers LOG to stay up to date on current maritime issues. Educational director urged mariners to renew z-cards early. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held about job rotation. Thanks given to steward department for great cuisine. Crew reported hard run due to compressed schedule with docking and departure on same day. Recommendation made to increase food allowances. INTREPID (Maersk Line Limited), July 21—Chairman Abdullah R. Alwaseem, Secretary Guillermo F. Thomas, Educational Director Elwyn L. Ford, Deck Delegate Yahya Abdelkarim, Engine Delegate Romeo N. Rivera, Steward Delegate Fernando C. Onatiavia. Chairman announced payoff July 26 in Los Angeles, Calif. Questions raised pertaining to available OT. Ship to stay in Singapore shipyard two weeks before returning to Los Angeles. Secretary stated A/C thermostat to be fixed for better control of heating and cooling in rooms. Educational director urged all mariners to keep MMDs current and upgrade whenever possible. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew waiting for extra clothes dryer and stereo for crew lounge. HORIZON PRODUCER (Horizon Lines), July 28—Chairman Roan R. Lightfoot, Secretary William J. Bunch, Educational Director Charles L. Wharton, Deck Delegate Terry L. McKee, Engine Delegate Charles L. Wharton, Steward Delegate Antonio Colón. Chairman announced July 29 payoff in Jacksonville, Fla. and welcomed unlicensed apprentices Matthew D. Green and Archie D. Eldridge Jr. aboard ship. Educational director encouraged everyone to upgrade skills and endorsements at USNS SODERMAN (Maersk Line Limited), July 30—Chairman James D. Orlanda, Secretary Kimberly A. Strate, Educational Director Ousmane Ka, Deck Delegate Peter M. Fulcher, Engine Delegate Jorge W. Bodden, Steward Delegate Efren D. Matias. Chairman requested copies of new wages and medical benefits in order to provide accurate answers to questions raised by crew. Educational director advised Seafarers to take advantage of upgrading opportunities available at union-affiliated school in Piney October 2005 Point. Members voted against formation of ship’s fund since they are in port (Diego Garcia) and can get almost anything they need. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Discussion held regarding ROS base wages and vacation days. 2ND LT. JOHN P. BOBO (American Overseas Marine), Aug. 1—Secretary Dorray A. Saberon, Educational Director Michael P. Brown, Deck Delegate Roger D. Noah, Engine Delegate James L. Bates, Steward Delegate John M. Walsh. Educational director recommended more engine department courses at Piney Point school for advancement in refrigeration and electrician positions. Treasurer stated $588 in ship’s fund. He discussed possible methods to boost fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Crew recommended next contract include increase in vacation pay and base wages. Clarification requested on changes to medical plan. Mariners reminded about dress code in mess hall during meal hours. Next port: Malta. HORIZON ENTERPRISE (Horizon Lines), Aug. 14—Chairman Kissinfor N. Taylor, Secretary Franchesca D. Rose, Educational Director Michael J. Wells, Deck Delegate Rufino J. Giray, Engine Delegate Cecilio A. Banga, Steward Delegate Alejo A. Fabia Jr. Bosun announced room and sanitary inspections Aug. 16. He commended crew for working well together during voyage. Educational director reminded mariners to renew z-cards and documents early to avoid hold-up when it’s time to sail. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Seafarers requested satellite phone on main deck be fixed so they can call home without imposing on captain and chief engineer to use their office phones. Members would like to be informed by union hall whether standby relief jobs have been filled prior to Honolulu hall’s closing time on Saturday, so they can plan accordingly. This will alleviate problems caused when crew members take off without relief. Vote of appreciation from captain, chief engineer and officers to bosun and his department for cleaning and painting vessel. Thanks also to steward department for great food and barbecues as well as cleanliness of ship’s house. HORIZON RELIANCE (Horizon Lines), Aug. 21—Chairman Anthony R. Carvalho, Secretary Brenda M. Kamiya, Educational Director Kevin T. McCagh, Deck Delegate Bruce D. Bussert, Steward Delegate Abdulla M. Baabbad. Chairman announced Aug. 27 arrival in port and reminded everyone to clean rooms before departing ship. Secretary reported smooth sailing and good crew. Educational director suggested need for more classes for engine department at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $700.89 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Suggestion made to increase pension benefits. Vote of thanks given to steward department for good food and service. SEABULK ARCTIC (Seabulk International), Aug. 14—Chairman Thomas MacGregor, Secretary Mark S. Scardino, Educational Director Salome Castro, Deck Delegate Modesto Y. Rabena Jr., Engine Delegate Melgar D. Daquio, Steward Delegate Lemuel E. Robinson. Bosun read president’s report from Seafarers LOG. Secretary thanked everyone for helping maintain ship cleanliness. Educational director advised mariners to begin renewal process of documents early due to long waiting periods. He also encouraged them to check out courses available at Seafarers-affiliated school to improve and upgrade their skills. No beefs; disputed OT reported in deck and steward departments. Steward delegate talked about importance of attending shipboard meetings. Suggestions made regarding improvement to pension and welfare plans. New washer requested in crew laundry; crew asked to remember to clean lint traps in dryers for safety. Steward department given thanks for preparing good food. informed crew of receipt of new pay scale. Repair list has been posted for work to be done while in shipyard. Discussion held about changes in medical plan, and he passed out copies of changes. Captain to purchase NFL package for satellite TV. Secretary reported ship to change runs from West Coast to East Coast beginning Sept. 2. Treasurer stated money in ship’s fund to be used to purchase NFL package. Fund will then need to be built back up. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter from company posted concerning new pay scale and pending contract. Aboard the Chesapeake in Diego Garcia Steward/Baker Emilio Cordova SA Franklin Bandoh OMU John Steeber submitted these photos of fellow Seafarers at work earlier this year aboard the USNS Chesapeake, a tanker that is currently activated for duty with the Prepositioning Program. Jesse Jones Next ports: Richmond, Calif.; Port Angeles, Wash. SULPHUR ENTERPRISE (Central Gulf Lines), Aug. 25— Chairman Errol M. Pinkham Jr., Secretary Darryl K. Goggins, Educational Director Alfred G. Lane, Deck Delegate Manfred L. Wedell. Secretary asked those crew members getting off ship to leave rooms clean and supplied with fresh linen for next person. Educational director encouraged crew to upgrade skills at the union-affiliated school in Piney Point. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Members discussed number of recommendations for future contracts including increase in pay, improved medical benefits and standard contract. Vote of thanks to steward department for job well done. Next port: Galveston, Texas. USNS RICHARD G. MATTHIESEN (Ocean Ships), Aug. 20— Chairman Dana Naze, Secretary Raymond L. Jones, Educational Director Moises N. Johnson, Deck Delegate Jose Garcia, Engine Delegate Wayne F. Gonsalves, Steward Delegate Raford C. Nixon. Chairman Paul Williams Thanks given to steward department for great job. Next ports: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; Rodman, Panama; Houston. USNS FRED W. STOCKHAM (American Overseas Marine), Aug. 9—Chairman Andrew B. Barrows, Secretary Stephen M. Avallone, Educational Director Charles W. Clarkley Jr., Deck Delegate Ira E. Thomas, Engine Delegate Jon I. Hemba, Steward Delegate Allen Van Buren. Bosun announced Aug. 15, Paul Hall Day, is payable holiday. He reported company turnover from Amsea to Keystone to take place in February or March 2006. Clarification requested on opportunities for employment with Keystone and of copies of new Keystone agreement. Educational director advised everyone to upgrade whenever possible at Paul Hall Center. Treasurer stated $400 in ship’s fund. No beefs or disputed OT reported. Letter received from VP Contracts Augie Tellez pertaining to Keystone acquisition. It was read and posted. Crew members reminded to take any grievances through proper channels. Seafarers LOG 19 �32578p7,8,11,14,19-24.qxd 9/27/2005 4:16 PM Page 20 Know Your Rights FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Constitution of the SIU Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters District/NMU 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/NMU 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 Your union office should set the standard for union-made goods and services. And, today, you don’t have to settle for less. From copy machines to furniture, from communications services to software to pens and paper—the best-equipped union offices are outfitted to serve union families with products and services from union members. For more information, visit www.shopunionmade.org. High-speed internet connections: Adelphia Communications Cablevision Systems Corp. Comcast Unions-America Web Connectivity LLC Computers, laptops and peripherals: Union Built PC Van Elgort Information Systems Copiers, printers and office equipment: Sharp Xerox Wireless phone service: Cingular Phone service: AT&T SBC Communications Office supplies and equipment: Continental Business Systems Impact Office Products Union Office Solutions Security: Cincy Safe Corp. Gardall Safe Corp. Document and Record Storage: SourceCorp 20 Seafarers LOG Calendars: At-A-Glance Daytimer Paper: Weyerhauser Mead Westvaco Georgia Pacific Kimberly-Clark Pens: Shaeffer Pelican Bic “Stic” Parker Business furniture systems furniture, chairs, tables, desks, filing cabinets): Allsteel Office Furnishings American Seating Pennsylvania House Furniture the Taylor Companies Crawford Furniture Company the Northland Corporation Princeton Upholstery Coffee: Union Coffee Co. Crane Vending Machines Floor Covering: Masland Carpet 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. October 2005 �32578p7,8,11,14,19-24.qxd 9/27/2005 3:23 PM Page 21 SEAFARERS PAUL HALL CENTER UPGRADING COURSE SCHEDULE The following is the schedule of courses at the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education in Piney Point, Md. through the end of this year. 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. Engine Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Welding October 24 November 11 Marine Electrical Maintenance Refresher October 3 October 17 October 31 November 28 October 14 October 28 November 11 December 9 Safety Specialty Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Government Vessels October 31 November 4 November 14 November 18 October 17 October 21 Tankerman (PIC) Barge* Deck Upgrading Courses Course Start Date Date of Completion Able Seaman November 14 December 9 Automatic Radar Plotting Aids* October 24 October 28 GMDSS (Simulator) October 31 November 11 Lifeboatman/Water Survival September 19 September 30 October 29 November 11 Radar October 10 October 19 Radar Renewal (1 day): October 31 (ARPA) (*must have radar unlimited) (*must have basic fire fighting) 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 Junior Engineer, FOWT, Third Mate, Tanker Assistant and Water Survival courses. An introduction to computers course will be self-study. Look for additional upgrading course dates in an upcoming issue Steward Upgrading Courses of the Seafarers LOG. Galley Operations/Advanced Galley Operations modules start every week. Certified Chief Cook/Chief Steward classes start every other week beginning September 19, 2005. � UPGRADING APPLICATION Name ________________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Telephone _________________________ Deep Sea Member † Lakes Member Date of Birth ______________________ † Inland Waters Member † If the following information is not filled out completely, your application will not be processed. Social Security # ______________________ Book # _________________________ Seniority _____________________________ Department _____________________ U.S. Citizen: Yes † No † Home Port _____________________________ 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 OL, AB, JE and Tanker Assistant (DL) applicants must submit a U.S. Coast Guard fee of $140 with their application. The payment should be made with a money order only, payable to LMSS. COURSE BEGIN DATE END DATE ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ ____________________________ _______________ _______________ Endorsement(s) or License(s) now held _____________________________________ LAST VESSEL: _____________________________________ Rating: ___________ _____________________________________________________________________ Date On: ___________________________ Date Off: ________________________ Are you a graduate of the SHLSS/PHC trainee program? † Yes † No If yes, class # __________________________________________________________ Have you attended any SHLSS/PHC upgrading courses? † Yes † No If yes, course(s) taken ___________________________________________________ Do you hold the U.S. Coast Guard Lifeboatman Endorsement? † Yes † No Firefighting: † Yes † No CPR: † Yes † No Primary language spoken ________________________________________________ October 2005 SIGNATURE __________________________________ DATE ________________ NOTE: Transportation will be paid in accordance with the scheduling letter only if you present original receipts and successfully complete the course. If you have any questions, contact your port agent before departing for Piney Point. RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION TO: 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. 10/05 Seafarers LOG 21 �2005-October7,8,11,14,19-24.qxd 9/27/2005 3:08 PM Page 22 Paul Hall Center Classes Unlicensed Apprentice Water Survival Class 665 — Graduating from the water survival class are unlicensed apprentices from class 665. They are (in alphabetical order) Ken Ada, Perry Anglin, Michael Bartley, Kelvin Brown, Darryl Churchill, Michael Drena, Andrew Dysart, Daniel Evans, Kenneth Fecher, Arlyn Fernandez, Brian Finney, Jonathan Grohowski, Ryan Colsson, Judea Holloman, Jacob Kamp, Chelsea Ketner, Tyler Lawrence, Norman Lucas, Garrett Phillips, Carlos Ramirez Pastor, Theodore Riley Jr., Jose Rodrigues, Justin Ryan, Velma Santiago, Angelo Sullivan, Michael Terrazas, Nathan Thomas, Jesse Tornabene, Clark Tubbs, Jeffrey Tubbs, Penny Williams, Marcus Wilson, Ivan Zapata and Edward Zimich. Able Seaman — Receiving certificates for completion of the AB class ending June 24 are (in no specific order) John Frey, Stefon Otey, Martin Simmons Jr., Neftali Erausquin, Joe Legree, Jeffrey Raum Jr., Francis Dundas, Brian Robison, Kyle Rayborn, Keith Rost, Barney George, Mark Kane, Brannon Adams, Kent Harper, James Carey, Michael Smorowski, LeToya Nix, Edward Tanaka, Michael Ratigan and Nathan Garrison. ARPA — Earning their ARPA certificates June 24 are (in alphabetical order) Joseph Brosher, Thomas Burke, Larry Claghorn, Darrel Koonce Jr., Paul Lind, Edward Milstead, Paul Voisin and John Zabielski. Their instructor, Mike Smith, is at far left. Tanker Familiarization Assistant Cargo (DL) — With instructor Jim Shaffer (far right) are students who completed this course June 17. In no specific order, they are Mark Ward Sr., Tyrone Benjamin, William Britton, Harsono Saratoga, Dean Diaz Sr., Douglas Foley, John Daniels, Thomas Ellington, Jonathan Singleton, Anthony Jacobson, Andre Skevnick, Anto Tunjic, Gary Turner, William Parker, Jose Bautista Jr., Kenneth Powell and Rodolfo Vecino. Basic Auxiliary Plant Operations — Small Arms — June 24 was graduation day for those in the small arms training class. They are (in no specific order) Samuel Thatcher, Luis Segul, Remington Aldrete, Kemer Rojas, Geoffrey Hall, David Spangler, Danny Faidley, Edward Johnson, Timothy Eide Jr., Abraham Straughter, William Price Jr., Philandar Walton, David Spaulding, Kenny Potts and Lawrence Richardson. Completing this course June 17 are upgraders Jovita Carino, Richard Cole, Joseph Huff, Earl Kendrick, Santos Maximo and Justin Stahl. The unlicensed apprentices in the course included Andre Anderson, Heather Bushey, Danny Faidley, Jeffery Griffin, Alexander Hill, Edward Johnson, Kathy Lakoduk, Michael Moerbeek, Oscar Pena, William Price Jr, Abraham Straughter, Josh Sypolt and Philandar Walton. Basic Safety Training Classes Computer Lab Classes June 10 — Abigail Schubert shows off her certificate of achievement for completion of a computer course. With her is instructor Rick Prucha. 22 Seafarers LOG June 24 — Instructor Rick Prucha (standing) also congratulates Joseph Huff (left) and Arnie Borja for their proven proficiency in various computer courses. STCW, June 24: Precilo Abad, Bronson Aea, Joseph Aguero, Lilac Alfke, Benjamin Baldwin, Jose Bautista, Jennifer Bruce, Cynthia Buchanan, Christopher Carr, Zina Carr, Jose Carranza, Yolando Castro, Jose Chahal, Aaron Cochran, Wilfred Colon, Christopher Conner, Bjana Cook, Rosalina Coronado, Sarah Crowe, Diana De La Torre, Donald Delorme, James Dunlap, Philip Forman and Fred Forsythe. October 2005 �32578p7,8,11,14,19-24.qxd 9/27/2005 3:53 PM Page 23 Paul Hall Center Classes Basic Safety Training Classes STCW, June 24: STCW, June 24: Donald Bryn, Emerson Eads, Benjamin Fitzhugh, Joseph Fleming, Musa Gabarelseed, Dak Gilmore, Victoria Grant, Sharon Gray, Charles Green, Kenneth Hair, John Hartman, Robert Henry, Paulette Horton, Cndace Hurley, Mark Hush, Jessica Ingles, Erkan Isik, Rickey Jackson, Miles Janecka, John Jasinski, Joselito Jimenez, John Knott, Catherine Leone, Amy Lewie and Donna Lindsey. Uverna Johnson, Sandra Lieteau, Steven Lonas, Richard Lovelace, Johnny Lujan, Jason Lutovsky, Bradford MacInnis, Peggy McCarty, William McIntyre, Raul Medina, Romel Medina, Anna Miller, Ayana Miller, Rebecca Minick, Alan Moody, Annie Morris,Marc Newbold, Scott Owens, Cisco Perez, Maniphone Phouangkeo, Rebecca Reed, Hezam Reyme, Rebecca Riehn, Carmela Rininsland and Harsono Saratoga. STCW — NCL, June 10: Treesa Dawes, Elena De Los STCW, June 24: Dale Harrison, Uverna Johnson, Victor Omagap, Emmanuel Sarate, Jeremy Smith, Keenan Smith, Louis Smith, Milton Smith III, Janet Stephens, Keith Stokes, Loyce Stokes, Richard Stone, Sean Storm, William Stuckey, Pat Tatsakorn, Augustus Torralba, Gary Turner, Eric Vernon Jr., Marianne Waters, Micah West, Julie Williams, Katja Wiss, Ashley Wolfe, Emilia Woodin and Robert Zeman. (Note: Not all are pictured.) Santos, Melissa Denys, Lester Dixon, Chester Eaton, Maria Ellison, Irene Evans, Nestor Evaristo Jr., Ashley Feltrop, Ryan Fisher, Elizabeth Foster, Luther Franklin, Jimmy Gallaher, Elizabeth Gander, Derek Gisness, Genney Groesbeck, Hannah Harbert, Austin Harris, Bruce Harrison-Knight, Teodoro Hernandez and Clemel Hill. STCW — STCW — NCL, June 10: Benjamin Adams, Garland Albert, Omar Alcantara, Chris Aubuchon, Gabriel Bailey, Rose Bates, Scott Berman, Sheldon Brown, Melvin Brown II, Susanne Brunsch, Cynthia Bush, Katie Calahan, Mark Castro, Mary Aileen Cepeda, Antonio Chavez, Jennifer Clare, Heather Cook, Aubrey Davis, Cory Davis and Zachary Davis. NCL, June 17: Jose Albo, Sondra Aldama, Vanessa Anderbrhan, Edward Baker, Lilibeth Ballesteros, Miguel Balli, Leroy Baxter, Brook Bender, Felicia Blake, Dinae Brooks, Kevin Burns, Katie Campbell, Kathleen Cannon, Theresa Carswell, Samantha Chinigo, Jennifer Cockrell, George Collier, Brandon Cornish, Dawone Cornish, Christopher Craig, Chad Cunningham and Arnulfo Dichoso. STCW — NCL, June 10: Rodolfo Cunanan, Olga Navarro, Regelio Navarro, Nathan Nguyen, Nathan Ondrusek, Jeffrey Pelland, Denise Presley, Leonardo Rodriguez, Steven Rosario, Christine Searcy, Jason Shoop, Cathy Sloan, Carlos Smith, Demetrius Smith, John Smith, Michael Thomas, Matthew Traya, Edward Washburn and Zeenat Watts. October 2005 STCW — NCL, June 17: John Dombeck, Leslie Early, Pamela Everage, Kathleen Freeman, Tyron Freeman, Chris Gray, James Hawk, Casey Hayasaki, Matthew Hendrix, Meagan Hirshorn, Terrie Hobson, Susan Holzem, Tyrone Horton, Laura Johnston, Celess Jollymore, Quentin Jones, Thomas Kunkel, Ding-Kwun Lee and Derrick Lewis. STCW — NCL, June 17: Dale Pleak, Jaime Regalado, Evan Robinson, Antonio Robleto, Paul Rodriguez, Aristotle Savaiki, Geoffrey Scott, Heather Scott, Casey Shank, Bart Shuford, Jessica Simmons, Linda Storer, Erin Swetkoff, Phillip Torres, Leonardo Uy, Sandra Vanryckeghem, Marisela Vasquez, Samuel White, Benjamin Williams, Christopher Williams, Kamica Williams and Jessica Wrubel. STCW — NCL, June 7: Bryce Lippert, Rebecca Livers, Kathleen Long, Susan Maisenbach, Stephen McCormick, Joel McDermeit, Jesse McDonald, Hervin McLean, Caitlin Merdian, Clarence Mitchell, Keith Moore, Cassie Morrish, Yamiletl Mosquera, Kristy Mullen, Noel Nededog, Debra Nelson, Rolly Nicolas, John Noisy Hawk, Arthur Nzemene, Jeff O’Neal, Lainie Patterson and Mindy Peal. STCW — NCL, June 10: Mandy Holtz, Donald Hurst, John Jay, Ben Jobe, Lynn Johnson, Charlotte Jones, Annette Jordan, Paul Kavanagh, Patricia Kent, Jennifer Lee, Felicita Lopez, Teresita Magallanes, Holly Martens, Bengie Martinez, Randall Maynard, Katherine Monaco, Jose Montemayor, Melissa Moser and Stephen Moyher III. Seafarers LOG 23 �32578p7,8,11,14,19-24.qxd 9/27/2005 4:38 PM Page 24 Providing P roviding R elief A fter Hurricane K atrina — pages 1, 2, 3, 12, 13 The ITB Great Lakes Trader is docked in Marine City, Mich. Bosun Jeff Eckhart operates the deck winch aboard the American Republic in Cleveland, Ohio. Great Lakes Vessels Help Drive U.S. Economy SIU members crew many of the U.S.-flag vessels on the Great Lakes, carrying the raw materials that help drive the nation’s economy: iron ore and fluxstone for the steel industry, limestone and cement for the constuction industry and coal for power generation. Filling out paperwork on board the ITB Great Lakes Trader is Mate Brian Sauvey. Great Lakes Towing’s tug Idaho (right) is in tow on the Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio. To the left is the Hannah tug James A. Hannah and its barge. Ricky Hebert is the captain on the ITB Great Lakes Trader. Engineer Richard Bowermaster puts the winch in gear aboard the ITB Cleveland Rocks in Cleveland. DEUs David Barber Jr. and Ahmed Ali grab hold of the lines to help moor the American Republic in Cleveland. Working aboard the ITB Cleveland Rocks is Conveyorman Saleh Ahmed. Ready to dock a GLT Harbor tug in Toledo is AB Mark Nicholson. The tug Sandusky, a recent addition to the Laken Shipping fleet, is being prepared for fit-out at the Toledo Shipyard. Cook Richard Gauthier (left) talks with Rep. Don Thornton in the galley aboard the ITB Great Lakes Trader. Mae Brendan Murphy supervises the unloading of the ITB Cleveland Rocks in Cleveland. � 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 October 2005 Description An account of the resource HEADLINESEXPANDED MSP BEGINS SIU GAINS 13 SHIPS IN NEW PROGRAM MARITRANS TO BUILD 3 ATBS SIU DELIVERS KATRINA RELIEF SEAFARERS MOBILIZE SHIPS, UNION ESTABLISHES FUND OCEAN SHIPS, INC. TO OPERATE T-5 TANKERS MAERSK TO OPERATE FAST SEALIFT SHIPS MSC AGREEMENT SIGNALS JOB RETENTION FOR SIU MEMBERS GENERAL HANDY JOINS HORIZON LINES TRAINEE COMMANDANT GILLILAND DIES AT 57 AFL-CIO OKS ‘SOLIDARITY CHARTERS’ ACTION ALLOWS LOCALS TO PARTICIPATE IN LABOR COUNCILS, STATE FEDERATIONS ITF SLAMS NEW IRAQI CRACKDOWN ON UNIONS HIGH COST OF MEDICAL PREMIUMS IS ASTOUNDING UIW SETS ORGANIZING AS TOP GOAL CONVENTION HONORS VICTIMS AND HEROES OF September 11 LABOR SECRETARY LAUDS UNION, SCHOOL SECRETARY CHAO TOURS PAUL HALL CENTER SAFETY DIRECTORS SHARPEN SKILLS AT PAUL HALL CENTER FOR SEAFARERS, IT’S ALWAYS ‘SAFETY FIRST’ CRUISE VACATIONS OFFERED TO UNION MEMBERS, FAMILIES GOV’T OFFERS NEW MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE SEAFARER RUNDBLAD STILL GOING STRONG USNS POLLUX AMONG FIRST TO PROVIDE AID GREAT LAKES VESSELS HELP DRIVE U.S. ECONOMY Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Seafarers Log Digital Copies 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 10/01/2005 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. 67, No. 5 2005 Periodicals Seafarers Log